The pursuit of personal success doesn’t always mean launching a startup or becoming a CEO, says Dr. Mensa Otabil. The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) is calling on young Africans, especially Ghanaians, to shift their mindset from an overemphasis on entrepreneurship to embracing the value of service within existing systems.
Speaking at the Next Great Leader Summit 2.0: Wisdom at the Helm of Affairs held at the University of Gold Coast (UGC), Dr. Otabil addressed the dangers of glorifying independence as the only path to fulfillment.
He stressed that most people are better positioned to thrive under leadership rather than attempting to build something from scratch.
“I believe the majority of people, not just in Ghana but around the world, will find true fulfilment working with or under someone. That is the more natural and effective way to succeed,” he said. He challenged the narrative that one must own or lead to be impactful, pointing out that ego often clashes with the humility required to serve.
Dr. Otabil cautioned that not everyone has the endurance or mental focus to withstand the pressures of starting and sustaining a business, and many may miss their window of opportunity by following trends rather than timing and self-awareness.
“If everyone thinks they must build their own, we will end up with a frustrated generation, people who shine briefly but can’t sustain the pressure,” he warned.
He concluded by urging the younger generation to learn how to align with greater visions and contribute meaningfully to causes they didn’t originate. “One of the most critical skills young Africans must develop is the ability to commit to something bigger than themselves, and still find joy in it,” he advised.
