Columbia

“I am curious and enjoy discussing any new topics.”

Hometown: Kandahar, Afghanistan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am superstitious about dreams and believe they mean something, but I am trying to get over this habit. If I have a dream, the next morning I google it until I find the meaning that makes me happy.

Undergraduate School and Major: American University of Afghanistan, BBA – Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: NELSON Worldwide, Business Analyst

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Columbia Business School’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The key parts that made me choose Columbia Business School was its location, network, and the resources the school provides to both current students and alumni. I believe I will not only benefit from school during my academic years, but even after I graduate, the school will provide me with resources. For example, Executive in Residence is one great example that both students and alumni have access.

What has been your first impression of the Columbia Business School MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best CBS story so far. As I always say, CBS has picked the best of the best from all around the world. It is very amazing that one meets people from different countries with almost every single background one can think of. These classmates have great leadership skills and bring a diverse set of skills and experience that they received from developed, developing, and underdeveloped societies.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Columbia Business School? As I am focusing on private equity in the energy industry, I will be part of the PE and Investment Banking clubs. These clubs are another great source of knowledge and networking as well as preparing students for their internship and full-time employment after they graduate.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I strongly believe being part of CBS is my greatest accomplishments. For me, going to CBS was a dream, and so I filled and submitted my CBS application in a chaotic situation as the government of Afghanistan collapsed in August 2021.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I worked in the energy and renewables throughout my career, but my experience mostly comes from government institutions. As a result, I wanted to return to private sector where I can utilize my knowledge and experience with private equity companies. Therefore, I could not find any other school that could better prepare me for my career goal other than CBS.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I read Think Big, Act Small: How America’s Best Performing Companies Keep the Start-up Spirit Alive and highly recommend this book for those interested in knowing how companies make profit and the strategies streamlined by more than 100,000 American companies. The book also shares first-hand information which is a key point to this book.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied only to CBS because it is my dream school, and I did not want to go to any other school if it was not CBS.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Columbia Business School’s MBA program? I believe it’s very important for potential applicants to know their goal and what they want to do in their career. The more one understands what their career goals look like, it will be easier for them to choose a school and write their essays. Second, it is very important to know where they would love to stay for two years of graduate school. If one does not like New York, it will be hard to spend two years for school in NY which will affect their activities during the two years.

DRAFT: MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024

Originally Appeared Here

The administration building at Benedict College will bear the name of the first woman to lead the school, Roslyn Clark Artis, who still serves as president and CEO.

Benedict College trustees hosted a rededication and naming ceremony for the Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis Administration Building on March 22.

Artis is the 14th and president of the institution, according to a news release.

The Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis Administration Building was constructed in 2001 and serves as the administrative center for the 154-year-old school. (Photo/A.J. Shorter Photography)

During the historic ceremony, Benedict College Board of Trustees Chairman Charlie W. Johnson told the audience that seven years ago, Artis was not supposed to start until September 2017, but she voluntarily arrived a month early in August, rolled up her sleeves, and started a journey of creating what she coined “The BEST of BC.”

“We have seen a lot of progress during Dr. Artis’ seven-year tenure,” Johnson said during his remarks. “Especially in the area of technology.”

Artis invested nearly $15 million in technology infrastructure and computer labs, according to the release. Every employee received a new computer, and every classroom received Smartboard technology.

During her comments, Artis thanked the trustees: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead Benedict College into the next chapter of her storied history. Thank you for your decision to memorialize my work in such a profound, powerful, and lasting way.”

The university says the quality of education at the Columbia college has improved dramatically under her leadership, crediting a stronger curriculum.

“Her leadership has strengthened the curriculum, instituted best practice policies and academic admission standards, raised the student profile and graduation rates, reduced tuition, and reaffirmed SACSCOC accreditation with no recommendations,” the university said in the release.

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Artis reduced the college’s debt by $56 million within four years of her arrival, the release said. She also guided the university through the COVID-19 challenges, including switching to virtual teaching during the height of the pandemic.

“Everything we have been able to accomplish over the past seven years has been the result of your collective effort and the effort of the entire staff and faculty of Benedict College,” Artis said to the cabinet. “I am indeed blessed to work with each and every one of you.”

