Women in every country meet obstacles to achieving top leadership roles, but Africa’s developing economies and transforming social architectures present unique challenges. Cecilia Ibru, managing director and CEO of Nigeria’s Oceanic Bank International, speaks candidly about how her own development and success have been shaped by her country’s cultural environment. In this video, she discusses gender norms in Nigeria and the balancing act involved in alternately defying and accepting them in order to achieve success as a woman in business. Her observations and experiences raise interesting questions for women navigating the entrenched business environments of any country. She spoke with McKinsey Quarterly editor Thomas Fleming in April 2009 during a visit to her daughter’s residence near Washington, DC.

Watch the video, or read the transcript below.

Finding...