17th Global ELOY Conference Speaker Spotlight: Chalya Shagaya
Personal Journey & Inspiration
EM: What inspired your journey into leadership, and how has your story shaped the work you do today?
Chalya Shagaya: My journey into leadership has always been guided by faith, service and purpose. I come from a family where public service was simply a way of life. Over time I have worked in different spaces from capital markets and maritime affairs to creative industries, fashion and entrepreneurship development. Each experience shaped how I see leadership today. For me it’s not about titles but about impact. In my current role as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development I try to connect government policy with the real people building businesses every day and to make sure opportunity reaches them where it matters most.
Breaking Barriers
EM: The theme of the 17th Global ELOY Conference is Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers. Can you share one barrier you had to overcome in your work, and how you did it?
Chalya Shagaya: One of the biggest barriers I have had to face is the idea that leadership has a certain look or belongs to a certain kind of person. I often walked into rooms where creativity or empathy were not seen as leadership strengths. I decided to show otherwise. I led with authenticity and let results speak louder than stereotypes. It took courage and quiet confidence but it worked. Today I encourage women to lead boldly in their own way and to bring their full selves to the table.
Industry & Impact
EM: In your opinion, what is the biggest opportunity for women in your industry today, and how can they position themselves to take advantage of it?
Chalya Shagaya: The biggest opportunity for women today is in the digital space. Technology has opened up the world in a way that allows women to reach new markets, attract funding and grow beyond borders. To take advantage of this, women must keep learning, stay curious, and build strong collaborations. The future belongs to those who combine skill with connection and who understand that innovation and partnership are the real tools for progress.
Visibility & Influence
EM: Visibility is a powerful currency in today’s world. How has visibility impacted your career or business, and what advice would you give women who want to be seen and heard?
Chalya Shagaya: Visibility has played a big part in my journey. It helped open doors and created room to influence policy and perception. But visibility must come with substance. You have to do the work and let the results show. My advice to women is this: tell your own story and tell it truthfully. Be clear about what you stand for and stay consistent. Use whatever platform you have to show your value and purpose.
Future Vision
EM: If you could leave the audience with one call to action about building bridges and breaking barriers, what would it be?
Chalya Shagaya: I’d say this: don’t just chase success, build something that connects people. The real bridge is how we treat others, how we listen, and how we help someone else cross over. Breaking barriers starts with small actions like empathy, courage and collaboration. If each of us did that in our own corner, we’d have fewer walls and more pathways for everyone.
Be in the room where internal and systemic barriers will be broken and bridges will be built at the 17th Global ELOY Conference on the 28th of November at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. Click here to register.
