Virtual University

Virtual University

Many Salaried Workers Are Living in Financial Emergency Without Knowing It, Says EDC Investment Limited MD, Paul Mante

/

Managing Director of Ecobank Development Corporation Investment Limited, Paul Mante, has disclosed that many salaried workers are living in what he describes as a financial emergency because they would be unable to sustain their normal lifestyle for six months if their salaries suddenly stopped. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Mante urged individuals and families to conduct a midyear review of their finances, just as businesses assess their performance halfway through the year, to determine whether they are making progress toward financial independence. According to him, anyone who cannot maintain their current standard of living for at least six months without a salary should treat the situation as an emergency and begin taking deliberate steps to change it. “If you answer that question and you will not survive for more than six months, you are in a critical state. It is life-threatening. You need to see a financial doctor for an emergency surgery,” he said. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, Mr. Mante explained that financial independence begins with changing one’s mindset about money. He said many people focus only on earning an income but fail to retain and grow it, leaving them financially exposed despite years of employment. He identified three stages of personal financial management as receiving money, retaining money, and reproducing money through investments. While many people are taught how to earn an income, he noted that very few are taught how to preserve wealth or make money. The Managing Director attributed the country’s low level of financial literacy to the fact that money management is rarely taught either at home or in school. As a result, many people enter the workforce without the knowledge needed to build long-term financial security. He encouraged workers to increase their earning capacity by acquiring new skills, creating multiple sources of income, and investing consistently instead of depending solely on their monthly salaries. He also advised individuals to invest at least 20 percent of their income and avoid allowing lifestyle changes to consume every salary increase. According to him, financial discipline today creates the freedom to make choices later in life based on purpose rather than financial pressure. Mr. Mante further cautioned against procrastination and excuses, encouraging people to begin their financial independence journey immediately regardless of their current income level. “The best time you should have started your journey towards financial independence was years ago. The next best time is now,” he said. Watch the full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/Bbg6-uDUr7k?si=xGzSWjP6UE3qf2JM About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel (YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

“Comfort Is the Biggest Enemy of Personal Growth” –  Maame Ekua Gaisey

/

Maame Ekua Gaisey, The People, Managing Partner, Five Six Five,  has cautioned that comfort is one of the biggest barriers to personal growth, saying many people fail to reach their full potential because they become satisfied with where they are instead of choosing growth despite the discomfort it brings. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, she said lasting personal development is a deliberate process that requires individuals to continually make difficult choices, confront their fears, and pursue a better version of themselves every day. According to her, growth is never automatic. It demands intentional decisions every day, often requiring people to leave familiar environments, confront their fears, and accept the uncertainty that comes with becoming a better version of themselves. “Comfort is where you miss the opportunity to move,” she said, explaining that discomfort is one of the strongest triggers for progress because it pushes people to pursue more than their current circumstances. Madam Gaisey noted that the journey of personal development starts with self-awareness and honesty. She said individuals must first understand who they are, where they want to be, and honestly assess the gap between their current reality and their desired future before meaningful change can begin. She stressed that many people remain stuck because they avoid asking themselves difficult questions or reflecting deeply on their lives. Instead, they become occupied with constant activity without making real progress. “The best gift anybody could give themselves is to discover themselves,” she said, adding that self-discovery requires continuous reflection and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Drawing from her own life, she recounted how she abandoned her childhood ambition of becoming a medical doctor after recognizing that her true strengths and passion lay elsewhere. Despite the difficulty of changing direction, she said making that decision allowed her to pursue the path she was truly created for. She encouraged people to focus first on the kind of person they want to become before concentrating on positions, titles, or material success. She explained that developing character, values, curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to continuous learning naturally positions people for greater opportunities. The leadership coach also advised individuals to simplify their personal development goals by concentrating on no more than three priorities at a time. Attempting to pursue too many objectives simultaneously, she said, often leads to frustration and little meaningful progress. She further urged people to seek coaches, mentors, and trusted supporters who can ask difficult questions, provide honest feedback, and help them remain accountable throughout their growth journey. Madam Gaisey also cautioned against allowing unnecessary distractions and outside opinions to derail personal progress. She said people should clearly define both what they intend to pursue and what they deliberately choose to avoid, since eliminating distractions is as important as setting goals. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/gRbDFwT6Jhc?si=I2g3tgRLMLHlM1rY About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Children Without Active Fathers Face Greater Risk of Social Challenges, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan Reveals

