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Young People Call for More Flexible Workplace Dress Codes

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Young people have called on organisations to review rigid workplace dress codes and allow employees greater freedom to express themselves through their clothing while maintaining standards of decency. The call was made on Springboard, Your Virtual University, during an episode of What Young People Are Saying which examined changing fashion trends among young people and their implications for workplaces, churches and society. Fashion designer Golden Adams said organisations should be more open to creativity and innovation in how employees dress, arguing that professional clothing does not always have to follow the same traditional patterns. She noted that even within formal sectors such as banking, there could be room for employees to introduce creative elements into their dressing while maintaining a professional appearance. “Decency is also another topic. It’s right to be decent, and then it’s also right to be innovative and creative in how you dress and look,” she said. Another panelist, Asantoa, argued that organisations should allow employees to be themselves, provided they understand the expectations of their workplace and dress appropriately for their roles. She suggested that organisations could consider designated days when employees are allowed greater freedom in their choice of clothing, while maintaining more formal standards on other days. Student and panelist Abigail also linked workplace dress to employee happiness and productivity, saying young people should be able to express themselves while still meeting professional standards. She said organisations could allow employees to enjoy greater freedom in their dressing because being comfortable and happy at work could contribute to productivity. The discussion also challenged the tendency to judge young people’s seriousness or competence based on their appearance. The panel noted that unconventional dressing could sometimes be a form of self-expression or a desire not to conform to traditional expectations. Fashion designer Kwaku Bediako, founder of Chocolate Clothes Global, said changing trends should not be allowed to overshadow the individual, stressing the importance of understanding a person’s personality and preferences when designing clothes. He also said businesses should be open to new ideas from younger people, noting that changes in fashion can reflect wider changes in how young people think and express themselves. Host Rev. Albert Ocran, in his closing remarks, said employers should consider the possibility that what may appear to be rebellion in a young person’s dressing could also reflect a desire to innovate. He urged organisations to look beyond appearance and give young people the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, particularly where their work produces the required results. The episode also examined the growing acceptance of Made in Ghana clothing, with the panel encouraging Ghanaians to patronise locally produced fashion and recognise that Made in Ghana goes beyond traditional African prints and Kente. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/67MzkQruLns?si=SCZOHNU5fd5YJwgU 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 episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives.

Hangout, News

Awareness Is Not Enough: Health Advocates Push for Early Breast Cancer Screening

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Health advocates have called for greater emphasis on early screening and prompt medical attention, warning that breast cancer awareness alone is not enough to reduce the impact of the disease. The call was made by Medical Officer at Acacia Medical Center and public health advocate, Dr Raphael Achana, and public health nurse and adolescent health advocate, Betty Etornam, during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran. According to the health professionals, people must move beyond simply knowing about breast cancer to actively checking for changes, seeking medical attention when necessary, and taking advantage of available screening opportunities. Dr Achana encouraged women to be “breast aware” by knowing the normal appearance and feel of their breasts so that unusual changes can be identified early. “If there are any masses that can be felt on touching your breast, you will be able to feel it because you know your breast. If there’s an unusual discharge from your nipple, you will be able to identify that because you know your breast. So the simple message here is: be breast aware, know your breast,” he said. The health advocates also stressed the need for people to take advantage of breast cancer screening programmes organised by hospitals, churches, schools and other organisations, particularly during October. Ms Etornam expressed concern that some people still fail to attend community screening programmes even when such services are made available to them. She urged the public to seek proper medical attention when they notice anything unusual rather than delay treatment or turn to unqualified sources. “Please take the opportunity to go have the screening for your breast, and then if you find out anything, don’t stay at home. Don’t go to any herbal healer, traditional medicine healer, or anything. Just rush to the hospital and get screened. Early detection saves lives,” she stated. The advocates also called for breast cancer education to reach communities that may have limited access to television, radio and social media. Ms Etornam recounted an outreach programme she conducted at a basic school in a rural community where the children had little knowledge about breast cancer. “We should go into the communities, not just on TV, on radio, on social media. We should go into the community,” she said. Dr Achana also highlighted the wider effects of breast cancer, noting that the disease can affect patients physically, socially, emotionally and financially. “Breast cancer doesn’t only have a physical impact on the individual, but there is definitely that social impact. There is that emotional or mental effect on the individual, and there is definitely that financial impact that the individual suffers,” he said. He further explained that treatment does not follow one fixed timeline, as the duration depends on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread. He noted that some individuals he knew had taken between two and three years to become cancer-free. The health professionals also encouraged families and partners to support people undergoing treatment, particularly because of the emotional and financial demands associated with the disease. Ms Etornam called for greater male involvement in supporting women during treatment, including accompanying them to health facilities and assisting with treatment costs where possible. Watch the full episode https://www.youtube.com/live/xahSSkhE3x0?si=5NzSoAP3KGCKZ8S About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube.  The discussion formed part of the October awareness series on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which is focusing on breast cancer and cerebral palsy awareness and encouraging the public to pay greater attention to health, early detection, and timely medical care.

