Entrepreneurial spirit key to thriving in uncertainty - Vodafone HR Director

The Human Resources Director for Vodafone Ghana, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, has stressed the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within organisations, a concept she referred to as “intrapreneurship.”

She said it is important for organisations to create an environment that encourages innovation and does not punish failure, as failure often accompanies innovation.

Speaking at the What I Wish I Knew (WIWIK) 2023 conference at the University of Ghana Business School, Mrs Akrong said “Employees need to understand an organisation’s strategy and values to align their innovative ideas with the organisation’s goals. An open culture that promotes trust is crucial for this understanding and alignment.”

The conference, themed “Thriving in Uncertainty,” brought together a diverse group of speakers, including Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng (retd), President of UT Holdings, Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies and Carol Jarvis, Professor in Knowledge Exchange & Innovation at the Bristol Business School, UK.

She further underscored the importance of integrity and trust in business, introducing the concept of the “say-do ratio,” which refers to the consistency between what one promises and what one delivers. “High integrity and trust are crucial for maintaining a good say-do ratio,” added.

Sharing her personal experience, Mrs Ashiokai, an alumnus of the University of Ghana Business School, encouraged individuals to gain experience and not rush the journey to finding their career path.

“You have to take those jobs on the way to building your career. Sometimes we're in such a hurry to make that money right now, but the experience is just as important,” she advised.