To the students, she said: “My students, the beautiful young people that I have the opportunity to work for, you are my windows. You allow me to see outside into a bright future. Your beauty, your brilliance, and yes, your bravery inspires me every single day. You give me purpose and I thank you.”

The administration building was erected in 2001 and is home to the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Student Affairs, and Institutional Research and Assessment.

Benedict College was founded by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, in 1870. It is a private, coeducational liberal arts institution offering 26 baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. It was named the Historically Black College/University of the year in 2019 by HBCU Digest.

It is accredited by SACSCOC — the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

Two Columbia businesses have had their marijuana microbusiness dispensary business licenses revoked. 

On Wednesday the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced in a press release that the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation had revoked nine microbusiness cannabis facilities due to ineligibility. This included two Columbia-based businesses under the names of Frankenstein Enemy LLC and Cannarooted LLC. 

The DRC says that one of the nine licenses was revoked because the owner had a felony that disqualified him from having a cannabis license. The other eight were revoked due to having false information on their application.   

ABC 17 News obtained both phone numbers submitted to the MDHSS. Frankenstein Enemy had an area code from Pontiac, Michigan, and did not have a voicemail box set up when a reporter contacted the number. 

Cannarooted was listed under a Phoenix, Arizona, area code. ABC 17 News was able to get in contact with a spokeswoman from the business when they called the number. However, the spokeswoman said was not able to give a statement at the time of the call.

Both businesses were listed under the following addresses on their application: 

• Frankenstein Enemy, LLC at 700 Vandiver Drive,  Columbia
• Cannarooted LLC at 206 East Texas Ave. in Columbia

Neither property had an open business when ABC 17 News checked each site on Wednesday.

Canna Zoned MLS, a Michigan-based company released advertisements offering to sell a recreational microbusiness license for $795,000 with an opportunity to lease the property at 700 Vandiver Drive for $6,000 a month. Another ad was found for a property near St. Louis in Arnold, Missouri. The two licenses that Canna Zoned MLS had listed for sale were initially awarded to Frankenstein Enemy in Columbia and Seashore Rhythm in Arnold before the DHSS determined they did not meet the criteria. 

The designated contact for Frankenstein Enemy — Jeffrey Yatooma, according to records obtained by ABC 17 News — was listed as the contact for 11 businesses that applied for a microbusiness license at 700 Vandiver Drive. He was also listed as the point of contact for 11 potential businesses that could have been located on 2105 West Worley Street. He was also listed as a co-owner of Canna Zoned MLS on the business’ website.

The licenses are intended to help businesses, minorities and people with disabilities break into Missouri’s profitable marijuana market. 

According to a release from the MDHSS the following eleven businesses received a received a notice of pending revocation in December. 

The MDHSS said in a release it issued a Notice of Pending Revocation to the 11 businesses on Dec 15. Each business was given 30 days to fix the issues listed on the notice or respond to the allegation with records and information on why the license should not be suspended. 

The DCR determined that licenses listed under Byepolar Thymez LLC and Individual LLC were majority-owned and operated by people who met the qualifications to own a license. 

According to Cannabis.Mo.Gov, applicants for a microbusiness license needed to meet each of the following criteria:

• Have a net worth of less than $250,000 and have had an income below 250% of the federal poverty level, or successor level, for at least three of the 10 calendar years before applying for a marijuana microbusiness facility license; or
• Have a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or successor agency; or
• Be a person who has been or a person whose parent, guardian or spouse has been arrested for, prosecuted for, or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense, except for a conviction involving provision of marijuana to a minor, or a conviction of driving under the influence of marijuana. The arrest, charge, or conviction must have occurred at least one year prior to the effective date of this section; or
• Reside in a ZIP code or census tract area where:
  • Thirty percent or more of the population lives below the federal poverty level; or
  • The rate of unemployment is 50% higher than the state average rate of unemployment; or
  • The historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is 50% higher than the rate for the entire state; or
• Graduated from a school district that was unaccredited, or had a similar successor designation, at the time of graduation, or has lived in a zip code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three of the past five years.

An October release from the DCR says that it received more than 1,600 applications during the July 27-Aug. 10 application period. The state awarded a total of 48 licenses, which were decided by a random lottery drawing.

