MARTHA AJBOYE

Martha Ajiboye describes herself as “a shy person pretending not to be shy.” Yet those who work with her know her as something more: a quiet but mighty force. In her role as Transaction Execution Analyst at Legal & General, she helps shape complex investment deals and deliver strategic change. But her real influence lies in how she shows up as living proof that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to make an impact.

Born in Nigeria, Martha immigrated to the UK at the age of six with her father and siblings. They settled in Liverpool, a city that at the time was not diverse, and she quickly learned what it meant to stand out. At school, she and her sister would hide in the playground to speak Yoruba, afraid of being told off or excluded. By the time she reached secondary school, she was the only Black student in her year. Those early experiences of difference left their mark, but they also built resilience.

Her father, a musician, had a way of pushing her into the unfamiliar. He would take the family on excursions to places across the UK, where they were often the only Black faces in sight. At the time, it was uncomfortable. But over the years, Martha realised it had been a gift. “Being uncomfortable doesn’t mean something is wrong,” she reflects. “It means you’re growing.”

That willingness to embrace change has shaped her career. For over 15 years, Martha has specialised in transformation and project delivery across financial services, from major banks to her current role at Legal & General. She thrives in change because change has always been part of her story.

Still, her journey has not been without challenge. As a young Black woman in corporate spaces, she often felt pressure to tone herself down, dressing more plainly, masking parts of her personality to fit in. Over time, she realised it wasn’t necessary. “At the end of the day, people respected my output, not my outfit. Being true to yourself is what makes you memorable.”

To Martha, Standing Firm in Power and Pride means showing up, whatever your style or personality. You don’t need to dull yourself down to be accepted. Whether you’re loud, quiet, extroverted or shy, your power lies in being you.

Outside of her day job, Martha co-chairs Legal & General’s Socio-Economic Mobility Network, helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access opportunities in finance. She is passionate about showing others that they don’t have to change who they are to belong, that difference is not a barrier, but a strength.

Looking back, she is proud of the path she has carved, balancing work with study, graduating with first-class honours while working part-time, and building a career that allows her to solve problems creatively. Looking forward, she hopes to be remembered not only for delivering big strategic wins but also for opening doors for others.

Her advice to her younger self, and to young Black women entering the industry today, is simple: “Believe in yourself. Don’t dull yourself down. Put your hand up, try everything, and don’t be afraid to shine.”

Martha may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but her presence speaks volumes. She stands firm in her quiet power and pride, lighting the way for others to step forward too.