Dr. Afia Agyinsam

Everyone Wants to Lead, But Who Will Serve? A Call to Action for Gen Z.

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Entrepreneurship is on the rise globally. We all in one way or the other are convinced that the best route to success and financial freedom is through entrepreneurship.

All over start-ups are springing up and these are start-ups who start up with no idea where to start from because they are in a rush to become successful and financially free without paying attention to the work ethic that has to be cultivated to sustain their businesses long term.

Currently, it has become a Herculean task to find individuals who are dedicated to a dream or vision that is not theirs with the mentality of “I would rather own my own than to play an undermining role in someone else’s endeavor.”

The part-time commitment to their own dreams and aspirations and the part-time commitment in their current institutions is displeasurable and unprofitable.

However, in the midst of this entrepreneurial frenzy, it seems that the notion of serving others and putting the needs of others first has become lost. Everyone wants to be the leader, but who will serve? The concept of servant leadership seems to have taken a backseat, and it’s time for Gen Z to bring it back to the forefront.

As the next generation, Gen Z has a unique opportunity to change the narrative and set a new standard for leadership. We have the chance to redefine what it means to be a successful entrepreneur, and that definition must include a dedication to serving others.

One of the keys to being a servant leader is to always put the needs of others first. This can be challenging in a world where self-promotion and self-interest are often the norm. However, if we want to make a positive impact on the world and create a lasting legacy, we must prioritize the needs of those around us.

Another important aspect of servant leadership is to lead by example. We cannot expect others to follow our lead if we are not willing to do the same ourselves. This means taking responsibility for our actions, admitting our mistakes, and being willing to learn from others.

One of the greatest challenges of being a servant leader is learning to balance our own needs with the needs of others. We cannot neglect our own well-being in the pursuit of serving others, but we also cannot become so self-centered that we lose sight of the bigger picture.

As Gen Z, we have the advantage of being raised in a world where technology has made it easier than ever to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. We must leverage this advantage to build networks of support and collaboration that enable us to serve others more effectively.

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Mahatma Gandhi

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” As we pursue our dreams of entrepreneurship and financial freedom, let us not forget the importance of serving others. Let us strive to be servant leaders who make a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy.

In conclusion, entrepreneurship is a noble pursuit, but it should not come at the cost of serving others. Gen Z has the opportunity to redefine what it means to be a successful entrepreneur by prioritizing the needs of others, leading by example, and building networks of support and collaboration. Let us embrace the challenge of being servant leaders and create a better world for ourselves and those around us. As Robert Greenleaf said, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”

Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities: Key Takeaways from VP Kamala

Rare opportunities are few and far between. One such occasion was the invitation to be present at the monumental speech delivered by the Vice President of the United States. It was on an early Wednesday morning on March 22nd, 2023, when I received an email from the US Embassy in Ghana inviting me as a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network to this august occasion. Elated and honored to be part of the chosen few, I adhered to all the necessary rules and waited in anticipation for the expected day.

On March 28th, 2023, at the Black Star Square, I found myself among about 500 young, hopeful Ghanaians who are determined to make a name for themselves on this continent with their wit, skill, and passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. Alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Young African Leaders (YALI) Network, RLC, USAGH, and universities such as Ashesi University, AUCC, and Webster University were also present.

The ceremony started promptly at 10:30 am with a video presentation of the YALI theme song and some cultural dances from Northern Ghana. Two speakers of Ghanaian descent mounted the stage and delivered inspiring and direct speeches meant to impact the youth of Ghana.

Soon after, the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, mounted the stage and delivered a breathtaking speech centered on women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and good governance.

We innovate to be more effective and to solve more problems.

VP Kamala Harris

VP Harris highlighted the essence of innovation and the major role it plays in the economic growth of not only Ghana but the world at large. She stated, “We innovate to be more effective and to solve more problems,” emphasizing the need for new technology and social movements that would only be achieved if the youth rise with bold thinking, challenge the premise, and question the status quo. She gave many instances where the spark and creativity of the dreamers and innovators in countries such as Ghana, Rwanda

In her speech, the VP addressed the many achievements that we, as a continent, have attained, but also the several challenges we face, including security concerns in the Sahel, droughts, floods exacerbated by extreme climate conditions, hindrances in economic growth, and development. To address these aforementioned obstacles, she highlighted three key areas that we need to be intentional about to create opportunities, build growth, and stability. These areas are women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and good governance and democracy.

In bridging the gender gap, she focused on the impact that women would have if they participate equally in leadership roles, as this is the key to maximizing global growth and opportunity. Concerning the digital economy, she stated that it is necessary for the 21st Century. For example, a student who studies online, a farmer who uses an app to aid in alerts about extreme weather conditions, or an entrepreneur who sells goods and services online, all make use of the internet. She encouraged bridging the gaps in the digital economy to aid innovation.

To conclude, she emphasized that partnerships between governments, the private sector, and the public sector should share expertise and experience so that “together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sectors can achieve on their own And reassured that the United States of America is committed to build such partnerships.

I am absolutely thrilled and bursting with excitement about this historic event and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and share my experiences with like-minded individuals. The unity and inclusion on display there was truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to experience all the amazing opportunities that lie ahead for Africa. It was a momentous occasion that will undoubtedly go down in history, and I was honored to have been a part of it!

They Didn’t Warn Us! Adulthood is a SCAM!

Adulthood is a scam. The lyrics of that songs echoes in my mind daily as I face what each day of this adulthood life brings. The song continues, “Nobody go ask if you don chop, nobody go send you free money! If no have na you sabi! Adulthood na scam! “

Many of us have been led to believe that adulthood is the ultimate goal, the peak of our existence where we finally have all the answers, financial stability, and freedom to do as we please. However, the reality is far from this idyllic picture. No one ever warned us about the struggles that come with adulthood, leaving us unprepared to navigate through the murky waters of this phase.

There are a few things to consider on this journey and dealing with the concept of perfection is one of them! it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It is okay to not have everything figured out.

As author and motivational speaker Brene Brown said, “Imperfections are not inadequacies;” Adulthood is a learning experience, and making mistakes is part of the journey. It’s okay to stumble, but we must learn to get back up and keep going.

The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.

Carol Dweck

We can choose to be inspired by the challenges of adulthood and use them as opportunities for growth or wallow in self pity hoping to be rescued !

Self care is a priority especially when one has to juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities,

Similarly, fighting for success in adulthood shouldn’t come at the expense of our physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing self-care is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Building a support system is also important. As writer and poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Having friends or family members who understand our struggles and can offer support and advice is crucial. We should also try to find like-minded individuals and build connections through clubs or groups that align with our interests or hobbies.

Lastly, we need to cultivate a growth mindset. As author Carol Dweck once said, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” A growth mindset means embracing challenges and failures as opportunities for growth. We should learn to persevere and view setbacks as stepping stones towards success.

Adulthood is indeed a scam, but it’s also an inevitable phase of life. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but we can’t let it consume us.

Acknowledging that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, prioritizing self-care, building a support system, and cultivating a growth mindset are some of the ways we can cope with the challenges of adulthood. Remember, we’re all in this together, and with the right mindset and support, we can navigate through this phase and come out stronger.

In the end, when you wake up at 4am to pee and all you do is stay up and calculate your next move and expenses then you wonder Adulthood koraaa “Wo k) h) k) y3 d3n?” (WKHKYD)