Ever beautiful and glaringly optimistic, this international business expert is clearly at the top of her game, making waves and attracting international attention. She has had a rich work experience around the globe which has broadened her horizon and exposed her to different cultures; from working as a Marketing and Campus Relations Manager, Daewoo Motors America, based in Chicago; Midwest Regional Marketing Manager, Bigwords.com, San Francisco; to five years with Sesame Workshop including: Educational Outreach Project Manager; Corporate Sponsorship Manager; and Regional Director, International Strategies Group, Sub-Saharan Africa.
This industrious lady is a graduate of the prestigious University of Cincinnati where she bagged a degree in Public Health and Marketing. She is currently a Fellow at the Nigeria Leadership Institute and also a board member of Hospitals for Humanity, a non- profit organization that takes care of the medical needs of the less privileged. She is also a member of the New York Women in Technology. Biola volunteers at the French-American Children Aid Fun and New York Cares. In 2010, she served as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the ‘Future of Entertainment’. Biola also a mentor at AIESEC; an organization that aims to train and develop leaders through mentoring and other related programs. Biola Alabi is one of the most accomplished and powerful women in African media as she sits atop the multinational cable/satellite content company – M-NET.
In 2012, Biola Alabi, the Managing Director of Electronic Media Network [M-NET] Africa, was counted among the 192 Young Global Leaders that were honoured by the World Economic Forum for their outstanding leadership, professional excellence and immense contribution to the society. The past recipients of this prestigious award include David Cameron (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) and Larry Page (Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Google USA), amongst others.
Biola’s speech depicted the depth of gratitude she felt at the honour; “To be named a Young Global leader by such a prestigious and respected forum is both unexpected but deeply appreciated honour, and a truly humbling experience…I wish to use this remarkable opportunity to learn from other members of this community in order to grow and develop, not just myself but my country, my continent. I’ve always believed that we have a responsibility to improve our world, to every day make a difference by what we do and how we do it. We are all facing great challenges currently and the reality is that it’s what Africans do today that will pave the way for generations to come.” To add another feather to her cap, she was named on the Forbes list of 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa that same year.
Biola who joined M-NET Africa in 2008, has contributed immensely to the quality of the African programming available to DSTV subscribers. She has been an indomitable force in the expansion and innovation of the Africa Magic channels, which were previously on the back-burner in the general scheme of things. Tinsel, Jara, 53 Extra and Face of Africa are just some of the ‘Biola Magic’ happening on Africa Magic.The Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards 2013 also held under her watch with much pomp and pageantry as African Television and Film stars were honoured by their own.
In an interview with the Sunday Tribune of Nigeria, Biola shared her thoughts on how M-NET shows have influenced African youths positively. “We have been able to inspire youths to really strive for their dreams, to go out there and try to be better, be good and for them to believe in themselves. What we are trying to do is show people that with persistence and tenacity, you can get there.”
The creative powerhouse that is Biola Alabi hails from Ondo State and is married to a man she describes as her “biggest supporter and biggest fan.”
Her CEO quote, “One of the biggest things in life is never to be afraid to ask for help, I mean if you need help, then you have to ask for help. You also have to understand that for you to be effective and productive, you can’t be everywhere all the time. So, it’s important to surround yourself with talented, very smart people.”
