Accra, Oct. 22, GNA – Mrs Tucci Ivowi, a business leader and strategic adviser, has launched a two-book series on leadership, resilience and faith, offering a framework to help leaders navigate difficult decisions and lead effectively under pressure.
The launch, held at SOHO in Accra, attracted about 150 guests, including former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, and renowned business leader Sir Sam Jonah, who chaired the programme.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency said the books, SMARTER Leadership: The Framework – 7 Principles for Leading in Tough Times and SMARTER Leadership, Vol. 2: Faith Behind the Framework, drew on Mrs Ivowi’s more than 25 years of leadership experience across the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sir Jonah endorsed the books, saying their credibility was reinforced by the author’s practical application of the leadership qualities she advocated.
“When someone writes a book about leadership, we are entitled to ask a simple question: how closely does the life of the author resemble the lessons on the page?” he said.
He said Mrs Ivowi exemplified the qualities she encouraged others to practise, adding that the books offered valuable lessons on leadership under pressure, particularly for young African professionals seeking examples of sound judgement and practical experience.
Mrs Ivowi said the books were intended to encourage leaders to reflect on their values, decisions and influence on others.
“Leadership is not simply about the position we occupy or the results we deliver. It is also about how we navigate difficult seasons, how we treat people and the legacy we leave behind,” she said.
The SMARTER Leadership framework comprises seven principles: Sincere, Motivated, Artistic, Resilient, Tough, Empathetic and Respected.
The first book provides practical guidance for established and aspiring leaders on managing uncertainty, building resilient teams, making difficult decisions and maintaining trust, drawing on professional experiences and lessons from accomplished leaders across sectors.
The second volume explores the same principles through Scripture, biblical teachings and personal reflection, targeting leaders seeking to integrate their Christian faith into their professional responsibilities and everyday decisions.
Mrs Ivowi said the two books sought to bridge the gap between leadership theory and practice, offering guidance on character, relationships, resilience and purposeful leadership.
The event attracted prominent personalities from business, public service, academia and the media, including former Electoral Commissioners Charlotte Osei and Jean Mensa; former Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare; former Attorney-General Godfred Dame; and former Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong.
Others included Enterprise Trustees Board Chair Keli Gadzekpo, Unilever Ghana Managing Director Chris Wulff-Cesar, former Nestlé Ghana Managing Director Freda Duplan, and media personalities Nana Aba Anamoah, Berla Mundi and Ameyaw Debrah.
Mrs Ivowi is Managing Partner of Global Village Consortium and Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Association of Commodities Exchanges. She is also a former Chief Executive Officer and founding member of the Ghana Commodity Exchange.
She has held senior leadership positions in marketing, communications, strategy and general management across the public and private sectors. At Nestlé Central and West Africa, she became the first female and first Ghanaian Business Executive Officer.
Her professional experience and engagement in leadership discussions, including through platforms such as the Harvard Business Review, informed the development of the SMARTER Leadership framework.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu