Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu: Global Finance Expert
Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu is a force to be reckoned with in the financial world. She is known for her sharp mind and keen eye for opportunities and has made a name for herself as a powerhouse in financial advisory in the finance industry. Coming from a background rooted in perseverance and hard work, Hunponu-Wusu’s entrepreneurial mother, with a keen eye for business, instilled in her the values of determination and resilience from an early age, and these values have shaped her career trajectory and drive for success. Today Hunponu-Wusu is the founder of Woodhall Capital and Woodhall Capital International Foundation, with a track record of raising over $5 billion, achieved remarkable financial success, and has also maintained an unparalleled level of client satisfaction, boasting a 100% retention rate. She oversees the establishment offices in key international hubs such as the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates, which stand as a beacon of diligence, professionalism, and integrity.
Mojisola embarked on her illustrious career in London before relocating to Nigeria. Within a brief span, she founded Woodhall Capital Limited, a distinguished financial advisory firm specialising in raising international funding for government agencies, large corporates, financial institutions, and sovereigns. Today she stands out with her strategic thinking and ability to navigate the complexities of the financial advisory sector with finesse. Her expertise and leadership have garnered her widespread respect among peers and competitors alike. In this interview with Konye Nwabogor, Mojisola takes her on her journey into the financial sector and how her dream, hard work, and perseverance have solidified her reputation as a visionary leader.
Congratulations on reaching ten years in the Nigerian finance sector—no small feat! Looking back, what were your thoughts and expectations when you first embarked on this journey?
When I set up Woodhall Capital, I set it up as a survival response to a period of unemployment. I had grand plans and visions, but my immediate instinct was to survive. I look back in humility and truly agree when they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” I started my career in investment banking in the city of London; my aspirations were global, and I dreamed about one day becoming the global head of an investment banking team, probably in Geneva. In 2014, I set up Woodhall Capital to raise international funding for financial institutions, large corporations, and sovereigns. I had a proven track record to myself from working in the Nigerian Bank, and I took a deep breath and plunged into the world of business and decided to set up on my own. When I realised that the business was sustainable and our client base was growing, it was at that point that I realised that I was walking in purpose. I had found an area of interest that was almost second nature to me: raising international funding into Africa. I had always wanted to build something meaningful and impactful in a sector where I see immense potential. Over time, my purpose widened, and the aspiration is to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s finance sector and bridge the international funding gap in Africa. I am looking to carve out a unique position for Woodhall Capital, driven by a sense of purpose, understanding that the journey would be filled with both challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on these ten years, it’s evident that living with purpose has been a guiding principle, helping me navigate the ups and downs.
You’ve raised over $5 billion in just a decade—an incredible achievement for someone still relatively new on the scene. What drives your success, and did you ever imagine reaching this milestone so quickly?
The drive behind what Woodhall Capital has achieved so far stems from understanding my purpose. I originally thought that by the 10th year of Woodhall Capital, we would have raised $10 billion. However, the combination of a purposeful approach, dedication to client relationships, finding likeminded people who believe in the African dream, and a strong track record allowed us to reach this achievement. It’s been a journey of trust, hard work, and unwavering focus.
What initially sparked your interest in a career in finance, and how has that passion evolved over the years?
I talked earlier about starting my career in investment banking in the City of London. I studied economics at university and had always wanted to be a banker. I understood from an early age, growing up with an entrepreneurial mother, that finance unlocks destinies and dreams. Over the years, this passion has evolved from a focus on technical expertise and market insights in Europe to a deeper commitment to bridging the gap between African countries and international financial institutions. The evolution has been guided by an innate solution-driven personality, which has then borne a desire to serve the continent and its people effectively.
You had an impressive career in London. Was there a defining moment that made you take the bold step to leave and relocate to Nigeria?
If I am being honest, I never saw myself moving back to Nigeria. I realised what I saw as an obstacle was in fact an opportunity. I met an executive director of a Nigerian bank in London who made me realise that destiny was awaiting me back at home in Nigeria. He introduced me to the managing director of the bank; they gave me a job, and together they mentored a young girl of 30 years old and made me see that the road less travelled was actually my path I have never regretted moving back home.
Transitioning from London to Nigeria must have come with its challenges. Did you experience any business-related culture shocks, and how did you overcome them while setting up your firm?
Transitioning involved significant culture shocks, particularly in adapting to local business practices and expectations, but I love Nigeria. When I moved back, I told myself that I didn’t want a Plan B or C. I was determined to stick it out. Overcoming the challenges required a strong commitment to understanding and integrating into the local business environment. Building relationships, adapting strategies to fit local contexts, and leveraging my purpose-driven approach were crucial in successfully navigating these cultural adjustments. I also promised myself before I moved back to always stay true to my values.
