A cross-section of Ghana’s business elite, successful entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders gathered at the Marriott Hotel in Accra last Thursday evening for an intellectually stimulating launch of the book, “Mastering Leadership: Principles, Practice and Lessons”.
The event, which transformed into a masterclass on leadership, was headlined by a profound conversation between the book's co-authors, renowned business leader Sir Sam Jonah, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, and Professor Pikay Richardson, an acclaimed academic and business strategist.
The dialogue, deftly moderated by seasoned broadcaster, Bernard Avle of Citi FM/Citi TV, delved into the core themes of the book, with the authors dissecting the very essence of leadership beyond mere title or position.
Sir Sam Jonah, drawing from his decades of experience at the helm of major corporations, shared invaluable insights from the frontlines of business, emphasising the non-negotiable pillars of legacy, vision and purpose in effective leadership.
“Leadership is about building something that outlives you. It is about having a clear vision and the purpose to see it through, even in the face of adversity,” Sir Sam said, captivating the audience with anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom.
In a poignant and personal commitment to gender equity, Sir Sam Jonah declared a heartfelt desire for his legacy to be intertwined with his advocacy for women.
“When I am called to my maker,” he stated with conviction, “I want to be remembered for always championing the right dreams and aspirations of women,” he said, the powerful statement resonating deeply with the audience, highlighting a critical dimension of modern leadership.
Born leaders
Professor Richardson, providing the academic and theoretical framework, complemented the practical perspectives with a deep dive into the principles that underpin successful leadership.
He stressed the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in today’s complex global business environment.
For him, leadership was not something people were born with but rather something to be studied.
The conversation between the two authors was described by attendees as “intense”, “interesting” and “inspirational” as they seamlessly wove together theoretical models with real-world applications, offering a holistic view on what it took to become a masterful leader.
The moderator, Mr Avle, skillfully guided the discussion, posing probing questions that challenged the authors and unearthed nuanced perspectives on contemporary leadership challenges in Ghana and Africa.
The atmosphere at the venue was one of keen engagement, as the audience, comprising mainly "affluent and go-getting Ghanaians", listened attentively, absorbing the shared experiences and ideas.
The event served not only as a platform to launch a book, but also as a networking hub for the nation’s current and future leaders.
“Mastering Leadership: Principles, Practice and Lessons” is expected to become an essential reference for professionals, entrepreneurs and anyone seeking to enhance their capacity to lead effectively in their respective fields.
The launch successfully underscored the timeless importance of principled leadership in driving personal, organisational and national development.
Auction
The intellectual discourse was followed by an auction of the book, which aimed to raise a significant sum for its associated initiatives.
The initial target of one million cedis was met with such overwhelming generosity that it was raised in under six minutes.
The record-breaking pace was set from the outset, with the inaugural copy acquired for GH¢100,000 by Samantha Jonah, daughter of Sir Sam Jonah.
In response, the organisers boldly revised the target to two million cedis.
It was at this pivotal moment that businessman, Ibrahim Mahama, entered the venue.
Upon his arrival, he inquired about the ongoing activity and was briefed on the new fundraising goal.
Without hesitation, Mr Mahama declared: “Then let’s close, I will pay”, a commanding gesture that drew a wave of astonishment and rapturous applause from the assembled guests, effectively sealing the auction's triumphant conclusion.
