Leadership, Innovation & Building Businesses That Last | David Ofosu-Dorte

Prosperity isn't something you wait for. It's something you build. In this compelling keynote from The Bold New Normal Conference 2024, renowned lawyer, entrepreneur and business leader David Ofosu-Dorte explores what it truly takes to create lasting prosperity in Africa. Drawing on nearly three decades of building one of Africa's leading law firms, David shares practical lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and resilience. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, he argues that true leaders create solutions with whatever they have today. From starting a business with a borrowed table to expanding across multiple African countries, David demonstrates that prosperity is not defined by circumstances, but by mindset, consistency and a commitment to creating value for others. More importantly, he challenges us to rethink success itself. Prosperity should not be measured by titles, wealth or status alone, but by the opportunities we create for others and the legacy we leave behind. In this keynote, you'll discover: • Why prosperity begins with solving problems, not waiting for perfect conditions • The difference between ambition and greed • How to start with what you already have • Why consistency beats intensity every time • The mindset difference between competition and competitiveness • Why collaboration is the key to scaling across Africa • How leaders build trust that inspires people to follow • Why innovation is essential for sustaining long-term success • How African businesses can build institutions that outlive their founders • Practical lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship and creating equitable prosperity This keynote was delivered at **The Bold New Normal Conference 2024**, where leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers gathered to explore how Africa can create sustainable prosperity through courageous leadership and intentional action. Whether you're building a business, leading a team or simply trying to create greater impact in your career, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what prosperity really means. 👍 If this conversation inspired you: Like this video Subscribe for more leadership conversations from The Bold New Normal Share it with someone building something meaningful Tell us in the comments: What's one problem you can start solving today with the resources you already have? — About David Ofosu-Dorte David Ofosu-Dorte is one of Africa's leading corporate lawyers, entrepreneur and business strategist. He is the Senior Partner of AB & David Africa, a pan-African law firm operating across multiple African countries. Widely respected for his work in business leadership, governance and entrepreneurship, David is passionate about helping African businesses scale, innovate and create lasting impact. — About The Bold New Normal The Bold New Normal is a movement founded by Lucy Quist that inspires individuals, organisations and nations to challenge conventional thinking, embrace courageous leadership and intentionally create prosperity. Through books, conferences, podcasts and leadership conversations, The Bold New Normal equips change-makers to build a more prosperous future for themselves, their communities and Africa. #TheBoldNewNormal #DavidOfosuDorte #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Africa #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Prosperity #LeadershipDevelopment #AfricanBusiness #Purpose #LucyQuist — YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Prosperity Starts With Solving Problems 02:00 How I Built a Business With Almost Nothing 04:03 Defining Prosperity for Yourself 07:18 What Is Equitable Prosperity? 09:54 Ambition vs Greed 12:45 Start With What You Already Have 15:12 Build From What You Love or Hate 18:46 Consistency Beats Intensity 20:54 Why Collaboration Creates Prosperity 24:02 Competition vs Competitiveness 27:00 Leadership Is About Results, Not Titles 29:30 Building Trust and Shared Vision 30:08 Keep Innovating or Get Left Behind 31:10 Audience Q&A Begins 32:08 Competition vs Competitiveness Explained 34:46 Scaling Through Collaboration and Partnerships 47:44 Growing Across Africa: Lessons From AB & David 51:46 Raising Your Standards as a Leader 53:50 Africa's Biggest Business Opportunities