A few months into her first job in Lagos, a young graduate noticed something confusing. The colleague who worked the longest hours wasn’t the one leading projects. The smartest person on the team wasn’t the one being recommended for new opportunities. Conversations that occurred outside formal meetings sometimes seemed to influence decisions. At first, it felt unfair. But over time, she realised something important: Workplaces are not just about hard work. They are also about influence, perception, and relationships. For many young women starting their careers in Nigeria, this reality can be a surprising discovery. We are often told that success [...]