YOU GROW WISER WITH AGE

You can accelerate education; however, you cannot accelerate experience. This idea summarizes what I have learned over the years while supporting the health technology, marketing, and human capital development industry across Africa, Europe, and Asia. I have witnessed the importance of achieving success through people, drawing from a wide range of experiences in talent management, training, learning and development, change management, organizational development and transformation, quality management systems, and policy advisory.

Throughout much of my career, I have had the privilege of working with older bosses, most of whom were men nearing retirement. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life that only come through experience. In comparison to working with millennials, these older bosses introduced me to a softer, more "purposeful" concept of work, rather than merely ticking boxes. They embodied the traits of an ideal boss, and I often find myself contemplating what life would have been like without them. Using Kerrin Ferris’s words from "Changing Leadership - Departure - A Three-Stage Journey," I recognize one of the risks that young leaders may face: “Most of them have moved into people leader roles in their late 20s or early 30s, with their first leadership development occurring in their early 40s. This means that they may spend decades leading people without any formal learning, development, or support.”

In my article “Hire the Novice,” I emphasized the importance of valuing potential over performance when hiring, advocating for giving young people chances at higher levels. Today, as “ageism” becomes a critical issue in the labour market, I want to shift the focus to the significance of highly experienced older adults in the workplace. The truth is, we need a blend of all generations at work, based on the premise that while you can accelerate education, you cannot accelerate experience.

To be fair to this generation—which I am a part of—we often miss the importance of life in our pursuit of competition (reaching and exceeding KPIs). We forget that leadership isn’t just about directing people to a destination but transforming them along the way. Among the few millennials and the majority of Gen X and Baby Boomer bosses I've worked with, I noticed a stark difference, particularly in their approach to people management, which became more accommodating with age.

Whilst I have witnessed young leaders prioritizing performance indicators over mental health, burning out their teams, and compromising relationships for awards, we must remember to learn passionately from older leaders about how to live, love, laugh, and make an impact. This is why I do not believe in retirement; it should be eliminated from the workplace. We need experienced veterans not just as active players but as coaches. Their expertise is crucial for addressing complex social and cultural challenges. I value their behavioral and managerial skills even more than their technical knowledge.

As the theme for this year’s #International Men’s Day suggests, I have encountered many positive role models who have lifted, guided, taught, and inspired me without discrimination based on age or gender. I have been fortunate to work with great leaders who modeled how imperfect individuals can do their best while remaining open to the risks and mistakes involved in harnessing the potential of a growing woman into the best version of herself.

Over the past decade, I believe I have grown wiser with age. I have not only become a better professional but, more importantly, a better person. I consistently seek better ways to approach challenges, waking up each day thinking about how I can improve today and for the future. As a passionate pan-African writer, public speaker, and social advocate for quality education, women and children empowerment, diversity, and decent work and growth, I continue to believe in and support the vision of a "great Africa in good health and total goodness".

As I publish this final article for 2024 and as the year comes to a close, I have chosen to reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, as well as some of the mentors and life "sponsors" who have paved the way for my growth, allowing me to blossom and flourish as the happiest human on earth. Thank you, Jesper la Cour Madsen , Maurits Verhagen , for continuously believing in me beyond my own imagination. You are my superhero! Pastor Mensa Otabil, Mr. Noble Osei-Bonsu Guido Geerts Christopher Krebeti Enya Séguin Thank you for your inspiration. Dr. Hazel P. Berrard Amuah , you are a blessing I still cannot fully wrap my head around, my supermom! Florent Geerts , Michael Offei (my Uncle Michael forever), Nicholas E.A. de-Heer (I never met a more artistic scholar, writing and life coach in my life), Michael Ntow your mentorship and support made me a "scholar" literally, to mention a few on LinkedIn.

Finally, to all the 2,000+ "humans" across the globe who subscribe to my newsletter and 10,000+ followers of my works, thank you for your love and support. Let's grow together in 2025.

I wish you a prosperous 2025. Cheers to another year, another experience, another opportunity for growth.

See you again in 2025!