2026 Star Women in Convenience winner: Lola Baiyewu
Lola Baiyewu
Network delivery advisor
Canadian Mobility Services
How did you get into this business?
I was fascinated by buildings and, inspired by my dad, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in real estate. I earned a master’s degree in facility management, where I deepened my expertise. What I love about this profession is its diversity—while the core discipline remains the same, the role is different depending on the facility.
What do you like most about your job?
Each day brings something new to learn. The role pushes me outside of my comfort zone, which has been key to my professional and personal growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
The most impactful lesson wasn’t through words, but through the actions of a leader I worked with. Whenever the team had targets, he approached them as shared goals and was never too ‘senior’ to handle the smallest tasks to support the team. Everyone felt seen, valued and supported—this reshaped my perspective on work and leadership.
Career highlight?
I believe my biggest achievement is still ahead of me. I take pride in the big wins and the small ones, because each represents progress and growth. Any success I’ve achieved has been the result of collaboration and support of great teams.
What excites you most about the future?
How rapidly the industry is evolving to meet changing customer needs. We’re seeing a shift toward more integrated, customer-focused experiences where convenience goes beyond location and becomes about speed, efficiency and overall experience. There’s also a growing focus on innovation through technology, smarter operations or more sustainable practices.
Nomination highlights
Through her leadership, adaptability and unwavering commitment to operational excellence, Lola Baiyewu has become an invaluable contributor to the CMS organization. Her responsibilities span facility maintenance, real estate management and IT, where she oversees critical functions that ensure sites across the network operate safely, efficiently and reliably every day. Respected for her exceptional communication skills and solutions-oriented mindset, she successfully coordinates complex initiatives involving internal teams, external contractors and partners. She demonstrates remarkable leadership by guiding several major operational and technology projects, including SharePoint migration initiatives, network-wide device and operating system rollouts, enhanced safety systems and seasonal maintenance programs. Her ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining high standards has strengthened both operational performance and workplace safety across the organization. Beyond her operational responsibilities, Baiyewu regularly visits sites to pilot new solutions and support front-line teams directly. She also plays an active role in DE&I initiatives within the organization and continues to make meaningful contributions to her community through volunteer service and advocacy.
Click here for a full list of the 2026 Star Women in Convenience winners
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