CEO of TheBoardroom Africa and Brace Energy, Marcia Ashong, on leadership.

“Remember, leadership is a journey.”

Marcia Ashong is an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow, named in 2019 among the 100 Most Influential Africans for developing the strongest network of women leaders in Africa and as one of Ghana’s 20 Under 40 business leaders in 2017. She draws upon her wealth of experience as a former oil and gas industry executive with over a decade of experience in legal, consulting, project management and business development to talk to Stories Africa about leadership.

What motivates you to lead?

Leadership is about getting others to buy into a vision to come along a journey with you. To be effective in doing that, you have to start with service. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or managing people; it’s about working with others in pursuit of a higher goal. For me, that goal is to transform societies. I’m passionate about Africa and its development agenda; I want to be instrumental in advancing that agenda. I believe that developing inclusive workplaces that can harness the insights and skills of the very best among us is what will drive real change. 

What is the best way to prepare for leadership?

To put yourself in a place where you are consistent with service and of use to people around you and in your community. Through that exercise, you can build that service orientation. In the past, leadership used to be defined through the lens of management and decision making, but collaboration and consultation are key characteristics of today’s best leaders, and it just so happens that many of those qualities tend to be associated more with women. To prepare for leadership, you have to regularly solicit and listen to the ideas of those around you. Be an enabler and a catalyst to empower your team. 

Who is an example of inspired, values-based leadership (past or present) that you have learned from? 

I grew up in awe of Nelson Mandela, who I think truly embodies the model of servant leadership. In fact, he once said: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” He had an extraordinary ability to galvanise people in achieving a common goal and leading by example. Despite the atrocities he witnessed and experienced at the hands of the apartheid government, he put country above himself by prioritising forgiveness and community. He inspired all of those around him also to follow his example.

How would you describe your style of leadership and your ambition as a leader?

Collaborative. The best leaders understand they can never know and do everything. Being  a leader doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re the smartest person in the room.  I think it’s critical to have people around you who disagree with you and recognise where you have personal gaps. Lean on people with expertise in other areas even if you remain the decision-maker.  The most effective leaders I’ve seen hire smart people, empower them, give them the right tools and environment, and then get out of their way. 

What is your message to Africa’s aspiring leaders? 

Don’t give up although the road is often long, arduous and frustrating. Our developmental challenges may add a layer of difficulty for leaders hoping to make real change, but you can avoid pessimism by focusing on the little successes along the way. Remember, leadership is a journey.  

About Marcia Ashong

Marcia Ashong has worked across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She has consulted on a World Bank-led project and the Norwegian Oil for Development Program on developments in the extractive industry. In 2010, she founded the Ghana Oil Club (GOC), the leading professional organisation for Ghana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector. She also sits of the Ghana Advisory Committee of Mastercard Foundation. Her desire to champion women in the workplace is rooted in her own experience as a rising star in the oil and gas field, previously the youngest-ever African Country Manager for a major multinational oil and gas company.

About The Boardroom Africa (TBR Africa)

TheBoardroom Africa brings together women executives of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to grow personally and professionally through a host of initiatives. Under Marcia’s leadership, the company has successfully created the largest network of board-ready women in Africa and have placed many women unto Boards. The company’s unique positioning in the market led it to securing backing of $2m dollars in funding from CDC Group (the UK’s Development Finance Corporation, and largest Private Equity investor in Africa).