Season two, episode three of the “Family Business Diaries” podcast takes a dynamic turn, as it was recorded live at Ashesi University’s Entrepreneurship Capstone Class. This special episode stands out, featuring two distinguished guests and vibrant interactions with a live audience, making it one of our most engaging and insightful discussions to date.
In this episode, Mary Asante-Asamoah, sits down with Mr. Seth Quaye, the visionary founder and CEO of MacPartners Group, and Mrs. Anita Osei-Manu, the Director of Amalena Children’s Haven. The conversation offers a fascinating exploration of the different yet complementary perspectives of a seasoned founder and a Next-Gen leader. Both guests share their experiences of navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that come with managing a family business.
Mr. Seth Quaye shares his inspiring journey of building MacPartners Group from the ground up, always with the clear vision of establishing it as a family business—starting by making his son the first employee. He underscores the importance of a sustainable business model, where the family business not only thrives but also serves as an investor for ventures his children will create. He also offers valuable insights on succession planning, emphasizing the need to prepare the next generation to be well-equipped and ready to uphold and advance the family legacy.
“I built my business as a family enterprise, but also as a launchpad for my sons’ ideas. If you have a vision, I’ll support you by making our business an investor or shareholder, creating avenues for growth. Family is the best foundation to start from—just look at the success of the Indian and Lebanese communities, where family collaboration is key. Unfortunately, in Ghana, we often overlook the power of working with family.”
On the other hand, Mrs. Anita Osei-Manu provides a glimpse into the challenges and responsibilities that come with stepping into a leadership role within a family business. She speaks candidly about the balance between preserving the founding values of Amalena Children’s Haven while also introducing new ideas and perspectives. Mrs. Osei-Manu highlights the importance of effective communication and mutual respect in navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Her insights are particularly valuable for Next-Gen leaders who are preparing to step into their roles in family businesses.
“When I joined my mother in our family business, I knew I had to establish structures that would secure our success. Operating in Makola’s informal market, where long-standing staff are deeply respected, I had to navigate smartly as a young director. I learned from the existing systems, identified the gaps, and worked to address them. I took on multiple roles—finance, HR, and operations—hiring qualified graduates to manage our outlets and implementing robust accounting processes to safeguard our finances. These are the kinds of innovations that next-gens must bring to the table when taking over family businesses to ensure continued success.”
The live recording at Ashesi University added an exciting element to the episode. Students and faculty members participated actively, asking questions and offering comments that brought new dimensions to the discussion. Their engagement made the conversation even more relevant, addressing real-world concerns and offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and family business leaders alike.
This special episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the unique dynamics of family businesses. Whether you are a founder looking to pass on the baton or a Next-Gen leader ready to take on new responsibilities, the experiences shared by Mr. Seth Quaye and Mrs. Anita Osei-Manu are full of valuable lessons and insights.
Watch the episode, now available on all our streaming platforms below.