News, Virtual University

Mental Health Should Form Part of Workplace Assessment, Psychologists Advise

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Mental health assessment should form part of workplace employee screening and support systems because psychological well-being can have a direct impact on productivity, relationships and performance, two clinical psychologists have advised. Dr Isaac Newman Arthur and Linda Dede Ahulu made the call when they appeared on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, where they discussed the influence of the mind on human behaviour, performance and achievement. According to Dr Arthur, organisations often assess employees for physical health conditions but pay little attention to their mental well-being, even though psychological challenges can affect how people function at work. He said mental health assessments could help organisations better understand their employees, improve placement, identify areas where support may be needed and develop appropriate mental health policies. Dr Arthur disclosed that an assessment he conducted for one organisation found that about 54% of the team members were sufficiently angry to potentially act inappropriately at work. He explained that such assessments were not intended to victimize employees or provide grounds for dismissal, but to give organisations a clearer understanding of the psychological state of their workforce and the interventions that may be required. “It’s confidential,” he said, explaining that organisations could receive a general picture of the team’s psychosocial environment without being given individuals’ private medical information. He said organisations needed to recognise that people come to the workplace with different backgrounds and experiences, some of which may affect their ability to cope with pressure, form relationships, regulate their emotions and achieve goals. Dr Arthur identified six areas that can be affected by a person’s mental state: the ability to cope and adjust to life situations, form and maintain meaningful relationships, develop healthy perceptions of people and events, live independently, achieve meaningful goals and contribute to society. He said these factors could influence how employees respond to authority, colleagues, responsibilities and workplace demands. Linda Dede Ahulu, also a clinical psychologist, said relatives and other people close to individuals experiencing difficulties had an important role to play by encouraging them to seek professional help. She noted that mental health challenges often affect more than a person’s work, extending to relationships and other areas of life. According to her, people experiencing psychological difficulties may not always recognise that they need help because they have become accustomed to living with their challenges. She also identified stigma as a major barrier to seeking mental health support, saying some people were more comfortable being identified with physical illnesses than with mental health conditions. Madam Lynda stressed that seeking psychological help should not be viewed negatively, noting that people could experience significant improvement after receiving appropriate support. The discussion also highlighted the influence of childhood experiences on adult behaviour. Dr Arthur explained that a person’s development is shaped by a combination of genetic factors, socialization and experiences within their environment. He said experiences from childhood can influence how people regulate emotions, respond to stress and interact with others later in life. However, both psychologists stressed that a person’s current condition does not have to determine their future. Madam Lynda said there was always a possibility for change and encouraged people who recognise that they need help to seek it, while Dr Arthur similarly urged individuals to examine their lives and seek professional assistance where necessary, saying that healing could change how a person thinks about life and improve their ability to function. Watch full episode here…. https://www.youtube.com/live/CSRsp4Hpz0Y?si=ZaeimDjERxqVcAks 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

News, Virtual University

Springboard Virtual University at 18: Young People Rethink Marriage, Relationships and Readiness

