LIFTING OTHERS AS YOU CLIMB

A Leadership Journey of Purpose and Service

In this edition of Connecting the Dots, I had the privilege of speaking with Kwaku Boakye, PhD, MBA , Regional Mining Manager at Heidelberg Materials and a passionate advocate for Servant Leadership. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Boakye has dedicated himself to mentorship, resilience, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in his upbringing, early influences, and the trials he has faced throughout his career. From humble beginnings to navigating the complexities of the corporate world, his journey is a testament to the power of service, integrity, and adaptability.

In our conversation, we explore the dots that connected his path—his childhood experiences, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Interview

Q: Many leaders look back and realize their leadership journey began long before their first formal role. What were some of the early influences that shaped your leadership foundation?

Dr. Boakye: You’re absolutely right—leadership doesn’t start in a boardroom; it starts in the little moments that seem insignificant at the time. For me, family was my first leadership classroom. My values of resilience, integrity, and service were deeply ingrained from childhood.

I learned early on that leadership wasn’t about authority but about responsibility. Growing up, I saw the impact of mentorship and selflessness firsthand. I had people who guided me, challenged me, and taught me that a true leader lifts others, even at a personal cost.

Q: You’re known for your passion for mentorship. When did that become an important part of your journey?

Dr. Boakye: My passion for mentorship took root during my university days at the University of Mines and Technology. I didn’t just want to excel academically—I wanted to help others succeed too.

I ended up tutoring over 1,000 students, often sacrificing my own time to break down difficult concepts, provide encouragement, and ensure no one was left behind. At the time, it just felt like the right thing to do. But looking back, it was my first real lesson in Servant Leadership—realizing that true leadership is about service, not status.

Q: Your leadership journey has taken you across different industries and cultures. What has been the most defining lesson from those experiences?

Dr. Boakye: I’ve worked across eight states in the United States and traveled through 40, encountering diverse work cultures, leadership styles, and expectations. But one lesson stands out:

Leadership is about adaptability.

The ability to pivot, learn, and adjust to new environments is what sets great leaders apart. No matter where I found myself, I had to embrace different perspectives, navigate challenges, and lead with both conviction and openness.

Q: One of the key themes in your leadership journey is resilience. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?

Dr. Boakye: There have been many challenges, but one of the toughest was navigating the corporate world as a young Black leader in an industry where representation was limited.

I had to work twice as hard, prove myself repeatedly, and overcome biases. But instead of being discouraged, I chose to see every obstacle as an opportunity. I reminded myself that I wasn’t just leading for myself—I was paving the way for others.

That’s why mentorship is so important to me. If I can help someone else avoid the struggles I faced, then my journey has been worth it.

Q: In your article Growth and Evolution, you talk about the importance of integrity. How has integrity shaped your leadership style?

Dr. Boakye: Integrity is the foundation of leadership. There will always be moments when taking shortcuts seems easier, when compromising values feels convenient. But leadership without integrity is unsustainable.

I’ve encountered difficult situations where I had to make tough decisions that weren’t always popular, but they were right. And that’s the test of true leadership—standing firm in your principles, even when it’s hard.

Integrity isn’t just about how you lead in public; it’s about who you are when no one is watching. That’s a lesson I carry with me in every role I take on.

Q: You emphasize the power of “lifting others as you climb.” Why is this such a core part of your leadership philosophy?

Dr. Boakye: Because leadership isn’t about you—it’s about the impact you make on others.

I believe that if you rise alone, you haven’t truly succeeded. Every great leader should be building the next generation of leaders. That’s why I make mentorship a priority. I want to see young professionals break barriers, take up leadership roles, and redefine what’s possible.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders navigating their own journey, what would it be?

Dr. Boakye: Never stop learning!

Leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about being open to growth, embracing challenges, and constantly refining yourself.

And most importantly, lead with purpose. Titles and accolades will fade, but the impact you make on others is what truly matters.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Boakye’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about helping others climb with you.

As young Africans striving to make an impact, there’s so much we can learn from his story. We should show up, take responsibility, and use every experience as a stepping stone to something greater.

The dots are always there—our job is to connect them.