About
Sophia is a qualified chartered accountant and a strategic change and transformation…
Articles by Sophia
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How to secure great mentors for career success
How to secure great mentors for career success
Why do some achieve their career ambitions while others with similar aspirations struggle? In order to be successful in…
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The Robots are coming for our jobs and we should be prepared
The Robots are coming for our jobs and we should be prepared
Artificial Intelligence is gradually seeping into our lives with reports that up to 30% of existing jobs in the UK and…
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Sophia Aluko shared thisLast week, I was at the House of Parliament for a global conference on women's health — convened by The Dove Foundation for Global Change where I'm proud to serve as a trustee. The purpose was to fast-track the regulation and policy needed to deliver lasting change, so women's health stops being treated as a niche issue when we are half of the world's population. Closing the women's health gap could add up to $1tn to the global economy each year by 2040. What struck me most wasn't the scale of the problem. It was the focus and determination in the room to solve this pressing issue. Regulators, ministers, clinicians, industry leaders, all in one room — to agree the foundations of a faster regulatory pathway, modelled on what was achieved during COVID-19. The barriers aren't really scientific. They sit in regulation, financing, evidence, and how care actually gets delivered. Which means the solutions have to be collective — no single regulator, ministry or company solves this alone. I'm looking forward to seeing the global blueprint for women's health developed and adopted. Huge thanks to the amazing duo Tiffany Dove-Abbam Gisela Abbam Hon FBSA, FRSA for the vision and leadership behind The Dove Foundation.
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Sophia Aluko reposted thisSophia Aluko reposted thisGlobal leaders convene to advance women’s health through regulation, policy, access and global collaboration, bringing together policymakers, clinicians, experts and Industry leaders to address systemic gaps and drive meaningful progress. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists | RCOG Wellcome Leap Wellcome Trust
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Sophia Aluko shared thisThe most powerful thing I heard quite recently wasn't about strategy, data, or AI. It was this: "When women rise, men don't need to fall." We need to hear this more. There's a misperception that when women gain, men stand to lose but this isn't a zero-sum game. The challenges we face in business and in the world need to be solved collectively. Dr Sharmla Chetty opened the Lead with her conference as part of Duke Education #IWD2026 celebration with that reminder, and it set the tone for everything that followed. Here are the insights I've taken with me: 1️⃣ Say no to good ideas to get to the great ones. Use both data and intuition — but stay anchored to your north star. Not every opportunity that looks good IS good for where you're heading. 2️⃣ The aim is not to remove complexity but to create clarity within it. Leaders often try to control everything or consult everyone. I've been in both traps — and both cost me time and trust. The real skill? Knowing when to widen the circle and when to close it. Clarity creates momentum. 3️⃣ Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. This landed hard. It's why mentoring and sponsoring matters — not as a nice-to-have but as a leadership responsibility. I'm proud to be part of International Women's Forum UK initiatives in partnership with Duke Education & IWF SA to uplift 1,000 Women enabling women to reimagine their leadership. 4️⃣ Behaviour is the brand. Anya Hindmarch reminded us that what defines you isn't your positioning — it's the interactions people have with you. Her north star? Honest curiosity, humility, and common sense. She also said something I loved: "I'm older and braver." 😊 5️⃣ Human experiences are universal — they just show up differently. Love, belonging, connection — these are the common ground we keep forgetting we share. Huge appreciation to Ayanda — whose reminder about access, not talent, being the real barrier hit home. And to every voice in the room pushing for leadership that centres humanity, not hierarchy. Thank you. It was lovely to see some old faces and meet new friends. Usha Kong Lloydette Bai-Marrow Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE Arti Halai Christine Brown-Quinn In a world racing toward AI, today reminded me that the irreplaceable human edge isn't cognitive brilliance. It's empathy, curiosity, and our ability to connect across difference. So here's my question: If talent is everywhere but opportunity is not — whose job is it to close that gap? The individual navigating the system, the leaders inside it, or do we need to redesign the system entirely? #LeadWithHer #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #DukeEducation #CollectiveLeadership
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Sophia Aluko shared thisGetting the opportunity is one thing. Being set up to succeed is another. As we are in #IWD2026 month, I want to take a moment to share my reflections on the theme #GivetoGain. Early in my career, someone gave me a role that on paper felt way beyond my experience. But they didn't just hand me the keys and walk away. They gave me the budget, resources, constructive feedback and the space to learn, fail forward, and truly succeed. That's what I call air cover aka "set up for success" I'm forever grateful for that moment. It didn't just shape my career; it shaped how I try to show up for others now. Here's what I've learned. Talent is almost never the missing piece. What's missing far too often is the environment that unlocks it. So to every leader reading this — are you only opening doors and calling it inclusion? Or are you also providing the air cover that turns opportunity into real impact? That's the shift we need to level the playing ground. And to everyone who's not only prividing access but also giving time, resources, feedback, belief — thank you. You may never know the full ripple effect you created. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #InternationalWomensDay International Women's Forum UK #Finance #WomeninTechnology #WomeninBusiness
