After 13 years of paid employment across different sectors, Patience Ayanyemi made a decision that changed the course of her career. She left paid employment to start her own business without savings or a financial support system. The move exposed her to the demands of entrepreneurship and taught her the value of persistence.
For Ayanyemi, the experience became a lesson in building a business while navigating uncertainty. It also reinforced her belief that personal growth often requires people to leave familiar situations and explore new possibilities.
“Having been in paid employment across different sectors for 13 years and suddenly moving out to start a business without financial savings or a financial support system in place was a big drive for my quest to succeed in business. This instilled tenacity and persistence in me,” she said.
Ayanyemi is the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of i4WE Human Capital Limited, now operating as MRINetwork AfroAnglo Partnership. She has over 23 years of experience in human capital management, executive recruitment and organisational development.
Through her business, she works with organisations across West Africa and the Middle East, providing executive search, recruitment, payroll, contract staffing, coaching and outplacement services.
Her career spans several sectors, including energy, construction, fintech, maritime, logistics and insurance. Before establishing her consulting practice, she held human resources leadership positions at Wapic Insurance Plc, Zone 4 Energy and CourierPlus Services, where she worked on HR strategy, organisational transformation and performance management.
Beyond professional experience, Ayanyemi believes that making decisions without having all the answers requires a willingness to learn and consider different perspectives.
“You will definitely never have all the answers but I learnt to seek knowledge and expand my mind to think through peer coaching sessions and seeking knowledge. As a trained Coach I understand the benefits of coaching in decision-making,” she said.
Her experience as a coach has informed her approach to helping professionals navigate career transitions. She also sees coaching and peer learning as ways to examine challenges, consider options and make decisions when the outcome is uncertain.
Ayanyemi’s approach to change also reflects her understanding of how technology continues to affect businesses. She believes entrepreneurs must remain open to new ideas and keep learning to respond to changes in their operating environments.
“The world is evolving; new technologies, new inventions, all of these will continue to impact businesses and initiatives; as an Entrepreneur I must be open to change and continous learning to keep my business alive,” she said.
Her participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Growth Fellowship and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs has supported her development in business growth, leadership and entrepreneurship. She is also the only African office owner in Management Recruiters International (MRINetwork), a global executive search organisation.
Ayanyemi holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from Lagos State University and is a Certified Transformational Coach in accordance with International Coaching Federation standards.
Reflecting on what she would tell her younger self before periods of change, Ayanyemi emphasises the need to remain curious and consider opportunities beyond familiar career paths.
“Have an open mind to explore new areas of interest,” she said.
