Name: Emmanuel Nii Addo Mensah

Title: Managing Partner

Organisation: Makers and Partners

Nii Addo Mensah is a top management executive with over 16 years of professional experience in assisting businesses to navigate the complex field of transactions and deals including Audit, Taxation, due diligence, Forensic Audit, investment appraisals, Risk Management, Business Advisory and business valuations.

He has also acted as a Private liquidator under the Companies Act of Ghana. He is continuous in giving strategic direction to Companies in the Oil and Gas, Commerce, Construction, Waste Management, Transport, NGOs, Agricultural, and Gaming industries As a Fraud Examiner, He has carried out Financial Statements Forensic Audit or Investigations in companies that operates in the various sectors of the Economy.

As a Professional, he has worked with international Companies in the UK, Belgium, USA, South Africa, and Nigeria that have a presence in Ghana. Nii Addo Mensah has experience in dealing with the following Ghanaian Government Institutes the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Registrar General of Ghana, the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Ghana Free Zones Company, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Commodity Exchange, the Security and Exchange Commission and many other Government bodies.

His vision is to become an expert in my field of endeavor, blazing challenges with innovation, Integrity, and cutting-edge solutions that will put him a step ahead of his competitors. He is passionate about reducing unemployment in Africa.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Emmanuel's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Change management, Communicating feedback, Motivation and team development.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

In Kissi Consult, I was fortunate to solve complex problems and Focus on other nonassurance services that most of my colleagues were not willing to explore. This allowed me to showcase my skills and expertise in areas that were not traditionally associated with our organization. As I consistently delivered successful outcomes and exceeded expectations, my colleagues began to recognize my leadership potential.

I was then allowed to lead a team on a high-profile project, where I further proved my ability to effectively guide and motivate others towards a common goal. Through my dedication, innovative thinking, and willingness to take on challenges, I gradually earned the trust and respect of my peers, ultimately leading to my position as a leader at Kissi Consult. Now as the Managing Partner at Makers and Partners, I continue to utilize my leadership skills and build upon my previous successes.

I am responsible for overseeing the overall operation of the company, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the growth and success of both our clients and our team. With a strong focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, I strive to empower and inspire my colleagues to reach their full potential.

By constantly staying updated on industry trends and implementing innovative strategies, I aim to position Makers and Partners as a leader in our field, delivering exceptional results for our clients and maintaining our reputation as a trusted and reliable consulting firm.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

In the morning, I typically start by reviewing my schedule and prioritizing tasks for the day. I then make sure to allocate time for team meetings and individual check-ins, as fostering open communication is crucial for collaboration. Throughout the day, I stay proactive in addressing any challenges that arise and providing support to my colleagues when needed.

I also make it a point to take short breaks to recharge and maintain focus. In the evening, I reflect on the day's accomplishments and identify areas for improvement. I wind down by disconnecting from work and engaging in activities that help me relax and recharge for the next day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Never be greedy!!! Always prioritize the success and well-being of your team over personal gain. True leadership involves nurturing and supporting those around you. I am committed to ongoing self-development and the development of others to foster better leadership every day. In my belief, genuine leadership is a continuous journey of self-improvement and empowerment of others.

A recent lesson I've learned in leadership emphasizes the significance of effective communication. Building trust and fostering a positive work environment hinges on clear and open communication. Actively listening to the concerns and ideas of team members, and providing constructive feedback is crucial to ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated. By consistently honing my communication skills, I aim to cultivate a culture of collaboration and growth within my team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

See the things that you want as already yours.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Recognizing a team member grappling with a burdensome workload and nearing burnout, I chose not to delegate the task but instead took the initiative to engage in a meaningful conversation. Sitting down with them, I actively listened to their concerns and frustrations. Demonstrating empathy and understanding not only relieved their workload but also strengthened the trust and support within the team.

This experience highlighted the transformative impact of effective communication, addressing and resolving issues. Surprisingly, effective communication, which was once my biggest fear, proved to be the key to cultivating a more positive and productive work environment.