MTN Executive Tells 150 Students: Chase Purpose, Not Titles

Adwoa Wiafe stood before 150 eager students at the University of Ghana and challenged everything they thought they knew about career success. The MTN Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer had a simple but powerful message: stop chasing impressive job titles and start building purpose-driven careers.

"Purpose is who you are. Title is what you do," Wiafe told the packed audience at Akuafo Hall during the 2026 Success Africa Summit. "When you chase titles, you limit your growth. But when you are driven by purpose, you go beyond expectations and create real impact."

Wiafe shared honest stories from her own career journey, emphasizing that success rarely follows a straight line. She encouraged students to grab opportunities even when they seem unfamiliar or outside their comfort zone.

"Sometimes the opportunity will not look like you. Take it anyway and do the work," she advised. Her words resonated with students navigating an increasingly competitive job market where traditional career paths are disappearing.

The MTN executive highlighted practical habits that help young professionals stand out: taking initiative without being asked, showing up consistently, volunteering for challenging projects, and maintaining integrity. "Don't wait to be told. Volunteer. Offer help. Deliver more than expected. That is how trust is built and doors open," she said.

She also tackled a common obsession among African youth: international opportunities. Rather than chasing global exposure for its own sake, Wiafe urged students to focus on creating value right where they are.

"Most international opportunities come because of what you have already done where you are," she explained. "Create value where you are, and the world will find you."

Why This Inspires

Wiafe's message represents a refreshing shift in how young Africans think about career success. Instead of measuring achievement by impressive LinkedIn titles or foreign job offers, she's encouraging a generation to ask deeper questions: What impact am I making? Who am I beyond my business card?

Her emphasis on resilience also offered comfort to students facing rejection and setbacks. "Success is built over time. Stay engaged, keep learning, and keep showing up," she reminded them.

During the summit, MTN staff members provided practical workshops on digital payment platforms, data management, and affordable student bundles. The hands-on sessions gave students tools they could use immediately in their academic and digital lives.

Wiafe closed with a challenge that lingered long after students left the hall: "Ask yourself: Who am I beyond the title? What do I stand for? Because when you are driven by purpose, you don't just work—you lead."