When members of the Women’s Lifestyle Hub gathered for a dinner in Dubai recently, it wasn’t just another social event. Rather, it was a powerful, strategic moment for connection, mentorship, and leadership. Founded by Bola Matel-Okoh, a seasoned attorney, executive coach, and Board member of Wema Bank, the Women’s Lifestyle Hub is dedicated to empowering women across personal, professional, and wellness dimensions.
Until recently, most of that empowerment had happened virtually. But the gathering in Dubai marked a significant shift, as it was a chance for members to engage in person. The dinner provided an opportunity to deepen relationships that had only existed online, transforming a virtual community into a tangible network of support and collaboration.
The Dubai dinner naturally aligned with the community’s goals. Several members had traveled to attend the International Women’s Leadership Conference organized by one of the Hub’s mentors, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. “It seemed logical to have the retreat there,” Matel-Okoh shared. “And the dinner was a way of bonding; that was the first time some members of the community were meeting each other in person.”
As attendees settled around the table, they enjoyed not only good food but also engaging conversations that facilitated deeper connections. New alliances formed as participants discussed potential collaborations, showcasing the evening’s ability to turn a virtual community into a vibrant, engaged network.
The significance of the dinner was further amplified by the presence of three powerhouse mentors: Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Entrepreneur and Corporate Board professional; Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, the founder and Chairman of Eventful Nigeria Limited; and Mrs. Toyin Bakare, Chief Operating Officer at SAS Textiles Inc. Their insights and encouragement anchored the evening in wisdom, reinforcing the message that leadership transcends personal success and involves investing in future generations.
The atmosphere of the dinner was anything but formal; it radiated joy and energy. After three intense days of conference sessions, the gathering offered a refreshing opportunity to relax, exchange ideas, and dream ambitiously. “It was quite memorable to see several discussions around how different members of the community could collaborate,” Matel-Okoh noted. These conversations were aligned perfectly with the Hub’s mission to foster long-term, strategic relationships that extend beyond a single event.
The Women’s Lifestyle Hub embodies a philosophy that is more than just about individual achievements; it’s about building collective strength. This significant theme emerged throughout the three-day retreat, exemplified by how interactions during the Dubai dinner effectively transformed mentorship into momentum and conversations into commitments.
Matel-Okoh, who also heads BMO Advisory Services—a consulting firm focusing on leadership and personal development for women in executive positions—reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Many expressed a desire for future meetups, energized by the realization that something greater had just begun. Excitingly, plans for another in-person gathering in June and a new cohort of the Hub’s leadership induction program are already in motion, indicating that the Dubai event was merely the beginning of a larger journey.
Ultimately, the Women’s Lifestyle Hub’s mission remains clear: empowerment through connection, community, and strategic growth. For those interested in learning more about this vibrant network, visit bolamatelokoh.com/wlh/.
