In 2022, Sir Sam E. Jonah, a distinguished Ghanaian businessman and former CEO of AngloGold Ashanti, delivered a compelling commencement address at Ashesi University.
His speech was not only inspirational but also a demonstration of the relentless pursuit of excellence in a challenging environment.
Sir Sam shared his journey of rising through the ranks in a predominantly white-managed company, shedding light on how he defied the odds to succeed.
Sir Sam Jonah’s career began in 1973 when he returned to Ghana after studying in the United Kingdom. He joined Ashanti Goldfields, a company with a long history dating back to 1895.
At the time, the company was notorious for its discriminatory practices against black employees, with clear “no-go” areas for them, even 16 years after Ghana’s independence.
The work environment was daunting, especially for a young Ghanaian like Sir Sam, but he was determined to overcome these barriers.
Reflecting on this period, Sir Sam shared an invaluable piece of advice he received from his father: “Working for a white man in a white-pants company, if you want to make progress, when they are sleeping, you should be running.”
This mantra fueled Sir Sam’s drive to excel beyond the expectations of his role. He often worked late into the night, meticulously inspecting the work being done underground.
This level of dedication was not just about putting in extra hours; it was about mastering his craft and letting his performance speak for itself.
Sir Sam Jonah’s commitment to excellence paid off. He decided early in his career that whatever the monthly target was, his team would exceed it.
This relentless pursuit of high performance eventually became impossible for management to ignore.
When the time came for promotions, his outstanding results could not be overlooked, and he steadily rose through the ranks.
Sir Sam’s story is a powerful example of how performance and mastery of one’s craft can break through even the most entrenched biases.
In his address, Sir Sam Jonah encouraged the graduates to embrace the same principles that guided his success. “Don’t ever settle for mediocre and don’t entertain complacency in your life,” he advised.
He urged them to stand firm against intimidation and to believe in their right to occupy spaces of leadership and influence.
According to Sir Sam, mastering one’s craft is the best assurance for progress in any professional environment, regardless of the challenges.
Sir Sam Jonah’s journey at AngloGold Ashanti is a remarkable example of resilience and excellence in the face of adversity.
His story serves as an inspiration to young professionals, especially those who may feel marginalized or underestimated in their careers.
The lessons he shared during the Ashesi University commencement address are timeless: dedication, mastery, and an unwavering belief in one’s potential can overcome even the most significant obstacles.
As Sir Sam Jonah exemplified, when you combine hard work with excellence, no bias or barrier can hold you back from achieving greatness.
Inspiring Net 