Executive and Leadership expert Akua is celebrating a remarkable milestone of producing 100 podcast episodes of The Open Door Conversation Podcast.In this episode, Akua reflects on her journey of starting her podcast and how her vision has changed. With being 5 years in business, Akua shares the key lessons she learned professionally and personally. While taking a hiatus from social media, Akua looks forward to continuing her leadership framework and hosting People Before Strategy roundtables, providing a safe space for open conversations, which will be a great place for networking, and she will be answering questions.This episode is a testament to five years of growth, learning, and unwavering dedication.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this Episode:Akua is reflecting on the journey of starting her podcasting and how her vision has changed.Akua highlights the key lessons she learned both professionally and personally from producing 100 episodes andShe talks about navigating the challenges of running an online business.Looking ahead about what the goal is for the next phase of her podcast and her business Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Embracing change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but when it comes to the business world, it's a necessary skill for leaders. Executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame Mensah has recently gone through the rebranding process, and in this episode, she shares the importance of evolving and staying relevant as a business leader. If you don't think you need a brand, or you're thinking of rebranding yourself and/or your business, this episode is for you. Akua dives into the specific reasons she wanted to rebrand, including matching her current look, reflecting her image in the corporate world, and more explicitly presenting her offerings. Learn the importance of evolving in your personal and professional life, how to stay adaptable, and why investing in expert support can be a game changer when it comes to a rebrand. Highlights in this Episode:Learn the many reasons to consider a rebrand and why you might be overdue for one.Akua discusses personal challenges during her rebranding journey, including analysis paralysis, unrealistic timelines, and delegation hurdles. Get tips on how to overcome these and other challenges. Understand the benefits of rebranding, including improved brand positioning, enhanced visuals, a well-defined funnel, and alignment with marketing and content strategies.Akua acknowledges the pivotal role of leveraging experts in various aspects of her rebrand, from design and copywriting to strategy. Discover why you should consider your own rebranding opportunities, the importance of authenticity, and how to find genuine fulfillment in the process.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/surveyWork with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-meConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Executive and leadership coaching, at its core, is about creating ease for you as a high-achieving leader. It's about supporting you in leveraging your innate personality so you can learn how to prioritize and maximize your time as well as the time of your team and stakeholders. In this episode, Akua talks about her coaching program and how one-on-one coaching can be transformational for leaders at any stage of their career. Learn how Akua helps clients become sustainably strategic, learn how to ask for help, and set boundaries so that they can build stronger teams and achieve personal and professional goals.If you're interested in hearing real-world examples of how Akua's coaching helps intentional leaders, listen in as she shares two case studies highlighting her coaching approach and methodology. Highlights in this Episode:Identify the difference between tactical and strategic leadership and how being strategic allows you to delegate so you can focus on the future.Akua talks about the types of leaders she supports, including leaders transitioning into new roles, emerging leaders, and first-time founders and executives.Learn about the three stages of leadership: thriving, buoyant, and transformative, and how leaders are constantly cycling through them as they evolve as leaders.Get real-world examples of the transformation 1:1 coaching provides as Akua shares case studies of leaders she's worked with, including one reluctant to have tough conversations and another who was building a new department and needed to gain more support from her team. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned in This Episode: Ep 97: Your Guide to Next-Level LeadershipFree leadership assessment: https://www.akuanm.com/surveyRead more case studies: https://www.akuanm.com/casestudiesWork with Akua: https://www.akuanm.com/work-with-me Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

If you're a leader considering investing in executive coaching or advisory support, you cannot miss this episode. In it, executive and leadership coach Akua Nyame-Mensah dives into the world of coaching high-performing leaders, founders, and managers and what sets her apart from the rest.Get a clear understanding of the benefits of coaching and why Akua might be a great fit for you and your team. You'll learn about Akua's unique approach, and she even walks you through a recent case study in which she worked with 50 fellows from diverse backgrounds who were building start-up teams.Akua is unique in her extensive first-hand/diverse experience, from tiny start-ups to multinational companies. Her tailored solutions, commitment to your growth and success, project management approach, and direct communication style ensure clarity and progress toward your success as a leader.  