Leadership Rooted in Purpose, Powered by People
At PIM, we are constantly inspired by leaders who walk the talk – those who not only champion innovation and transformation but do so with intentionality and a deep sense of purpose. During our recent III Demo Day, we were thrilled to have Akua Nyame-Mensah – Leadership, Culture & Transformation Advisor, Executive Coach, and Speaker- who not only joined us as a fireside panelist, but also as a generous sponsor. As part of her sponsorship, Akua contributed digital product bundles from her digital shop on ANM & Co, designed to help founders gain clarity, lead confidently, and scale with intention.
A Leader Shaped by Lived Experience
Akua’s journey is anything but conventional, but perhaps that’s exactly what makes her approach so powerful. “I provide the support I wish I had as a first-time leader” she shares, during our recent interview, capturing the heart of her mission.
After more than five years leading startup teams in West Africa, Akua transitioned to independent consulting-motivated not by structure or status, but by the desire to offer the kind of practical, values-driven leadership support she wished she had at the beginning of her own career. That mission evolved into ANM & Co – a leadership and advisory platform that helps leaders shift from managing time to prioritizing energy, hone their strengths, and lead with confidence
Businesses Are People: Akua’s Core Philosophy
At the center of Akua’s leadership philosophy is a deceptively simple yet profoundly important belief that “businesses are people.” This people-first philosophy shapes how she structures her consultancy. Through her high-value premium model, she creates space to support organizations like PIM Global, Stanford Seed, I’m Remarkable – dedicating an impressive 60-70% of her time to giving back.
“I wouldn’t be able to do work for such initiatives unless I had these other opportunities that paid me enough to create space in my calendar,” she explains. “But it’s really important to me to create space to support people in the way I wish I was supported.”
From Productivity to Energy: A Revolutionary Approach
What sets Akua apart is her focus on helping leaders “prioritize their energy” rather than simply managing their time. This represents a fundamental shift in how we think about leadership effectiveness.
“We sometimes focus on checking things off our to-do list, but if you really want to be an effective leader, you have to move from thinking tactically to thinking strategically,” she explains. Her approach challenges the conventional wisdom by advocating for building awareness around strengths and competitive advantages – areas where energy flows naturally.
A Shared Vision with PIM
Akua’s involvement with PIM began through a referral; what drew her to PIM wasn’t just the mission, but the execution. “I really liked everyone’s energy and how organized everyone was,” she shares. But what made this relationship flourish, as she states, is “how well they honor your time, your energy-and your humanity; creating a win-win situation. That’s rare, and it’s deeply appreciated.”
Her support of PIM through sponsorship, mentorship, and participation in our Demo Day reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
As a Demo Day panelist, Akua brought a wealth of insight on the founder-investor relationship. She stressed that while funding is important, maintaining boundaries and mental clarity is essential: “Investors are people too. Fundraising should never come at the cost of your well-being.” Akua also underscored: Fall in love with the problem, not just your solution. Her feedback to ventures like AgroData, EcoCoco, Limpiar, and Freetown Innovation Lab highlighted the importance of traction, storytelling, and clarity- key pillars she believes are just as vital as a business model.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Future Founders
“We live in an interconnected world,” Akua reflects. “I do need other people to be successful, and other people need me to be successful. Once you acknowledge that, you’re willing to recognize that soft skills are what enable any hard skills you develop.”
To all aspiring changemakers: let Akua’s story serve as a beacon. Whether you’re navigating your first pitch or scaling your startup, remember-you don’t need to do it alone. You can prioritize your energy, seek support, and build a future rooted in people, not just profit!
About Akua Nyame-Mensah:
Leadership, Culture & Transformation Advisor | Executive Coach | Speaker. Akua helps leaders prioritize their energy and create profitable, people-centered cultures. Her philosophy: “Leadership is a cycle-pivot, adapt, and lead with intention.”
To learn more about Akua Nyame-Mensah, visit www.akuanm.com/pim and use code IMPACTLAB50 for an exclusive offer.
Writer
Divya Shukla (LinkedIn)
Management Trainee, PIM
I’m a Pharmaceutical Science Graduate, driven by a passion for healthcare innovation, social impact, and creative problem-solving. I’ve actively lead multiple student-led projects and events. I love working with startups and thrive in dynamic environments where I can wear multiple hats