/

Motivational speaker, author, and Chief Executive Officer of Hearts and Habits Foundation, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan, has called for greater father involvement in the lives of children, revealing that the absence of active fatherhood can have far-reaching consequences for families and society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Elder Annan said children need more than a father’s physical presence. According to him, fathers must be actively engaged in the lives of their children if they are to provide the stability, guidance, and security young people need to thrive. Citing findings from studies on fatherhood, he added that children with active fathers are significantly less likely to experience teenage pregnancy and incarceration, stressing that father involvement plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. “Fathers should be reminded that they are needed in the life of the child to bring some modicum of stability,” he said. The CEO noted that many fathers focus heavily on providing financially for their families while overlooking the equally important responsibility of building emotional connections with their children. He explained that a father’s role extends beyond being a provider to becoming a source of encouragement, protection, mentorship, and support. He warned that many homes are experiencing what he described as “the presence of the absent father”, a situation where fathers are physically available but remain disconnected from the daily experiences of their children. “If you’re a father, when you are home, your presence must be noticed. When you are not at home, your absence must be felt,” he said. According to him, fathers must intentionally create time for meaningful conversations, listen to their children, maintain eye contact during interactions, and share their personal experiences and struggles. Such openness, he said, helps children relate better to their parents and gives them confidence to deal with their own challenges. The speaker also urged fathers to pay attention to their emotional well-being and avoid suffering in silence during difficult periods. He observed that many men internalize pain, job losses, financial struggles, and disappointments because they feel pressure to appear strong at all times. He encouraged families and communities to show greater understanding and support to men going through difficult seasons, noting that encouragement often produces better outcomes than criticism. Reflecting on how fathers can improve their impact, he advised men to learn from their own childhood experiences, remain present in the lives of their families, reduce distractions, and prioritize meaningful relationships over constant work. Elder Annan emphasized that while providing for a family is important, fathers should not sacrifice connection for achievement. He said children often remember the time, attention, and interest their fathers showed in them long after material provisions have been forgotten. The discussion formed part of a special Father’s Day edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, where Elder Annan shared insights on the importance of fatherhood and the lasting influence fathers have on the development of children and families. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/fM5B1zW3Bvs?si=nRc3ZEJh1Kliq9wU About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Children Without Active Fathers Face Greater Risk of Social Challenges, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan Reveals

/

Motivational speaker, author, and Chief Executive Officer of Hearts and Habits Foundation, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan, has called for greater father involvement in the lives of children, revealing that the absence of active fatherhood can have far-reaching consequences for families and society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor. Albert Ocran, Elder Annan said children need more than a father’s physical presence. According to him, fathers must be actively engaged in the lives of their children if they are to provide the stability, guidance, and security young people need to thrive. Citing findings from studies on fatherhood, he added that children with active fathers are significantly less likely to experience teenage pregnancy and incarceration, stressing that father involvement plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. “Fathers should be reminded that they are needed in the life of the child to bring some modicum of stability,” he said. The CEO noted that many fathers focus heavily on providing financially for their families while overlooking the equally important responsibility of building emotional connections with their children. He explained that a father’s role extends beyond being a provider to becoming a source of encouragement, protection, mentorship, and support. He warned that many homes are experiencing what he described as “the presence of the absent father”, a situation where fathers are physically available but remain disconnected from the daily experiences of their children. “If you’re a father, when you are home, your presence must be noticed. When you are not at home, your absence must be felt,” he said. According to him, fathers must intentionally create time for meaningful conversations, listen to their children, maintain eye contact during interactions, and share their personal experiences and struggles. Such openness, he said, helps children relate better to their parents and gives them confidence to deal with their own challenges. The speaker also urged fathers to pay attention to their emotional well-being and avoid suffering in silence during difficult periods. He observed that many men internalize pain, job losses, financial struggles, and disappointments because they feel pressure to appear strong at all times. He encouraged families and communities to show greater understanding and support to men going through difficult seasons, noting that encouragement often produces better outcomes than criticism. Reflecting on how fathers can improve their impact, he advised men to learn from their own childhood experiences, remain present in the lives of their families, reduce distractions, and prioritize meaningful relationships over constant work. Elder Annan emphasized that while providing for a family is important, fathers should not sacrifice connection for achievement. He said children often remember the time, attention, and interest their fathers showed in them long after material provisions have been forgotten. The discussion formed part of a special Father’s Day edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, where Elder Annan shared insights on the importance of fatherhood and the lasting influence fathers have on the development of children and families. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/fM5B1zW3Bvs?si=A-VUm47aHwMKQy1d About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Employees Must Be Given Ownership, Not Just Instructions, Says Lily Nutakor