Originally Appeared Here

I love learning from people who have different life experiences than me. I had more than 500 life-changing coffee chats between 2020 and 2023. I work hard to pay this forward and back — something I believe is profoundly important. While the quantity of these chats is substantial, I place paramount importance on authenticity and depth. Connecting with others is a cornerstone of my life, which explains my level of investment.

I believe that everyone’s experience is valuable — and that magic happens when people share their stories. In the last few years, in order to learn about different industries and paths, I have had conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, hundreds of executives at top technology and media companies, Tony- and Emmy-winning producers and writers, professors, non-profit leaders, and hundreds of MBAs.

These conversations led to lightbulb moments that paved my future.

A MENTOR WHO MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

If you read my recent article in Poets&Quants you know I used to be an actor on television and in theater. I pivoted to get my MBA from Columbia Business School and I now work in emerging technology research and strategy.

My view of the significance of mentors began early. When I was a 14-year-old aspiring actor, I watched Laurence O’Keefe, Broadway and film/TV composer and lyricist (Legally Blonde: The Musical, Bat Boy: The Musical, Heathers: The Musical) perform an early edition of a song from Heathers. I felt connected to the music and immediately wanted to be in his show — but even more I wanted to learn from him. I went up to him and asked if I could have his email and told him I wanted to work with him. You may be surprised to know he said yes and met me at a music studio the next day to sing through his songs. You can imagine how excited I was to work with someone of his caliber. His generosity still inspires me.

He became a generous mentor and a friend. His belief in me propelled a stronger belief in myself. We worked on multiple projects together and he gave me advice whenever I needed it. That kind of guidance is not something you can predict or manufacture, but it is people like him who make daring pursuits worth it. He also wrote my MBA admissions recommendation — so it goes without saying I would not be where I am without his help. That one bold moment 15 years ago helped me get into business school a decade and a half later. Who would have thought?

As I moved into my professional acting career, I focused more on building relationships than attending auditions. Eventually these relationships turned into acting opportunities on HBO, Amazon, Discovery, and Oxygen. In pivoting from acting to business and having zero business or MBA connections, I knew I needed to talk to MBAs to understand what this path would entail — so I spoke with countless MBAs at several different programs.

And when I was looking for summer internships, I made a list of companies I was interested in — and spoke with hundreds of people at those companies to see what intrigued me. Those conversations are what led me to tech.

CONVERSATIONS WITH TECH LEADERS: TAKEAWAYS 

After my summer internship with the strategy team at PlayStation, I wanted to learn more about emerging tech, so I did an interview-driven thesis where I interviewed executives and CEOs to learn the industry landscape. I spoke to the CEO of PlayStation, CTO of Animoca Brands, SVP at Unity, VP of NVIDIA, and 60 other leaders at every top tech/media company — all from cold reach-outs.

Here are some of my takeaways from these conversations:

• Being a student is the best time to reach out because you are not a threat. Use this time strategically.
• No one has it figured out. The process of discovery is the most interesting part of a career.
• Society trains us to be polite and cautious. Be kind, but direct. Ask questions you want answers to.
• Shy, introverted people have a quiet power (I am both). If you’re like me, harness your strength and conquer your shyness.
• Most women I spoke to (and also many men) mentioned a duty to help other young women with the goal of increasing representation. This was appreciated.
• Multiple men made me uncomfortable by commenting on the fact that I look too young to be an MBA. One even suggested I go camera off because if “someone saw you they wouldn’t take you seriously in a meeting because you look like a teenager.”
• CEOs might be paid more and face bigger problems but they suffer the same insecurities as everyone else.
• Senior executives typically spoke more highly of their organizations than lower tier employees. Many of those people have since been laid off.
• I am more cynical about the ethics of organizations and more hopeful about the generosity of the human spirit.

PIECING TOGETHER THE PUZZLE

Given what I have learned, here is my advice to you:

• Choose mentors wisely. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, you should end the conversation.
• There is a benefit to a breadth of conversations, but also depth — follow your gut when you feel like you click with someone and ask for a follow-up.
• If you have thoughts like “This person would never answer me,” send the message anyway.
• Keep a log of the conversations and what resonates so that you can look through all of your notes and map out a path that inspires you.
• Do not network when you want a referral. Build relationships over time.
• No matter your industry, there is a benefit to talking to for-profit companies, non-profits, and governments — all have different perspectives that will allow you to piece together a larger puzzle.

