Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh: A Journey of Leadership and Inspiration

Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh has more than a decade of valuable experience at IBM, where she occupied pivotal roles. As the marketing lead for West Africa and the strategy lead for Central, East, and West Africa, she carved a significant niche for herself. In addition to her professional achievements, Angela is an active member of the Forbes Technology Council and tirelessly champions women’s empowerment and philanthropy, including mentoring aspiring women entrepreneurs and supporting underprivileged Ghanaian communities.

Inspired by the significant contributions women make to society, Angela—an alumna of Harvard Business School and a dedicated mother of two—was center stage this International Women’s Day. Let’s delve into her inspiring journey.

A Day in the Life of Success

Q: Every morning, what time do you wake up?

Angela shares, “My alarm goes off at 5 AM. I take my mornings slow, say my prayers, reset my mind, and practice gratitude. It helps me focus for the day. I also do some stretching because the body and mind are connected.” She alternates between cardio and weight training—talk about embracing the day with vigor!

Childhood Roots and Educational Foundation

Q: For those who don’t know, where did Angela grow up?

Born in Accra, Angela was raised under the strict yet nurturing guidance of her mother, an esteemed teacher and headmistress. “I grew up on the campus of St. Monica’s Secondary School in Asante Mampong,” Angela recalls. She later pursued her education with fervor at Wesley Girls’ High School and completed her sixth form at Achimota School.

Further enriching her cultural and academic foundations, Angela spent a formative year abroad through the American Field Service exchange program in Belgium, where she picked up French, fluently bridging different worlds.

From Academia to a Career Path

Q: At what point in your education did you decide on your career path?

Angela reflects, “In university, I was already married with my first child, Jamal, during my first year. While balancing motherhood and academia, my penchant for marketing blossomed as I integrated it with my studies, alongside French. By graduation’s arrival, I was proud to be a mother of two.”

Marital Experience and Life’s Lessons

Q: Tell us about your marriage journey.

“I got married very early—at 19 or 20—to a very handsome Nigerian man. We had a good marriage, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out.” Angela’s early marriage was a learning phase. “The lessons from my marriage and divorce now serve me well as I mentor young women,” she says, while proud of her sons—Jamal, an engineer, and Caleb, a legal technologist.

Forming a Perspective on Life

Q: How has your experience shaped your perspective on life?

While Angela describes her marriage as a failure, she emphasizes, “It has taught me valuable lessons. It has made me a better person and mentor.” She recently had the opportunity to guide a mentee through a separation, using her experience as a guidepost.

Banking to Tech: A Professional Shift

Q: Now, Angela, let’s talk about your career. I know you’re into banking, even before I get to the conversation on how you got into tech, how did you get into banking?

Angela’s journey began at a software company called GL Trade before she transitioned to ABN AMRO Futures and Options due to a client’s recommendation. Marketing unveiled various opportunities, eventually leading her to further roles at UBS Investment Bank and pivotal banking roles in Africa. Her seamless career navigation stands testimony to her marketing prowess.

Q: So how did tech come in?

Leaving banking, Angela was approached about IBM’s entry into Ghana by Leslie, a client and the then-head of General Electric. Initially hesitant, she recalls Leslie’s encouragement, “Technology is the future. I think you should at least have a conversation with them.” Even her mother saw technology’s burgeoning role, urging Angela to embrace this new direction.

Defying Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

With a resolute spirit, Angela shifted into technology, eager to learn and excel. At IBM, she embarked on a journey through various roles, culminating as the first woman Country General Manager. In the male-dominated history of IBM, her trailblazing appointment became both a personal honor and an industry milestone.

“I joked with Joe Mensah, the man I succeeded—I told him, ‘OK, you have big shoes, but you know what? I’m gonna add heels to it.'” With a robust team and determination, Angela thrived.

The Impact of Strategic Partnerships

Q: At what point did Microsoft come in?

Angela’s leadership prowess came to the fore once more when Microsoft approached her to spearhead strategic partnerships for Africa. Through this role, Angela developed invaluable skills, which later played a decisive role in the inception of her own venture, Brainwave AfricaTech. She emphasizes, “Collaboration is key.”

Shaping the Future with Brainwave AfricaTech

A vision borne out of divine inspiration, Brainwave AfricaTech aims at transforming Africa digitally—through collaboration. Even as a fledgling enterprise, the company made significant strides, winning a high-stakes RFP in Ghana, owing to strategic partnerships.

Angela’s commitment to the next generation is manifested through the AI Explorers Club, engaging children in AI fundamentals. “AI is here to stay,” Angela affirms. It is a testament to the action-driven goals she aligns with.

Balancing Roles: Woman, Mother, Leader

Q: This is a lot! From home to here, as a woman, how do you juggle all of this?

“One of the things I’ve learned as a mother is to allocate the right time for everything,” Angela asserts. Her trusted support system eases the juggling act, allowing her to wear multiple hats with grace.

Defining ‘All’ in the Corporate World

Q: Can women have it all?

Angela believes in defining “all” on her own terms, advocating, “Don’t let society define ‘your all.’ Define it for yourself, work toward it, and you will find contentment.” Her advice comes from a place of hard-earned wisdom.

Tackling Challenges and Breaking New Ground

Angela’s corporate journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. Yet, her resilience reflects in her words, “Challenges make you grow. You never grow in your comfort zone. For you to thrive, you have to step out of your comfort zone.”

Inspiring Women in Leadership

With significant progress made, Angela urges the media to spotlight the myriad successful women. “We need to start selling good stories about good things that women are doing,” she declares passionately.

Accelerating Action Through Collaborations

Angela’s keen understanding of collaboration drives her approach to “Accelerate Action.” With an example of the AI classes for children, she highlights how collaboration with a vibrant young company accelerates action, amplifying positive impact.

Wisdom for Future Generations

Reflecting on the wisdom she wished she had, Angela acknowledges faith as a steadfast pillar in her life. Her advice to emerging female leaders? “Have unbreakable faith in who you are. Practice gratitude, and in all things, believe in God.”

Angela’s story is not just one of personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration to women worldwide, encouraging each one to carve out their own narrative and embrace life’s infinitive possibilities.

Thank you, Angela, for sharing your heartfelt journey.

Reflecting on the exchange, Angela offers her gratitude, “Thank you for having me. I hope my story inspires others to be even bigger than me.”