/

Registrar of Central University, Madam Lily Nutakor, has called on organizational leaders to move beyond simply assigning tasks and instead create opportunities for employees to take ownership of their work, adding that institutions achieve greater success when people feel personally invested in outcomes. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Madam Nutakor said one of the biggest responsibilities of leaders is creating an environment where employees are empowered to contribute ideas, innovate, and participate meaningfully in decision-making. According to her, institutions thrive when workers see organizational success as their own responsibility rather than merely carrying out instructions from management. “If we have people who treat the institution as theirs, you can be sure they can move the institution forward,” she said. She described intrapreneurship as the heartbeat of successful institutions, explaining that innovation, resilience, relevance, and long-term growth often come from employees who are given the freedom to contribute beyond their formal job descriptions. She noted that leaders must deliberately create room for people to own processes and bring forward ideas that can improve organizational performance. “You give people the opportunity to own the processes. You get people to innovate,” she stated. Drawing lessons from successful global organizations, she explained that some of the world’s most impactful innovations emerged because employees were encouraged to pursue ideas they were passionate about and were trusted to contribute to the growth of their organizations. The Central University Registrar stressed that involving employees in organizational processes does more than improve performance. It also creates commitment, accountability, and a stronger sense of belonging. “When people are given that opportunity, they give off their best,” she said. Madam Nutakor further noted that leadership decisions should not be limited to boardroom discussions. She explained that every decision made by management affects people throughout an organization and must therefore take into account the broader impact on employees and stakeholders. She urged managers to adopt a more inclusive leadership style that allows people at all levels to contribute meaningfully to institutional growth and success. She added that organizations that encourage ownership, participation, and innovation are more likely to remain resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Watch the full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/HOJDxI7lZOw?si=jXTMcsg_5p3M1AkY About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Admitting Fault Can Save a Company’s Reputation, Says Sandra Amartikar Amarquaye

/

Corporate Communications Manager at Karpowership Ghana, Sandra Amartikar Amarquaye, has urged organizations to stop becoming defensive during crises and instead acknowledge mistakes when they are at fault, adding that honesty and empathy can strengthen public trust rather than weaken it. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Rev. Albert Ocran, on the topic, “The Manager as a Communicator,”  The manager said many organizations worsen crises by rushing to justify their actions instead of accepting responsibility and addressing public concerns. “When you know you have faulted, you have to accept it, and people can even love you for doing that,” she said. According to her, empathy remains one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in crisis communication. She noted that stakeholders are often less interested in corporate excuses and more interested in seeing organizations take responsibility and demonstrate concern for those affected. “You can’t come out being defensive when you know that you’re wrong,” she stated. “People want to know the way forward.” Madam Amarquaye explained that communication failures are often at the heart of major organizational crises, stressing that leaders who communicate without adequate facts risk causing greater reputational damage than the original problem itself. She advised managers to take time to verify information before responding publicly, emphasizing that trust, once lost, is difficult to rebuild. “Building trust takes time, but it can take just a second to lose it,” she said. The communications expert further noted that crises rarely emerge without warning. According to her, organizations often receive signals through customer complaints, employee concerns, stakeholder feedback, and public sentiment long before issues escalate. “Before a crisis happens, it starts with an issue,” she said. “You should have your ears and eyes on the ground.” Madam Amarquaye encouraged leaders to pay closer attention to feedback from both internal and external stakeholders and to use available digital tools to monitor conversations around their organizations and industries. She added that communication should be treated as a strategic leadership function rather than a support role, arguing that communication professionals should be involved in decision-making at the highest levels of organizations. Watch the full episode here About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Entrepreneurship Is Not a Title but a Way of Thinking, Says Professor Robert Hinson

