Success 101 For Today’s Woman

I recently attended what was in my view, a life-changing forum. I had that moment of clarity one needs in order to move forward in life. As a woman in my mid-twenties, with a four-year old, a challenging, demanding job (which I love),a couple of side gigs, a roller coaster ride of a relationship, an overbearing mother, higher education prospects and just starting my own business , there are times when I feel I can’t do it all. But I know it’s possible.

I got an opportunity to listen to some influential Ghanaian businesswomen, at the China- Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Women’s Business Forum, who are helping other women grow their businesses. Leticia Brown of the Ghana Angel Investors Network (GAIN) was present. So were Adjoa Annan, CEO of Women’s World Banking and Ellen Hagen, CEO of L’aine Services.

I was particularly drawn to a speech given by Ellen Hagen, who shared her personal experiences and challenges as a businesswoman. Some interesting points she provided that I feel every woman needs to know include:

Breaking the glass ceiling: Many of us women, no matter what we say, are not hungry enough for success. We are content with the cards life deals to us and make no effort to gain a better hand once we are comfortable. For example, Ama Brew is an intelligent business development manager who has the potential of becoming CEO, but will not develop to her potential because she has kids and a man to take care of. As long as her partner makes enough money to run the house, and Ama makes enough to buy her own diamonds without her partner signing off on her purchases, she’s quite happy with her achievements even though she has the potential to achieve so much more, which brings me to my next point.

Choosing the right partner: Every woman has her dreams and aspirations but from time to time, life distracts us. We need the men in our lives to encourage and push us, even to realize those dreams – a partner who is an important part of making you grow to your full potential. Just like the saying, “Behind every successful man there is a woman,” there should also be “Behind every successful woman there should be a man who cheered her on.” Not necessarily a mutt who does everything you say (We all know that’s not attractive in a man). For example, I was talking to my boss about love and marriage. He said to me that he didn’t want a woman whose sole aim was to take care of and fuss over him. “Because one day if she doesn’t succeed I will be one of the reasons she didn’t. She can’t stay late for meetings because she has to come home to make my dinner and take care of the kids. She will not consider working hard enough to get that top job,” he said.

He told me he would pay for a maid and a couple of nannies (he’s got six kids), whatever it took to ensure that she had no excuse not to succeed. Okay, so not everyone can afford a nanny but our partners shoulVK