If you want to connect, here is my Linkedin. I welcome outreach. My only ask is that you pay it forward some day.

My bio is something I hope changes often. I am a 2023 graduate of Columbia Business School (MBA). Someone told me recently that I took the scenic route in my career, which resonated with me. After graduating from Boston Conservatory, I spent 7 years as an actor on television and in theater. I pivoted during the pandemic to get my MBA after far too many internships to prove I could do other things (6 to be exact). I was an MBA intern on the Strategy and Portfolio Team at PlayStation Studios last summer. I now do emerging technology strategy and research at an Innovation Studio within WPP called Subvrsive. The most important thing to me is people, diverse perspectives, curiosity, and an open mind. And coffee, lots of coffee. If you need help, just ask for it. 

DON’T MISS FROM ACTOR TO COLUMBIA MBA: HOW I MADE A MASSIVE PIVOT — AND HOW YOU CAN, TOO

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported in an apartment fire on Monday morning in the 5000 block of Clark Lane, according to a press release from the Columbia Fire Department.

Crews were dispatched to The Links – a Columbia apartment complex area – at 8:25 a.m., according to the release. Fire marshals are investigating the origin and cause of the fire, the release states.

The release states that crews arrived within four minutes and saw smoke and flames in the back side of an apartment building. The fire was contained to one building, but multiple units were affected, the release states.

A woman who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation from The Links, says the fire started around 8:12 a.m. after her neighbor had left her apartment to walk a dog. She made it out safely, but told ABC 17 News she lost 95% of her belongings in the fire and currently has no place to stay.

Tony Jackson’s daughter, Kara was in Kansas City celebrating her recent engagement when she and her fiancé Chris noticed something odd on their doorbell security camera. Their apartment was on fire. 

“They called me it was 8 o’clock this morning and said get to the house I said ‘What?’ The apartment is on fire!’” Tony Jackson said.

When Jackson arrived the apartment was still on fire. He also saw several tenants outside in the rain. 

“There’s families standing there there. This one young couple I met there from out of town and they said ‘What do we do? Where do we go?’”, Jackson said. “The management just came and called the corporate office and said ‘They have no responsibility. None.’ I said ‘Excuse me you got paid the rent and these kids gotta go find a place you just putting them out.'” 

The woman who wished to remain anonymous said her family was left scrambling to find a place to stay. She claimed that management told her they had no additional units available, and that they could not put them in a hotel. She added that after seeing management at the scene of the fire nobody from The Links reached out to her. When she called them around 5 p.m., she claimed she was told by management that they had an inspector going through to inspect the damage and that they should contact the Red Cross. 

The woman also said she is waiting to hear from the Red Cross and their insurance company for the next steps on what to do. She added she had to shower at her boss’s house because her apartment was covered in ash and the water was shut off. 

Jackson said that if not for the security camera from his daughter, would likely still not know about the fire damage because management has yet to reach out. He said that he will be able to take care of his daughter while the damage is repaired, but others may not be so lucky. 

“Red Cross didn’t come until like 1 o’clock because the unit The Links didn’t tell them about it and The Links told them that it was only one victim and her dog,” Jackson said. “What they are doing to these young people is not right. they just left them out in the rain.” 

Jackson added that he offered to let one of the families stay with him until they found a place to stay.

“I’m blessed my daughter has a place to go. Their [daughter’s and fiance’s] clothes is all smokey so we had to wash everything. my heart goes out to the other residents,” Jackson said. “The Red Cross did offer some help to give them some resources but as far as  the links it wasn’t right what they done.”

A spokesperson from The Links told ABC 17 News that they are “working with each tenant affected,” but did not give specifics after they were asked for additional comments.

Originally Appeared Here

When a much-awaited solar eclipse moves across the country on April 8, mid-Missouri will be able to witness more than 94% of total darkness.

The path of the eclipse will move from Mexico north through Texas and southeast Missouri to the eastern provinces of Canada.

The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse in Piedra del Aguila, Argentina, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. The total solar eclipse was visible from the northern Patagonia region of Argentina and from Araucania in Chile, and as a partial eclipse from the lower two-thirds of South America. 

