My Journey
to an Inner Locus of Control and Affirmation
As I reflect on my journey from the vibrant landscapes of Ghana to the innovative hubs of the United States, I am struck by the profound transformation that has defined my path. Born into a culture rich in tradition yet marked by the shadows of colonization, my early years were characterized by a deep-seated search for external validation. This quest for affirmation from the world outside was a silent companion through my formative years, subtly influencing my decisions and shaping my worldview.
The Crucible of Change: My Formative Years in Ghana
My time at Akosombo International School and later, Achimota School, served as the first crucible moments of my life. These institutions, with their colonial legacies, were also cradles of cultural renaissance that nurtured a new generation of African leaders. It was here, amid the echoes of independence and the whispers of a colonized past, that I began to question the sources of my validation. The dichotomy of embracing my African heritage while navigating the vestiges of colonial influence was a complex dance of identity and self-awareness.
The Leap Across Continents: Finding Myself in a New World
Moving to the United States for further education at Florida A&M University was a leap not just across continents but into a new realm of self-discovery. This transition was more than just a physical journey; it was a metamorphosis of the spirit. Immersed in a culture that celebrated individualism and autonomy, I found myself at a crossroads. The external affirmations I had long sought were now replaced by a profound quest for internal validation.
The Awakening: Realizing the Power of Authentic Leadership
In the bustling corridors of tech giants like Chevron and Amazon, I encountered yet another crucible moment. The fast-paced, innovation-driven environment was a far cry from the structured, hierarchical settings I was accustomed to. It was here, amid the chaos of creativity and the frenzy of forward-thinking, that I experienced an awakening. I realized that true leadership was not about seeking affirmation from external sources but about harnessing one’s inner strength and convictions.
This realization marked my transition from a mindset of dependency to one of agency and autonomy. It was no longer about the accolades or the approval of others but about the impact I could make through my actions and decisions. Authentic leadership, I discovered, was rooted in an internal locus of control, guided by a compass of personal values and a vision for change.
The Journey Continues: Empowering Others Through My Story
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I see it as a testament to the power of transformation and the resilience of the human spirit. My experiences, from the classrooms of Ghana to the boardrooms of the United States, have been a journey of evolving from a mindset of external validation to one of authentic leadership. Each crucible moment, each challenge, and each triumph has been a step towards finding my true self.
Through my initiatives with the African Diaspora Nation and the HBCU Africa Homecoming, I seek to empower others by sharing my story. It is a narrative of breaking free from the chains of external validation and embracing the power of authentic leadership. My journey is a reminder that we all have the capacity to transform our locus of control from external to internal, to find our voice, and to lead with authenticity and purpose.