Education with Purpose...Meet Ophelia Delali Akoto. Ep.003

This conversation with Ophelia stayed with me longer than I expected. Not because it was loud or controversial, but because it was honest, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience. Ophelia Delali A. Akoto is a Ph.D. candidate in Social Policy, but beyond the titles and credentials, she’s someone who has taken education seriously as a tool for impact. In this episode, we talk about her journey through academia, from studying business and entrepreneurship to public service and now social policy, and what truly motivated her to keep going when many people would have stopped. We unpack what higher education really offers, the sacrifices that come with it, and the misconceptions around school being “overrated.” Ophelia shares her perspective on why many young people are choosing skills and creative paths today, and how education, skills, and lived experience don’t have to compete with each other. They can actually work together. We also touch on the real-world side of her work, from research on women’s economic participation to international development projects focused on education, gender equity, and child protection. Along the way, she offers thoughtful advice for anyone torn between going back to school, learning a skill, or building something of their own. If you’re at a crossroads, questioning your next step, or simply trying to make sense of learning, growth, and purpose in today’s world, this conversation will meet you right where you are. This is just a brotherly advice and I'm only looking out for you.