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Young people have challenged conventional expectations about marriage, saying the decision to marry should be based on personal values, compatibility, readiness and the ability to build together rather than simply meeting social expectations. The views emerged during a special 18th anniversary edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, which gave young people an opportunity to speak openly about marriage, dating, friendships, mentoring, networking and the pressures that shape their choices. The broadcast, themed What Young People Are Saying, deliberately moved away from giving young people prescribed answers and instead invited them to share their actual views, including areas where they were uncertain or disagreed with one another. One of the most striking debates centred on whether young people should wait until they were financially established before getting married. One participant said he would want to have his own house, a vehicle, sufficient money and a trust fund for his future children before marriage. He said he would have no problem getting married at 50 if that was what it took to achieve those goals. The position, however, was challenged by Charles Karim Bosomprah, Chief Executive Officer of Prymage Consultancy, who argued that marriage could also be a partnership in which two people build their future together. Mr Bosomprah said young people could find the right person and begin building together rather than waiting until they had completed every personal and financial goal. He explained that couples who understand the journey they are beginning together can achieve more by building as partners than by trying to complete everything individually before marriage. The discussion also raised questions about whether young people are placing too much emphasis on physical appearance when choosing partners. While some participants prioritised values, another openly admitted that physical attraction would come first because a person needed to be attracted to someone before taking time to discover their values. The debate over marriage also extended to age, with participants offering different views on the appropriate time to marry and whether a partner should be older or younger. Rather than settling on a single answer, the discussion highlighted the increasingly individual nature of decisions about marriage among young people. The broadcast then turned to another area of concern: how young people build relationships and professional networks. Participants debated whether relationships should be deliberately targeted or allowed to develop organically. While some supported deliberately approaching people whose experience or networks could contribute to their growth, others warned against approaching relationships solely for personal gain. One participant said young people often focus on what they can get from accomplished people without considering what they themselves can contribute. Mr. Chris Diaba, a People Capability leader and coach who participated in the discussion, similarly stressed the importance of becoming valuable to others in building meaningful relationships. He said people who value relationships should not focus only on what others can do for them, but should also consider how they can support and add value to those relationships. The discussion formed the second part of the special anniversary series, following an earlier edition that focused on themes including leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and technology. For host Pastor Albert Ocran, the decision to place young people at the centre of the anniversary conversations was deliberate. He said Springboard could not assume that intelligent, ambitious and accomplished young people did not have ideas of their own, stressing the importance of allowing them to express those ideas freely. He also encouraged participants to remain open to changing their views when new knowledge and life experiences challenged their earlier positions. The special broadcast marked 18 years since Springboard, Your Virtual University began broadcasting on August 4, 2008. Pastor Albert Ocran used the anniversary to acknowledge the programme’s listeners and viewers, resource persons, sponsors, media partners and production team, whose support has sustained the programme over the years. The anniversary conversation ultimately revealed a generation that is willing to question established expectations about marriage, financial readiness, relationships and personal development. Rather than presenting one definition of what young adulthood should look like, the young participants offered different perspectives, openly acknowledged uncertainty and challenged one another’s assumptions. For Springboard, Your Virtual University, the significance of the 18th anniversary was therefore not only a celebration of how far the programme has come, but also an opportunity to listen to the generation it has spent nearly two decades speaking to. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/aSkI9sLvTUw?si=DdWNgwLkSNXezpqE 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

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

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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

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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

Hangout

Integrity Opens Doors You Cannot Yet See, Angela Berko Tells Young People

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Young people should treat every opportunity they receive with integrity because today’s responsibilities could become the foundation for tomorrow’s leadership, Ghanaian healthcare entrepreneur Angela Berko has advised. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the Co-Founder and Director of McAngel Home Visiting Nurses in the United States said many people fail to recognize that the habits they build while working for others often prepare them for opportunities they have not yet imagined. Drawing from her own journey, the Registered Nurse recalled how, as a young employee at Legacy and Legacy, she was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including managing company finances and accounting for thousands of books sold during nationwide programmes. At the time, she simply focused on carrying out her duties faithfully, without realizing the experience was preparing her to one day lead her own healthcare organization. “It started there at that time. I did not know it, but it started there,” she said, explaining that the discipline, accountability, and attention to detail she developed early in her career continue to shape how she runs her business today. The Director, who now leads a home healthcare company employing between 40 and 50 professionals in the United States, said success in leadership begins long before someone starts a business. According to her, young professionals should approach every assignment with honesty because they never know where the experience may lead. “Whatever your hands are found to do now, whether you are working for yourself or someone else, have that level of integrity because you never know the stage being set for you as you are learning, studying, and watching,” she said. She also cautioned young people against rushing into entrepreneurship before they have gained the necessary knowledge and experience. “There are times we are in a hurry to move and be on our own, and you may not be ready. The spotlight can be very bright, and when you are not ready, it will burn you to a crisp. Study quietly, sometimes in the shadows. You do not know what you are learning until you are put on the spot,” she advised. She further encouraged young people not to underestimate their potential, saying every individual possesses abilities that can produce remarkable results if they remain disciplined and believe in themselves. “We all have such potential in us that has been put in us by God, and the reach of our dreams is only limited by our thoughts,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey from serving as an intern in Ghana to becoming the head of a successful healthcare company in the United States, The co-Founder said she would encourage her younger self to begin the journey without hesitation because every lesson learned along the way eventually contributed to her success. Watch the full episode here:  https://www.youtube.com/live/bRBxcIXnVd8?si=ttfxmMt2sC7d5w04 About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

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

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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

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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

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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