Akua Nyame-Mensah’s Post

Can you believe it's already Q2?! While many are finalizing reports, I'm diving into my plan for the next three months. Today, I want to share my goal-setting approach, which focuses on conscious choices and consistent check-ins. Making Strategy Simple: Every year, I choose a theme – a word or phrase that embodies my desired mindset and drives my behavior. This year, it's "Allow It." This means trusting my existing processes, leveraging my network, and embracing a flow state. Breaking it Down: So, what does "Allow It" look like in action? I've broken it down into three sub-themes: 🚰 Effortlessly Tap My Network: Building on my existing connections, fostering relationships, and collaborating with incredible people I've already met. 😌 Simple is Best: Approaching projects with a "less is more" mentality, creating win-win situations, and avoiding over-complicated solutions. 🎯 Trust and Follow the Process: Leveraging the structures I've built over five years and trusting my established processes. Staying on Track: Monthly check-ins are my secret sauce. They keep me accountable, prevent me from slipping into autopilot mode, and ensure I'm still aligned with my theme. My Next Steps: So, what's on the agenda for the next quarter? 1️⃣ Simplifying my Message: It's time to refine how I talk about my work. Spoiler alert: there's more to it than just coaching and facilitating. 2️⃣ Network Nurture: I'm deep-diving into my network, reconnecting with valuable contacts, and exploring collaboration opportunities. 3️⃣ Website Tweak: Adding a chat function for easier client connections. I've been putting off a small change with a potentially significant impact for far too long. 4️⃣ Podcast Rethink: While I loved my podcast, it's time to evaluate its future. Time and financial commitments are no joke, so I'm exploring alternative content delivery options. 👉🏾 Your Turn: When was the last time you made a conscious choice in your business? How often do you check in and re-evaluate those decisions? Remember: Strategy doesn't need to be complex. Choose your direction, commit to it, and adjust as you go. Have a great weekend! 📸: Working hard with a refreshing cup of orange juice. #GoalSetting #StrategySimplified #QuarterlyReflection #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StrategicChoices #Reflection #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment

Join us Tomorrow, Thursday, April 18th! 🔗 The link to register is in the comments. — 👋🏿 Hi, I'm Akua! ⭐ Host of the #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable 🗓️ A virtual roundtable for senior leaders committed to building more productive and profitable businesses. #executives #leadership #entrepreneurship #peoplebeforestrategy #leadershipdevelopment

In our pursuit of growth and innovation, it's easy to get caught up in constantly pushing outside our comfort zones. But as leaders, it's crucial to remember the importance of self-care and maintaining balance. Reflecting on my own experiences, I've come to realize that while discomfort can be a catalyst for growth, it's equally important to prioritize our well-being. Leadership is not about constantly operating in a state of stress and anxiety. It's about building sustainable habits and routines that support our mental and emotional health. As we strive to push boundaries and drive change, let's also make time for self-care and reflection. Let's create space for processing and 'coping' with the inevitable challenges that come with leadership. Remember, it's okay (and necessary) to step outside your comfort zone, but it's equally important to prioritize your well-being along the way. What is your favorite way to wind down or center yourself? 👇🏽 Let me know below. I share my favorite habits and rituals in the comments. #Leadership #SelfCare #WellBeing #Balance #ComfortZones #Executives #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

As leaders, we all know the importance of 'composure.' But let's be honest, sometimes a frustrating situation can threaten to derail our entire day. A few weeks ago I had a personal experience that highlighted a significant area of growth for me: self-regulation. 😣 The Struggle is Real: Recently, I faced a seemingly simple task - making a payment. However, unexpected hurdles arose. In the past, this would have sent me on a downward spiral – frustration simmering into anger, impacting not just that interaction, but potentially overflowing into other areas of my day. ⚙️ The Shift: This time, something different happened. Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, I took a pause. This allowed me to process the situation, recognize my rising emotions, and choose a more measured response. While slightly annoyed, I calmly explained the situation and explored alternative solutions. 🥡 The Takeaway: Witnessing my ability to self-regulate was a powerful moment. It wasn't about being 'stoic,' but about consciously choosing my response. This shift in perspective not only preserved the interaction but allowed me to find a solution and move on with my day, even catching my yoga class (albeit a little late!). ❓ We all face frustrations on the job. Where have you witnessed growth in your ability to self-regulate? How do you find ways to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your personal wins? Let me know below 👇🏽 📸: When my glasses come off you know it going down. Lol. #Executives #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PeopleBeforeStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #AskAkua

During our March Roundtable, we challenged traditional views on what drives excellence in the workplace. Guest expert Podge Thomas described previous experiences in which employees spent more time navigating complex policies than their actual roles. How can they be expected to perform when the policies and culture hold them back? My second guest expert, Tafadzwa Bete Sasa, argued that intrinsic motivation better supports growth than extrinsic factors like recognition. As leaders, how well do we understand what truly motivates our people beyond surface-level assumptions? One Roundtable participant recalled productivity suffering due to interpersonal "drama." As leaders, we must reflect on removing such barriers. Tafadzwa proposed reframing targets (or KPIs, OKRs...) as challenges to be solved innovatively rather than duties. For example, she shared that a hospital client discovered that performance improved when leaders framed performance conversations around patient care rather than metrics. By empowering flexibility and aligning work with life priorities, could we inspire ownership? Want to join these types of conversations and reframe excellence on your team? Join the next #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable. The link to register is in the comments. #Executives #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #AskAkua

