PODCAST HOST | KEYNOTE VIRTUAL SPEAKER | CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COACH | STRATEGIC ADVISOR
I never thought I could work for myself. Whenever someone would suggest it, I would say I have no good ideas, no one would pay me, and that I prefer being able to use other people’s money. I still like getting other people’s money, but I am a lot more confident in my value and the support that I can provide. It took me getting fed up with working for another company to see what it would be like to build my own business. It has been over three years, and though it is not easy - I’m very impatient - I enjoy the work I do, the leaders I support, and the organizations I partner and volunteer with.
I coach ambitious, high-growth startup executives, intrapreneurs, and entrepreneurs (and their teams) to become world-class leaders so they can love themselves, love their work, and love their life. I’m a certified executive coach and entrepreneur who knows what it takes to connect with the right people to build tech-enabled businesses and teams from the ground up:
✓ I’ve built an online platform and amazing team from scratch,
✓ taken over an online platform and team in West Africa’s largest market,
✓ launched my own (primarily virtual) coaching and consulting practice,
✓ joined a Pan-African platform to increase access to coaching, and
✓ most recently was named a Gold Tier #IamRemarkable initiative facilitator.
Throughout my life, I've had diverse experiences. I’ve lived and worked in West, North, Southern, and East Africa and continue to take advantage of opportunities to travel. I’m a former AmeriCorps volunteer in environmental education, former Executive Committee Member at The Hague International MUN (THIMUN) Youth Network (TYN), and a current member of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance.
My favorite thing to do is help leaders 🕐focus and 🤝connect to 🏆scale.
What were the biggest initial hurdles, and how did you overcome them?
I was very focused on getting clients from the existing network that I had built across West Africa, and that was not leading to paying clients or opportunities. However, once I reminded myself (coached myself and got some support) that my work was all virtual, that I could work with anyone who resonated with my positioning and messaging, it got easier. I now have clients and opportunities worldwide, - and they are amazing.
What books are you currently reading?
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi, Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, The Authority Code by Rochelle Moulton
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started?
My business is based on relationships. I wish that I had been a bit more focused on a few relationships rather than trying to build a larger community. Since shifting my focus to fewer people, I have increased my following.
What advice would you give to upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
First, get clear on YOUR values. Next, make sure you learn to set boundaries - don’t live your life or build a career for anyone else.
Social Media:
Website: www.akuanm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akua_nm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akuanm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/akua_nm
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