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Sophia Aluko reposted thisSophia Aluko reposted thisHOT OFF THE PRESS! We finally have official data on the MOTHERHOOD PENALTY which was released at 9.30am this morning by the ONS. Mothers lose an average of £65,618 over five years when her first child is born. If she has a second baby, she loses a further £26,317 over five years. If she has a third baby, she loses a further £32,456 over five years. That is a loss of £124,391 if a woman has 3 children. Meanwhile men's earnings are unaffected. I knew it was bad - but honestly, it is even worse than I thought. This will be worse for women with disabled children, Black women, women with Bangladeshi, Indian or Pakistani heritage, single women, and women living in certain locations - I am still unpicking the data so more to come on this I just had to share this because I am shooketh. https://lnkd.in/eFK_Ge5G
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Sophia Aluko shared thisI’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accredited as a Change Management Specialist by the Change Management Institute UK. It’s a milestone that means a lot — not only professionally, but personally too. I stumbled into change — it wasn’t something I set out to do. But over time, I discovered that I had a natural ability to bring structure to complexity, organise chaos, and guide teams through uncertainty. Those strengths became the foundation of a career in transformation and delivery. I began the accreditation process before going on maternity leave and completed it during that time — which made it even more meaningful.😅 Change is rarely straightforward, but it’s where I’ve found some of the most rewarding and purposeful work — helping organisations execute strategy while enabling teams to move forward with clarity and confidence. Thank you to CMI for the recognition. #ChangeManagement #Transformation #Leadership #CMI #Finance #Banking #SimplifyingTheComplex #Growth #CareerMilestone
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Sophia Aluko shared thisLondon Tech Week Day 3 was another amazing day full of fresh insights on all things Gen AI and Emerging Tech. It was great to hear about the progress Ofcom, UK independent communications regulator is making in collaboration with tech companies to keep children safe online, now that the Online Safety Act is at the enforcement stage. Automation at its finest—Ocado Retail ’s robotic picking and packing process is an impressive example of tech in action, helping deliver fresh groceries with efficiency and precision. Digital twins—now that was a new one for me! A genuinely insightful presentation showed how the fusion of 3D, gaming, and AI can build immersive, interactive experiences. This technology can help cut development costs, reduce barriers, improve ROI, and ultimately lead to better products and processes for customers. It was fascinating to hear how SWAROVSKI a legacy brand over 130 years old, is embracing AI—not just to enhance customer value, but to empower its people too. A great example of innovation with purpose. I also wandered over to the Founders Stage for a bit more inspiration—and I wasn’t disappointed. Karim Beguir's InstaDeep presentation on using AI for good, to provide essential services like healthcare advice and education to underserved communities, was especially powerful. With developments in AI, crypto, and quantum computing all accelerating—and with quantum expected to unlock even more computing power—the next wave of innovation is going to be truly transformative. Shoutout to the Barclays UK and Barclays Innovation Hub powered by Eagle Labs team and Jodie Gilbert for being present and actively supporting UK businesses and the innovation ecosystem. And lastly, it was lovely catching up with some of my favourite Chiefs Ceri Howes Liz Gebhard Tayana Bellis Dr. Nadia Morozova Paula Falco Natali Stojovic #LTW25 left me energised and optimistic about the power of Tech for good.
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Sophia Aluko shared thisWe are excited to announce the completion of the Professor Olajide Aluko Library. Professor Olajide Aluko was our beloved father and a trailblazer in academia. Establishing a library in his honour at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Nigeria is a powerful tribute to his enduring influence. In October 1977, he became the first professor of international relations in Sub-Saharan Africa, earning the title "Doyen of International Relations." His prolific writing and impactful speeches significantly shaped the discourse in this field, reflecting his deep commitment to education and the dissemination of knowledge. Although his passing was unexpected, his remarkable achievements inspire us all. Our father believed wholeheartedly that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." He dedicated his life to learning and instilled this passion for knowledge in us, his children. I fondly recall our childhood days when he would scold us with phrases like, "Go and read your book," while playing during the holidays when most children should be playing. Only as we grew into adulthood did we genuinely appreciate our father’s emphasis on knowledge and education. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Funso Adesola and Professor Bunor Okwechime, who collaborated with us to ensure the successful completion of the library project. The Aluko family sincerely appreciates everyone involved in bringing this library to life, ensuring that our father’s legacy will continue to motivate and inspire future generations of scholars and researchers.
