A comfort zone keeps you trapped

A lot of the time, you don’t need miracles or complex solutions to get ahead. Something you need to do is to get out of your comfort zone. That comfort zone that makes you feel safe may be the biggest obstacle to your advancement. Get out of it and test the waters.
I find that most people want success, but they avoid discomfort. But guess what? Comfort feels good now, but it will cost you later. Career growth, sustainable wealth, and personal fulfilment—they all live outside your comfort zone.
I get it, it is extremely hard to leave our comfort zone and choose a different path to chase our dreams and achieve our goals. The process is often difficult and stressful until you reach a point where you feel fulfilled and satisfied.
But at the same time, it is highly rewarding. It teaches so much about things you didn’t even think you needed to know. It helps you get clarity in your mind about what you want and where you want to be.
If you consider taking this path, all you need is courage and preparation.
If you are already working towards achieving your dreams, I respect and support you with all my heart.
If you are in a stage where things feel unbearable or too difficult, remind yourself that this is an essential part of the process to learn and improve.
I’m doing the same, as I have done many times before in my life. When you look at my portfolio, you’d realise that I have made strategic investments in Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, Cargo and Port Handling, Transportation, Fixed Based Operations, Real Estate, Construction, Civil Engineering, Agriculture, and Salt Production.
I did all that because sometimes, you have to take risks to see how far you can go. A comfort zone keeps you trapped in the same stagnant place. If you don’t take a chance, you will never explore your potential. Be okay with failure. Be fine with mistakes. They are part of the process. Learn and grow from it.
This is the way.

Humility, respect, confidence and interest.

When meeting someone for the first time, the way you present yourself speaks volumes about your character. If you are seated when an introduction occurs, it is a sign of respect and courtesy to rise to your feet. Standing up demonstrates that you acknowledge the other person’s presence and value the interaction. As you extend your hand, ensure your handshake is firm—this conveys confidence and sincerity. A weak handshake can come across as disinterest, while an overly strong grip may seem aggressive; aim for balance.
Eye contact is equally important. Looking the person directly in the eyes as you greet them establishes a connection and signals engagement. It shows you are present in the moment and genuinely interested in the introduction. Repeating their name twice reinforces your attentiveness and helps in remembering their name, which makes future interactions smoother. People appreciate when their names are remembered—it makes them feel valued and respected.
Altogether, these actions—standing up, a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and name repetition—reflect humility, respect, confidence, and interest. They set the foundation for meaningful conversations and strong relationships, whether in professional or social settings. Mastering these simple gestures will leave a lasting positive impression on those you meet.

Swallow the frog for your boss

One career concept I always like to give to young professionals who are trying to be successful in life: “Swallow the frog for your boss.”
Here’s what I mean by that:
a. Observe your boss.
b. Figure out what they hate doing.
c. Learn to do it.
d. Take it off their plate.
We all know that every boss has that one thing they really dislike—whether it’s putting together reports, scheduling endless meetings, chasing down approvals, or handling some mundane administrative tasks. It can be frustrating for them, and these responsibilities often weigh heavily on their time.
Your role? Pay attention and be observant. Look for those tasks that seem to burden your boss, and consider how you can step in to make their life a little easier.
Once you’ve identified a task, don’t wait for them to hand it to you. Approach them with compassion and say, “I’ve noticed this takes a lot of your time—would it help if I took care of it for you?” And then, genuinely take on that responsibility.
Why does this matter? You’re doing more than just completing duties; you’re alleviating a pressure point for your boss. By freeing up their time, you allow them to focus on the bigger picture while also showing that you genuinely care about the team’s success.
If you make this a consistent practice, you’ll likely notice something wonderful: your boss starts to rely on you more. You become the person they trust, the one they can count on to lighten their load. And when new opportunities for growth or promotions come along, who do you think will be at the forefront of their mind?
It’s not merely about having all the answers; it’s about being a helpful and dedicated team member. By offering to help with the tasks your boss finds daunting, you not only advance your career but also foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.

McDan retains CISCM ‘Man of the Year’ honour

The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Daniel McKorley has retained his honour as the Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management (CISCM) ‘Man of the Year.’ 2024.

This solidifies his status as a key figure in transforming Africa’s supply chain landscape, highlighting his continued leadership and underscores his vital role in driving innovation, infrastructure development, and regional trade growth across the continent as an imminent Member of CISCM.

The CISCM ‘Man of the Year’ recognition is presented to individuals who demonstrate transformative and reformative leadership and create sustainable impact within the progressive supply management environment -Integrated Supply Chain Management (ISCM).

