Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer – "Fatou Sagna Sow Quit French Banking for a Bigger Mission in Africa—And Brought Her Family Along"
Release Date: February 22, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Fatou Zehna Sow
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in an enlightening conversation with Fatou Zehna Sow, a dynamic professional who courageously transitioned from a stable career in French banking to spearheading economic development and youth entrepreneurship in Senegal. This episode delves deep into Fatou's motivations, challenges, and the impactful initiatives she has undertaken to foster growth and transformation in her homeland.
Fatou's Professional Journey
Fatou Zehna Sow begins by sharing her extensive background in the legal and financial sectors in Paris. Having spent significant years as a financial lawyer at prominent institutions like BNP Paribas and Société Générale, Fatou held a pivotal role overseeing large teams and billion-dollar transactions.
"I was born in Paris. I grew up there, I studied there, I started working there. My family is still there. My twins were born in Paris."
[03:08] Fatou Zehna Sow
Despite her successful career, Fatou felt a yearning for greater personal and professional fulfillment, leading her to contemplate a life-altering move back to Senegal.
Motivations Behind the Leap of Faith
When questioned about the impetus for such a drastic change, Fatou articulates three primary motivations:
- Challenging Herself: She sought to explore and express her multifaceted identity by embracing both her French upbringing and Senegalese roots.
- Creating Meaningful Impact: Transitioning from purely financial gains to contributing to economic and social development in Senegal.
- Legacy and Family Influence: Providing her children with a rich, bicultural experience that extends beyond the confines of France.
"I wanted to give a different sense to my life. Being successful might not be the end, the ultimate goal for people. We need to seek happiness."
[10:53] Fatou Zehna Sow
After a decade of strategic preparation, networking, and political involvement, Fatou made the decisive move to Senegal in 2016, much to the surprise of her peers and family.
Transitioning to Senegal: Roles and Responsibilities
Upon relocating, Fatou assumed the role of a Technical Advisor to Senegal's Fourth Sorority, working closely with then-Prime Minister Dr. Aminata. This position granted her a holistic view of Senegal's economic, social, and environmental landscape.
"Senegal is a country that everybody's looking at because there's so many things to do here in every country is just growing and growing."
[14:33] Fatou Zehna Sow
Her work spans various sectors, including:
- Blue Economy & Green Economy: Focusing on sustainable development and aquaculture.
- Industrialization: Spearheading initiatives to propel Africa into its next economic revolution.
- Sports Industry Development: Recognizing the untapped potential of sports as a significant contributor to GDP.
Overcoming Challenges
Fatou acknowledges the inherent difficulties in such a monumental career shift, including:
- Financial Uncertainty: Transitioning from a lucrative banking position to a role with minimal financial rewards.
- Political Instability: Navigating Senegal's tumultuous political climate, especially during election periods marked by unrest.
- Personal Risks: Ensuring the well-being and stability of her family amidst the changes.
"Making such a change, of course you will face difficulties. Honestly speaking, I left a great job making good money and I started working here in an NGO. I can't even tell you the paycheck."
[19:12] Fatou Zehna Sow
Her resilience is bolstered by a robust support network, both personal and professional, including her husband's established presence in Senegal and her extensive political connections.
Building an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
One of Fatou's most significant contributions is fostering an environment conducive to youth entrepreneurship in Senegal. Through her consulting firm, New Deal Consulting, she has initiated projects that bridge European and African talents, promoting collaborative ventures that leverage diverse perspectives.
Notable Projects:
-
No Nana: Transforms banana fiber into sanitary products for women—an innovative approach addressing both economic and social needs.
"Each and every one of them are bringing their skills, their experience, and I could see the magic."
[24:22] Fatou Zehna Sow -
Green and Blue Industries: Focused on sustainable practices and aquaculture to harness Senegal's natural resources responsibly.
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Educational Collaborations: Partnering with institutions like US Polytechnique to integrate young talents from Europe and Africa into entrepreneurial projects.
Fatou's efforts extend to international collaborations, engaging with representatives from Monaco, Portugal, China, India, Korea, and Japan, aiming to create a global network that supports sustainable business initiatives in Senegal.
"There's so many things to do here and so many things are not done. So the benefits of Africa for the benefits of Africa."
[27:07] Fatou Zehna Sow
Navigating Political Turbulence
Senegal's political landscape has been fraught with challenges, including delayed elections, detention of opposition figures, and economic instability. Fatou's work directly addresses these issues by:
- Connecting Private Sector and Administration: Facilitating dialogues between business leaders and government officials to promote economic reforms.
- Encouraging Foreign Investment: Advocating for a conducive environment that attracts international entrepreneurs and investors.
- Supporting Youth Engagement: Empowering young Senegalese to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable and impactful career path.
"This is an election period in Senegal. We are re-electing at the end of the month, our new president. This has been a long process of contestation."
[22:21] Fatou Zehna Sow
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
Fatou reflects on her journey with immense gratitude, viewing her move to Senegal as the best decision of her life. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone to effect meaningful change.
"Life is about change, challenging yourself and see how far what's the best person you can be. It involves change, it involves challenging yourself going outside your comfort zone."
[30:50] Fatou Zehna Sow
Looking ahead, Fatou envisions expanding her initiatives to encompass more countries, fostering a global network of change-makers committed to sustainable development and economic empowerment in Africa.
Conclusion
Fatou Zehna Sow embodies the essence of a Chief Change Officer—leveraging her expertise, passion, and global perspective to drive transformative initiatives in Senegal. Her story serves as an inspiration for professionals seeking to make impactful career transitions, emphasizing the power of purposeful change, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful contributions beyond personal success.
"You study law, you study all kinds of law book, you memorize all the rules and stuff. But now you are making your own playbook, your own law book for change, for magic."
[32:01] Co-Host
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Dual Identities: Leveraging multicultural backgrounds can open doors to unique opportunities and perspectives.
- Purpose Over Profit: Transitioning to roles that offer societal impact can lead to deeper personal fulfillment.
- Build Robust Networks: Strong professional and personal connections are crucial for navigating career shifts and overcoming challenges.
- Foster Youth Entrepreneurship: Empowering the younger generation is essential for sustainable economic and social development.
- Adaptability is Key: In a constantly changing world, the ability to adapt and embrace change determines long-term success and impact.
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