It was worth every time, resource and effort
14-03-12
By Jan Kjær
Before coming to Denmark in 2010, 27 year old Enoch Yeboah Agyepong had received a 4 year BSc Mechanical Engineering from University of Mines and Technology in Ghana.
In Accra he was Operations Supervisor & Assisting GM of a private engineering service company, Aditech Engineering Limited, serving the oil and gas industry.
From September 2010 to August 2011 he took a Sustainable Master of Business Administration at the University of Aarhus in Denmark’s second largest city.
Were the studies in Denmark useful?
My studies in Denmark have been unquestionably worth every hour and effort put in. Talk about coaching, research techniques, personal development and leadership, strategy and implementation, aas well as further integration into varied networks in the Danish culture.
How are you in Ghana applying the knowledge gained in Denmark?
Simply put, I am living as an emerging leader with a vision to continually impact the world. Starting from home – Ghana, I have consciously taken to consistently speak at conferences and events as a standard bearer, boldly asking all the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions to get discussions open to the consciousness of sustainability issues and globalization matters.
I coach and support businesses to deploy a more practical application of best practices and knowledge based on my core competencies.
Could you say that your studies in Denmark will result in any benefits for the Ghanaian private sector?
With Ghana still struggling particularly on Millennium Development Goal 7 (ensuring environmental sustainability), my zeal and purpose is to strategically impact matters of social responsibility, clean tech and environmental governance – hopefully to also impact policy and the public forever.
A bit of Denmark’s Jante Law can be injected into the veins of our culture with effective citizenship education as well. The Jante Law closes the power gaps and collectively aims to offer respect to all, irrespective of age and ethnic differences, and creates opportunities for all.
I am confident that my studies in Denmark will be of tremendous benefit to the Ghanaian private sector particularly to boost sustainable business practices while holding integrity and honesty as high values.
Has the study made it easier for you to work in the globalized economy?
Indeed, it was a ‘training ground’ to understand the dynamics of working with others, at different times and on different levels with people from across the world.
The MBA has opened me up much more, and toughened me up as well, placing me confidently on a very high level, in all humbleness. I have with me the tools and passion to succeed anywhere!
Has ELSP helped you in developing your potential as a professional?
Certainly, with tremendous opportunities! Specifically to impact my environment focus, I am blessed to have had the privilege to meet Prof. Wangari Maathai of blessed memory, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.
I had interaction and shared knowledge at the Samsø Energy Academy whilst contributing to the ‘Next Practice 2030 agenda’, towards energy awareness and the future of the energy academy on the island, with other energy experts. International Energy Conference UNEP Risø Centre fostered various interactions with professionals, plus a kick start of personal interactions with Jens Dall Bentsen, Clean Tech Prize 2011 and 2011 Award winner, European Inventor of the Year,
Professionally, I have a very open mind knowing that anything is possible and will continually strive for excellence, holding on to integrity and honesty.
Was studying in Denmark different from you previous educational experiences?
In a lot of ways – yes! An example: consider having mostly studied with limited, and in some cases outdated resource materials, and taken a lot of paper based examinations, then you now engage in a virtual community with vast resources and up-to-date information; one will easily be overwhelmed and struggle to bridge the gap.
Overall, the academic approach seemed to acknowledge and appreciate the different learning styles of participants as well as the modes of delivery of the faculty. In addition, appreciation for diverse opinions and view points during lecture room discussions, plus examination and evaluation methods with varied formats, added to the difference.
What has this opportunity finalizing a Master in Denmark meant for you? How has it changed your life?
Oh Yes!!! I now belong to a network of fresh golden nuggets, dynamic and poised global thinkers who are destined to make the world a better place in all they do, everywhere they go.
Considering that there was a huge leap from my natural resource wealthy but still Lower Middle Income Developing Country, with our huge power gaps and cravings for personal enrichment plus a skewed orientation towards success, straight into the adorable ambience of a society with mutual respect for one another, and a High Income Developed OECD country – the difference was clear! Its real and shared growth can be felt. We need to create the opportunities for all.
Back in Ghana
Now Enoch is back in Accra setting up a management consulting firm with focus on energy, environment and sustainable development in Accra and to blend Scandinavian management techniques to positively impact the Sub Saharan African region. He is also engaged with Global Citizen A/S as a contact and coordinator to pioneer and advocate knowledge sharing, building networks, & generating solutions on globalization issues. (http://www.globalcitizen.net/). Furthermore, he is Head of Quality Assurance & Corporate Development, in partnership with a colleague in Sigma Strategic Business Consult Limited; a business strategy, project management and performance improvement consulting firm (www.sigmastrat.com).
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