Highlights in this Episode:Discover how Akua's ability to wear different hats adds value to clients while supporting your growth. Akua talks about her traditional training and certification as a coach and her impact as she's worked with instructional designers, facilitators, incredible coaches, and speakers.Explore the importance of tailored coaching and advising solutions to meet your unique needs and goals.Understand that leadership is a skill and an attitude and how coaching can help individuals evolve, make an impact, and build sustainable leadership habits and routines.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode: Women's Impact Alliance#IamRemarkableConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Executive and Leadership expert Akua is wrapping up her mini-series on expectation setting and goal setting in the workplace. In this episode, you'll also learn about the different resources that Akua has on the subject of expectation setting, including valuable blog posts and podcast episodes where you can just dip your toe or dive head first into the deep well of insights on expectation setting. As a leader or manager, it is important to set realistic and achievable goals and to provide the resources and support that others need to meet them. Perhaps most importantly, leaders must remember to provide feedback and to continuously communicate their expectations so all team members can be on the same page.Highlights in this episode: Remember, there is nothing more demotivating for team members than being given an unrealistic KPI or expectation. We don't have to like everything we do. Don't give in to toxic positivity. Be real about your feelings.When setting expectations for yourself, realize things are not always going to be perfect, and sometimes you'll need to ask for help. You and your team need to take breaks and vacations so they rejuvenate and come back motivated and excited to hit their goals.Creating time and space to provide timely feedback, and to reflect and give yourself feedback, is critical. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeEp 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Ep. 94: A Leader's Guide To Setting ExpectationsEp 95: 3 Overlooked Secrets for Setting Effective ExpectationsBlog Post: We Are Never 100% Happy or Excited to Do Our JobsBlog Post: The Top Six Limiting Beliefs That Sabotage Successful DelegationBlog Post: 4 Reasons You Won't (and Can't) Take a VacationBlog Post: Let's Give Better Feedback Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Want to improve on goal-setting or expectation-setting? This episode is for conscious leaders who want to enhance their approach to goal setting and create a positive and productive environment for themselves and their team. Expanding on her third pillar of leadership, expectation setting/goal setting, host Akua builds on themes from episode 93. She unveils the three overlooked aspects of goal setting, including the "when" or timing of the goal, who is responsible for the goal, and the definition of success. Learn the eight themes to reflect on as a leader as well as themes to reflect on when it comes to working with others! Highlights in this episode: Learn to set clear and achievable expectations that will help you and your team succeed. Utilize the R.A.C.I. framework to clarify roles and responsibilities so everyone knows their responsibilities. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.Communicate expectations clearly and consistently. Make sure that everyone understands the expectations.Learn the importance of being open to feedback and adjust expectations as needed. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeEp 20: Check in With Your Goals Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting TricksEp 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation setting Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

In this episode, Akua explores the third pillar in her three-step leadership framework: setting expectations (sometimes referred to as goals setting, OKRs, or KPIs). Akua uses her own experience as a case study to illustrate the importance of setting expectations for yourself, and she highlights the impact of expectations on personal and professional growth.Whether you're a solopreneur, team leader, or aspiring achiever, this episode will empower you to set clear and realistic expectations for yourself, be consistent, find the right support, and ensure that your projects align with your ultimate vision. Highlights in this episode: Explore the distinction between working "on" your business versus working "in" your business and the significance of time management and capacity. Delve into the mindset of a practical thinker and an abundant thinker and how these different perspectives shape expectation-setting and decision-making.Learn the art of breaking down projects into achievable tasks to avoid demotivation and burnout, and don't be afraid to invest in helping to conquer projects outside your wheelhouse.Discover the three often-overlooked elements of expectation setting: timing, responsibility, and defining success.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 28: #AskAkua//Goal Setting TricksEp 71:  Learn Akua’s 3-step frameworkEp 93: The Final Step to Leadership Success: Setting Expectations Blog: Three things leaders get wrong about expectation settingConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

