A remarkable leader who embodies the value of continuous learning, Sophia Kudjordji is a highly accomplished public relations expert and a seasoned communications leader in Ghana. With an impressive background in building strong PR functions and teams, she currently serves as the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at the esteemed Jospong Group of Companies. With over 25 years of experience in media and communications, Sophia has made her mark in both public relations and journalism.
Sophia’s journey began as a journalist, fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with the Ghana News Agency in the Volta Region in 1996. Prior to this role, she provided her expertise as a consultant for the DANIDA-sponsored Community Water Sanitation Agency. Additionally, she had the opportunity to host various radio programs dedicated to empowering youth and women at the local community radio station, Volta Star, in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Taking a different path, Sophia joined the British High Commission as a website editor. Her role expanded to include acting as a liaison between the High Commission and the Ghana Police Service. Her exceptional dedication and performance earned her a commendation letter from 10 Downing Street in the United Kingdom.
After six years with the High Commission, Sophia embarked on a new adventure, joining Unique Trust Financial Services. This Ghanaian-owned private finance house gained recognition for its renowned 48-hour stop-gap loan service. Rebranded as UT Financial Services and listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, the company later merged with another bank, resulting in the establishment of UT Bank (now defunct). Within just two years of operating as a universal bank, UT Bank proudly received the prestigious Best Bank award at the Ghana Banking Awards in 2012. Over time, the institution diversified its offerings to include Property Management, Private Security, Logistics, and Life Insurance, among other ventures.
After nearly a decade of contributing to the integrated marketing communication field within the UT Group, Sophia made a transition to the Jospong Group in 2016. Taking on the role of Group Head for Communication, she proudly associates herself with two of Ghana’s most renowned private sector enterprises. Despite vilifications against these companies due to lack of understanding of their operations, both the Jospong Group and UT Brand, along with their executives, have received numerous awards and recognition, solidifying their positions as highly esteemed companies within and outside the country.
The company
JOSPONG GROUP OF COMPANIES is a wholly Ghanaian owned holding company with interest in over 60 subsidiaries operating Africa, Asia and America. It is one of Ghana’s most diversified companies and one of the biggest players in the private sector. Established in 1995 by the visionary Leader and founder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, with a core business of printing and publishing, the company has in the last couple of years grown into conglomerate with operations in 14 sectors of the economy and a core staff strength of over 6,000 people and created close to 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly along the value chain.
The vision of the Group is to become the most successful African Holding company leading in every sector we operate in, with a simple mission of improving the lives of people. Jospong Group’s core business is to identify gaps, churn out innovative businesses and build capacities to provide value and nurture them to become market leaders; fit to play on both the local and international markets.
Strategic Communication Leadership
As the Chief Corporate Communication Officer (CCCO), Sophia assumes the vital role of providing strategic direction for communication across the Jospong Group. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including internal communication, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, community relations, media relations, corporate affairs, and online communication. Alongside these responsibilities, she undertakes various other tasks, some of which are listed below:
- Directing communication strategies that contribute to the profitable growth and operation of the Group.
- Developing policies, messaging, and a strategic approach to communication that instills trust, confidence, excellence, and a commitment to serving local and international stakeholders.
- Creating strategic communication plans aligned with the Group’s long-term objectives and priorities.
- Acting as the spokesperson for the Group and representing the Group, when required.
- Ensuring that communication objectives and performance standards are not only understood but also embraced by management and employees.
- Serving as a liaison to major stakeholders, including the media, government, and the general public.
- Establishing and maintaining an effective communication system and a competent team.
- Developing and implementing crisis communication strategies to effectively handle challenging situations.
- Supporting the development of strategic corporate social responsibility programs.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Sophia’s role is waking up each day and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, leaving them with a smile. This demonstrates her commitment to fostering positive connections and making a difference through effective communication and engagement.
Insights on Humility, Patience, and Value-Centric Leadership
Sophia has embraced a continuous learning mindset, drawing lessons from people, situations, events, and any source that offers valuable insights. She actively challenges herself to learn, not only from others but also through formal education. Currently, she is pursuing an MPhil in Strategic Public Relations Management at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) in Accra, Ghana. Sophia firmly believes that learning has no endpoint and encourages her mentees to adopt the same attitude. She also gains inspiration and knowledge from role models such as her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Mensah Kudjordji, her siblings, the late Dr Sule Gariba, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng of UT, and Madam Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Stratcom Africa and other senior practitioners.
One significant observation Sophia has made about emerging leaders today is the lack of humility and patience among them. While she acknowledges the importance of speed, Sophia has matured to understand that life operates within its own time and processes. Impatience can lead to rushing, often resulting in avoidable accidents. She advocates for emerging leaders to embrace humility, acknowledging their weaknesses and seeking help when needed. Furthermore, she emphasizes the significance of recognizing that there is a suitable time and season for everything. Many emerging leaders prioritize cost over value, which can negatively impact their relationships. Sophia hopes that they will discern and appreciate the distinction.
Through her own journey of continuous learning and personal growth, Sophia offers valuable insights and guidance to the emerging leaders she mentors.
Beyond Qualifications
In today’s era where skills are abundant, Sophia has learned the importance of considering not only qualifications but also attitude when hiring team members. While skills can be taught, she values attitude as a fundamental attribute that is challenging to change once acquired. Particularly for non-technical positions, Sophia seeks individuals who possess a clear sense of purpose, independence of thought, humility, respect, and a willingness to learn. Diligence, intelligence, and a readiness to both learn from and share knowledge with others are also essential qualities she looks for. A touch of humor is an added bonus, creating a positive and enjoyable work environment.
A Valuable Lesson in Trust
One of the most significant risks Sophia encountered during her early days in the private sector was placing her trust in an event organizer who turned out to be fraudulent. She had convinced her company to sponsor him, only to discover his true intentions. However, she was fortunate to have a supportive boss who reassured her that it was a valuable learning experience and advised her not to dwell on it. This encouragement empowered Sophia to become more vigilant in her professional endeavors.
Looking ahead, Sophia envisions a shift away from the corporate world in the next five years. Her aspirations include fully immersing herself in mentoring, consultancy work, and engaging in small-scale farming. This transition reflects her desire to share her expertise, guide others in their professional journeys, and explore new ventures outside of the traditional corporate environment.
Building a Global Phenomenon
With utmost gratitude to God, Sophia expresses her admiration for the Jospong Group, a conglomerate of companies boasting award-winning subsidiaries and individuals. She considers the Jospong story to be truly remarkable, accompanied by a strong brand and a highly dynamic workforce led by the exceptional and visionary founder, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, who serves as the Executive Chairman. Envisioning a future of remarkable expansion through international partnerships, Sophia aims to build resilience within the company, striving to create a transgenerational entity.
The clear vision of the Jospong Group is to lead the sectors in which it operates across Africa. Sophia, along with her team of vibrant, intelligent and exceptional young women and men, is committed to using their communication efforts to shift the narrative surrounding the Jospong Group and its founder from a local tale to a global phenomenon. She aspires for it to become a compelling case study at prestigious institutions like Ivy League universities, challenging the conventional approach to doing business and promoting the distinctive “Jospong Way.” This approach encompasses tenacity, resilience, fearlessness in taking risks, and, above all, a genuine desire to enhance lives.
The Jospong Group has already begun expanding its horizons by actively participating in international exhibitions and business fora. Their aim is not only to showcase their endeavors but also to assume speaking roles, positioning themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. Notably, there is currently a Joseph Siaw Agyepong Distinguished Lecture on Public Health at the Harvard University Center for African Studies in the United States, reflecting the group’s commitment to making significant contributions beyond national borders. Furthermore, Sophia highlights the effective utilization of social media and other digital tools to amplify the brand’s presence and impact.
Written by Steve Sanchez.