The much-anticipated mentoring event, The Speed Mentoring (TSM), took place on Friday, November 1, 2024, offering an impactful day of learning and networking for mentees eager to gain insights from industry leaders. The event kicked off with a breakfast and introductory session, setting a warm and engaging tone for the day’s activities.
Following introductions, mentors were ushered to designated cubicles, where they engaged mentees in 10-minute one-on-one sessions. Each mentee had the opportunity to interact with a roster of accomplished professionals, including Eric Edem Agbana, Eric Benjamin Hayfron, Mary Anane Awuku, Nana Yaw Nhyira Butah, and Hayford Yeboah. The students listened attentively, taking notes and absorbing advice at each step, ensuring they maximized the brief but powerful mentoring interactions.
This year’s cohort was organized into two groups, Group A and Group B, allowing them to alternate between the speed mentoring sessions and a concurrent workshop. This dual-track approach enabled attendees to participate in both the mentoring and skill-building workshops, making the day as enriching as possible. Workshop sessions covered essential topics such as Public Speaking, led by Obed Donkor, and Pitching Techniques, presented by Priscilla Mansa Fynn. Jacob Fynn and Emmanuel Amoah led a discussion on some tips for professional advancement and basic personal health tips respectively.
In a bid to stimulate innovation and expose participants to emerging technologies, mentees also had the chance to immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience, offering them a glimpse into the possibilities within the digital world. Mentees also had an opportunity to network with mentors.
The final session was an open forum, providing mentors with a platform to share their expertise on critical themes for professional and academic growth. Eric Edem Agbana opened the discussion, emphasizing the values of humility and service, which he noted are essential yet increasingly rare in today’s professional landscape. He then transitioned into his main topic, Youth Leadership: Volunteerism and Service, inspiring attendees to embrace leadership through community impact. Mary Anane Awuku followed with an engaging presentation on Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Deal, where she drew on her extensive experience to guide mentees on transforming concepts into viable businesses. Her practical insights resonated with students interested in building sustainable ventures from the ground up.
Nana Yaw Nhyira Butah shared his expertise on Goal Setting and Exploring Opportunities in Tech through Internships. He encouraged students to set clear goals and pursue internships to gain a foothold in the fast-evolving tech industry. Eric Benjamin Hayfron rounded out the presentations with Business Planning, showcasing his classroom experience with actionable strategies, while Hayford Yeboah addressed the critical challenge of balancing academic excellence with practical, real-world experience.
The enthusiasm among mentees was palpable as the event concluded, with students expressing gratitude for the invaluable insights gained throughout the day. Jacob Fynn, a Board Member and Acting Executive Director of the Dada Foundation, took the opportunity to thank the sponsors, mentors, Dada Associates, and the entire Dada team for making the event a success. He acknowledged the commitment of all involved in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators, expressing the foundation’s dedication to empowering young minds through mentorship and skill development.