The early stages of establishing a business in a competitive market can be daunting. How did you navigate those initial hurdles and establish yourself in Nigeria’s finance industry?
I started the business small, in a 3-bed flat in Lagos, Nigeria, with 3 NYSC students. I was scared of failure, so I decided to respect myself and keep my head down. I saved a lot and refused to live in a way that I could not maintain. I made a promise to always pay salaries and have 2-year salaries in savings at all times, so I recruited slowly and carefully. Integrity is underrated, but Corporate Nigeria values loyalty and integrity more than people think. Woodhall just got a license from the Central Bank, and in choosing directors, everyone advised us to appoint people of proven integrity.
Expanding Woodhall Capital to international markets like the UK and UAE is no small task. What was the strategy behind this global expansion, and what motivated you to take that leap?
Going back to the UK, where my career started, I wanted to confirm to myself that an indigenous African firm could set up in the city of London. It was surreal setting up an office next to the great international banks. I am glad I found the strength to expand into a different business terrain. I left as an employee and came back as an entrepreneur; it took a lot of faith stepping into the promises God had made to me in private and expressing them outward to the public. That was the first step into seeing Woodhall Capital as a global firm.
Ten years in, how would you describe the evolution of Nigeria’s business environment since you first arrived? Has it changed, and if so, how?
I would say it has changed; the cyclical nature of international funding has created a niche for homegrown firms to take the lead in large corporate international fundraising exercises. During economic downturns in their home country, international banks pull out of Africa to focus on funding their own large corporates. Firms like Woodhall Capital and a few others have been able to fill that void by ensuring the bridge to international investors stays open.
Reflecting on your journey so far, what would you consider your biggest achievement with Woodhall Capital?
Without a doubt opening offices in London, Dubai, and now again a second office in our home country and the capital Abuja. This has triggered our slogan “Towards Global Horizons,” which to me is our greatest achievement. Taking the African story across borders.
Looking ahead, how do you see the role of financial advisory firms evolving over the next decade, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria?
Advisory firms have the unique flexibility to continue to bridge the gap between demand for funding and supply of funding and/or take sustainable positions on the demand and supply sides. We have options of building into institutions like banks, oil companies, and real estate firms and play a greater role in economic activities. I suspect with the disruption of funding supplies, we will see advisory firms that have liquidity come to the forefront and play more active roles in their chosen sectors.
What future plans do you have for Woodhall Capital and the Woodhall Capital International Foundation? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
As I mentioned earlier, Woodhall Capital has just received a license from the Central Bank, and we are looking at interesting sectors like the creative sector (apart from our traditional clients, banks, large corporates and sovereigns) who we want to encourage to go global by giving them global visibility through our international relations across all our offices. Woodhall Capital International Foundation has strategic partnerships through which we fund, such as the Trussell Trust, the Chartwell Cancer Trust, and Future Frontiers. The global impression around charity and philanthropy is that it is mostly driven by the west, but we are able to highlight that many Africans have given quietly, globally over the years. In a few weeks’ time, Woodhall International Foundation will be hosting Stowe School in Lagos on a fact-finding mission to see how they can establish closer ties and perhaps open a branch here in Nigeria.
Over the course of your career, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt that has shaped who you are today?
Aligning myself with people with shared values has been my key mantra over the years. The voices closest to you can shape your mindset and echo what you think you can or can’t achieve. When I was young and working in the City of London, many of my friends couldn’t handle my vision; I think it scared them, rather than shrink the vision and conform so I could fit in I went out to look for people who had a more global perspective on what they wanted to do in the future. Most importantly, I sat at the feet of mentors, listened to them and followed their advice. As I said earlier, I made a promise to myself to never compromise on my values in exchange for success.
13. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job, and what keeps your passion for this industry alive day after day?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing God’s promises come alive in a spectacular way for me. I still sit in awe and always say, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”. It is humbling to know that I am part of his plans, and the passion comes from knowing he wants to use someone like me.
If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in the finance world?
Keep an open mind; the author of your life knows the place best suited for you. Your story is best written with the pen of Almighty God. Don’t try to fit into other people’s version of success. Be yourself, trust the process, and trust God.
Looking to the future, both personally and professionally, what’s next for you as you continue to forge new paths?
I believe I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to express my innate gift in the financial industry. I am passionate about identifying the next set of young people who believe in a Global Africa and are ready to pay the price, overcome the culture shocks and challenges, and forge ahead towards Global Horizons.