This is the first in a mini-series of episodes that will be based on the final step in Akua's three-step leadership framework: setting expectations. Whether you call it expectation setting, goal setting, or utilizing frameworks like KPIs or OKRs, these episodes will transform the way you approach expectation-setting and communication.Leaders and managers will learn the significance of expectations and their impact on leadership and how to set achievable and realistic goals for their team. Importantly, leaders will also learn the crucial step of communicating expectations to their team, which will cultivate a positive work environment and foster growth and success.Akua also talks about how expectations help with setting boundaries, building more efficient processes, and facilitating ongoing evaluation and adaptation. Setting expectations ensures your team is equipped to succeed, and when employees know what is expected of them, they're more engaged and productive.  If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode:Learn the difference between explicit expectations (specific targets) and implicit expectations (things we've come to expect, assumptions based on bias or stereotypes).Akua outlines four key elements to consider in relation to expectations: what you want, what you want from others, what they want, and what they want from you. It's hard to overstate the significance of explicitly communicating expectations to increase employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.Understand the role of expectations in establishing professional boundaries, setting goals, and fostering growth and direction.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

This week, leadership and executive coach Akua Nyame Menasah wraps up her series of episodes dedicated to engagement, the second step in her three-step leadership framework. This is a helpful roundup and summary of six of her past episodes on engagement. Leadership is a habit, a routine that you need to cultivate intentionally. Being self-aware is the first step, then you must decide how to engage with your team. Be inspired and learn how to gain confidence and credibility, how to tell powerful stories that inspire, and so much more when you listen in!Enjoy the main points of each episode and then deep-dive into the episodes you need right now! If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode:Akua gives the highlights of six episodes that help leaders practice engagement.Learn the importance of self-regulation in leadership.Discover strategies to maximize productivity, like when to have a meeting and how to make it engaging for your team.Learn about how Akua's relationship to networking has evolved over time and how yours can too!Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 84:  Engagement Starts with Self-Regulation and ManagementEp 85:  Demystifying Executive Presence with Kelly Lynn AdamsEp 86:  GROW Your Leadership by Asking Powerful QuestionsEp 88:  Storytelling for EngagementEp 89:  Network Internally FirstEp 91:  Mastering Meetings: Secrets to Engaging and Efficient FacilitationConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Ever been in a meeting that feels like a waste of time? Of course, you have. That's because many leaders and organizations don't know how to effectively facilitate a meeting that engages team members. In this episode, you'll hear portions of a recent training Akua gave on how to be an effective moderator and facilitator. Learn about the three basic types of meetings (and which one isn't really a "meeting") and why a well-moderated meeting actually begins well before the meeting starts. After listening, you'll be well on your way to leading the most effective, efficient, and productive meetings possible so that all your team members will feel like their time is valued and well-spent!If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. Highlights in this episode:Find out what a good facilitator or moderator does, including making sure there's an agenda, creating psychological safety, listening, and more.Learn the five P's of facilitation: purpose, planning, process, participation, and pursuit. It takes good communication skills, active listening, and flexibility to effectively facilitate a meeting. Akua guides listeners through some exercises that will help your team members engage and communicate in meetings. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 78: Being the Message & Communication Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Creating a high-performing team that is also human and inclusive is possible! Listen as Akua talks with organization transformation expert Joris Merks-Benjamin about how to balance high-performance standards with inclusivity and humanness in the workplace. Formerly Head of Google Digital Academy, Joris became one of the highest-scoring managers of all time. After 12 years with Google, Joris has recently gone freelance and developed the Managing Without Power program. He is an award-winning author of several books, his newest being “Managing Without Power.”In this episode, Akua and Joris talk about the importance of trust, empathy, and communication and how to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Learn why the best teams are based on trust and psychological safety and how leaders don’t need the power to be effective, but they need to empower their team.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode: Joris talks about his pivot from a marketing space to learning and development and how he created his own opportunity.Learn about how instructional design gets adults to learn by doing, leading to actual behavioral change. Joris talks about how, in a large company, balancing the performance elements and human elements is the only way to get a genuinely high-performance organization.The two discuss inclusion and diversity, Joris being raised by a lesbian couple, and how intentionality is essential in order to measure progress and enact DEI on a large scale. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua’s 3-step frameworkBook: Think and Grow Digital: What the Net Generation Needs to Know to Survive and Thrive in Any OrganizationBook: Online Brand Identity: The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your (Digital) Branding StrategyBook: Intergratie Van Schizofrene Online- en Offline Marketing  (Dutch)Book: Managing Without Power (Dutch) Connect with Joris Merks-Benjaminsen:Website: www.managingwithoutpower.comLinkedIn: @Joris Merks-Benjaminsen Twitter: @jorismerksConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Networking can elicit groans and dread from even the savviest of business leaders. If you dislike networking or feel like you’re bad at it, or if you believe you don’t NEED to do it, this episode is for you. Akua starts with why networking is important and gives four important things to work on to become better at building connections in business and in life.Learn why reframing your thinking and becoming self-aware about your beliefs around networking can help you build more authentic relationships. Plus, Akua gives some amazing resources (linked below) where you can find additional information to up your networking game. Remember that networking is about building connections and engaging with others, and if done well, it can better your reputation, increase visibility, and create a stronger network.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Highlights in this episode: Akua talks about her evolving relationship with networking and how she went from feeling uncomfortable to actually enjoying the process. There are three types of professional networking: operational networking, personal networking, and strategic networking. Learn about the four critical elements for effective networking: focusing on learning, identifying common interests, thinking broadly about what you can offer, and finding a higher purpose.Find out how many connections you need for peak networking - more isn’t always better!Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua’s 3-step frameworkEp 63 - How to Become a Master Networker with Karen Jaw Madson Ep 43: #Ask Akua // For Reluctant Networkers Inc. Africa Article - How I Changed My Narrative on Networking Harvard Business Review: Learn to love networkingLinkedIn Audio Event: Sponsorship and Networking for Career GrowthConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Today, Akua talks about leveraging storytelling to connect and engage with your stakeholders, whether they're clients, team members, employees, or investors. Engaging with your team is one of the most important things you can do in your role as a leader. Telling stories can be a powerful tool in your engagement toolbox, helping to inspire, build rapport and align and reach goals with your team. Learn the three basic purposes for telling a story, tips on how to incorporate stories into your daily life, and how to know where and when to tell a story.If you're not a natural storyteller, don't use stories in the workplace, or never thought about stories as a means of engagement, you'll want to check out this episode. Highlights in this episode:Learn how stories can help align your team's goals, inspire, and build instant rapport with your team.When deciding on a story, think about your audience, how you want them to feel, and what you want them to know.Keep your stories memorable and relevant.Using storytelling is a great way to set the tone for a meeting or a retreat, and Akua talks about how she can support you in choosing and telling an engaging story.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71: Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 78: Being the Message and CommunicationArticle: Storytelling Can Make or Break Your LeadershipArticle: What Is Leadership Storytelling, Anyway?Article: The Science of Storytelling: What Listening to a Story Does to Our Brains Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Reaching peak performance as a leader, manager, or business owner takes practice and training, much like an athlete. This week, Akua welcomes Darcy Luoma, the author of the book "Thoughtfully Fit, Your Training Plan for Life and Business," as she talks about tackling barriers and becoming mentally and emotionally fit.Darcy is a triathlete, mother, and CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching and Consulting. A Master Certified Coach, Darcy has worked in 48 industries, with 210 organizations and 500+ individual clients, to create high-performing people and teams.If you're a leader or manager who feels too busy to strategize, you're stuck in a rut, or wondering what your unique contributions to the world are, this episode is a must-listen. Highlights in this Episode:Darcy talks about her 20 years of political experience and how she made the leap into coaching.Find out how you, as a busy leader, can find time to pause to reflect on what lights you up, gives you purpose, and ignites your passion.Discover the 6-step framework for achieving peak performance in both your personal and professional life using the Thoughtfully Fit® method.Self-awareness and knowing your default mode when under pressure will help you make changes to overcome challenges.Darcy talks about how she is learning to structure her business to have the greatest impact and how she can get out of her own way.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Quiz: The Thoughtfully Fit QuizConnect with Darcy Luoma: Instagram: @darcyluomacoachingWebsite: www.darcyluoma.comFacebook: @darcyluomaTwitter: @Darcy LuomaLinkedIn: @darcyluomaConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

