The recently held Women in PR Ghana Summit was a unique gathering of practitioners and this year, our Executive Director, Lesijolu Eite Eric-Nwabuzor and our Communications Officer at The Comms Avenue were physically present to represent our organisation and support the Women in PR Ghana Team. This week’s article explores their experience, learnings and lessons from the Summit.
The 8th Women in PR Ghana Summit, held in Accra from 5th to 6th July 2024, was a gathering of brilliant minds in the Public Relations industry. This wasn’t just another conference; but a masterclass in female leadership, strategic communications, and the future of the PR industry.
Representing The Comms Avenue, we were able to attend the Summit in person and see firsthand how it all played out. We’re sharing some key learnings that left a mark on us, not just professionally but personally:
- The Power of Purposeful Curation and Collaborative Leadership
Day 1 of the Summit held virtually on July 5th was a delight as each session zeroed in on pressing issues facing PR professionals. The executive team behind this summit, did a stellar job pinpointing areas of interest highly relevant to PR professionals in today’s landscape, and crafting an event that was both relevant and impactful.
Day 2 was held in person and as the day progressed, it struck me that each speaker over the two days had brought a wealth of experiential knowledge to the fore. The examples shared were refreshingly current and applicable and this real-time relevance made the learning experience incredibly valuable and immediately applicable to our professional contexts.
The experience was a powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose and passion, we can create spaces of unparalleled learning and growth. – Lesijolu
- The Beauty of Teamwork
I came into the Summit excited and eager to meet the Women in PR Ghana executive team, delegates and speakers. I did not expect to be so floored by their collaboration. These women were very well prepared and even when some things didn’t go as planned, they powered through it gracefully.
I saw firsthand how teamwork can make even the most dire of situations look like it was part of the plan. Achieving this took several meetings and clear communication to share the vision and create synergy. – Damilola
- An Authentic Approach to Networking
Tucci Goka Ivowi’s session on networking was nothing short of amazing. She presented a refreshing alternative to the idea of networking that we’re used to – authentic self-presentation backed by deep professional knowledge.
Her approach challenged us to be the best version of ourselves consistently, regardless of who we’re interacting with walking into any room or interaction with the confidence that comes from truly knowing our craft, being unafraid to ask and answer questions, and always being open to learning. She emphasised integrity and values, both of which resonated with me deeply.
The beauty of this perspective is that it shifts networking from a transactional exercise to a genuine opportunity for meaningful connection and growth. It’s a powerful reminder that in PR, our greatest asset is not just what we know, but how authentically we present ourselves, how deeply we engage with others, and what we truly represent when all is said and done. – Lesijolu
- Embrace the New while holding on to your Foundations
A recurring theme throughout this Summit was the fact that we are in a constantly changing world which requires us to adapt and evolve as professionals.
I was particularly taken in by Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny’s presentation on Data Visualisation and presentation as it reminded me to be flexible enough to try new tools in my quest to accomplish great things in my role.
I look forward to trying new tools and maybe even taking more steps to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into my work. – Damilola
- The Art of Strategic Adaptability
The Summit’s crown jewel was undoubtedly the keynote address by industry legend, Esther Cobbah. Her approach to strategic
communications is rooted in a deep understanding of the environment and an unwavering commitment to adaptability. She emphasised the importance of taking the long view, conducting thorough research not just on clients, but on the entire ecosystem in which they operate.
What struck me most was her insistence on understanding the ‘why’ behind every brief. This focus allows her to pivot effectively when strategies need adjustment, always keeping the core objective in sight.
It was a powerful reminder that in PR, we’re not just communicators – we’re strategists, researchers, and above all, students of human behavior. – Lesijolu
As we reflected on these learnings, we were filled with renewed enthusiasm for the work that we do and eager to not only share our learnings but also infuse them into our work at The Comms Avenue. We’re grateful to the amazing team at Women in PR Ghana for being super hosts and for leading by example. We also look forward to the 9th Women in PR Ghana Summit
