Iconic Times Africa

Introduction / Profile

A distinguished institution builder, executive educator, and impact-driven leader, Dr. Princess Oghene stands as one of Africa's most formidable forces in enterprise development and social inclusion. With over two decades of executive experience, she serves as the Founder and Group CEO of GMYT Group Ltd., a multi-sector conglomerate spanning education, media, real estate, leadership platforms, consulting, and social impact.

Through the GMYT Fashion Academy and the GMYT Foundation, Dr. Oghene has spearheaded transformative change across the continent—empowering over 12,000 women and youth with technical fashion skills, business development, mentorship, and enterprise support. Under her leadership, the foundation has distributed over 500 industrial sewing machines and empowerment tools, creating sustainable pathways to financial independence and job creation.

As the Convener of the prestigious GAH Awards & Business Summit, as well as the founder of the GAH Elite Club and GAH Elite Series, Dr. Oghene has created premier platforms for executive networking, policy dialogue, and business growth.

An accomplished scholar and author of four academic journal publications and three books, she holds an MBA with Distinction from Business School Netherlands, is pursuing a DBA at Rome Business School, and holds executive certifications from Harvard Business School, Lagos Business School, and the U.S. Department of State IVLP.

Recognized with over 100 national and international honors, Dr. Oghene continues to redefine corporate governance and transformational leadership across Africa.

“Vision creates possibilities. Structure creates sustainability. Institutions create legacy.”

Question 1

Dr. Princess Oghene, welcome to The SheSuite Spotlight on Iconic Times Newspaper.Over the past 20 years, you have built GMYT Group Ltd. into a multi-sector powerhouse. What core principles have guided your transition from entrepreneurship to enterprise building?

Thank you for having me on The SheSuite Spotlight. The journey from being an individual entrepreneur to an institution builder requires a fundamental shift in mindset. Early in my career, I realized that talent and passion can launch a business, but only structure and governance can sustain it.

My guiding philosophy has always been that vision creates possibilities, structure creates sustainability, and institutions create legacy.

Transitioning to Group CEO meant building systems that run independently of personal presence—investing heavily in human capital, operational processes, and a culture of excellence across our education, real estate, and media arms.

Question 2

Through GMYT Fashion Academy and GMYT Foundation, you have empowered over 12,000 women and youth and distributed over 500 industrial machines. How does technical skill acquisition drive broader economic inclusion for African women?

When you equip a woman with an industrial skill and the business acumen to monetize it, you aren't just training an individual—you are uplifting an entire family and community.

In Africa, the creative economy holds immense potential for job creation. By pairing technical fashion education with entrepreneurship training, seed support, and industrial tools, we move women from informal, subsistence living into formal business ownership.

Financial independence gives women a seat at the decision-making table, which is essential for true economic inclusion.

Question 3

You are the convener of the GAH Awards & Business Summit, alongside the GAH Elite Club and GAH Elite Series. What gaps in African executive leadership and strategic networking do these platforms address?

African business leaders and changemakers often operate in silos. The GAH platform was birthed to bridge the gap between visionaries, policymakers, investors, and diplomats.

While the GAH Awards & Business Summit recognizes excellence and fosters high-level economic dialogue, the GAH Elite Club and Series focus on sustained executive growth, strategic visibility, and cross-border mentorship.

We needed a dedicated ecosystem where established leaders can collaborate, access investment opportunities, and mentor the next generation of C-suite executives.

Question 4

Your academic portfolio is extensive—including an MBA with Distinction, a DBA in view, Harvard, CEIBS, and IVLP executive programs, along with published research papers. How does your academic rigor inform your corporate strategies?

Continuous learning is a non-negotiable requirement for executive leadership in today's volatile global economy.

My academic research focuses heavily on workforce strategy, organizational performance, and human resource risk management.

Studying at global institutions like Harvard, Business School Netherlands, and Rome Business School has provided me with data-driven frameworks to analyze market risks, optimize productivity, and implement global best practices locally.

Rigorous academic inquiry keeps your leadership fresh, structured, and resilient.

Question 5

In your book, 'Ungrateful Souls: My Odyssey from Obscurity to Entrepreneurial Stardom,' you share a deeply personal narrative. How did your personal journey shape your resilience as a C-suite leader?

Obscurity teaches you resourcefulness, hunger, and grit. Writing Ungrateful Souls was both a reflective process and an offering to every aspiring leader who starts with limited resources.

The obstacles I faced early on taught me that setback is merely data for a better strategy. Resilience isn't the absence of failure; it's the refusal to let circumstances dictate your destination. That same resilience drives my corporate governance—it enables me to navigate economic shifts and lead teams with empathy and unwavering resolve.

Question 6

As a celebrated executive in 'The SheSuite Spotlight,' what advice do you have for women aiming to scale multi-sector enterprises and build lasting legacies in Africa?

My advice to female executives and entrepreneurs is threefold: first, master your numbers and understand corporate structure early.

Second, never compromise on your personal and professional development—invest in executive education and build global networks.

Finally, focus on building institutions rather than personal brand visibility alone. Ensure your work creates tangible value and pathways for others to rise.

True success is measured by the systems you leave behind and the lives you empower along the way.

THE Spotlight SPOTLIGHT