We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taneka Sawadogo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Taneka , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by exploring various interests and reflecting on my experiences. Through trial and error, I was able to identify with what truly resonates with me and discovered my passions. Over time, I aligned these passions with my skills and values, leading to a clear sense of direction and fulfillment in my chosen path.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Since embarking on my transformative journey in 2015, I’ve dedicated myself to making a significant impact in the business world and through philanthropy. With dual citizenship, I currently reside in Accra, Ghana, where I spend most of my time, finding a deep sense of freedom and involvement with numerous organizations, far more than I do in Minneapolis, MN.
In Accra, I proudly serve as the Greater Accra Chairwoman for the Models Union Of Ghana, an organization committed to empowering and advocating for models throughout the region. My role allows me to support and mentor aspiring models, helping them navigate the industry and achieve their goals.
As the Global Director of Development and Initiatives for Let’s Lead Africa, a nonprofit organization, I drive efforts to foster leadership and development across the continent. Our initiatives focus on education, entrepreneurship, and community development, aiming to create sustainable change and uplift communities.
Currently, I’m working on an exciting venture, TKS Call Center Solutions, a virtual call center designed to provide efficient and reliable customer service solutions. This project reflects my commitment to leveraging technology to create job opportunities and improve business processes.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in my life, and I am honored to be a mentor in the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Milestone Program, where I guide and support entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Additionally, I mentor with Eve International, an organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs globally.
My contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, a testament to my dedication and impact in both business and philanthropy.
Through my various roles and initiatives, I continue to strive for excellence, inspire others, and create lasting positive change in the communities I serve. My journey as a woman leader, business mogul, and philanthropist is driven by a deep passion for making a difference and empowering others to do the same.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. **Resilience:** Throughout my journey, resilience has been crucial. Facing challenges and setbacks with determination and a positive mindset enabled me to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward. This quality has been instrumental in maintaining focus and achieving my goals despite the inevitable difficulties.
2. **Vision:** Having a clear vision for what I wanted to achieve guided my efforts and kept me on track. This vision helped me identify opportunities, set strategic goals, and stay motivated. It has allowed me to align my actions with my long-term aspirations, ensuring that every step I take contributes to my broader mission.
3. **Empathy:** Understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level has been essential in my roles as a leader and philanthropist. Empathy has helped me build strong relationships, create supportive networks, and drive initiatives that truly resonate with and benefit the communities I serve.
### Words of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Black Women
Starting your journey as an entrepreneur, especially as a Black woman, can be both exciting and challenging. Here are a few words of advice:
1. **Believe in Yourself:** Trust your abilities and instincts. Your unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets. Confidence in your vision and skills will help you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and overcome self-doubt.
2. **Build a Support Network:** Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who believe in you and your vision. A strong support network provides guidance, encouragement, and resources that are invaluable in the early stages of your journey.
3. **Stay Resilient:** Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but resilience will keep you moving forward. Learn from every experience, adapt, and remain persistent. Your ability to bounce back and keep striving will be key to your success.
4. **Leverage Your Unique Perspective:** As a Black woman, you bring a unique and valuable perspective to the table. Use this to your advantage by creating solutions that address unmet needs and by advocating for diversity and inclusion in your industry.
5. **Keep Learning:** Continuously seek knowledge and stay open to learning from others. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study, expanding your knowledge base will empower you to make informed decisions and stay ahead in your field.
Remember, your journey is not just about personal success but also about paving the way for others. Stay committed to your purpose, and you’ll not only achieve your goals but also inspire and uplift those who follow in your footsteps.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals and organizations that share a commitment to creating positive change and driving impactful initiatives. I am particularly interested in working with:
1. **Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders:** Individuals who are innovative, driven, and passionate about transforming industries and creating sustainable business models.
2. **Nonprofit Organizations:** Groups dedicated to community development, education, and empowerment, especially those focused on Africa and the global Black community.
3. **Mentors and Advisors:** Experienced professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and support the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
4. **Technology and Innovation Experts:** Professionals and companies that specialize in cutting-edge technologies and solutions, particularly in the fields of virtual call centers, customer service, and digital transformation.
5. **Models and Creative Artists:** Those involved in the fashion and creative industries who are looking to collaborate on projects that promote diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.
If you are interested in collaborating, please connect with me through my social media handles, @NekaSawadogo, or reach out to me via email at [email protected]. I look forward to exploring potential partnerships and working together to make a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.let’s lead Africa.org
- Instagram: Neka Sawadogo
- Facebook: Neka Sawadogo
- Linkedin: Taneka Sawadogo
Image Credits
Eve International Nasdaq Milestone Entrepreneur Program
