Proten International is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone as our Managing Director, Deborah Yemi-Oladayo, has been named one of The Guardian’s 100 Most Outstanding and Impactful Women in Leadership 2025. This prestigious recognition honours visionary women whose work is shaping industries, transforming societies, and redefining leadership across Africa and beyond.
At Proten, we have always believed that leadership is a commitment to build systems that unlock human potential and create opportunities for sustainable growth. Deborah’s recognition is a powerful reflection of that belief. It speaks not just to her personal journey, but also to Proten’s unwavering mission to transform organisations through people, process, and technology.
From the very beginning of her career, Deborah’s leadership philosophy has been anchored on resilience, consistency, and a deep conviction that people are the greatest asset any business can have. Under her direction, Proten International has evolved from a traditional HR services provider into a dynamic 360-degree partner supporting organisations across industries with solutions that help them attract, retain, and develop exceptional talent.
Her leadership has also been instrumental in driving Proten’s expansion into innovative solutions such as 360 Verify and Proten Technologies, both designed to help businesses mitigate risk, build scalable systems, and prepare for the future of work. These milestones are more than organisational wins, they are part of a broader vision to empower African businesses to compete globally and thrive in an increasingly complex talent landscape.
“Deborah’s recognition by The Guardian is not just a testament to her exceptional leadership, but also to Proten’s commitment to empowering businesses and transforming workplaces,” —- Chukwuyem Mokwunye, Manager, Marketing at Proten International.
“Her impact extends beyond our organisation. It represents the future of leadership in Africa, one rooted in purpose, innovation, and the belief that people remain at the centre of sustainable growth.”
Deborah’s influence has remained inspirational for us at Proten, as well as the generation of emerging leaders. Her passion for mentorship, dedication to talent development, and ability to envision possibilities where others see challenges have made her not only a transformative leader but also a symbol of what is possible when vision meets execution.
As Proten International celebrates this recognition, we reaffirm our commitment to helping businesses harness the power of their people, strengthen their systems, and build organisations that are prepared for the future.
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