/

Professor of Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Robert Hinson, has described the entrepreneurial mindset as a disciplined way of thinking that goes far beyond starting a business, stressing that it is a cultivated habit rooted in how individuals see problems and respond to them. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Professor Hinson explained that entrepreneurs are not defined by job titles or ownership of businesses, but by a consistent ability to identify opportunities where others see obstacles. He said, “Somebody who has an entrepreneurial mindset is a restless opportunity identifier. It is like your senses are always active. Whether you are asleep or awake, you are constantly picking signals, constantly asking what can be done here that others are not seeing.” According to him, this way of thinking is not reserved for business owners alone. He noted that it can be found in professionals across different fields, including corporate environments, ministry, and public service, as long as the individual is committed to solving problems and driving change. Professor Hinson emphasised that at the heart of entrepreneurship is a strong focus on value creation rather than immediate financial gain. He cautioned that individuals who begin their journey with a narrow focus on money often struggle to endure the challenges that come with building anything meaningful. “I think there is a likelihood they may fail, particularly because if you start out with money, money, money, it is very difficult to be resilient when problems come. But if you go in with a sense of wanting to make a real impact and solve problems, you develop the staying power to keep going,” he said. He explained that successful entrepreneurs are typically driven by a desire to solve significant problems that benefit others, and that financial reward often follows as a result of the value they create. Beyond value, Professor Hinson outlined resilience as a defining trait, noting that the entrepreneurial journey is marked by setbacks and uncertainty. He said individuals must develop what he described as “shock absorbers” to withstand challenges and remain committed to their vision. “You must understand that obstacles will occur. But because you have a certain fixation on where you are going, you are able to stay the course, even when things are not working immediately,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, describing knowledge as the fuel that sustains entrepreneurial relevance over time. Without it, he warned, individuals risk becoming outdated in a rapidly changing environment. “True professional power comes from the quality of knowledge you consume, not once, but lifelong. If the fuel finishes, the car will not move,” he explained. The marketing professor further pointed to mentorship and practical exposure as critical to developing entrepreneurial competence. Drawing from his own experience, he noted that guidance from experienced professionals often delivers more practical value than theoretical knowledge alone. “There are people who have travelled the road for decades. When they sit with you and give you direction, it can move you forward faster than reading many books,” he said. On the role of action, Professor Hinson stressed that entrepreneurs are not passive thinkers but decisive individuals who move quickly once they identify opportunities. He described this as an “action bias,” where individuals rely on sufficient information to act rather than waiting for perfect conditions. He also addressed the future of work, warning that technological shifts, particularly artificial intelligence, will redefine opportunities and make adaptability essential. “Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence has redefined the rules of business. You must become more literate in it, and if your industry is at risk, you must innovate or risk becoming irrelevant,” he said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Failure, Survival, and Smart Partnerships Shape Entrepreneurial Success – Alloysius Attah, CEO, Farmerline

