The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has urged leaders to prioritise the conscious and deliberate development of future strategic minds and innovators.
Addressing participants on the opening day of the 13th Jospong Leadership Conference (JLC) yesterday, he said developing tomorrow’s leaders should be an intentional exercise, underscoring the critical role of purposeful leadership development.
“Leadership is about responsibility, it’s about preparing the next generation with capacity, strength and passion,” Dr Agyepong stated.
The one-week conference is on the theme: “Building tomorrow’s leaders today”.
The JLC is a yearly gathering hosted by the Jospong Group, dedicated to the advancement of leadership capabilities.
He described the event as a vital space for growth, urging participants to actively engage.
“This conference is a leadership laboratory, a platform for corporate learning, where we discuss strategy, culture, performance, innovation, and people development,” he stressed.
Dr Siaw Agyepong further insisted that proactive effort was non-negotiable, adding that “The Next Generation of strategic thinkers, innovators, and managing directors must not emerge accidentally; it must be intentional, and intentionally developed,” he stressed.
The journey
Reflecting on Jospong Group’s journey from a modest printing operation in 1995 to a multinational entity active in over 25 African countries and beyond, Dr Siaw Agyepong tied the past success to future preparedness.
He asserted that nurturing leadership was essential for adapting to dynamic conditions.
“If we embrace this business, then our group will continue to strive for excellence in countless changing markets, technologies, or environments.”
The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group also extended thanks to President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina, various government officials, and key partners for their sustained support.
“I extend my appreciation to all who have contributed to our growth,” he said.
“I thank the entire staff of Jospong Group, private sector partners, government agencies, and district assemblies for their commitment and support,” he added gladly.
Sustainable business drivers
In a separate address, marketing expert Professor Robert Hinson highlighted the drivers of sustainable business achievement.
Speaking on “Innovating from within- entrepreneurship and creative leadership,” he placed integrity at the foundation, noting its importance for trust and long-term viability.
He also championed a mindset of innovation, stressing, “We need new innovation so we can be sharp. Innovation doesn’t start with five billion dollars.
It starts with fresh ideas. Resourcefulness matters more than resources.”
Prof. Hinson called on business leaders to cultivate courage, spot market opportunities, and train their teams to do the same.
Emphasising collective effort, he added, “We grow through Partnerships.
Nobody does anything alone anymore.”
The marketing and customer service expert advised leaders to value external perspectives, invest in their teams, and foster an entrepreneurial culture.
