In this episode, Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, reflects on her distinguished journey as the country’s third female Chief Justice with host Umayal Eswaran. She delves into her guiding principles of authenticity, the complexities of balancing leadership demands, and the pivotal role of support systems. Join this captivating conversation on resilience, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest levels.
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00:00-00:40 – Introduction
Introducing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
Welcoming her to RYTHM Connect
00:41-01:55 – Ghana’s 3rd Female Chief Justice
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s background and achievements
02:15-04:03 – Authenticity as a Philosophy
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s guiding philosophy is authenticity
Being yourself and not anybody else
Your unique self is a gift to your community
04:04-05:31 – Challenges on the Journey
Juggling multiple roles without conflict
Balancing professional and personal responsibilities
The burden of leadership
05:37-06:14 – The Weight of Leadership
Balancing diverse expectations from 35 million people
Leading a government arm for both the vulnerable and the privileged
06:15-08:16 – A Balancing Act
Discovering balance without compromising well-being
Staying true to her identity as Gertrude
Women’s struggle to maintain a work-life balance
08:25-09:30 – Quietly Rising to the Top
Surprised by anonymity despite years of service
Women often identify themselves before their profession
09:38-12:48 – Strong Support System
A loving family foundation instils confidence
A supportive spouse offers stability
A supportive work environment encourages growth
12:52-15:16 – Parents Shape Futures
Parental support builds confidence from childhood
Loving and supportive fathers play a key role in a daughter’s strength
Balanced perspectives from both parents are essential
15:17-17:26 – Trust at the Core
Trust is key to collaboration and teamwork
Focus on real needs to build strong connections
Clear communication ensures everyone works toward shared goals
17:27-20:39 – Curiosity Opens Doors
Proactiveness led to an unexpected opportunity
Expertise in business law opened new doors
20:40-24:13 - Learning is Lifelong
Embrace deliberate learning for leadership growth
Find role models to guide your journey
24:14-27:45 - On Creative Pursuits
- Creative pursuits enrich leadership perspective
- Humanity thrives on diverse experiences
27:46-32:06 - Pivotal Career Moments
- Gained trust through active involvement and support
- Led committees, shaping key reforms and initiatives
- Helped execute chief justices' visions with dedication
32:07-36:26 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
- Choose to understand where people are coming from
- Define your problems and develop solutions
- Engage people with kindness and compassion
36:27-37:38 – Closing Thoughts
- Owning your space is about making an impact
- Never be afraid to ask for help