Papa Kwabena Anim

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“Africa’s Energy Dynamo – driving progress in the energy industry and fueling high-octane fun!”

Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Fun Fact About Yourself: I absolutely love to dance, but trust me, if my life depended on it, I will be in pretty serious trouble – I can’t put two rhythmic steps together to save my life!

Undergraduate School and Major: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: K. Anim Inkumsah Petroleum, Co-founder/Director of Operations

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MB? “Supportive ambition” resonates with me deeply.

“Supportive ambition” perfectly describes my family in Ghana, and it’s exactly the kind of trait you’ll see in the people at Fuqua. It’s just like how my family is always there for me, and that’s exactly how Team Fuqua is as well. It’s like having a second family here in Durham.

As a Fuqua MBA, I understand my peers will have a myriad of obstacles they cannot overcome alone.

In navigating through those issues—whether they are (but not limited to) academic or the recruiting process—I intend to be a reliable support system as they get through the issues they might face.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was very interested in Fuqua’s Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment (EDGE). EDGE offers extensive education, cutting-edge energy research, and invaluable resources, which drew me in. With the energy industry evolving and Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels, the challenge of transitioning to renewables and uplifting living standards for over a billion people demands the unique resources and thought leadership found only at EDGE.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. Team Fuqua is absolutely not a slogan, it is real! The energy among the Fuqua admits is palpable and the commitment towards supporting everyone to succeed is unwavering. But what is most striking and reinforces my conviction that Fuqua is the only school for me is how everyone at the MBA genuinely embodies the core values of Fuqua—everything is so natural.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? The Fuqua Ski & Snowboard Club is something that excites me, and maybe I will discover a hobby I will absolutely enjoy! I will be giving it a shot.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:  In my view, my “biggest” accomplishment is one that has a unique and special meaning to me. I have had some very interesting and impactful experiences, but one project stands out as the true embodiment of my purpose. It was when my company played a vital role in a project that brought electricity to various villages of about 6,000 people for the first time. This is why I am in the energy industry—to bridge the energy gap for as many Africans as possible.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? It would be having a great network of friends from the MBA, professors and the greater Duke community. Also being able to land my dream role as an investment banker in the energy group of a bulge bracket bank.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? Your journey is truly unique, and it is essential to understand this and fully embrace it. I personally know how scary this journey is, but remember you are not the only person feeling this way.

Acknowledge own your shortcomings, but also remember the challenges you faced in your journey do not define you—you are not limited to your past experiences.

Finally, you do not have to walk this path alone. Team Fuqua is eager to assist you in achieving your ambition of earning admission and subsequently having an impact in your chosen field.

So, stay genuine and let your true self shine—Team Fuqua cannot wait to welcome you to campus!

The post Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Papa Kwabena Anim, Duke University (Fuqua) appeared first on Poets&Quants.