Natacha Pisarenko/The Associated Press

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Rock Bridge High School students cheer and remove their glasses as the solar eclipse goes into totality on Aug. 21, 2017, in Columbia. The school day was dedicated to different eclipse activities.

Marta Payne/Missourian

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Jamie Arndt rests his head on Stephanie Reid-Arndt while they watch the eclipse Aug. 21, 2017, at the Francis Quadrangle in Columbia.

Monique Woo/Missourian

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Light from the partial eclipse shines through leaves Aug. 21, 2017, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The crescent shapes in the shadows show how the moon moves across the sun during the eclipse.

Emily Shepherd/Missourian

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Filipino students use welders glass to view the partial solar eclipse on March 9, 2016, at the University of the Philippines in suburban Quezon city, which is north of Manila, Philippines, as it occurs.

Aaron Favila/The Associated Press

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Isoiza Gomina, 5, peers through the lens of a telescope on Oct. 14, 2023, at Lowry Mall in Columbia. Although the telescope was initially pointed at the Memorial Union clock, Gomina insisted on pointing it straight up to the clouds.

Hannah Schuh/Missourian

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Originally Appeared Here

Glass shattered at the end of an excavator’s mechanical claw as one era of business in Forest Acres ended and another began on Thursday morning.

Demolition on the massive, hulking and empty Richland Mall at the intersection of Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard started around 10:30 a.m. as a crowd of area residents gathered across the street to watch and drones flew overhead to capture the action.

The claw pierced the window of one of the mall’s former entrances and frames of glass shattered and fell. It was the first move on the way to the mall’s new incarnation as an open-air, mixed-use complex first announced in November 2022 with a $100 million redevelopment plan handled by Southeastern Development of Augusta.

Onlookers watch the beginning of the end of Richland Mall. (Photo/Christina Lee Knauss)

Officials with Southeastern estimate demolition of the mall’s 930,000 square feet of concrete structure will take about a year.

Plans for the site call for a 32-acre, mixed-use property to include retail, a brewery or tap room, green space, a grocery and apartments. The city of Forest Acres also purchased six acres of land behind the mall as part of the redevelopment deal and has plans to put a large park there.

Forest Acres city officials and others are happy about the new plans for the site, with many hoping it brings not only economic success but a new, vibrant addition to the lifestyle of residents in the rapidly growing city.

Related story: Barnes & Noble ready to reopen after leaving beleaguered mall

Related story: Mall losing its last 2 tenants

“Forest Drive and Beltline is a crossroads for the residents of Forest Acres and really for all of Richland County,” said Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrews. “Its redevelopment is a generational opportunity for Forest Acres. It will not only grow economic opportunities, but the entire development as well as the park Forest Acres is planning will create spaces for community and gathering. The demolition of the mall is the first step toward the property’s revitalization.”

Plans for a multi-use complex bring back memories of the mall’s first incarnation, when it was opened as an open-air shopping plaza in 1961. Until 1987, it was home to a branch of the now-defunct J.B. White department store, a Woolworth’s, a grocery store, and many other shops including the first incarnation of the iconic Happy Bookseller shop which was a Forest Acres fixture until its closure in 2008.

The mall was then enclosed and from 1988 to 1996 did business as Richland Fashion Mall, home to anchor high-end department stores like Bonwit Teller and Parisian. The concept eventually didn’t last, however, and in 1996 the mall’s name switched back to Richland Mall.

The mall played host to a variety of stores, restaurants and businesses over the past 20 years, but traffic continued to dwindle. Its last two anchors closed — a Belk department store in September 2023 and Barnes & Noble booksellers earlier this year. Barnes & Noble reopened March 6 at a new site on Garners Ferry Road.

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Originally Appeared Here

In a landmark visit highlighting its commitment to knowledge sharing and industry collaboration, Fidelity Bank Ghana, the nation’s largest privately owned bank, welcomed a delegation of 35 students and faculty from Columbia Business School, a world-renowned institution for business education.

The visit, held at Fidelity Bank’s head office at Ridge Towers in Accra, served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of potential collaborations in driving financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and implementing effective growth strategies within the African market, specifically focusing on Ghana.

Students engaged in dynamic discussions with Fidelity Bank executives, gaining firsthand insights into the bank’s operations, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability in Ghana. Leaders from the bank shared their experiences, including emerging trends and challenges in the financial landscape and strides Fidelity Bank is making.