 

 

As a pioneer in logistics and trade facilitation, Dr McKorley has been celebrated for his unwavering commitment to modernizing Africa’s supply chain networks, positioning the continent to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

His repeated recognition reflects sustained excellence and a resilient drive to overcome key challenges in today’s volatile and uncertain Economic and Business environment, including logistic bottlenecks, technological gaps, Professional ineptitude and cross-border trade barriers.

President of CISCM, Richard Obeng Okrah, commended Dr McKorley’s lasting influence. He said: “Dr McKorley’s contributions go beyond business achievement; it’s about transforming Africa’s future. His innovative strategies and steadfast commitment make him a well-deserved repeat honoree.”

A Legacy of Excellence

At the forefront of McDan Group, Dr McKorley has driven initiatives that are reshaping Africa’s supply chain infrastructure; a standout achievement is the creation of cutting-edge logistic hubs, such as the state-of-the-art McDan Logistics Hub in Tema – Ghana.

This facility has become a crucial hub for regional trade, offering advanced warehousing, real-time tracking systems, and multimodal transport solutions to streamline cargo movement across West Africa.

Under his visionary leadership, McDan Shipping has emerged as a leading maritime logistics provider, significantly reducing transit times and costs for businesses relying on Africa’s transport corridors.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Africa Continent

In addition to Dr. Daniel McKorley’s recognition, the 2024 CISCM Night spotlighted a diverse range of leaders and institutions who have thrived in Integrated Supply Chain Management.

Director General of Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, also emerged as the 2024 CISCM Woman of the Year.

This recognition acknowledges her exceptional leadership and dedication to integrated supply chain management in both the public and private sectors.

Her fortitude lies in using the 17 CISCM value streams to create effective collaboration and integration between the public and public institutions and the public and private sectors for effective stakeholder value.

Other Recognitions:

Professional of the Year: Dr. Jennifer Bruce-Konuah; Practitioner of the Year: Seth Adu-Baah; Green Member of the Year: Bethel Yeboah; Student of the Year: Franklina Wilson-Aforo; Overall Best Organisation: Volta River Authority; Academic Institution of the Year: Koforidua Technical University;

CISCM Special Recognition – Meritorious Order of Service to

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (Posthumous Honour) for his foundational role into Integrated Supply Chain Management ideals; Prof. Joshua Alabi for his transformational leadership through the use of Integrated Supply Chain Management ideals at the University of Professional Studies, Accra; Dr. Kofi Asamoah for his sterling performance in Ports and Harbours Operations and Management. Additional his exceptional leadership in labour unionism around the globe.

West Africa Category

Institution of Excellence Transportation: Bethel Logistics Limited; Institution of Excellence Health & Medicine: University of Ghana Medical Centre; Institution of Excellence Trade & Services: Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company – WAC

Africa Category

Institution of the Year (Extractions Industry): Tullow Ghana Limited and Institution of the Year (Consumption Market) – Downstream: Coastal Bottlers, Kenya

CISCM Value Streams Category

Best Organisation – Legal & Contracts: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – Sourcing, Acquisitions & Procurement: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – Operations & Controls: Volta River Authority; Best Organisation – Leadership & Governance: Tullow Ghana Limited; Best Organisation – International Trade: B5 Plus Group; Best Organisation – Distribution Chain: Bethel Logistics; Best Organisation – Ports Operations & Management: McDan Group; Best Organisation – Innovations & Business Development: McDan Group; Best Organisation – Sustainability: Equatorial Coca Cola Bottling Company – WAC; Best Organisation – Human Capital: Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; Best Organisation – Transport & Ancillary Services: Eolis Shipping Ghana Limited

CISCM Order of Service – Meritorious Recognition

Miss Winifred Addo for dedicated to work and long service; Kwame Agati (Esq) for developing the foundational legal structures for the Institute; Prof. Jonathan Teye Opata for harmonising the definition of CISCM’s Integrated Supply Chain Management; Hannah Boahemaa Otu for effectively implementing the structures of the Women in Supply Chain Management wing of CISCM.

The event was attended by many high powered dignitaries including the representative of the Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III (Chairman), the representative of The Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, Nsiah Mohammed (Parliamentary Services), The representative Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Christopher Archer, and The Minister for land and Natural resources Emmanuel Armah- Kofi Buah; and Justice Baffoe Bonnie, a Supreme Court Judge and the Husband of the Director General of Ghana Prisons Service, who was adjudged CISCM Woman of the Year 2024.