Nairobi, June 18 -- Stakeholder management is often described as a soft skill, but in reality it is as much about understanding power as it is about communication. Within organisations, influence rarely flows only through formal structures. Relationships, shared history and informal networks often shape decisions long before official discussions begin.

For finance professionals, this creates a persistent challenge. We are trained to make decisions grounded in data, risk and accountability, ensuring they can withstand scrutiny.

Yet influence can sometimes outweigh process, weakening governance and shifting decisions from what is right to what is merely acceptable. For women in senior roles, the challenge can be greater, as professional f...