In this episode of Family Business Diaries, Mary sits down with Ing. Nana Afua Sarpong, Director of Operations at Belshaw Limited, a family business founded by her father over 40 years ago. Nana Afua shares her journey of returning from the diaspora with her civil engineering background to implement structures and systems which professionalized the company and drive growth. Her advice to family businesses is clear: put the right structures in place to ensure long-term success.

Watch the visual version of this episode here.

In this special episode of Family Business Diaries, we are thrilled to bring you a live session recorded at the Ashesi University Entrepreneurship Capstone Class. Our two distinguished guests, Mr. Seth Quaye, Founder and CEO of MacPartners Group, and Mrs. Anita Osei-Manu, Director of Amalena Group, offer invaluable insights into the dynamics of managing a family business from both the founder’s and Next-Gen’s perspectives.

Mr. Quaye shares his journey of building MacPartners Group with a family-first mentality, strategically involving his sons and their wives in the business.

On the other hand, Mrs. Anita Osei-Manu reveals how she transitioned into leadership at the Amalena Group, implementing key structures that have driven the company’s growth and expansion.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that explores the successes, challenges, and lessons learned in creating and sustaining a family legacy.

Watch the visual episode here.

In the premiere episode of Family Business Diaries Season Two, host Mary Asante-Asamoah sits down with Mr. Joseph K. Horgle, the visionary founder of J.K. Horgle Transport and Company Limited.

Mr. Horgle shares his inspiring journey, the principles of diversifying investments, and his unwavering belief in hard work. He also discusses how he has groomed his daughter to succeed him and his advice to founders on the importance of being a trustworthy business leader.

Tune in to hear valuable insights and lessons from a pioneer in Ghana's transportation industry.

Watch the visual version of the conversation ⁠here

As we end season one of Family Business Diaries, Mary Asante-Asamoah takes us through the key themes shared by our guests. From the power of strategic transition to the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, we reflects on the diverse insights and experiences that have shaped our understanding of family businesses.

Throughout the season, guests have shared stories of overcoming challenges, navigating family dynamics, and building legacies that transcend generations and we hope you enjoyed and learnt from them.

There's more conversations coming in Season Two!

In this episode, Zenobia Bou-Chedid, founder of Zeno's Yogurt Bar, takes us on her journey of entrepreneurial success within her family's legacy. Starting with Zeno's Yogurt, founded by her family in 1993, Zenobia shares her experience of finding her niche in the family business and venturing into her own enterprise, Zeno's Yogurt Bar – Ghana's pioneering yogurt bar.

Wearing multiple hats within the family business as a marketing, branding, and product development professional, Zenobia discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing both ventures simultaneously.

She also highlights the invaluable support and encouragement she received from her parents, which played a pivotal role in shaping the both brand's enduring success.

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In this episode, Mary chats with Dr. Gifty Quarshie-Ngissah, the Medical Director of Midway Hospital, a cherished Ghanaian healthcare legacy founded by her father in 1980. Dr. Quarshie-Ngissah candidly shares her journey of balancing the demands of clinical work with her role as a family business leader. She delves into the struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.

In the conversation, Dr. Quarshie-Ngissah highlights the pivotal role of educational fellowships in honing business leadership and management skills. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers valuable counsel to fellow female family business founders and managers, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right support network to achieve success. Watch the visual version of the conversation here

In this episode, Mary sits down with Nana Yaw Ntrakwah Esq, Partner at Ntrakwah & Co., an esteemed law firm his father founded in 1984. In the conversation, he shares the intricacies of working alongside his siblings, as he unveils the secrets to their seamless collaboration.

Leveraging his legal expertise, he offers invaluable advice to business founders, emphasizing the importance of building appropriate structures and engaging professionals in their succession planning. Watch the visual version of this episode here.

In this compelling episode with Mr. Anthony K. Ababio, CEO of Kofi Ababio & Sons Ltd., he opens up about his tough transition into the family business and his most difficult hurdle, navigating legal battles from his over 30 siblings.

His invaluable counsel for business founders includes the establishment of dedicated endowment funds to foster unity and support among family members.

Watch the visual version of this episode here