On February 21, 2026, notable figures from diverse fields such as law, business, academia, and creative industries convened at The George Hotel in Lagos for the launch of 'Heels & Ladders: A Career Acceleration Handbook for Female Professionals,' authored by Chinyere Okorocha.
This event celebrated the Nigerian launch of the book, which had its global debut in Doha in 2025. It aims to address the challenges women face while building sustainable careers in the workplace context.
'Heels & Ladders' draws from Okorocha's extensive experience of over thirty years as a lawyer and career coach. The publication comprises 14 chapters focused on areas like leadership readiness, negotiation, workplace influence, female ambition, and long-term career strategies.
During her speech at the event, Okorocha shared that the book emerged from her mentorship experiences, inspired by the recurring inquiries from women about navigating career advancements, transitions, and leadership expectations.
"In 2020/21, I felt compelled to leverage my decades of experience to guide women facing workplace obstacles. 'Heels & Ladders' encapsulates the principles and strategies I have applied throughout my career to help women clarify their goals, build confidence, and navigate their professional journeys with purpose," she stated.
A key point of discussion during the launch was the concept of mentorship as a tangible support system for growth, countering the perception that women lack ambition or networks. Okorocha identified limited access to guidance and mentorship as sources of many professional challenges.
Addressing attendees, she also refuted the notion that women do not uplift one another. "Throughout my career, I have encountered women who mentored and supported me, and I continue that tradition by extending the same to others," she emphasized.
This philosophy is foundational to the 'Heels & Ladders Career Mentorship Club,' which Okorocha established to cultivate intentional learning environments. The book aims to broaden the reach of these discussions.
The event also highlighted cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing the book's relevance across various professions. Attendees included influential personalities such as Bola Adesola, Chairman of Eco Bank; Bolanle Austen- Peters, film producer and founder of Terra Kulture; and Lookman Durosinmi- Etti, Senior Partner at Jackson, Etti & Edu, among others.
The book is prefaced by Bola Adesola and features endorsements from credible leaders in law, academia, business, and governance. Mary Akpobome, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of State & Stone Consulting Limited, noted that it redefines ambition as a professional asset instead of a liability, especially for women in the early to mid-stages of their careers.
Kunle Ajagbe, Co-founder of Aidan Partners, stressed the book's focus on negotiation as an essential skill for women to assert themselves without viewing their progress as contentious.
The event included a panel discussion about career ownership and visibility, with Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West Africa at Network International, encouraging professionals to develop their strengths and share knowledge.
Post-launch, a virtual event slated for April 2026 will further promote the book, making it accessible to female professionals in varied locations. 'Heels & Ladders' positions itself as a practical guide for women seeking career clarity and direction through mentorship and structured advice.
The handbook is designed as a resource for women navigating challenges related to leadership and career growth. To purchase a copy, visit Chinyere Okorocha's official website.
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