Letting Life Run Its Course

Lessons From #AnEveningWith Hon. Hannah Tetteh

At the launch of Alldens Lane’s WCEO Academy last Saturday, I and a few women CEOs and entrepreneurs had the wonderful privilege of spending an evening with Hon. Hannah Tetteh, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister. Convened by Alldens Lane, hosted by Chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu and partnered by Inen PR, the evening spoke to the deep aspirations and ambitions of women entrepreneurs and CEOs who have chosen the road less travelled on a journey to fulfill personal aspirations and attain economic empowerment. On the path of that road less travelled, and as a measure of their success, these women have inadvertently found themselves being unintentional leaders and mentors, even as they themselves seek yet more knowledge, insight and inspiration from like-minded peers and seniors alike.

It was in this manner and form of collective learning and shared wisdom that, over a sumptuous four course gourmet dinner, guests sought lessons in living from our guest of honor. Below I provide excerpts from the evening.

Best Piece of Advice You’ve Received?
A German boss once advised me, in broken English, “use your time sensefully”. It’s vital to make the best use of your time. On a daily basis I set ‘must dos’ and priorities as I ask myself what is crucial for me to achieve this day.

Your Most Important Daily Habit?
I use the first thirty minutes of my day for me and me alone. That’s when I reflect of the previous day and plan a better today.

The Biggest Challenge Faced In Your Work?
Working efficiently and effectively within resource constraints. Seeking to fulfill set objectives, and trying to implement activities notwithstanding all the challenges that make implementation difficult. Keeping things going despite the resource constraints

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet or would have liked to have met?
Nelson Mandela, for his humanity, charity and compassion. He rose above the hate and injustice of his perpetrators and focused on a united vision for South Africa’s future. That’s noble.

Favorite Quote?
Your thoughts become your words, your words become your deeds and your deeds become your character. Therefore be careful with your thoughts.

Favorite Book?
I have 3 favorites – The Political Brain by Drew Westen; The Downing Street Years by Margaret Thatcher; and From Third World to First, by Lee Kuan YewAdvice To Your Younger Self?Let life run its course. Enjoy life as it comes. It is very rare for things to work out exactly as you plan. Take time to enjoy the journeyYour

Favorite Adinkra Symbol and Why?
Nkyinkyim. Having to play so many roles but even within the maze and the zig zag, the constant search and need for versatility and dynamism to return to a firm, balanced base for each role.

Advice To An Aspiring Female Politician?
In politics you need the legitimacy of a political party in politics so decide where you want to engage. Politics is about people and nothing comes on a silver platter. You must work from the bottom and build yourself up.

Best Part Of My Work?
Networking and meeting so many different people