In order to coach others, you first have to be able to coach yourself. In this episode, Akua dives deeper into the engagement pillar of her three-step leadership framework. Engaging with yourself, also called self-regulation and management, is key to being able to support others as they explore their own areas of growth and boundaries. As a leader, you want to inspire your employees and motivate them to get their work done by making sure they are excited to come to work and problem-solve. While coaching is not always the right answer, using coaching tools and techniques can go a long way, starting with asking powerful questions.Akua explains a popular coaching framework that can be used to help people set goals and create a plan of action. Finally, she shares things that held her back from leveraging coaching tools and techniques, which will surely resonate with leaders, managers, and founders in all industries.Highlights in this episode: Learn the types of questions that lead to effective engagement with team members or employees.Akua explains the GROW model, which stands for Goal, Reality, Options/opportunities, and Will.Learn how the GROW model can help get your team thinking and open to possibilities. Akua talks about the power of pauses, open-ended questions, and reflecting on what YOU need in order to set yourself up for success as you engage with team members.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71: Learn Akua’s 3-step frameworkEp 28: #AskAkua // Goal-Setting TricksEp 84: Engagement Starts with Self-Regulation and Management Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Executive presence - all leaders want it, but not all know how to get it. Join Akua as she shares pieces of a recent conversation with Executive and Life Coach Kelly Lynn Adams. They talk about leadership, vulnerability and mindset, and how to regulate and manage your emotions to inspire confidence among your coworkers.Conscious leaders like Kelly Lynn know that leadership starts from within. Kelly Lynn began her journey on Wall Street, climbing the corporate ladder for 18 years before starting coaching and speaking in 2009. Trauma-informed Kelly Lynn helps leaders, visionaries, founders, executives & entrepreneurs break through what is holding them back and elevate to the next level.Kelly gives valuable perspective drawing from her experiences from both the entrepreneurial and corporate worlds on the topics of leadership, vulnerability, mindset, and how to embrace challenges as part of your personal development. Akua and Kelly Lynn also discuss the importance of developing self-awareness and resilience when dealing with difficult situations. Highlights in this episode: Communication is key in building executive presence. The two debunk the myth that vulnerability equals weakness when it comes to leadership. And how to know WHEN to be vulnerable so that your competence and acumen aren’t questioned.Kelly Lynn talks about embodiment and how it pertains to executive presence. This means how you communicate with your body language and whether what you say matches what you do.Taking time to reflect on your wins, your why, and the value you add is important and should be built into your routine. If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review.Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71: Learn Akua’s 3-step framework Connect with Kelly Lynn Adams: Instagram: @kellylynnadamsWebsite: www.KellyLynnAdams.comLinkedIn: @kelly-lynn-adamsYouTube: @KellyLynnAdamsTV Connect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

This episode of the Open Door Conversations podcast focuses on the second step in Akua's three-step leadership framework: the importance of engagement. In addition to self-awareness and setting expectations, engagement is a crucial part of becoming a conscious and effective leader in the workplace.As a business leader, founder, or executive, sometimes your biggest barrier to engaging with your team is staring at you in the mirror. Find out how your own thoughts, emotions, and existing habits could be sabotaging your efforts and some simple ways to self-regulate your way to meaningful engagement, influence, and productivity as a leader.Highlights in this episode: Your ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations is crucial to your ability to effectively engage with others. Before engaging with others, you must engage with yourself. Learn some ways to self-regulate, including movement - a powerful way to stabilize emotions and hormones.Listening is an effective way to break the behavior of overthinking or overwhelm. Akua shares an easy breathing exercise to help calm yourself and relax in order to maintain self-control.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. When you do, you'll receive Akua's 15-minute Thought Leadership LinkedIn Checklist.* It's the routine she has used to build social wealth and relationships on LinkedIn that have directly contributed to her ability to impact so many leaders around the world.*Be sure to screenshot your review after submitting it, share it on social media, and tag Akua! Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71:  Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

If you're interested in learning about a framework that can bring your vision, business, or startup to life, you don't want to miss this episode. It is jam-packed with actionable advice from Tomi Davie (T.D.), who was named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2021 by New African Magazine. Harry ‘Tomi Davies (TD) is Collaborator-in-Chief (CiC)’ at TVC Labs, an entrepreneurship support organization in Lagos, Nigeria which he founded. TD is the co-founder of the Lagos Angel Network (LAN), founding President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), and Board Member of the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN).His personal goal is simple to ‘Find, Fund & Follow’ African startup founders that are using technology-enabled innovation to create economic value and social impact on the continent. In December 2021, TD was named as one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans of 2021’ by New African Magazine.T.D.'s mission in life is to find, fund, and follow. He is an angel investor, author, public speaker, and a systems analyst turned tech strategy advisor. He is the founder and Collaborator-in-Chief of TDC Labs, an entrepreneur support organization in Lagos, Nigeria. Akua and T.D. discuss his newest book, Investment Worthy Startup, which he wrote to help founders and investors build successful startups.  