/

Co-founder and CEO of Farmerline, Alloysius Attah, has attributed his journey in building a global AgriTech company to persistence through failure, a strong sense of purpose, and learning to work with others rather than in isolation. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, as part of the ongoing series, The Entrepreneurial Mindset, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Attah shared that his path into entrepreneurship was not planned, but driven by necessity and shaped by experiences that forced him to think differently about growth and opportunity. Reflecting on his early years, he explained that his initial goal was rooted in family responsibility. “The vision at the time was very simple: study hard, be among the best, get a job, make money, and support my aunt and my family in the best way I can,” he said, noting that this early motivation laid the foundation for his discipline and drive. The CEO revealed that his entry into entrepreneurship came from survival rather than ambition. Coming from a modest background, he had to find ways to support himself through university. “When I got there, from the first week, I was selling calculators, whatever I needed to do to make money. I knew after the first year my dad would not have enough to support me, so I had to work with my hands,” he stated. He noted that many of the skills that later shaped his career were not acquired in the classroom, but through exposure and curiosity. His involvement in a university choir introduced him to programming, while a campus mission exposed him to media production. These experiences eventually led him to build businesses even while still a student. According to him, one of the defining lessons in his journey has been the importance of creating value before seeking profit. “You cannot make money if you do not create value. And if you are working with people who are already struggling, you have to build trust first, create value, and then you can capture a fraction of that value as income,” he explained. Mr. Attah also spoke about the difficult moments that nearly led him to quit. He recounted a period when his team could not afford salaries and survived on a single shared meal each day. “We had hired people, but we could not pay them properly. The best we could do was eat together once a day. At that moment, the future looked very blurry, and I was already thinking about alternative plans,” he said. Despite these setbacks, a major turning point came when his company secured international recognition and funding. This validation, he said, gave them the confidence and support needed to scale their work. He emphasised that one of the biggest mistakes young entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything alone. Drawing from his own experience, he explained that collaboration became necessary after repeated failure. “You try to do everything yourself; you get tired, you get beaten, you get depressed, and then you realize it is not wise. You can win through others, which is smarter and more efficient,” he noted. The Co-founder further highlighted a critical business decision that shaped the future of his company. Faced with the choice between immediate financial gain and long-term value, he chose to retain ownership of his company’s intellectual property. “We had the option to take quick money or own what we were building. We decided to take less money and keep the IP, and that decision has led to everything we have today,” he said, adding that the same technology has since generated significant investment and impact. Today, Farmerline works with thousands of partners across multiple countries, using technology to support farmers with training, financing, and market access. Attah explained that this scale was only possible through partnerships. “We focused on what we do best and worked with others who bring their strengths. That is how you grow without trying to control everything,” he said. On the future of entrepreneurship in Africa, he pointed to agriculture as a major opportunity for economic growth. He encouraged young people to take practical steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions. “We have the land, we have the youth, and the world needs food. There is no excuse. Start small, grow something, and make money from it,” he advised. Mr. Attah added that success is built over time through difficult choices, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn from failure. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the new April series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Andrew Ackah Calls on Entrepreneurs to Focus on Purpose, Problem-Solving, and Long-Term Impact

/

CEO of Dentsu & President of Advertising Association of Ghana, Andrew Ackah, has called on entrepreneurs to shift their focus from quick financial gains to building meaningful solutions, stressing that true fulfillment in business comes from impact. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing April series on The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mr. Ackah explained that entrepreneurship begins with an inner drive to solve problems, not just the desire to make money. According to him, individuals who succeed in business are often those who feel a deep restlessness until they bring their ideas to life. “There are people who cannot continue living their lives without solving a problem,” he said. “If you identify that you can do something to help or improve lives, that desire stays in you until you bring that solution out. That is where entrepreneurship starts.” Drawing from over two decades of experience, he noted that his own journey into advertising was not planned but discovered through curiosity and persistence. He explained that after entering the field with no formal background, he deliberately invested time in learning the principles of marketing and consumer behaviour, which later shaped his career. “I did not study marketing, so I went to buy books and learned it myself. I wanted to understand why people make the choices they make, because that is the foundation of business. Once I understood that, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he said. The CEO emphasised that building a successful business goes beyond technical skill and requires a strong sense of responsibility, especially in leadership. He explained that moving from a functional role into leadership revealed gaps in his own preparedness and forced him to grow. “The game changes completely when you become a leader. You are no longer just responsible for your work, but for people, clients, and the future of the business. You must learn continuously, listen to others, and accept that you will make mistakes along the way,” he stated. He further highlighted that failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey and should not discourage business owners. Instead, he advised entrepreneurs to learn from setbacks and remain committed to their purpose. “You will fail, but you must learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. Sometimes things will not go your way, but you must remember why you started and keep working at it,” he said. Addressing the common perception that financial success is the ultimate goal of entrepreneurship, Mr. Ackah challenged that view, explaining that money is only a by-product of creating value. “It is about creating something and seeing that idea come to life in others. Money is only for economic reasons, but the real fulfillment comes from knowing you have solved a problem and made an impact. That is what keeps you going,” he explained. He added that as entrepreneurs grow, their priorities often shift from profit to purpose, with many eventually focusing on legacy and contribution. “The more you grow, the more you realize that what you are doing is affecting people. That is when the money becomes secondary, and the impact becomes the real reward,” he said. Mr. Ackah also encouraged business owners facing difficult periods not to give up, noting that challenges are part of a natural cycle in life and business. “You cannot win all the time. There will be difficult seasons, but you must stay grounded and find solutions. If you believe in what you started, you can recover and move forward,” he said. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify what drives them deeply and pursue it with commitment, while also recognising that success is ultimately about serving others. “Find what keeps you awake at night and pursue it. When you get there, understand that it is not about you. It is about the many people who need what you are building,” he said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube) and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the new April series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation