Faith, Failure, and Fulfillment: Conrad Kakraba´s Pathway to Success

                                       

Dear dreamers, 

welcome back to another inspiring episode! Today, we have the privilege of hearing from Conrad Kakraba, a Communication Professional, Lecturer, Language Editor, and Media Executive. He is currently the Acting National President of the United Nations Association Ghana and has previously served as the Communication and Public Relations Manager at the National Secretariat of the Association. With a rich background in media and education, Conrad has anchored high-profile events and published his first book, Conquering Your World: Principles for Overcoming and Shining Wherever You Are. His journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. Join us as we delve into Conrad's experiences, insights, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

 

Beatrice: Thank you for joining us today , Conrad. Let’s start with your journey. Can you share what inspired you to pursue a career in media and writing? 

Conrad Kakraba: I started writing with great enthusiasm, and when my name was published in the Spectator Newspaper for one of the national competitions, I was over the moon. It was a defining moment for me. Seeing my name in print made me realize the importance of pursuing my passion, and I knew I couldn’t leave anything to chance. I had to go after my dreams with full force. So, I went to the University of Ghana, where I studied English, Linguistics, and History. During my university years, I faced many internal conflicts about my career path. While I was clear about my academic goals, I struggled with deciding what I wanted to do professionally. Initially, I leaned towards teaching because I loved explaining things. I often helped my classmates understand concepts that came easily to me. It felt natural, so I applied to teach at Ideal College, where I gained practical experience in teaching. I thought at that time that I might become a teacher or lecturer. However, I also had an interest in media. The University of Ghana had a radio station, Radio Universe, and I decided to try my hand at broadcasting. I wanted to see if I could develop my confidence behind the microphone. 

I started working on my voice, learning to project with depth and richness for radio. That experience was transformative. Then, I ventured into poetry, participated in auditions for acting, and got involved in student politics. I became the president of the Department of English student body. During this period, I also continued writing, and just before I entered the university, I joined the Church of Christ. I found a vibrant community of young men and women passionate about their faith, and I became deeply involved in evangelism. We went out to spread the word, invite friends to church, and build connections. I even enrolled in a Bible course because I was considering becoming a preacher. I was trying out many things to see where I truly fit in, whether it was teaching, public speaking, writing, or even ministry. In 2011, I published my first book, Conquering Your World: Principles for Overcoming and Shining Wherever You Are.

 I was fortunate to have a classmate who owned a press, and she helped me bring the book to life. Around that time, I also continued in student politics while preparing to pursue a career in academia. After completing my first degree at the University of Ghana, I was the top graduate in my department that year and became a teaching assistant. Naturally, I wanted to continue my studies, so I applied for a master’s program in the same department. To my surprise, my name wasn’t on the list of admitted students, even though I was among the top performers. My head of department was shocked, asking, "Conrad, why weren’t you admitted?" I had no answer, and it was a confusing moment for me. Looking back, I realize it was God redirecting my path. While I didn’t get into the master’s program, I had also applied for a job at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), specifically in the television division as a news anchor. I prayed and asked God to guide me—whether I should return to school for a master’s degree or start working. As it turned out, I wasn’t admitted to the master’s program, but I was selected for the news anchor role. Over 500 people applied for the job, and I was among the top 100 shortlisted for the selection exam. When the results came out, I was ranked number one! That felt like divine confirmation that this was the path I should follow. So, I went through the audition process and continued my journey in media.

Discovering Purpose and Success

Beatrice: Wow, Conrad, that’s certainly an inspiring journey. You’ve accomplished so much, and it’s clear you’ve achieved a number of your dreams. How did you discover your purpose, and do you believe that purpose and success go hand in hand?

Conrad Kakraba: Discovering my purpose was a gradual process, shaped by reflection and life experiences. For me, the key to finding one’s purpose is patience. You need to explore different avenues, just like I did, and stay open to new experiences. Often, your purpose reveals itself in unexpected ways, especially when you align your passions with service to others. I truly believe that purpose is something given by God. Everyone has a reason they were created, but discovering it is a process. Some people find their purpose early in life, while others may take longer. I was fortunate to discover mine early—just after senior high school. That helped me align my life in the right direction early on, so I didn’t end up doing something I wasn’t passionate about. But for those who take longer, that’s okay too. I always say there are two important days in your life: the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born. If you spend your life searching for that reason, it’s a worthwhile pursuit. It’s crucial to invest time in understanding why you exist. If you go through life without that understanding, you’re simply existing, not truly living. I’ve spent a lot of time reading biographies and autobiographies because I want to learn from others—what mistakes to avoid, how they found their purpose, and how I can continue on my own path. King Solomon, in the Bible, explored many things in life. After all his experiences, he concluded in Ecclesiastes that the whole duty of man is to fear God and obey His commandments. For me, that resonates deeply. Everything I do—whether it’s broadcasting, teaching, preaching, or writing—is tied to serving God and fulfilling my purpose on Earth.

