By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Blessed S. Agyemang is a name rapidly gaining recognition in the fields of supply chain management, sustainability and global leadership.
With a passion for problem-solving and a relentless drive to make a tangible impact, Blessed has emerged as a transformative force in not only the supply chain management sectors but also in advocating for sustainable environmental, economic and socially responsible practices that benefit Africa and the world.
Her inspiring journey from Ghana to the literal global stage exemplifies the power of resilience, leadership and the deep conviction that change is possible when backed by vision and hard work.
Roots of inspiration
Born and raised in Ghana, Blessed grew up in a community where resilience, cooperation and a strong sense of social responsibility were fundamental to daily life. From an early age, she witnessed the profound effects of well-functioning systems and the consequences when those systems failed.
Blessed’s interest in supply chains began with a simple yet profound observation: the difference between life and death can often hinge on the timely and efficient movement of goods. Whether it was food from farm to fork or medications reaching people in critical need, the systems that govern the movement of goods and services became a significant focus of Blessed’s curiosity.
This she recounted in an interview with the Business and Finance Times. “I have seen lives made better and at other times cut short because interventions in supply chains came too late. From this stage, I developed a strong curiosity about systems and processes that enable the flow of goods and services, shaping societies and economies. This curiosity, coupled with a passion for problem-solving, led me to explore supply chain management.”
Her academic foundation in Food Science, Technology and Dietetics reinforced in her the importance of the supply chains behind food and health systems for entire communities. This early exposure ignited her passion for supply chain management and laid the groundwork for her future pursuit of sustainability as a core principle of her work.
The personal experiences of witnessing the consequences of slow or inefficient supply chains were eye-opening and catalysed her determination to be part of the solution.
“My journey into sustainability was inspired by my desire to ensure that the systems I work on are not only efficient but also environmentally, economically and socially responsible. Witnessing the untapped potential within African ecosystems further fuelled my drive to modernise supply chains and contribute to global sustainability goals,” she noted.
Educational journey
After her stint in the corporate and consulting world, Blessed’s quest for deeper and advanced knowledge led her to Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, where she pursued her Master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Her decision to study at Sheffield Hallam was a strategic one, driven by the university’s outstanding reputation for research, innovation and its focus on practical, real-world applications.
At Sheffield Hallam, Blessed immersed herself in an academic environment that pushed the boundaries of her understanding. The MSc. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management allowed her to explore the intersections of supply chains, sustainability and digital technologies—an area that would come to define her career.
The interdisciplinary approach of her programme gave her the tools to understand the broader global context, positioning her to influence change both locally and globally. Blessed described her time at Sheffield Hallam as transformative, equipping her not only with technical expertise but also with leadership and networking skills that have enabled her to build bridges between Africa and the rest of the world.
Leading with purpose
Blessed’s leadership journey began early during her time at Sheffield Hallam University. As President of both the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society (LSCM) and the Ghana Student Society, she demonstrated her ability to lead diverse teams toward impactful goals.
In her leadership roles, Blessed focused on fostering collaboration, inclusivity and giving back to the community. One of her key achievements was advocating for changes to the tuition policy for Ghanaian students, securing financial relief that had never existed before.
Another milestone came when she spearheaded the partnership between the LSCM society with the Charities Engagement and Volunteering Team in Sheffield Hallam and St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield for a volunteering event, which blended academic knowledge with real-world impact for students and was estimated to have raised GBP3842.
This event not only provided tangible benefits to the local community, but also instilled in her a sense of responsibility to create social value through every initiative she led.
These leadership experiences taught Blessed the importance of strategic thinking, cultural intelligence, and the ability to mobilise people around a common goal. She understands that true leadership lies in service to others, a lesson she continues to apply as she grows in her professional career.
“These roles taught me on intercultural leadership and on fostering intercultural dialogue as I developed a keen understanding of stakeholder collaboration and advocacy as well as the importance of collaboration, cultural intelligence and strategic thinking—skills that I continually apply in my professional and academic pursuits,” she stressed.
A heart for service
A deep commitment to volunteerism has always been at the core of Blessed’s values. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, she consistently dedicated time and energy to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Whether it was mentoring students or supporting vulnerable populations through organisations like Lotus Health, Blessed has continuously put the needs of others above her own.
Her volunteer work extends to various sectors, including healthcare, mental health and social services, where she has worked to improve the lives of marginalised individuals.
Blessed’s experiences in volunteerism have enriched her leadership perspective. “These experiences have enriched my perspective and provided me with a more nuanced understanding of the grassroots challenges many communities face and the importance of policy interventions that empower these communities.
I have gained valuable insights into the power of empathy, resilience and the ability to drive meaningful change through collective effort.They have also reinforced the value of giving back for me and my belief that true leadership lies in service to others,” she says.
Championing sustainability
Sustainability has always been a central theme in Blessed’s career. She has continuously worked to implement initiatives that balance economic, social and environmental considerations. One of her standout achievements was leading a sustainable project at Sheffield Hallam that focused on the donation of new and pre-loved winter clothing to students in need anonymously.
This initiative addressed multiple issues— humanity, reducing waste, fostering a circular economy, and improving quality of life for vulnerable students.
Such projects exemplify Blessed’s belief that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a core value that should be integrated into every aspect of life. As a supply chain professional, she has been a staunch advocate for the adoption of sustainable practices across industries, especially in Africa.
Blessed understands that sustainable supply chains are not only beneficial for the environment but are also essential for long-term economic growth and societal well-being.
