Name: Kofi Ampadu
Age: 30
Profession: Entrepreneur/Independent Consultant. CEO/Founder of Par, an app for bargain travel to connect users with travel rewards.
One Word That Describes You: Resilient
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
It means I am being recognized for the strides I have been making. These are the types of accolades that keeps an entrepreneur going. Much like other entrepreneurs, my journey has been a roller coaster. I hope this recognition signals to other self-starters that the road is long but worth it.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
When I was 7 years old, my sisters (ages 8 and 5) and I had to push an SVU to school while our carpool mates stayed in the car. They stayed in the car because they owned the car and were doing us a favor, so when the car broke down we had to get out and push it. I have never forgotten that experience, along with the many struggles while growing up in Ghana and then later in the U.S. It motivates me and reminds me that having the odds stacked against you is only a motivator, not a deterrent.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Thoroughness. This quality is very important to me in both my personal and professional life, it means I can count on the people I have in my life to get something done.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am working on a mobile app called Par that will allow people to find a cheaper way to book their next trip. I have always loved traveling and I was lucky enough to have a profession that required a lot of it. As a result, I got tons of reward miles, and I would gift my friends and family with some of these miles to book travel. I am creating Par, which will be a platform where others can do the same. I am currently bootstrapping this venture so I have taken on consulting projects that will help me fund the project.
What is the best advice you ever received?
‘If you are true to yourself, you will not be seduced by the praise of others.’ It’s important to know your reason for whatever you decide to pursue. If you have that solid foundation it’s easy to keep motivated and going without seeking pats on the back for what you are pursuing.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Be passionate about the change you want to make and embody it. People sense authenticity and will be willing to join your cause.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I walk into every meeting or event with a clearly articulated goal and actionable in order to gain maximum value. In terms of preparing, before attending a speaker event for instance, I check YouTube for previous talks by the speaker to gain insight into their philosophy.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
My favorite vacations are the ones where I completely unplug from my busy life and immerse into the local culture. I recently went to Mexico and opted to stay in an Airbnb in town instead of a resort. This move allowed me to experience the city as less of a tourist. From stumbling upon culinary holes in the walls to riding ATVs on the beach, it was a very active and rewarding trip.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Australia. I have a goal to visit every continent; I have been to countries in Africa, Americas, Europe, and Asia. Australia is next.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I have been lucky enough to have a strong support system as I pursue my dreams. My family and friends have been my biggest cheerleaders and, in turn, I am focused on going hard at whatever I do so I don’t disappoint them.
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