“Boards aren’t looking for beauty queens; they want people who can add real value
“When you shine on one board, others will follow”
Binta Max-Gbinije is an Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Custodian Investment Plc and Sahel Consulting. With over 31 years of experience in strategic leadership, wholesale and retail banking, wealth and fiduciary management, treasury marketing, and asset management, she is a respected leader in the financial services sector.
She was the pioneer CEO of Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, building the organization into a market leader. Binta also serves on the board of Nestle CPFA and is an active member of the Executive Council of Women in Business, Management & Public Service (WIMBIZ), where she leads the Membership & Programmes Committee.
She was the Vice President of The Association of Corporate Trustees Nigeria and has been recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women and one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria.
In this edition of Her Ascent Journey, Binta shares her candid insights on navigating the C-suite, embracing humility in leadership, and making the leap from executive roles to influential board positions.
Is humility part of your leadership ethos? What is the mindset behind it?
Absolutely. Humility has always been central to how I lead. I learned early on that there’s a big difference between being a leader and being a boss. While the “boss lady” image can be empowering, true leadership means carrying others along, not just charging ahead solo.
Leadership is about building buy-in, nurturing collaboration, and creating shared ownership of a vision. Without people believing in the mission, you’re just walking alone.
Like Jacinda Ardern said, “You can be strong, but you can also be kind.” That quote speaks deeply to me. Strength and kindness are not opposites, they complement each other. I’ve seen firsthand how empathy and humility fuel stronger teams and better outcomes.
It’s also important to have people who can point out your blind spots. As the Zulu proverb says: “To go fast, go alone; to go far, go together.” The people you work with matter. Respect them, listen to them, care for them. That’s how lasting success is built.
As Maya Angelou wisely noted: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Leadership grounded in love, care, and respect will always bear fruit. I live by Galatians 6:7 — “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap.” I aim to sow kindness and integrity in all that I do.
What key moments or decisions have propelled your career forward?
One of the most defining moments came when I recognized that my “cheese had moved,” inspired by Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese? I was in a toxic work situation with a difficult manager. Rather than remain stuck, I decided to take charge.
I booked a meeting with the MD of the group and came fully prepared with a file I call my “Save Your Back” (SYB) folder. It included appraisals, commendations, and performance awards. I made a strong case for a new opportunity.
That bold move, backed by data and results, led to new doors opening. It taught me a crucial lesson: Preparation plus courage equals progress. You have to own your value and be ready to articulate it clearly.
What was one pivotal decision you made in your journey?
Learning when to move was transformational for me. I reminded myself, “I’m not a tree—I can move.” If the ladder I’m climbing leans against the wrong wall, I’ll reposition it. That mindset led me to my first CEO role.
Leaving banking to start my own company, was another major leap. It meant leaving financial security, but it was necessary for my growth. That move taught me the power of self-advocacy—betting on myself, even when the path wasn’t certain.
How did you land your first board role?
My first board role was with Access Pension Fund Custodian. It came through a recommendation from someone in my network who knew my track record. That person spoke to the MD of the subsidiary, who then shared my profile with Dr. Herbert Wigwe, then Group MD of Access Bank.
After a value-alignment conversation over a video call and swift regulatory approval, I was appointed to the board.
This opportunity wasn’t luck, it was the result of years of nurturing relationships, showing up consistently, and being dependable. When people trust you, they’ll open doors for you. And when you walk through those doors, give it your all.
What lessons can women take from your boardroom experience?
Three key lessons:
- Deliver Excellence, Always. Bring 110% to every opportunity. Let your performance speak louder than anything else.
- Build Strong Social Capital. Relationships matter. Be someone others can count on. Stay in touch, show up, and be generous.
- Own Your Seat—and Use It Well. Getting on a board is the beginning, not the destination. Make your contributions count so you’re not just present, but unforgettable.
What mindset shifts are necessary to move from executive to board roles?
The biggest shift is moving from doing to governing. As an executive, you’re immersed in daily execution. As a board member, your job is to offer strategic guidance, not to micromanage.
It took intentional effort to step back and focus on big-picture oversight. I had to learn to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and trust the executive team to implement.
This shift required practicing restraint. My job is to be a sounding board, not a second CEO. Balancing oversight with trust is critical, and that balance has helped me succeed in my board roles.
How can women stand out for board opportunities?
Start by becoming a subject matter expert in your field. Boards need people who bring depth, insight, and impact. Master your domain so that when your name comes up, it’s associated with excellence.
Then, make your achievements visible. Speak at events, write articles, share your voice. It’s not about bragging—it’s about positioning.
Lastly, nurture your network. Be someone others can vouch for. And when you land the role, go in with a commitment to deliver real value. When you shine on one board, others will follow.
Conclusion
Inspired by Binta’s journey?
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