“Everyone is given something, we have the responsibility to multiply it and use it to help others.”
Why "Self-Made" is a Myth
I often hear the term "self-made" used to describe success. In my experience, that couldn't be further from the truth. We are all given something. Whether it is natural talents, a supportive environment, or chance meetings. EVERYONE starts off with something they were given. By parents, the government, the environment and ultimately God. My journey with KH3 Group is a testament to the fact that success is built on the doors others open for you and the chances people take on you. To everyone who has been instrumental in the KH3 Journey: Thank you. This list is a small way to honor your impact, even if my memory is imperfect.
The Foundation
It all started with my dad, Robert Hayford. He didn't just give me a career; he exposed me to this business of construction and the world of design at a young age and eventually trusted me with the reins. I got to stand on your shoulders and develop your network. I am forever grateful for that foundation.
The People Who Gave Us a Shot
Before you can prove your merit, someone has to say, "Show me what you can do." I want to thank those who gave and continue to give us a fair shot without any underhanded strings, back room deals or “take and gives”. Osewaa (Standard Chartered Bank). You gave me a soft landing when I arrived back in Ghana and the hope that I could succeed as a business development manager. Sylvanus (Central Bank Liberia). Thank you for bringing us into your success and giving us ground in your domain. Jewel Deho & Emmanuel Anyida (LDS). You continue to call us to the table, demand the very best from us and hold us to a very high standard. You make no concessions for us while treating us fairly. Always.
Dani Bester, Evert, Jan, Roy and the team at Lerumo & RMB|Westport. The breakthrough into fit-outs was all you. The opportunity you gave us with the Stanbic Bank Head Office which took us to GE, FNB, Nestle, ADB, C-Squared / Google, Dow Chemical, Horizon, Nestle, Decathlon Sports Stores and so on. This also led to other opportunities with the team at Stanbic Bank. Edmund, Osman & Team.
Elizabeth Okyere. You always gave us credit for our work especially with the GE Office which led to Roche, West Blue and many others. GE was the flagship. And Ben Preston & Katono Okanya and the local GE Team were the ones who held our feet to the fire and demanded the very best from us under enormous time pressures. You dealt with us professionally, firmly and yet kindly. You made us believe. Thank you.
Phillip, Kwame, Salim and later Kwadwo at Enterprise. It wasn’t an easy journey, it took almost 4 years but you hang in there with us and us with you and we got it done. Thank you for maintaining the space in the impeccable way that keeps giving us referrals. Kelly, Nigel, Dan and the executive team at the time thank you too for staying with us.
Ebenezer, Ryan, Chad, and Abongile and the team at Mace. Consummate professionals who leave no stone unturned and nothing to chance. With Multicad & Built Services you treat us fairly and inspire the very best from us. Thank you Will Chan & the team at (Google) for trusting us twice with one of the biggest brands in the world.
Really and truly this could be one thousand names. Self-made indeed! The team at Profica and Mastercard who picked us when you had giants to choose from. Richard, Nthabi. (Mastercard). Thank you to the giants who choose to see us as collaborators rather than competitors. Abrie and the Desimone Team. Deon, Bruce and the Team at WBHO.
We are grateful and privileged to work with the best architects / design professionals who brought us a long way. Yaw & Kofi (Keystone) Augustus (Mobius) SMQ (Atelier) Adabie (Buildform) Rosemary & Martin Othner, Ralph Sutherland. A special thank you to my brother, Jerry & sister-in-law Georgia at BluBlaze. In 2004, you were my link to our generation in this industry, setting me up with relationships that still pay off today. Thank you for all you do for Produkts Ghana.
Naana & Nana Yaa Oparebea Amaning, The creative synch that makes us be our best. It is a joy to imagine and create alongside you for Norfund. Thank you. And thank you for allowing us to show your space over and over and over again.
Cis. I cannot possibly spell out all the ways you have been amazing for us. Thank you for your guidance, your encouragement, for holding us accountable and for being a good friend to us. A true brother from another mother.
Sylvia Inkoom: You were the first to point me in the right direction. You didn’t just point me in the right direction, you have given my family and the gift of your kind friendship.
Henning Rassmaus: What a personality, what a man. Thank you for sticking with us, for the advice, guidance, and the great conversations.
Valentina Mintah: We wouldn't have survived our third year without you. Your support through the West Blue and Single Window projects literally sustained our business. Thank you for your advice and your friendship.
Mr Arkhurst. The most extraordinary coach I know. You have put us into shape. You are truly the glue that has held it all together. Thank you.
Success is a team sport. To everyone named (and those I missed), thank you for being part of the KH3 story.