Self Confidence, Efficiency Key to Breaking Barriers of Workplace Gender Inequality – Odetunde-King
In a sector traditionally dominated by men, few leaders stand out as boldly and effectively as Abigail Odetunde-King, the Head of Operations and Commercials at Inland Containers Nigeria Limited . (ICNL), with over 20 years of experience in logistics around the maritime ecosystem and commercial management
In this interview she sat down with Maria Yusuf and Hannah Tedunjaye to share her insights on professional growth, balancing high level responsibilities with personal wellbeing, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership in today’s competitive corporate landscape.
(Q)Tell us about yourself and your current role at ICNL
My name is Abigail Odetunde-King, and I am the Head of Operations and Commercials at Inland Containers Nigeria Limited . (ICNL). I have over 20 years of professional experience in operations and commercial management, during which I have developed strong expertise in driving operational efficiency and strategic partnerships .
(Q) Can you walk us through your professional journey and the defining moments that shaped you into the leader you are today at ICNL?
My professional journey at ICNL has been both rewarding and fulfilling, offering me valuable opportunities to grow, learn, and make meaningful impact. Each phase of the journey has strengthened my commitment to excellence and reinforced my passion for delivering results within the organization.
Working in a predominantly male environment came with its own challenges, including initial doubts about my ability as a woman to perform effectively in such a space. These experiences, however, motivated me to fully deploy my skills, particularly in building strong relationships with stakeholders ranging from clients and regulatory agencies to internal teams knowing that collaboration and trust are critical to success in our industry.
Empathy has also played a key role in shaping my leadership style. By understanding and relating to the needs and emotions of my team members, I have been able to foster a supportive and productive work environment. This people centered approach has been instrumental in my professional growth and remains a defining element of my leadership journey.
(Q) As a woman leading commercial and operational functions in a highly competitive sector, what barriers have you had to overcome, and how did you turn them into strengths?
Early in my career, I worked in an environment where men were the majority, and this presented a number of challenges. However, rather than allowing these challenges to limit me, I leveraged my ability to connect with stakeholders and intentionally strengthened my relationships across the industry.
Through this process, I gained the confidence to engage boldly and professionally with key institutions and leaders whether at the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) , National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), or at executive levels such as Directors General and Customs Area Controllers. These experiences pushed me to refine my communication skills and approach every interaction with clarity and confidence.
Adaptability has therefore become one of my greatest strengths. By learning to adjust, communicate effectively, and build trust, I was able to turn early challenges into lasting capabilities that continue to shape my leadership and professional effectiveness.
( Q) What is your strategic vision for ICNL’s commercial growth and operational efficiency, and how do you align your team around that vision?
My vision for ICNL is a bold one, centered on driving sustainable growth and ensuring the company’s continued success across all areas of operation. I am intentional about aligning this vision with my team, making sure everyone clearly understands where we are going, our objectives, and the role each person plays in achieving them. I consistently communicate this vision to my team clarifying our goals, setting direction, and encouraging collaboration.
In my role, I supervise about six cross functional departments, including bonded operations, marketing, logistics, and freight forwarding. Each unit brings distinct skills and expertise, and managing these diverse teams has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly across functions.
(Q) What unique perspectives do you believe women bring to leadership, particularly in commercial and operational roles?
Women are unique in many ways. They naturally bring strong relational skills, effective communication, and a collaborative approach to leadership roles. These qualities enable women to build trust, foster teamwork, and create inclusive work environments.
Coupled with empathy, women also have the ability to understand emotions and relate to the feelings of others. This emotional awareness allows them to lead with compassion while still achieving results. Overall, these strengths make women highly effective and impactful leaders across various sectors.
(Q) How intentional are you about mentoring young women and developing future leaders within ICNL?
I am very intentional about mentoring young women and preparing them to step up and take on leadership roles. I actively coach and guide them, creating an environment where learning, growth, and confidence-building are encouraged.
Through mentoring and coaching, I help them get ready to handle bigger responsibilities and assume leadership positions. This commitment reflects my belief in empowering the next generation of women leaders to grow, excel, and make meaningful impact
(Q) How do you manage the demands of a high level leadership role while maintaining personal balance and wellbeing. Talking about blending home responsibilities with official functions?
I believe achieving balance requires discipline particularly in knowing how to prioritize and manage one’s time effectively. Time management is key, as well as the ability to delegate tasks appropriately, ensuring that responsibilities are shared with the right people rather than handled by one person alone.
I am also very transparent with my family about the nature of my work, which helps create understanding and support. In addition, I place great importance on self care. I am intentional about avoiding burnout, so I make self care a priority to maintain both my wellbeing and productivity.
(Q) What does success mean to you both professionally and personally at this stage of your career?
Professionally, I define success as seeing ICNL grow and knowing that I am contributing positively to the company’s overall performance and impact. It also means making a meaningful difference within my team supporting their development, empowering them, and seeing them succeed in their roles.
On a personal level, success is about continuous growth and self improvement. When I see myself pursuing growth and experiencing fulfillment across different areas of my life, I consider that true success.
(Q) What advice would you give to young women who aspire to leadership positions in business, operations, or corporate management?
If you are aspiring to take on a leadership role, my first advice is to trust yourself and believe in your abilities. Seek out a mentor who can guide and support you along the way. I would also encourage you not to shy away from challenging roles, because growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Believe in yourself, trust your skills, and embrace every opportunity.
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