We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fatu Gbedema a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Fatu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The legacy I hope to leave is one that inspires young girls, especially from developing countries, to break free from societal and cultural boundaries. Having worked across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America, I’ve seen how the world is interconnected in ways many can’t imagine. My experiences growing up in different countries and adapting to diverse cultures have shaped me into someone who values openness and a broad worldview.

For young girls, particularly those from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, I want my story to be a testament that success isn’t confined to one’s homeland. The world is vast, and opportunities abound for those who are open to embracing them. The legacy I aim to build is that of a “girl next door” who, despite being laid back and unassuming, has demonstrated that the sky’s the limit when you’re willing to transcend physical and spiritual borders. My hope is that others will see that you can thrive anywhere, as long as you find environments and people who value what you bring to the table.

After I’m gone, I hope people will remember me for the knowledge and insights I generously shared with my community. In a world where many equate wealth with success, I’ve always believed that true empowerment comes from knowledge. Throughout my life, I’ve been intentional about sharing information that could help others build a better future for themselves and their communities.

I hope to be remembered as someone who, instead of hoarding wealth, invested in empowering others through education and skills. I believe that knowledge is more powerful than money, and it’s what truly transforms societies. Additionally, I’d like to leave a legacy of gratitude—a reminder that when we receive valuable knowledge, it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate those who helped us grow. My ultimate goal has been to build a critical mass of like-minded individuals who can work together to bring about meaningful change in society.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a strategic management executive with over 20 years of experience in international development, organizational effectiveness, human capital development, and strategic communication. My career has spanned some of the world’s leading institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, UN, and UNICEF. Throughout my career, I’ve held roles ranging from program manager to strategic HR partner, and even change management consultant, reflecting my adaptability and depth in these fields.

My early professional years were shaped by my work in the extractive sector, starting with the Nimba Mining Company in Liberia. This was my introduction to the complexities of industries like oil, gas, and mining. Later, I served as the Director of Strategic Communication and Public Relations for the National Oil Company of Liberia. Currently, I lead Guyana Global Consulting Group, where I oversee strategic communication and provide key decision-making insights for businesses within the oil and gas sector.

At Guyana Global Consulting Group, we offer a range of services, including writing business plans, developing proposals, and managing corporate communications. For example, when Guyana’s oil and gas sector was just emerging, I provided advisory services to the government’s Energy Department establish internal systems and processes to fulfill their regulatory responsibilities. This work led to the creation of a technical institute aimed at building local capacity in the sector.

In another consulting engagement in Africa, I led the development of organizational manuals for the Registrar General’s Department in Ghana, assisting in the strategic decoupling of the department from the Office of the Registrar of Companies. This involved developing a new business strategy and aligning it to talent by drafting job descriptions and competency frameworks for 800 roles. My work has consistently focused on providing tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges faced by clients in various sectors.

One of my proudest accomplishments is my role in organizing national and diaspora consultations that contributed to the development of oil and gas legislation in Liberia. Coordinating these consultations across five cities in the USA and the 15 counties of Liberia and synthesizing the feedback into actionable policy was both challenging and rewarding, and it significantly impacted the national petroleum and local content legislation.

GAP Magazine: I am particularly proud of my role in the development of GAP Magazine, which has become a critical resource for knowledge management in the petroleum sector. The magazine not only showcases industry experts but also addresses key issues like policy, environmental concerns, and technological advancements, making it an invaluable learning tool for young professionals

.IMF HR Transformation: Another career highlight was at the IMF, where I identified and addressed a critical gap in the career progression for HR professionals. I successfully advocated for and helped craft a new job ladder, allowing HR experts to transition into executive-level positions. This change was implemented across all departments within the IMF, significantly enhancing career growth opportunities for HR professionals.These accomplishments reflect my commitment to finding innovative solutions and my ability to drive change in diverse environments. Whether it’s developing strategic communication initiatives, guiding talent management, or supporting policy development, my work consistently focuses on achieving high-quality outcomes that are impactful and sustainable.

On a personal note, as a survivor of the 13 year civil war in Liberia, I find myself to be quite resilient and not easily fazed by hardship especially noting how far I have come from being a refugee and now, an instrumental player in International development and the petroleum sector.

My experiences as a mother to a 17 year old teen with Down Syndrome have profoundly shaped my approach to my work and life. This has instilled in me a deep sense of patience and a commitment to understanding and supporting those who, like my child, face unique challenges. I advocate for increased societal support and solutions for people living with Down syndrome, a cause that is very close to my heart.

Clients choose me for my being thorough and commitment to quality as well as my resourcefulness and the proven, tested solutions I offer. I bring a global perspective, having worked across various regions and industries, and I ensure that the strategies I develop are culturally nuanced and highly effective. I pride myself on delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines, and I strike a balance between excellence and affordability. My resilience and experience with leading global institutions have honed my ability to meet the diverse needs of my clients.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

GGCG has two key additional revenue streams. The first is **GAP Magazine**, a digital publication that showcases talent, experts, and industry insights in the oil and gas sector. The magazine demystifies industry issues, addresses policy concerns, and offers guidance for young professionals. We generate revenue through sponsored ads, classifieds, and product promotions featured in the magazine.

The second revenue stream is our **souvenir business**, which focuses on environmentally conscious bracelets made from recycled glass. These bracelets are marketed as mementos at conferences and workshops we organize and are also available for businesses to gift to their clients. Additionally, they serve as part of CSR and entrepreneurship projects, where we provide kits for community-based initiatives aimed at building entrepreneurship skills.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

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Lesson to Unlearn: The belief that one must help extended family along while at the same time striving to reach the pinnacle of one’s career to be perceived as an effective member of society.

Backdrop:

This belief was deeply influenced by my cultural background, where there is a strong expectation to care for family members, especially in the absence of robust social security systems. During the Liberian civil war, I had to make difficult decisions, including leaving my family behind to seek safety in Ghana. After the tragic loss of my father, I found myself responsible for my mother, sibling, and other relatives while simultaneously pursuing my career. Despite managing to work internationally and eventually securing positions at the IMF and World Bank, I realized that my efforts to bring everyone along from the start may have hindered my own professional growth.

Had I prioritized my career more singularly before taking on these responsibilities, I believe I could have reached even greater heights, which would have ultimately enabled me to provide better support for my family, including my son with Down syndrome. In retrospect, while helping others is crucial, I have learned that balancing personal goals with familial obligations is key to sustaining both personal and collective progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guyanaglobalconsulting.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatu-gbedema-msc-bus-mgt-ma-int-devt-mgt-390a226?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

Guyana Global Consulting Group, GAP Magazine, Graphic Design Cover of GAP Magazine:. Geoffrey Olisa