Millicent Clarke, a global human capital leader whose work has covered 22 countries, has launched her first book, Millie: My Gift of Bangles at the Ghana Association of Arts and Sciences, Airport Residential Area in Accra. The launch of the book, which highlights the power of resilience, self-belief, and leadership in overcoming life’s challenges was attended by notable corporate individuals and leaders.
Millie: My Gift of Bangles reflects the numerous figurative bangles comprising precious and non-precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, glass, wood, ferrous metals, plastic, and even paper, that were gifted to the author by her leaders. Speaking at the launch, Millicent Clarke captivated the audience with reflections on her own journey. She remarked that “Growing up as the first child of five, my initial experience of leadership came from managing my siblings and taking responsibility in our home,” she shared, recounting her journey from Achimota Primary to Archbishop Porter Girls and later to a fulfilling corporate career. She emphasised that her book is not just about her career lessons but also some of the life lessons she had learnt from the leaders she had been privileged to work with throughout her career.
Millie: My Gift of Bangles, written with aspiring leaders in mind, offers a powerful message for anyone facing the pressures of leadership or breaking barriers, especially women in the corporate world. “Each story in Millie: My Gift of Bangles comes with a lesson, dedicated to all leaders and to those aspiring to lead. This is for anyone who feels the weight of being different and for women making strides in the corporate world,” she said, “Enjoy my gift of bangles, and let it remind you to break every barrier.”
Sir Sam Jonah, the Special Guest of Honour at the book launch, Chairman of Jonah Capital, and Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, lauded Millie: My Gift of Bangles as a guide for those striving to create their own opportunities and navigate challenges. “This book reminds us that opportunities do not simply appear before us, but we must make our own paths and build bridges over the challenges we encounter,” he said. Reflecting on the shared experiences of resilience, he added, “Every setback teaches resilience; every failure brings wisdom. While our backgrounds shape us, they should never confine us. Through sheer determination and belief in something greater, we rise.” Mr. Jonah further noted, “Leadership is a privilege, a responsibility, and above all, a profound trust shaped by the perspectives we share with others.”
FirstBank Ghana’s Managing Director and CEO, Victor Yaw Asante, who unveiled the book, Millie: My Gift of Bangles, said it is a compelling new book packaged in 20 unique chapters that explore exceptional leadership qualities and experiences, stating, “This book offers profound insights into leadership, and I encourage everyone aspiring to lead to get a copy.” He also extended appreciation to all who purchased the book, noting that they would be “rewarded with the bangles that Millie has shared with us,” symbolising the valuable lessons in the book.
Millicent Clarke was named Millicent Afriyie Donkor at birth. She is the immediate past Human Resource Director for StanChart Africa. Millicent is a deeply spiritual person who truly believes there is power in a name. She continually strives to meet the meaning of her name. Her mantra is “if you want to score, go to the field and play.” Don’s sit on the sidelines.
Millie: My Gift of Bangles is now available at selected bookshops in the country and online.
