Growing up Awo Ampadu-Somua had a childhood dream of becoming a Medical Doctor, mainly because her mother worked in the medical field. She was so keen on this that she read General Science at Mfantseman Senior High School.
After high school, Awo shifted her aspirations from becoming a doctor to a Chartered Accountant just because she loved how they were sharply dressed.
While reading Business Administration at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), ostensibly on her path of becoming a Chartered Accountant, however, she found her true career path when she joined the KNUST chapter of the EchoHouse Campus in her first year at the university.
As a KNUST Echo Campus team member, Awo contributed to executing various brand-related projects on campus. Her contributions were noticed and appreciated paving the way for her to serve as the Assistant General Manager for the KNUST Echo Campus team in her final year.
This early experience in event management and hands-on projects provided her with a much-needed creative outlet while completing her academic tasks. The early experience also gave her a clear understanding of the field. After graduating in 2017, Awo transitioned seamlessly to join the off-campus EchoHouse team, starting as an Account Executive with the experiential department. As an Account Executive, Awo led experiential executions for multinational brands such as Beefeater, Jameson, Malta Guinness, Coca-Cola, Ecobank, Nivea, Malta Guinness, and Imperial Leather, among others.
Over the years, her dedication and expertise propelled her to Account Manager, then Senior Account Manager, and now the Event Director, of Echo Live.
Echo Live, is a new department at EchoHouse Africa responsible for strategy, planning, and execution of all EchoHouse Africa’s owned events including Tidal Rave Beach Festival and Around The World Food and Drinks Festival in various West African countries.
Tidal Rave Beach Festival just won a silver award and a bronze award in the Live Events and Design Craft categories, respectively, at the just-ended 2024 Pitcher Awards, a pan-African award scheme that celebrates creative work by agencies in Africa.
Reflecting on her smooth career progression, Awo acknowledges the significant role of mentorship and guidance. “Because I was on the campus team and had done a few hands-on projects back in school, I sort of had an idea of what working in a 360° Marketing Agency was going to be like. Though I did not study what I currently do as a job, it has been a pretty smooth journey because there was a lot of hand-holding,” she shared.
Going off a career path that leads to a traditional career such as a Chartered Accountant can often be met with disapproval at home, however, that was not the reality for Awo. Throughout her career, Awo has enjoyed unwavering support from her family, who recognized her passion for event management despite not fully understanding her role. This support has been instrumental in her success.
Awo has spearheaded several iconic projects, bolstering her reputation as a leading Event Director. Notable among them is the Tidal Rave Beach Festival, which is Africa’s largest beach festival. She has also been at the helm of “Around The World Food and Drinks Festival,” a celebrated culinary festival, and the Malta Guinness Limited Edition Launch.
EchoHouse’s culture has played a crucial role in shaping Awo’s career. In all of its West African countries, EchoHouse Africa encourages curiosity, daring innovation, and offers ample guidance, creating an environment where endless possibilities thrive.
“In EchoHouse, there’s room to be curious, there’s room to be daring, there’s room for endless possibilities, and there’s a lot of guidance when needed, and that has shaped who I am today,” Awo explained.
Awo’s journey to leadership has taught her valuable lessons. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork over individual prowess, stating, “A ‘super team’ is more valuable than a ‘superman’.” Additionally, she highlights the necessity of flexibility in leadership, recognizing that “one size doesn’t fit all.” With this Awo is committed to granting the same assistance to other young people who want to work in the creative field.
With her vision and leadership, Awo Ampadu-Somua is poised to continue creating unforgettable events that resonate with audiences globally. Her journey underscores the power of passion, the importance of support, and the impact of a nurturing work environment in achieving professional success.