Ruka Sanusi highlights transformational leadership, team alignment as key drivers of resilient SMEs
Ruka Sanusi, the Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Center, shared some invaluable insights on building resilient small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). on the Citi Business Festival 2023 held today, Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
With the theme centered on ‘Building resilient SMEs,’, Sanusi emphasized the importance of transformational leadership, team alignment, and other critical factors to foster sustainable growth.
During the event, Sanusi underscored the role of leadership in SME success. “Leadership plays a crucial role in making SMEs successful,” she stated.
“However, it is equally important for leadership to be transformational, driving positive change within the organization while adhering to clear timelines.”
Sanusi’s expertise extended beyond financial considerations, highlighting the significance of team members and their growth within the brand. “Building a successful business is not just about finances,” she emphasized.
“It is essential to ensure that the vision of the business aligns with the people working both internally and externally, serving the organization.”
One of the key points raised by Sanusi was the importance of establishing a clear niche for SMEs. “Having a very clear niche is vital because you cannot be a jack of all trades,” Sanusi explained.
By focusing on a specific market segment and offering unique products or services, SMEs can differentiate themselves and position themselves as experts in their chosen field. Customer orientation and responsiveness emerged as another critical factor in Sanusi’s insightful discussion.
“If you don’t prioritize customer orientation and responsiveness, your business cannot sustain itself in the long run,” she warned.
Additionally, Sanusi emphasized the importance of assembling the right mix of individuals within a team, unless the business is a one-person operation.
Sanusi stated, “the right mix of people, who share the company’s vision and values, is essential for long-term success.”
“Their dedication, skills, and alignment with the brand’s objectives contribute significantly to driving growth and resilience.”
Lastly, Sanusi highlighted the necessity for SMEs to be adaptable and agile in the face of a rapidly changing business landscape.
“Adaptability is crucial for businesses to navigate market dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving customer preferences,” she noted further.
The Citi Business Festival 2023 is powered by Citi TV and Citi FM in partnership with Absa Bank and is proudly sponsored by MTN MOMO, MTN Business and Zeepay with support from GIRSAL.
Source: Ghana Business