Awards and recognition
Blessed’s dedication and hard work have been widely recognised through numerous awards and accolades. She is an SEO Africa Alumni, an honour that has connected her with other dynamic leaders across the continent. In 2020, she was nominated for the Ghana Achievement Awards, where she was recognised as the Best Achiever in Consultancy and was also nominated for Promising Entrepreneur of the Year.
Her contributions to her field and her community were further acknowledged with nominations for the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) Outstanding Brands to Look Out for in 2022 and the Ghana 40 Under 40 Awards.
In addition to her professional accolades, Blessed has also been honoured with the prestigious Hallam Awards, receiving the Bronze, Silver and Gold Hallam Awards for her excellence in academics, leadership and volunteerism. She was also nominated for the ‘Student Voice Award’ and the ‘Leadership Award’, the latter which she won at the Inspirational Student Awards in Sheffield Hallam. These awards reflect her commitment to excellence and her ability to positively impact her community and industry.
For Blessed, however, these recognitions are not just personal triumphs; they are a testament to hard work, a validation of her values of excellence and service and the collective support of the people who have mentored, guided and believed in her. “Receiving these awards was both humbling and motivating and a validation of my efforts to push boundaries, as well as a reminder of the responsibility I carry to inspire and empower others. I do not take it for granted that the Lord kept me in strength and grace as I took on all these activities and crowned my efforts with a distinction in my Master’s degree as well.”
A global leader in supply chain and sustainability
Blessed’s professional journey, spanning nearly a decade, has been nothing short of extraordinary. After graduating university, she joined Halliburton, where she worked in supply chain operations across Europe, Eurasia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her role involved extensive stakeholder engagement, government lobbying and developing local content policies for the Africa region—work that not only improved supply chain operations but also created local opportunities and sustainable practices within the industry.
Blessed’s career took another leap when she transitioned into consulting, where she worked with multinational corporations across Africa, the United States, the UK and the UAE. She was instrumental in developing sustainable and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies for businesses, optimising procurement, logistics and other supply chain processes and ensuring that companies adhered to best practices in supply chain management. Her consulting work cemented her reputation as a solution-oriented expert with global perspective, capable of creating and implementing change on a global scale.
Herrada: A vision for change in Africa
Herrada, one of Africa’s leading boutique consulting firms in personal and corporate brand management, started as a passion project during Blessed’s corporate career. Today, it stands as a testament to her vision for African talent, innovation and development.
She told the B&FT that Herrada is more than just a business; it is a platform for empowering individuals and organisations across the continent. The firm focuses on personal and corporate brand management, personal and professional development training in these areas and in intercultural leadership, international diplomacy and protocol.
“Herrada began as a passion project during my corporate days and has evolved into a leading boutique consulting firm in Africa. Herrada exemplifies my dedication to fostering personal and professional development in and out of Africa. By aligning our services with social impact, Herrada is not just a business but a vehicle for change, empowering individuals and organisations to thrive while contributing to sustainable development in and out of Africa,” she highlighted.
Through Herrada, Blessed is not only helping clients enhance their themselves and their operations, but also contributing to a broader vision of sustainable development and corporate responsibility. The firm embodies her belief that true success is about creating lasting value, building communities and contributing to Africa’s growth on the global stage – one purposeful brand at a time.
A vision for Africa and the World
Blessed’s vision for the future is one of innovation, collaboration and sustainability. She sees Africa as a continent full of untapped potential, capable of becoming a global leader in supply chain management and sustainable practices. Her work is driven by the goal of bridging the gap between Africa and developed nations, leveraging technology, policy collaboration and sustainable practices to create resilient, thriving ecosystems.
As she looks ahead, Blessed’s aspirations include working with policy-makers to design actionable strategies and continue to inspire the next generation of progressive leaders who will work toward a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. Through her work, Blessed aims to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation and sustainability that will help shape the future of Africa and the world.
“I envision a future where Africa’s immense potential and contribution to the global economy is actualised. My vision is to be in the forefront of the innovation and collaboration between Africa and the developed world to drive innovation in supply chain management and in technologies and policies that promote sustainable advancements.
“By leveraging technologies and fostering knowledge exchange, we can build resilient ecosystems that address global challenges such as food security, climate change, and economic inequality. I aim to be a bridge in this forefront, facilitating partnerships that unlock the immense potential of Africa while enriching the dynamic landscape of the developed countries such as the United Kingdom”.
A legacy of leadership and service
Blessed S. Agyemang is not just a leader in her field; she is a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact. From her early years in Ghana to her achievements on the global stage, Blessed has shown that true leadership is not just about personal success but about uplifting others and driving positive change.
With her unwavering commitment to sustainability, excellence and service, Blessed is a force to be reckoned with—a transformative leader poised to shape the future of sustainable supply chains, innovative leadership and Africa’s role on the global stage.
Through her work, she continues to break barriers, inspire change and build a legacy rooted in impact, resilience and purpose. Blessed S. Agyemang is not just shaping systems—she’s shaping a better world for generations to come.
In her words: “Looking ahead, I aim to solidify my role as a thought leader in supply chain management, digital technologies, sustainability and ESG practices. I hope to advance in my doctoral research to develop scalable models that enhance sustainability in supply chains. Beyond academia, I intend to work with policy-makers to design actionable strategies that address various sustainability sectors and metrics, climate change, trade inefficiencies and resource management.
I hope to contribute to the next generation of leaders who will work toward a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. In every endeavour, my ultimate goal is to create lasting impact and shape policies that foster sustainable development, empower vulnerable communities and position Africa as a key player in the global economy —driving progress, empowering communities and leaving a legacy of innovation and sustainability worldwide”.
