GREAT BY CHOICE by James C. Collins: Uncertainty, Chaos and Luck – Why Some Thrive Despite Them All

At the recent three day residential retreat which took place at The Royal Senchi in Akosombo, GCIC gathered established entrepreneurs and business leaders from across West Africa to engage our Cohort 1 entrepreneurs on starting, operating and growing intentional businesses.  Over the three days, a total of six interactive sessions were held, all with the objective of inspiring our entrepreneurs to be intentional with their business vision, business leadership and business operations.

Using examples from their own entrepreneurial journeys, our guests distilled on the necessity of being purposeful with an idea, the responsibility of being patient with its delivery, and the privilege of the societal dividend of transforming oneself, one’s team, one’s clients and society in the process. Invited speakers included: Nana Kofi Acquah (award-winning photojournalist), Habiba Ali (Sosai Renewable Energies Company), Achenyo Idachaba (MitiMeth), Selassie Atadika (Midunu), Mo Issa (Kimo), Bright Simons(mPedigree), and Samuel Yeboah (Mirepa Capital).

Inspired by James C. Collins’s book, Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos and Luck – Why Some Thrive Despite Them All, the inaugural Wellbeing Programme was executed under the theme: Great by Choice: Social Enterprise, Transformational Leadership and The Intentional Business. A total of 6 sessions were held, including plenary, lakeside chats, workshop style discussions, simulated business transformation horizon planning sessions. Our first cohort were inspired and challenged to push their businesses further.

Key highlights from facilitators include:

Habiba Ali, founder of Sosai Renewable Energies Company, who channeled her anger into a business that has touched thousands. For her, customer relations is everything. Her key business pointers:

• Engage your customers. Get to know them.
• Organisational wellness is important. Evolve.
• Constantly coach your staff and team.
• Remember your customers as you transform – they evolve too.

Richard Amato of IC2 Institute’s keepers shared the following

• Always think ahead
• Accountability is key
• Document processes
• Wellbeing: It’s ok to cry
• Begin with the end in mind
• Sharpen the saw (rest)
• There is no silver bullet
• Fail fast

A recap of other incredible takeaways from our #GCICRetreat Speakers include:

• “Self-care is important” – Selasie of Midunu
• Running a good business entails being a good person, caring about others – Nana Kofi Acquah
• The 3Ms are business essentials: Mindset, Money, Marketing – Mo Issa
• “You can’t be arrogant about the present, only the future” – Bright Simons
• “Communication is also about listening well” – Charlotte B. Ntim
• “Failure is part of the journey to success” – Samuel Yeboah
• “Language is not a barrier” – Achenyo of MitiMeth Handcrafted Home Decor and Personal Accessories

#GCICRetreat #GreatByChoice