Interviewer: Can you tell us who Madam Mercy is?
Mercy: At heart, I’m a family woman, nurturing a vibrant home of ten, including my three children, relatives, and a helper, which keeps life interesting and full. My spiritual life as a Methodist chorister offers me respite and joy, away from the professional hustle. With a grounding in secretaryship and a knack for French, I ventured into the insurance world over two decades ago, driven by a passion for continuous growth and a pledge to make a difference. My roots in Cape Coast have instilled in me resilience and a rich sense of culture.
Career journey and milestones.
Interviewer: Can you walk us through your Career Journey?
Mercy: Starting with a strong administrative and IT background, my career took a pivotal turn when I joined the insurance industry in 2000. This journey has been one of learning, adapting, and overcoming. From teaching computing skills at The African Virtual University to becoming a chartered insurer and a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana, each step has been about embracing opportunities and expanding my expertise. My progression reflects not just personal achievement but also the evolving dynamics of the insurance landscape.
Interviewer: What motivated you to pursue a career in insurance?
Mercy: It was a confluence of opportunity and foresight. Joining Enterprise Insurance at a crucial time allowed me to see the potential within the sector for professional growth and impact. Encouraged by mentors and fueled by a desire to excel, I embarked on the journey to become a chartered professional, marking my commitment to this challenging yet rewarding field.
Interviewer: Can you share a significant career accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
Mercy: Being recognized for my examination excellence across West Africa was a moment of pride, symbolizing the fruits of my dedication. However, rising to the rank of Assistant General Manager, on par with seasoned professionals, has been my crowning achievement. It wasn’t just a promotion; it was recognition of my journey, challenges, and contributions, reaffirming my place in the industry.
Leadership Experience and Challenges
Interviewer: How would you describe your leadership style and approach?
Mercy: My leadership journey has evolved from a strict focus on tasks to a more holistic view that values teamwork, results, and personal growth. By advocating for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goals, I aim to inspire excellence and accountability within my team, ensuring that together, we surpass our targets and expectations.
Interviewer: Have you encountered any challengers/barriers in your career journey?
Mercy: Balancing professional aspirations with family responsibilities, especially during pregnancies, required meticulous planning and resilience. Furthermore, navigating a male-dominated industry meant overcoming stereotypes and proving my worth beyond traditional expectations. These experiences have shaped my determination to advocate for meritocracy and equality.
Perspectives on Gender Equality and empowerment in the Workplace
Interviewer: How would you perceive the current state of gender equality and diversity in the insurance industry?
Mercy: The landscape of gender equality and diversity within the insurance industry is a study in contrasts. On one hand, we’re witnessing a slow but steady shift towards inclusivity, with more women ascending to managerial and executive positions than ever before. This is a positive sign, indicative of the industry’s awakening to the benefits of diverse leadership.
However, the reality remains that challenges persist. The recent ECOWAS Brown card election serves as a poignant example, where despite qualified female candidates, including myself, vying for positions, the voting patterns favored male counterparts. This scenario underscores a broader industry trend where, despite progress, women often remain underrepresented in decision-making roles and board positions.
The current state also reflects a diversity gap, not just in gender but in the inclusion of varied backgrounds and perspectives, which are essential for a holistic approach to insurance products and services. While there are women in the industry, the higher echelons remain predominantly male. This is not just a challenge but also an opportunity for the industry to evolve, embracing diversity not as a quota to be met but as a strategic advantage.
The balance between male and female representation, especially at senior levels, still tilts towards the traditional. However, dialogues are opening, and awareness is increasing. Institutions are beginning to implement policies aimed at fostering an inclusive culture, though there is a considerable journey ahead.
In my view, the state of gender equality and diversity in our sector is at a crossroads. There is a burgeoning recognition of the need for change, driven by both internal industry dynamics and external societal pressures. The progress, while not uniform, is real and palpable. My aspiration, and indeed my commitment, is to continue to push these boundaries, advocating for an environment where gender equality and diversity are not just welcomed but are recognized as pillars of our industry’s strength and sustainability.
Personal Motivations and Values / Future aspirations and goals
Interviewer: What are your aspirations and goals for the future, both professionally and personally?
Mercy: Professionally, my goal is to deepen my expertise in corporate governance, recognizing its pivotal role in sustainability and ethical leadership. Personally, I am committed to mentoring and elevating women within the industry, fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Through these endeavors, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that not only reflects my values but also paves the way for future generations. It is letting people know what matters. That’s excellent. Excellence in everything they do.
This initiative is brought to you by GIZ’s Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) programme. These interview series aims to empower young women in finance, promote gender equality and inclusivity, and encourage women to pursue leadership roles in their workplaces. The interviewer for this initiative is – Fatima Gberbie, Communications Specialist with PFS-GIZ Ghana.