What makes a conversation memorable? Often, it’s not just the advice shared, but the reflections it inspires among those listening. Young UNICEF Ghana recently had the privilege of engaging in an open dialogue with Ramou Ndure, the Deputy Regional Director for UNICEF West and Central Africa, as part of Young UNICEF’s “Career Conversations.”
Young UNICEF is a global community of young professionals and early-career colleagues under 35 within UNICEF. This group was formed to promote learning, mentorship, peer support and professional growth. The meeting with Ramou evolved beyond a simple Q&A session, becoming an opportunity for deeper reflection, learning and inspiration.
Members of Young UNICEF were inspired by their discussions with Ramou. Below, some of the Young UNICEF members share the lessons that have stayed with them long after the conversation ended:
On Valuing People
“One of the most memorable quotes from the conversation with Ramou was: When people are going to look for money, look for people; when you have people, you have everything. Meaningful relationships are great assets, both professionally and personally. The conversation challenged me to be more intentional about valuing people - building real connections, listening with empathy and acknowledging the diverse perspectives that different people bring."
On Growing Through Curiosity
“Be curious. Take a genuine interest in understanding what people need and whenever possible, offer help or add value. The good you do today may not be recognised immediately, but over time, your actions and contributions will speak for themselves.”
On Service for Good
“I also appreciated Ramou's advice on learning to manage expectations. It reminded me to focus on learning, serving and giving my best rather than becoming attached to specific outcomes or recognition.”
"When people are going to look for money, look for people; when you have people, you have everything."
On Chasing Growth Beyond My Immediate Field
"I learned the importance of being intentional about the value I bring to others, actively offering support, diversifying my skills and interests, and remaining open to opportunities beyond my immediate field. The value we create for others often shapes how they remember and engage with us."
On Cultivating Personal Values
“This conversation with Ramou reminded me of the importance of cultivating my own values to guide my life. Some values I was taught may no longer serve me or may even limit me as I progress through life. It is okay to leave those values behind and take on new ones that shape my life and that of others positively.”
On Lifelong Learning: Reading, Writing, Journaling
“I was inspired and reminded that personal goals and learning are lifelong journeys, the importance of consistently investing in personal growth, even when progress is slow. Moving forward, I will dedicate time to regular reading and journaling to foster continuous reflection and skill development, while documenting my thoughts and lessons for future reference.”
On Leadership Through Service
“From my conversation with UNICEF WCAR Deputy Regional Director Ramou, I learned that growth starts with understanding people, seizing opportunities and serving others with your talents. Stay humble, be intentional and remember: the small ways you help people are often what they remember most."
Though each young person took away something different, a common thread runs through everyone’s takeaways: We must value people, whether through curiosity, service, re-evaluating values or learning. This important core value is critical for positive change and impact.
Young UNICEF Ghana is super excited about the chance to dive into conversations that spark reflection and discussion! We can’t wait for more of these awesome engagements with leaders as we learn and grow on our journey together. Let’s make an impact!