Beatrice: That’s such a powerful perspective. You mentioned purpose and success earlier. How do you define success, and has that definition changed for you over time?

Conrad Kakraba: Absolutely. My definition of success has evolved over time, and I’ve been influenced by many great thinkers. I particularly love the definition by leadership expert John C. Maxwell. In his book *Your Roadmap to Success*, he defines success as three things: 1. Discovering your purpose in life, 2. Maximizing your potential, and 3. Sowing seeds that impact the lives of others. The first step, as we’ve discussed, is discovering your purpose. Once you’ve done that, the second step is to maximize your potential. It’s not enough to just know your purpose—you must develop it, add value to yourself, and become the best version of who you’re meant to be. Talent alone isn’t enough, and neither is purpose. You have to nurture both. Finally, success isn’t just about personal satisfaction or glory. It’s about using your gifts to impact others positively. True success points back to God, and it’s measured by the legacy you leave behind and the difference you’ve made in the world. For me, success now means empowering others to reach their potential and making a meaningful contribution to society. Over time, my definition has shifted from achieving personal milestones to lifting others up and leaving a lasting legacy.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 

Beatrice: You’ve made quite an impact and built an impressive community. You’re also a communication expert, but have you ever dealt with imposter syndrome, especially when anchoring high-profile events? How do you manage it, and what advice would you give to young people facing similar challenges?

Conrad Kakraba: Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and it’s something many people experience, myself included. Imposter syndrome makes you feel like you’re inadequate or that you don’t belong in a certain space—that you’re a fraud. I’ve definitely faced it, especially when I’ve anchored high-profile events in Ghana. For example, I was the anchor for the inauguration of the president, the Supreme Court’s 2012 election petition hearing, where the sitting president and opposition candidates were contesting election results, and national Independence Day parades. These are huge events, and it can be daunting when you’re standing there, knowing the entire nation and the world are watching. In those moments, it’s easy to question yourself. "Why me? Am I really qualified to be the person communicating this to everyone?" But what helps me manage these feelings is preparation. Preparation is key. You can’t just show up and think that because you’ve been put in that position, you’re ready. You have to prepare thoroughly to ensure that you can deliver. Whether it's reading up on the event, rehearsing your delivery, or understanding the context, it’s important to put in the time and effort beforehand. I also ground myself in my skills and experience. There’s a reason you’ve been chosen to do something—you have abilities that others have recognized. Reminding myself that I’ve earned my place through hard work helps combat those feelings of inadequacy. You must trust in your capabilities. For me, I know that I’ve worked for every opportunity I’ve received, and I haven’t gotten anywhere through shortcuts. To anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, my advice is to acknowledge the feeling but don’t let it control you.

Trust in your abilities, trust in the hard work that has gotten you where you are, and always remember that preparation is what gives you confidence. Lastly, my faith in God helps me navigate these challenges knowing that I’m where I’m meant to be because He has a plan for me.

The Role of Faith in Media

Beatrice: Your insights on overcoming imposter syndrome are invaluable. Let’s pivot a bit. How does your faith influence your work in the media?

Conrad Kakraba: My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I believe that as a communicator, I’m not just sharing information, I’m sharing messages that can impact lives. When I approach my work, I aim to honor God in every broadcast, interview, or piece I write. My faith guides my ethics and principles, ensuring that I always present the truth and uphold integrity. It’s important to me to be a beacon of light in a space where sensationalism can sometimes overshadow genuine reporting. I strive to share stories that uplift, inspire, and empower others, aligning my work with the values I hold dear. I also believe that our platforms can be used to spark conversations around important issues that matter to society, such as poverty, education, and mental health. Faith gives me the courage to tackle challenging subjects and share stories that might not always get mainstream attention. By doing this, I hope to encourage others to pursue their dreams and positively impact the world. 

Navigating Life’s Challenges

Beatrice: You mentioned earlier that you went through a period of trying to find your path. Reflecting on those experiences, what advice would you give to others who are still in that search for their purpose?

Conrad Kakraba: My advice would be to embrace the journey. It’s easy to get frustrated when you feel lost or uncertain, but every experience contributes to your growth. Keep exploring and trying new things. You’ll learn more about yourself along the way—what you enjoy, what you’re passionate about, and what truly matters to you. I’ve had my share of challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of my first son. That experience reshaped my perspective on life and purpose. It made me realize how precious time is and how important it is to pursue what truly matters. 

I understood that life is fragile, and it pushed me to appreciate every moment and every opportunity to make a difference.

Stay open to mentorship and guidance from others who have walked similar paths. Surround yourself with positive influences—people who uplift you and encourage your growth. Be intentional about learning from those experiences, whether they’re successes or failures.

Finally, trust in the process. Sometimes, we want immediate results, but meaningful growth takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Remember, your purpose is out there waiting for you to discover it. 

Beatrice: Conrad, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us today. Your story of faith, perseverance, and commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring.

Conrad Kakraba:  Thank you for having me Beatrice