Continuous learning, relationship building key to making impact — Editor Graphic

The Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, has underscored the importance of intentional repositioning, continuous learning and relationship-building as key strategies for staying relevant in today’s fast-changing world.

Speaking at this year’s Practical Christianity Hangout (PCH) held at ICGC’s New Wine Temple, East Legon, last Wednesday, on the theme: “How To Reposition Yourself To Stay Relevant,” Mr Yartey shared his journey of growth and reinvention, encouraging the audience to be intentional about adding value to themselves.

Early career

Recounting his early career, Mr Yartey revealed that he began as an entertainment journalist, with a focus on gospel music at a time when the genre received little attention.

Despite initial success, he realised he needed to be intentional and strategic about his career path to achieve greater impact.

“At a point, I asked myself: If they are looking for the best entertainment reporters, would they look for me?

The answer was no. That was when I decided to reposition myself,” he said.

He stated that his transition into general reporting and later into business journalism was driven by a conscious effort to seek growth opportunities, the same reason he later pursued banking and finance education to better understand the corporate world, despite struggling initially.

He emphasised that key career moments often came through challenges, noting that they were not always pleasant, but they shaped you.

“Sometimes, the key moments are not moments that are pleasant.

They are moments that your elbows will be bruised and there will be failures most of the time, but those are your key moments,” he said.

Lessons

Mr Yartey stressed that building authentic connections and strong social capital was crucial in navigating career transitions.

“I benefited from building connections. Some of you must learn to build connections wherever you find yourself. I made the efforts to build relationships across the board, and I’ve benefited from some of these relationships,” he stated.

Mr Yartey also stressed the importance of innovation and adaptability, urging professionals to always have a Plan B and think outside the box to stay competitive.

“Learn to think outside your box, especially for those in creative fields like journalism, you must always have a plan B.

You must always be able to answer the question: What if this doesn’t work?

What if this works?” he said. 

Another important lesson, he said, was to know yourself.

Referencing the biblical story of David and Goliath, he said: “If you look at David, when David was going to fight Goliath, he knew which position he needed to stand. He knew which regalia he had to put on. I know myself and that’s a lesson we must all learn.”

“No matter how you push me, I know what I’m able to do and what I’m not able to do.

Sometimes, you can be pushed out of your comfort zone, but make sure that you don’t look yourself in the mirror and you can’t recognise yourself.

You should always be true to yourself,” Mr Yartey said. 

Communication skills

Turning to communication skills, Mr Yartey urged professionals to sharpen their communication skills.

“When we were growing up, one thing our parents didn’t do was to help us in public speaking. We were never taught public speaking.

In fact, we were not made to talk, and that affected us.”

He pointed out that poor communication skills affected career growth.

“Most people cannot sell themselves to their bosses or at interviews because their communication skills are very bad.

And some who think that they have mastered it go overboard,” he said.

To improve, he advised that “when you wake up in the morning, the mirror or the bathroom is the best place to rehearse.

You stand in front of the mirror or in the bathroom, you speak, you go over and over, and every time you try to improve yourself.”