"...But, we have always done it this way." As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating the delicate balance between comfort and discomfort. But what if we challenged the conventional notion of comfort zones within our companies? Reflecting on the concept of comfort zones, I've come to realize that they're not just about feeling at ease or in control. They're about recognizing when it's time to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. As leaders, we have the power to influence change within our organizations. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we can challenge existing policies, rethink traditional norms, and pave the way for a more dynamic and inclusive workplace culture. What 'comfort zones' should be redefined in your workplace? #Leadership #ComfortZones #Innovation #ChangeManagement #Executives #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PeopleBeforeStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment

This week, I spent 12 hours co-facilitating workshops for my clients and as a subcontractor. But the secret most participants wouldn't guess... ...is the craziness behind the scenes. There's the pre-session scramble: ✅ Selecting the 'right' competencies to focus on. ✅ Googling like a mad scientist and interviewing subject matter experts to craft the perfect content. ✅ Wrestling with hundreds of slides (yes, hundreds!). Then comes the co-facilitation dance. We (attempt to) meticulously choreograph who delivers what, sprinkle in engaging activities, and strive to make the content informative and applicable to everyone's professional life. Beyond us, there's often a silent hero - the producer. They manage breakout rooms, troubleshoot tech issues, and ensure everyone has the necessary resources. So, the next time you see a polished virtual session, remember that a whole team (sometimes hidden) is pouring their energy into it. This week has reminded me that I'm incredibly grateful for: 🙏🏿 My amazing partners who trust me with their projects and clients. 🙏🏿 My incredible co-facilitators worldwide – we're a team in every sense. 🙏🏿 Those invisible producers who make everything run smoothly. ✨ While I'm a proud solopreneur, collaborating with these incredible people takes everything to a new level. Here's to embracing the chaos, celebrating the partnerships, and continuing to make an impact. Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with gratitude and reflection. 📸 This picture is from one of the few in-person workshops I hosted last year for amazing founders working with Madica. #LeadershipDevelopment #Facilitation #Gratitude #BehindTheScenes #Virtualtraining

Direct, proactive communication should replace reliance on manuals and policies. During our March Roundtable, we discussed the pitfalls of overreliance on rigid policies. One of our guest experts recounted an incident from her former workplace, where a series of websites were blocked due to one isolated incident. This incident highlighted a reactive approach that stifled open dialogue and limited other employees' ability to conduct research and get work done. This anecdote prompted reflection on the origins of our processes. Are our policies born out of genuine necessity, or do they accumulate over time, masking deeper issues of trust and communication? Have you audited your own policies (and resulting culture) to identify where distrust replaced discussion and flexibility? It's crucial to question our practices, fostering an environment of psychological safety where open feedback is valued. It's easy to fall into the trap of implementing blanket constraints for minor issues. However, true progress comes from addressing concerns through respectful dialogue and collaboration. Ownership emerges when as many voices as possible are heard and lessons are learned from successes and challenges. As leaders, let's reflect critically on whether our current approaches maximize potential or unintentionally create barriers to growth. Ready to engage in these transformative conversations with other leaders? Join my next #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable, a one-hour free session for leaders committed to building more productive and profitable businesses. Register now to reserve your spot and be part of the change! The link is in the comments. #WorkplaceCulture #Communication #Leadership #Flexibility #GrowthMindset #Executives #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopmen

At our last #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable, a participant asked about employees' mentality of merely meeting expectations. We discussed ownership beyond job descriptions. My guest experts and I agreed that it is the leader's responsibility to remove barriers and obstacles that hinder team members from exceeding expectations. Read more about our conversation below 👇🏽

Volunteering has always been close to my heart. I enjoy offering my time and energy to those who need help. In fact, I have even designed my business to provide free or heavily discounted support to specific partners. However, lately, I have been in situations where I feel that my generosity is being taken for granted. A simple coffee chat has turned into a free consulting call. Or, a free coaching call that keeps getting canceled at the last minute. I have even been asked to provide free bespoke training that would take a lot of my time and energy. This has caused me to feel resentment, which is not conducive to productive conversations or sessions. I value my time, whether paid or not. I recognize my own imperfections – from occasionally showing up late to missing calls. However, I believe that respecting each other's time should be a universal principle. So, how do we navigate these feelings of resentment? How can we ensure we're making the most of the opportunities presented to us without compromising our well-being or livelihood? For me, it's about setting boundaries and making tough decisions to remove myself from situations that no longer serve me. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I'm committed to becoming better at advocating for my own needs while still extending a helping hand to others. How do you show up when faced with resentment? And how do you navigate situations where you feel taken advantage of? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. And if you're interested in learning how to advocate for yourself, I invite you to join my #IAmRemarkable workshop next week. In this workshop, you will explore the importance of self-promotion in your personal and professional life and become more comfortable and confident in sharing your accomplishments. Though the #IAmRemarkable workshop is focused on strengthening your self-promotion skills, it can also help you (re)build your confidence and remind you of your value (and values), which will enable you to set effective boundaries and advocate for yourself. 🔗 Register to secure your seat. The link is in the comments. Hope to see you there!