Constromart Africa had the honour of hosting Ing. Sophia Abena Tijani, an accomplished energy professional and leader, for the first episode of Volume 8 of our Knowledge & Experience Series. The session, titled “Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience: Lessons for Personal Growth,” explored how challenges can serve as catalysts for growth, emphasizing the power of mindset, adaptability, and self-awareness in navigating life’s uncertainties.
Ing. Tijani, who brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector, shared her inspiring journey from an Assistant Communications Engineer at the Electricity Company of Ghana to her current Managerial role at the Volta River Authority (VRA). Her story reflected perseverance, lifelong learning, and the courage to embrace new opportunities, even in the face of daunting setbacks.
A central message of the session was that setbacks do not define failure. They are obstacles that may delay progress but can also open new pathways to transformation. Ing. Tijani recounted how her fascination with the Akosombo Dam inspired her early career ambitions and how her determination led her to become part of Ghana’s energy powerhouse. She described her transition into human resources management, an unexpected reassignment that initially felt unsettling but ultimately became a pivotal moment in her career. Through curiosity and commitment, she leveraged online learning to build new competencies and eventually led initiatives that shaped learning and talent development, especially for women in engineering.
Reflecting on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ing. Tijani shared candidly about being placed on furlough while working in Houston, a period marked by both professional and personal challenges. Yet, through adaptability and resilience, she navigated this phase by securing consulting opportunities with Deloitte and refocusing her career trajectory. Her story underscored that resilience is not merely the ability to endure hardship but the capacity to pivot, reinvent, and rise stronger.
The discussion also addressed the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Ing. Tijani emphasized that fostering an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and free to express ideas without fear of judgment is essential for building resilient teams. She encouraged managers to cultivate open dialogue, mentorship, and regular reflection sessions to enhance trust and engagement within organizations.
To deepen participation, she led a self-assessment exercise where attendees rated their resilience and optimism based on key indicators such as adaptability, sense of purpose, self-compassion, and support networks. Participants reflected on their ability to maintain a positive outlook during difficult times and identified strategies for personal growth. The exercise demonstrated that resilience can be developed through conscious self-reflection and a supportive environment.
Throughout her presentation, Engineer Tijani introduced practical frameworks, including the Four R’s and Seven C’s of Resilience. She explained that cultivating the Seven C’s — Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping, and Control — helps individuals strengthen their capacity to respond to challenges constructively. Together, these principles encourage professionals to recognize their strengths, stay grounded in their values, and take purposeful action even in times of uncertainty.
In her closing remarks, Ing. Tijani reiterated that setbacks are inevitable but transformative. She urged participants to maintain a growth mindset, engage in self-care, and seek guidance and support from trusted individuals. Her reflections served as a reminder that one’s response to challenges determines whether those experiences become barriers or stepping stones to progress.
