Konnected Minds Podcast
Host: Derrick Abaitey
Segment: "I'm Not Correcting Your View of Me" — The Freedom of Not Caring What People Think
Date: February 22, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the liberating power of self-assurance and the refusal to be defined by others’ opinions. The guest, Nanaba, shares her personal journey to confidence, discusses cultural challenges regarding self-perception in Ghana, and offers candid advice for young people—especially girls—about authenticity and self-protection. The conversation weaves lived experience, practical wisdom, and heartfelt advocacy, speaking directly to those who want to crush limiting beliefs and build their own unstoppable confidence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Origins of Self-Belief
[00:05]
- Nanaba attributes her inner strength to the biographies and memoirs of resilient leaders like Madeleine Albright and Roosevelt.
- Books taught her that successful people are simply human: “They have the same number of hours in a day, just like me ... so why not me?”
Notable Quote:
"There is nothing you, Derek, can say to me that will bring my spirit down ... I don't lose sleep over the opinions of people I think shouldn't really be discussing my life because I've discussed myself. I know what I'm capable of doing. I know what I'm incapable of doing." — Nanaba [00:36]
Ignoring Negative Opinions
[01:45]
- Social media negativity is dismissed; Nanaba neither reads nor internalizes it.
- Instead, criticism or rumor “eggs [her] on,” providing unexpected motivation.
Notable Quote:
"The only person who can bring my spirit down is me." — Nanaba [01:28]
On Authenticity and Owning One’s Perception
[02:27-03:55]
- Nanaba refuses to correct others’ views of her—positive or negative.
- She openly embraces whatever labels others give: “Oh, absolutely, I am [full of myself]. If that’s what you believe, take it and run with it.”
- Her motto: “I am not in the business of correcting anybody’s view of me.”
Memorable Moment:
"When people meet me and they experience something else ... I say to them, it is true. You just met a different version today. I’m not going to try and casual you to like me because I really do not care if you like me or not. I do what makes me happy." — Nanaba [03:28]
Empowering Women and Men
[03:56-04:22]
- Despite being a feminist (“I’ll put women first”), Nanaba’s empowerment work includes men, particularly those struggling with confidence.
Ghanaian Cultural Attitudes Towards Confidence
[04:33-06:44]
- The stereotype that Ghanaians are timid is strongly refuted.
- She clarifies the distinction: “Ghanaians are not timid. Ghanaians are overly nice ... They play nice, but in their hearts, they know.”
- Respect, politeness, and a resistance to open disagreement are prized—but Nanaba wishes for more open dissent and honesty.
Notable Quote:
"No one should confuse that as timidity. Because Ghanaians are not timid. When they really need to rally behind something they do fearlessly, they do." — Nanaba [05:21]
Advice to Young Girls (and Young People)
[07:04-08:20]
- Be yourself, be authentic, and learn to discern which advice is worth taking.
- She stresses the necessity of trustworthy support systems, and directness in speaking out against inappropriate advances or exploitation.
Notable Quote:
"If you come across anybody [who wants to take advantage] ... be confident enough to tell them that I do not subscribe to that and go and report them." — Nanaba [07:40]
The Power of Saying No: The "Women of Valor" Anecdote
[08:24-09:42]
- Nanaba recounts an emotional moment from her Women of Valor event, where an attendee wanted to share a personal issue.
- Exhausted, Nanaba stands by her boundaries: “I know how to say no. I say no because my spirit says no. I’m tired, and I will say no.”
- She provides the young woman with her number, promising help when rested, reinforcing the importance of self-care and honesty over people-pleasing.
- “Don’t say yes when you know very well that your actual answer is a no.”
Memorable Moment:
"If you’re crying because I don’t have the time to talk to you right now, then go ahead and cry more because I don’t have the time. But if you’re crying because of why you want to talk to me, call me tomorrow. I’ll be well rested and my brain will work." — Nanaba [09:16]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:05-01:45] — Foundations of Self-Belief: Reading and inspiration
- [01:45-02:29] — Dismissing Negativity & Social Media Criticism
- [02:27-03:55] — Embracing Self-Image & Rejecting the “Correction” of Others’ Views
- [03:58-04:22] — Empowerment Work with Both Women & Men
- [04:33-06:44] — Ghanaian Cultural Perspectives on Confidence vs. Timidity
- [07:04-08:20] — Speaking to Young Women: Authenticity and Reporting Abuse
- [08:24-09:42] — Personal Boundaries: The Right to Say No (Women of Valor story)
Notable Quotes
- “There is nothing you, Derek, can say to me that will bring my spirit down.” — Nanaba [00:36]
- “The only person who can bring my spirit down is me.” — Nanaba [01:28]
- “I am not in the business of correcting anybody’s view of me.” — Nanaba [03:15]
- “No one should confuse [Ghanaian politeness] as timidity.” — Nanaba [05:21]
- “Be yourself ... You need to be true to yourself. You need to be authentic.” — Nanaba [07:05]
- “Don’t say yes when you know very well that your actual answer is a no.” — Nanaba [09:16]
Summary Takeaway
This episode advocates fiercely for self-knowledge and unapologetic authenticity. Nanaba demonstrates that self-worth is internally sourced—not dependent on external validation or correction of others’ misperceptions. Her anecdotes and advice are deeply grounded in lived experience and cultural insight, offering empowering lessons for anyone struggling with self-doubt, societal expectations, or the desire to be liked by all.