When Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, CEO of Futuresoft and one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in technology and corporate governance, sat down with Arese Ugwu on the Women Unlimited Podcast, it was more than just another leadership chat. It became a masterclass in authenticity, preparation, and purpose.
With board seats across institutions such as Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council, the Society for Corporate Governance, Novare Fund Manager Limited, and the BudgIT Foundation, Nkemdilim brought real-world experience and intellectual depth to every point she made about leadership and board service.
“It sounds impressive to say, ‘I’m on the board of…’,” she began, “but it comes with serious responsibilities. If anything goes wrong with the company, board members can be fined, held liable, or even jailed. It’s not just a title; it’s a commitment.”
YOU CAN ALSO READ: From Tech CEO to Boardroom Leader: Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho on Preparing for Board Seats
Her candid tone stripped away the glamour often associated with board membership, revealing the weight of diligence, discipline, and competence required behind closed doors.
When asked how emerging professionals can position themselves for board appointments, Nkemdilim emphasized a single word: preparation.
“Build your competence and your network,” she advised. “Most board appointments come through recommendations from people who already serve. Another great way to learn is by reporting to a board. That’s how you understand how they think and what matters most to them.”
She was quick to add that visibility, though important, can never replace substance.
“You can’t package hot air. Visibility might get you into the room, but competence keeps you there.”
Her first board appointment came through Social Media Week Lagos, a pivotal opportunity that opened new doors.
“They wanted someone young who understood tech and digital media. I didn’t know much about corporate governance then, but I quickly learned that board work is about guiding strategy, ensuring accountability, and keeping management aligned with the organization’s mission.”
That experience ignited her passion for governance and broadened her perspective on how cross-industry knowledge can strengthen institutions.
Nkemdilim also underscored the seriousness of fiduciary duty, particularly in regulated sectors like banking and telecommunications.
“There’s heavy oversight from regulators like the CBN or NCC. If you don’t fulfill your duty of care, things can end badly. I’ve even advised friends to resign from boards where governance standards are weak. It’s an honour to serve until something goes wrong.”
When the conversation shifted to personal branding, her insights were both practical and precise. “Your personal brand must communicate credibility, expertise, and maturity. Boards check your online presence, so be intentional. Keep a polished LinkedIn profile and a board CV that showcases your strategic value, not just your job titles.”
She also encouraged women to take advantage of governance-focused programs such as WimBoard (by WimBiz), the Institute of Directors (IoD), the Society for Corporate Governance, and The Boardroom Africa, which provide mentorship, training, and placement opportunities.
“You can be upset, but composure is key,” she said. “Sometimes it’s better to step away, reflect, and then respond formally. Emotional intelligence determines how far you’ll go in leadership.”
Disagreements, she added, are inevitable. “In boardrooms, you’ll face opposition. You must separate emotion from logic. Often, it’s the quietest person in the room, the one whispering to the chair, who wields the most influence.”
Outside the boardroom, Nkemdilim’s disciplined mindset also defines her investment strategy.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Why We Must Stop Chasing Shadows Build Capable Development in Africa – Kingsley Moghalu
“My portfolio is tech-heavy with companies like Tesla, NVIDIA, and Booking.com. I follow trends in AI and digital transformation. I invest monthly through platforms like Bamboo. For me, consistency matters more than timing.”
When asked what makes her unlimited, her answer was short but profound. “Consistency and execution. No matter what’s happening, I stay consistent, and I get things done. Those are my superpowers.”
As the conversation wrapped up, one thing was undeniable. Nkemdilim is not just building the future of technology and governance in Africa; she is redefining what it means to lead with intelligence, integrity, and intentionality. In her world, true influence does not begin when you sit on the board. It begins long before, in how you prepare, perform, and persevere.
Disclaimer: This feature is derived from the Women Unlimited Podcast with Arese Ugwu. EnterpriseCEO is sharing it for informational purposes and does not own the original content.