Highlights in this episode: T.D. explains why supporting innovative startups creates both economic value and social impact. Learn about the POEM framework to build a startup, which consists of Proposition, Organisation, Economics, and Milestones.Learn the three key differences between startups and SMEs.Founders - find out what angel investors are listening for when you pitch them and how to present yourself in the process.Realize that your team doesn't all start in the same place, even though you're all aiming for the same goal. Each member needs something different to achieve the end goal. It's your job to find an aggregate place to meet before you start your journey, so you can all go farther together.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. When you do, you'll receive Akua's 15-minute Thought Leadership LinkedIn Checklist.* It's the routine she has used to build social wealth and relationships on LinkedIn that have directly contributed to her ability to impact so many leaders around the world.*Be sure to screenshot your review after submitting it, share it on social media, and tag Akua!  Links Mentioned In This Episode:Book: Investment Worthy Startup Book Link on Amazon Connect with 'Tomi Davies:Website: www.tomidavies.comTwitter: @TomiDee Instagram:@TomideeLinkedIn: @TomiDeeConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

Pausing and reflecting is something all leaders should prioritize. That's why Akua is using today's episode as a recap of the last several weeks as she's talked about the first step in her leadership framework: cultivating self-awareness. Learn to understand better your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and preferences so you can be the most impactful leader possible.  Founders, leaders, and managers will benefit from listening to all the episodes around self-awareness, but If you don't have time to go back, this is where you can catch up and be ready to move on to Akua's second step in her leadership framework: simplifying engagement.Highlights in this episode: Your relationship with time and productivity really starts with your emotions and your feelings.Creating boundaries around your time ensures your stakeholders can best utilize you. There is a common misconception that personalities are static - which is why Akua likes to think of personalities as an Operating System that evolves over time and needs periodic updating.It's important that leaders communicate their way of operating (personality) to others. Here Akua refers to SOPs, also known as a "me manual".To be an effective leader, leverage the four pillars of influence: power, emotions, acumen, and nonverbal signs or signals.If you've enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. When you do, you'll receive Akua's 15-minute Thought Leadership LinkedIn Checklist.* It's the routine she has used to build social wealth and relationships on LinkedIn that have directly contributed to her ability to impact so many leaders around the world.*Be sure to screenshot your review after submitting it, share it on social media, and tag Akua! Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71 - Learn Akua's 3-step frameworkEp 75 - Rebooting Your Operating SystemEp 76 - Time AwarenessEp 79 - Leadership is InfluenceConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking

This episode is for leaders who want to have a big impact - and who doesn’t? This is the last in a series about the first of three steps in Akua’s leadership approach: cultivating self-awareness. Despite what some might think, effective leadership is not only about performance and delivery, or what the sports world would call the “outer game .”Conscious leaders know that self-awareness and mindset, or “inner game,” are just as important and really affect every aspect of their leadership and its impact.Today Akua looks at leadership through the lens of the “inner game approach,” an idea introduced through a book by Timothy Gallway called The Inner Game of Tennis, the Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance. She’ll talk about the methodology and how it perfectly applies to the business world and how you can use it to increase your influence and leadership impact.Highlights in this episode: There are three dimensions to the inner game, awareness, alertness, and focus.Like sports, leadership starts on the inside; you can lose before you even set foot on the court or boardroom if you’re not in the right frame of mind.Business is full of paradoxes, tensions, and dualities. When you get conflicting information about leadership, remember there is no one “right way” to be. Find out how a leadership coach can guide you in getting your inner game into peak performance mode.If you’ve enjoyed the Open Door Conversations podcast, please leave a review. When you do, you'll receive Akua’s 15-minute Thought Leadership LinkedIn Checklist.* It’s the routine she has used to build social wealth and relationships on LinkedIn that have directly contributed to her ability to impact so many leaders around the world.*Be sure to screenshot your review after submitting it, share it on social media, and tag Akua!  Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep 71: Learn about Akua’s 3-Step Leadership Framework Episode 79: Leadership is InfluenceConnect with Akua Nyame-Mensah:Instagram: @akua_nmWebsite: www.akuanm.comLinkedIn: @akua Nyame-MensahTwitter: @akua_nmGet the secrets to break burnout and overcome overwhelm weekly: www.akuanm.com/newsletterWork with Akua one-on-one: www.akuanm.com/workHire Akua to speak at your organization: www.akuanm.com/speaking