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5d
Massive congratulations 🎊
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3w
What a beautiful photo. Happy birthday Dr Jummy Okoya PhD, FRSA, FCMI, SFHEA, MCIPD, ICF (PCC) 🎊❤️
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Sophia Aluko reacted on thisSophia Aluko reacted on thisTaking the last few days off to simply rest, enjoy the sunshine, and breathe in the sea air has felt incredible. Being able to do this with the children because injuries have healed enough for long walks has been priceless. I love what I do, but honestly, I also love doing absolutely nothing sometimes. We spend so much time chasing the next goal that we forget how important it is to pause. Rested people think better, lead better, and are braver. Would you agree?
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Sophia Aluko liked thisSophia Aluko liked thisBuilding in environments with constant uncertainty changes the kind of leader you become. Earlier in my career, I used to think leadership was mostly about having the right strategy and executing quickly. Over time, I’ve realized that in more volatile environments, leadership often becomes more about judgment than speed. You learn that not every problem can be solved immediately. Not every decision comes with enough information, and not every difficult period needs a dramatic response. Sometimes leadership is simply helping the organization stay steady while uncertainty works its way through the system. You also become more aware of how much emotion leaders quietly absorb on behalf of their teams. People look to leadership for clarity, especially during difficult periods. Even when the answers themselves are still evolving. I think operating in these environments teaches patience in a different way. Not passive patience, but the discipline to stay steady under pressure, make hard trade-offs when needed, and not let short-term uncertainty push the business into long-term mistakes. The longer I do this work, the more I respect leaders who can build steadily without becoming reactive to every shock around them. That kind of steadiness is harder than it looks.
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Sophia Aluko liked thisSophia Aluko liked thisEid Mubarak to all those celebrating. As families, friends and communities come together, Eid is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters: generosity, reflection, compassion and connection. I’m also thinking of those who may be far from home, separated from loved ones, or carrying heavier hearts during this time. Celebrations can hold many emotions at once: joy, gratitude, longing and hope. In a world that often feels fast-moving and uncertain, moments like this invite us to pause: to extend kindness, to strengthen our sense of community, and to remember our shared humanity. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful and meaningful Eid. May it bring renewal, hope and many moments of togetherness.
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Sophia Aluko reacted on thisSophia Aluko reacted on thisThe Investment That Changed My Life The first photo was taken nearly 50 years ago when I had the honour of meeting the King of Sweden as a Rotary Exchange student in Sweden. The second photo was taken last week during a visit to Stockholm (same king!) Moments like these become even more meaningful with time because they remind us how profoundly OTHERS can shape our life journey in ways we could never imagine at the time. I remain incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Haddon Heights for investing in me through a scholarship to study in Nyköping, Sweden. That experience opened the door to an international path I could never have predicted: from Georgetown University, to a year abroad at University of Cologne, Germany, to a The George Washington University School of Business MBA in International Business, and ultimately an international finance career in London. What started as one opportunity became a lifetime of global learning, cultural curiosity, friendships and professional growth. It’s also a reminder of why mentoring, sponsorship and investing in young people matters so much. One opportunity can change the trajectory of an entire life. Who invested in YOU early in your journey? Samhita Rao International Women's Forum UK Katarina Waldenström Lagerbielke Cristina Ljungberg Mia Ljungberg Nevado Tom Quinn #InvestingInOthers #InternationalExperience #Mentorship
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Sophia Aluko liked thisSophia Aluko liked thisHosted our Campus town hall yesterday, and I’m still reflecting on the conversations that came out of it. These moments matter. Not just for sharing updates, but for creating space to listen, learn, and align across the organisation. I’ve always found great leadership is less about having all the answers, and more about listening, and bringing others with you – especially through change and uncertainty. Yesterday was a brilliant reminder of the power of that, as we heard from our SteerCo about how they're leading changes shaped by colleagues, and creating more opportunities to connect across the business. Together we have enormous potential to shape ever greater outcomes for customers. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the session Teresa Clark Emma-Jane H. Lucy Jeffrey What’s one thing you’ve seen or heard at a town hall that made it truly impactful?
