Millicent Clarke authors ‘Millie: My Gift Of Bangles’ on leadership

Milicent Clarke, a global human capital leader whose work has covered 22 countries, has launched her first book which highlights the power of resilience, self-belief and leadership in overcoming life's challenges.

The launch was attended by notable corporate individuals and leaders.

Titled, “Millie: My Gift of Bangles”, the book, launched at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, reflects the numerous figurative bangles comprising precious and non-precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, glass, wood, ferrous metals, plastic and even paper, that were gifted to the author by her leaders. 

At the launch, Ms Clarke captivated the audience with reflections on her own journey.

“Growing up as the first child of five, my initial experience of leadership came from managing my siblings and taking responsibility in our home,” she said, recounting her journey from Achimota Primary to Archbishop Porter Girls and later to a fulfilling corporate career.

She emphasised that her book was not just about her career lessons, but also some of the life lessons she had learnt from the leaders she had been privileged to work with throughout her career.

Written with aspiring leaders in mind, Millie: My Gift of Bangles offers a powerful message for anyone facing the pressures of leadership or breaking barriers, especially women in the corporate world.

“Each story in Millie: My Gift of Bangles comes with a lesson, dedicated to all leaders and to those aspiring to lead. This is for anyone who feels the weight of being different and for women making strides in the corporate world,” she said, stressing: “Enjoy my gift of bangles, and let it remind you to break every barrier.”

Guide

The Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah, who was the special guest at the book launch, lauded the book as a guide for those striving to create their own opportunities and navigate challenges.

“This book reminds us that opportunities do not simply appear before us, but we must make our own paths and build bridges over the challenges we encounter,” Sir Sam, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, said.

Reflecting on the shared experiences of resilience, he added, “Every setback teaches resilience; every failure brings wisdom. While our backgrounds shape us, they should never confine us. Through sheer determination and belief in something greater, we rise.”

“Leadership is a privilege, a responsibility, and above all, a profound trust shaped by the perspectives we share with others,” the business executive added.

FirstBank Ghana’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Victor Yaw Asante, who unveiled the book, Millie: My Gift of Bangles, said it is a compelling new book packaged in 20 unique chapters that explore exceptional leadership qualities and experiences, stating, “This book offers profound insights into leadership and I encourage everyone aspiring to lead to get a copy.”

He also extended appreciation to all who purchased the book, noting that they would be “rewarded with the bangles that Millie has shared with us” symbolising the valuable lessons in the book.

Millicent Clarke was named Millicent Afriyie Donkor at birth. She is the immediate past Human Resource Director for StanChart Africa.

Her mantra is “if you want to score, go to the field and play. Don’t sit on the sidelines.”

Millie: My Gift of Bangles is now available at selected bookshops in the country and online.