Navigating Career through Pain
Honest stories.
Real pain.
Remarkable purpose.
A discreet, powerful gathering of accomplished women who have faced deep personal pain—yet continue to lead, build, and transform the world.
Applications close once 30 exceptional women have been shortlisted.
Host
Uyoyo Edosio
Chief Innovation & ICT Expert
African Development Bank
Behind every success is a story.
Let's tell the truth.
H.I.G.H (How It Genuinely Happened) is a carefully curated gathering where accomplished women share the untold stories behind their success—the pain, turning points, resilience and purpose that shaped their journeys.
Raw & real conversations
about pain behind professional success
A safe, confidential space
for reflection and connection
Practical insights
for navigating career, purpose & healing
A curated community
of high-achieving women
Why H.I.G.H. Is Different
A gathering designed around honesty, intimacy and lasting impact.
Honest Conversations
No polished success stories. Only real journeys.
A Curated Circle
An intimate gathering designed for meaningful conversations, not performances.
Purpose Beyond Success
Leave with practical wisdom, renewed courage and authentic connections.
Meet the Curator
Uyoyo Edosio
Founder of H.I.G.H.
Chief Innovation & Digital Expert
African Development Bank Group
Uyoyo Edosio believes that the most powerful stories are often the ones we never tell.
She created H.I.G.H. (How It Genuinely Happened) as an intimate space where accomplished women can move beyond polished success stories and honestly share the moments of doubt, resilience, reinvention and purpose that shaped their journeys.
Meet the Women Behind the Conversation
Three extraordinary women. Three remarkable journeys. One honest conversation about leadership, resilience, purpose and what it truly takes to build meaningful success.
Uyoyo Edosio
Founder of H.I.G.H.
Chief Innovation & ICT Expert, African Development Bank
Creator of H.I.G.H (How It Genuinely Happened), a platform helping accomplished women tell the honest stories behind success. She has spent her career leading innovation, digital transformation and strategy across Africa while championing authentic leadership.
Creator of H.I.G.H (How It Genuinely Happened), a platform helping accomplished women tell the honest stories behind success. She has spent her career leading innovation, digital transformation and strategy across Africa while championing authentic leadership. Her work bridges the gap between personal resilience and professional excellence, creating safe spaces for women leaders to share their journeys.
Phyllis Wangui Kamau
Founder & CEO
Clarity Policy House
Phyllis is one of Africa's leading public policy and government affairs experts with over 15 years of experience across financial services, fintech, regulation and cross-border public affairs. She previously served as Senior Director and Head of Government Solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa.
Phyllis is one of Africa's leading public policy and government affairs experts with over 15 years of experience across financial services, fintech, regulation and cross-border public affairs. She previously served as Senior Director and Head of Government Solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa. Through Clarity Policy House, she provides strategic counsel to governments, regulators, and private sector organizations navigating complex policy environments. Her expertise lies in translating policy complexity into actionable business strategy.
Surayyah Ahmad
Managing Partner
Sabou Capital
Surayyah leads Sabou Capital, investing in high-growth SMEs across West and Central Africa with a gender lens. She also leads the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank initiative and serves on multiple corporate boards.
Surayyah leads Sabou Capital, investing in high-growth SMEs across West and Central Africa with a gender lens. She also leads the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank initiative and serves on multiple corporate boards. With a passion for empowering emerging entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, Surayyah combines strategic investment expertise with a commitment to sustainable economic development across the African continent.
The conversations are deeper. The questions are bigger. The mission remains the same.
The H.I.G.H Experience
What awaits you in a space designed for vulnerability, growth and connection.
Raw Conversations
Stories rarely shared publicly.
Deep Reflection
Space to pause and reconnect.
Authentic Connection
Meet women beyond titles.
Leadership Lessons
Practical insights for navigating success.
Personal Renewal
Leave with renewed clarity and courage.
Lasting Community
Relationships that continue long after the event.
Voices from H.I.G.H.
What women who have been part of H.I.G.H. are saying.
This conversation held space for the parts of my journey I rarely speak about. It reminded me that success and struggle are not opposites.
Participant, H.I.G.H 2024
For the first time, I didn't have to be "fine." I could be honest about the toll this journey has taken. That freedom changed everything.
Participant, H.I.G.H 2024
Leaving with more than insights—I'm leaving with sisters. Women who see the whole picture, including the pain, and still believe in each other's strength.
Participant, H.I.G.H 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about H.I.G.H Conference 2026.
We welcome accomplished women from all industries and backgrounds who have navigated significant professional success while carrying personal pain. If you've led through challenges, built resilience, and transformed your pain into purpose, this gathering is for you.
Your H.I.G.H Journey
Submit Your Application
Careful Review
Invitation to Join
Experience H.I.G.H.
An Intentionally Curated Experience
Attendance is limited to just 30 women. Every application is carefully reviewed to ensure an intimate environment where every conversation matters.
Apply for H.I.G.H 2026
Your Story Matters.
If this conversation speaks to where you are in your journey, we invite you to apply. Every application is read personally.
Application Form
Please fill in the form below to apply.