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Sophia Aluko liked thisDr. Cherry Eromosele ( Honoris Causa), (FNIMN),(FEIP)
Dr. Cherry Eromosele ( Honoris Causa), (FNIMN),(FEIP)
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Sophia Aluko liked thisSophia Aluko liked thisBefore difficult meetings, I wasn’t just preparing the agenda….I was preparing my face. Because Black women leaders are often doing two jobs at once. There is the visible job: the meeting, the leadership, the decision-making. And then there is the invisible job: managing how your authority, competence, and emotions might be received. So before difficult meetings, my preparation often sounded like this: How softly do I say this? How do I keep my face composed? How do I make sure they don’t see they’ve affected me? How do I say what needs to be said without being misunderstood? Because if you are a Black woman leader, you often know there can be consequences for being perceived the “wrong” way. Too direct. Too emotional. Too angry. Too much. I had the facts, the rationale and the answers. And still, my jaw would tighten. My breathing would become shallow. My stomach would knot. Because after enough experiences of being ignored, dismissed, questioned, or misunderstood, my body had learned to prepare for impact. I remember one difficult staff meeting where something shifted. It felt almost like an out-of-body experience. I could see myself almost pleading to get this person to accept me. Working so hard to say things in a way that would not upset them. Trying to keep everything calm. And suddenly, I felt exhausted. Deeply tired. Because in that moment, I realised how much energy I had spent abandoning myself in order to be accepted. That was the shift for me. I stopped preparing to manage other people. And started preparing to reconnect with myself. I slowed myself down and learned how to resource myself before difficult conversations. How to settle my body. How to stay connected to myself instead of abandoning myself in the room. I stopped treating other people’s reactions as evidence of my worth. I reminded myself that: I matter. I have value. What I have to say counts. And this is exactly the work I now do with Black women leaders so that they: No longer need to prepare for rejection because they are no longer rejecting themselves. Recognise when self-monitoring has become self-abandonment. Trust that they do not need to shrink, soften, or leave themselves in order to lead. If you’re a Black woman leader and something in your body recognised itself here, and you are tired of carrying the invisible job of constantly self-monitoring, DM “RETURN.” Let’s talk about how we can work together. Because the shift is not in becoming more acceptable. It is in no longer abandoning yourself to be accepted. ♻️ Repost if you know Black women leaders are carrying more than the job they were hired to do.
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Sophia Aluko liked thisSophia Aluko liked thisI once led a transformation across five business units. Five governance boards. Five definitions of 'done.' The instinct is to centralize everything. One methodology. One source of truth. Force alignment. It doesn't work. You just create a sixth competing power center. What worked was reframing the question. Not "how do we get everyone on the same page?" but "where do our needs actually overlap?" The overlap is where transformation lives. Matrix organizations don't fail at change because they lack governance. They fail because everyone optimizes for their own lane and calls it collaboration. The job isn't to own the process. It's to make working together more attractive than working around each other. What's the hardest alignment challenge you've navigated in a matrix structure?
Experience & Education
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The Dove Foundation for Global Change
View Sophia’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
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Licenses & Certifications
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CGMA
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Volunteer Experience
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Founder
The Steer Network
- Present 7 years 9 months
Education
A career mentoring non profit organisation committed to unlocking the career potentials of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Non Executive Director and Trustee
Global Fund for Women
- 3 years 8 months
Civil Rights and Social Action
Treasurer and NED at Global Fund for Women.
Global Fund for Women UK champions rights of women and use our assets and resources to find, fund, and amplify the courageous work of women and girls who are building social movements, challenging the status quo, and creating transformational change. -
Non Executive Director and Trustee
Professor Olajide Aluko Memorial Foundation
- Present 14 years
Education
A charity organisation set up in memory of Olajide Aluko, the first Professor of International relations in Nigeria and Sub- Sahara Africa. The charity aims to promote political and socio-economic development in sub Sahara Africa through education and raising awareness of structural socio-economic challenges in the continent.
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Lead Mentor Race at Work
Business in the Community
- 6 months
Volunteered to mentor an amazing cohort of managers from ethnic minority backgrounds across the public and private sectors.
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Publications
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Quick Leaders : Future of Work & Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Common Purpose
See publicationThe article explores the growth of technologies as one of the biggest challenges leaders face today and how being quick as a leader is key to addressing this.
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Strategic Cost Manangement
CIMA Financial Management
Honors & Awards
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FL list of 50 Black Female Leaders 2020
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FL list of 50 Black Female Leaders 2020
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The Outstanding Woman in Banking & Finance
The Precious Awards
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Finalist The Black British Business Awards
The BBB Awards
Senior Leader in Finance Category
Organizations
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CGMA, PRINCE2, CIMA
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Change Management Institute
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