What if the fastest way up isn’t founding a company but serving one—patiently, deliberately, and like an owner? We sit down with the CEO of Coconut Grove Hotels Mr Raphael Ayitey to unpack a rare leadership arc: 25+ years inside a Ghanaian brand, growing from frontline roles to the corner office by turning Ghana’s famed warmth into consistent, professional service.

We dig into the talent philosophy that kept attrition low and loyalty high: give young people responsibility early, pair it with clear SOPs and KPIs, and mentor with intent. From there, we tackle the overlooked twin of entrepreneurship: intrapreneurship. You’ll hear why committing to someone else’s business can multiply your impact, how layered transparency around revenue, costs, and promotions calms suspicion, and why governance rhythms—daily reports, one-to-ones, six‑month appraisals—create trust without micromanaging. We also go deep on attitude and work ethic: punctuality as preparation, customers as paymasters, and the shift from “nice” to truly “professional.”

The conversation turns practical with the playbook behind Coconut Grove’s resilience: weekly management huddles that blend purpose and planning, recognition programs that actually matter, and a local sourcing strategy that lifts community suppliers while protecting quality. We map the training gap in Ghana’s service industries and argue for centers of excellence that turn good intentions into top-tier delivery. Along the way, you’ll hear candid leadership lessons—closing gaps that tempt misconduct, staying curious enough to never want to leave, and building networks that teach more than any manual.

If you care about building teams that last, staff who think like owners, and service that creates “memories worth repeating,” this is your blueprint. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the default playbook, share this with a manager who needs new tools, and leave a review with your boldest takeaway.

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Host: https://www.instagram.com/derrick.abaitey/

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