Interview with Emelia Desiree Atta-Fynn: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Emelia Atta-Fynn, is the managing director for Pan African Savings and Loans Limited Company, a subsidiary of Ecobank Ghana Plc.

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your Career Journey?

Emelia: My career journey commenced three decades ago at Ecobank Ghana as a young Treasury officer, right after the completion of my university education and national service at the Ministry of Finance.

With time, I ascended the ranks, becoming the head of Treasury in Ghana and later the regional head for English West Africa, minus Nigeria, and including Guinea. The path then led me to oversee Ecobank Group Correspondence Banking,, before diving into Compliance for Ghana. During the merger process between the then Trust Bank and Ecobank, I acted as the managing director for TTB, from December 2011 till June 2012, when the merger was complete. This tumultuous period was a defining chapter, and its aftermath still lingers. After the merger, I moved to Ecobank Zambia as the Executive Director for Domestic Bank and finally came back home to Ghana, to head Pan African Savings and Loans Ghana in 2015. Through it all, I completed my MBA at the University of Ghana in the year 2020, and a professional course in digital finance.

Interviewer: What does a typical day look like for you?

Emelia: Each morning, I arrive early at the office. I mostly check my emails first, for any pressing issues. My day usually consists of leading meetings, internal, external with other colleagues, stakeholders and customers. I coordinate activities across Ecobank’s microfinance subsidiaries in Cameroun, Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone. I do all that from here and I try to speak some French. My anchor is my faith in God and the power of human connection, finding strength in my relationships with family, close friends and colleagues alike.

Interviewer: What inspired you to embark on a career in banking?

Emelia: Before working in a bank, I didn’t know anything about banking except having a bank account. I used to think bankers closed at 2pm, because that was when the banking halls closed, now I know better. However, curiosity and an affinity for numbers drew me to the banking industry., I delved into the banking world, fueled by my brother’s recommendation to join a burgeoning new bank. The bank was just a year old when I joined. The staff were youthful, exuberant and ready to work.

Interviewer: How would you describe your leadership style?

Emelia: My leadership echoes firmness, discipline, order, and a deep connection with my staff. I am stern yet open, I believe in the power of process and the strength of interpersonal relations.

Interviewer: Can you share a specific leadership experience that has been particularly impactful for you?

Emelia: Two moments stand out: One was the birth of a product specifically designed for women that we birthed in Pan-African. This venture required that I work with the team and shepherded them through till we launched it last year, and secondly, leading the TTB team till the merger was complete. This latter experience was complicated and had to be managed carefully, so as not to lose relationships, step on toes and manage the subtle resistance that came with it. I had to strategically find change agents to work with, people who will speak the language of our merged identity, till we eventually merged successfully.

Interviewer: Can you share any advice or tips for other women aspiring to advance in their careers?

Emelia: Continual learning and mastery of your craft are the winds that will propel your career forward. Let your work and your relationships speak for you.

Command respect through knowledge and confidence, find your niche so you become the go to person when people need a particular service, and set a clear course toward your vision.

Interviewer: How do you perceive the current state of gender equity and diversity in the banking industry?

Emelia: While women occupy a lot of entry levels, our numbers thin with elevation. I think it is improving. There are more women leaders in the financial industry than about 20 to 30 years ago. I remember, back in the day there was just about one female managing director of a bank, now there are quite a number, and are all doing very well. In the non-bank financial institutions also, there are a number.

Interviewer: What initiatives do you believe are essential for promoting gender equity and empowerment?

Emelia: Flexible policies, such as accommodating mothers during crucial times, and establishing formal support structures like nurseries at the workplaces, can significantly impact. Moreover, role modeling and education are vital in breaking stereotypes and empowering women to ascend without barriers.

Interviewer: What motivates you to continue pursuing excellence in your career?

Emelia: The desire to instigate change, to be a beacon for others, fuels my drive. I strive to be an exemplar of integrity and excellence, hoping to inspire and uplift those around me.

Interviewer: Can you share a defining moment or experience that has shaped your professional journey?

Emelia: The journey has not been all smooth, but the ability to overcome the hurdles along the way has all helped to shape my journey. Having to manage the treasury in Ghana at a relatively young age is one such experience. The good thing is that in Ecobank, then, there were a number of women leaders who were role models and who supported.

Interviewer: What are your aspirations and goals for the future, both professionally and personally?

Emelia: I look forward to having a good rest after I am done with work,. I am not done with learning and sharing yet, so I will look in that direction. The legacy I wish to leave is a testament to what is possible with the grace of God, dedication, mentorship, and continuous personal growth.

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.