Managing Director Julian Opuni recounted the bank’s transformation from a discount house in 1998 to a leading universal bank today. He emphasized its strategic expansion, including an international office in Malaysia, and its focus on digital banking for broader financial accessibility. He further inspired the students by urging them to embrace calculated risks, sharing a personal anecdote about his own career shift to join a young, five-year-old Fidelity Bank in Ghana from the UK, highlighting the potential rewards of taking bold steps.

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR outlined Fidelity Bank’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development. She addressed social and environmental challenges and highlighted the bank’s three-pillar strategy: Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations, and CSR. Examples included the Fidelity Young Entrepreneur program and the Orange Impact initiative, which supports education through financial and non-financial support.

Ag. Director of Retail Segments Thomas Ishmael Adjei showcased Fidelity Bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion. He shared the success of the Smart Account, featuring simplified account opening and low know your customer requirements, and the extensive agency network exceeding 9,000 agents, making financial services readily accessible in remote areas.

Professor Stephan Meier, Chair of the Management Division and James P. Gorman Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, expressed his appreciation for Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to providing students with firsthand knowledge of the Ghanaian financial sector.  This marks the third such visit, offering valuable insights into the unique realities of the Ghanaian market. Professor Meier emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse perspectives within the field of finance.

The delegation toured various departments within the bank, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Fidelity Bank’s operations and its steadfast commitment to financial inclusion. This enriching experience provided students with valuable insights into the unique realities of the Ghanaian market and equipped them with practical knowledge that can be applied in their future endeavours.

The visit signifies a crucial step in fostering collaboration between academia and the financial industry.  This knowledge exchange equips future business leaders with valuable insights and paves the way for potential partnerships that can contribute to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.

Source:
Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited

Originally Appeared Here

In a landmark visit highlighting its commitment to knowledge sharing and industry collaboration, Fidelity Bank Ghana, the nation’s largest privately owned bank, welcomed a delegation of 35 students and faculty from Columbia Business School, a world-renowned institution for business education.

The visit, held at Fidelity Bank’s head office at Ridge Towers in Accra, served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and exploration of potential collaborations in driving financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and implementing effective growth strategies within the African market, specifically focusing on Ghana.

Students engaged in dynamic discussions with Fidelity Bank executives, gaining firsthand insights into the bank’s operations, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability in Ghana. Leaders from the bank shared their experiences, including emerging trends and challenges in the financial landscape and strides Fidelity Bank is making.

Managing Director Julian Opuni recounted the bank’s transformation from a discount house in 1998 to a leading universal bank today. He emphasized its strategic expansion, including an international office in Malaysia, and its focus on digital banking for broader financial accessibility. He further inspired the students by urging them to embrace calculated risks, sharing a personal anecdote about his own career shift to join a young, five-year-old Fidelity Bank in Ghana from the UK, highlighting the potential rewards of taking bold steps.

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR outlined Fidelity Bank’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development. She addressed social and environmental challenges and highlighted the bank’s three-pillar strategy: Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations, and CSR. Examples included the Fidelity Young Entrepreneur program and the Orange Impact initiative, which supports education through financial and non-financial support.

Ag. Director of Retail Segments Thomas Ishmael Adjei showcased Fidelity Bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion. He shared the success of the Smart Account, featuring simplified account opening and low know your customer requirements, and the extensive agency network exceeding 9,000 agents, making financial services readily accessible in remote areas.

Professor Stephan Meier, Chair of the Management Division and James P. Gorman Professor of Business at Columbia Business School, expressed his appreciation for Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to providing students with firsthand knowledge of the Ghanaian financial sector. This marks the third such visit, offering valuable insights into the unique realities of the Ghanaian market. Professor Meier emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse perspectives within the field of finance.

The delegation toured various departments within the bank, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Fidelity Bank’s operations and its steadfast commitment to financial inclusion. This enriching experience provided students with valuable insights into the unique realities of the Ghanaian market and equipped them with practical knowledge that can be applied in their future endeavours.

The visit signifies a crucial step in fostering collaboration between academia and the financial industry. This knowledge exchange equips future business leaders with valuable insights and paves the way for potential partnerships that can contribute to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.

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