On Cue with Kafui Dey: Lessons from Komla Dumor: how to build a legacy that speaks across continents

(Because the man’s surname still teaches us a thing or two.)

Today would have been Komla Dumor’s birthday. For many Africans, his name still evokes memories of that warm smile on our screens, his steady voice on the radio, and the sense that one of us was shaping the global conversation. Komla didn’t just report the news—he made us feel part of it.

In his honour, let’s take his surname, DUMOR, and turn it into a masterclass for anyone who wants to build a career that resonates far beyond their borders.

D – Daring

Komla Dumor was daring in the best sense. Who else could start out as a medical student and switch to a career in journalism, with no guarantees? That leap of faith was not reckless—it was calculated courage.

For professionals across Africa, daring means stepping outside your comfort zone. Want that promotion? Volunteer for the tough project. Want to build a personal brand? Say yes to that speaking gig—even if your knees are knocking. Leadership and impact don’t come to the timid.

As Komla’s story shows, the daring are the ones who move the continent forward.

U – Unapologetically authentic

Komla brought his whole self to the newsroom—his Ghanaian roots, his humour, his curiosity. When he interviewed world leaders on the BBC, he didn’t pretend to be someone else. That authenticity made him relatable to both presidents and market women.

In a world of curated Instagram lives and rehearsed LinkedIn posts, authenticity is rare—and powerful. Professionals who own their stories, accent, and background connect more deeply with their audiences.

Lesson? Stop trying to sound like someone else. Your power lies in your true voice—accents, proverbs, and all.

M – Mastery of the craft

Dumor didn’t just “wing it” on air. Those smooth conversations with presidents and CEOs were the result of hours of research, preparation, and practice.

Too often, we admire someone’s performance and think it’s all natural talent. The truth? Behind every seamless delivery is relentless rehearsal.

Whatever your profession—teacher, banker, politician, or wedding MC—mastery means you’ve put in the reps. And when you do, you make it look effortless. As Komla showed us, the difference between good and great is preparation.

O – Optimism with substance

Komla was known for his optimism about Africa’s potential, but it wasn’t blind cheerleading. He believed in telling African stories with dignity, highlighting not just the challenges but the progress.

That kind of optimism is a leadership superpower. Nobody wants to follow a leader who’s perpetually gloomy. But neither do they trust blind cheerleaders. The sweet spot is hopeful realism: acknowledging the problems while inspiring people to believe in solutions.

Komla’s optimism on the global stage made millions of Africans walk taller. As leaders, that’s the kind of energy we need to bring into boardrooms, classrooms, and even living rooms.

R – Relationships matter

At the height of his career, Komla was known not just for his interviews but for his warmth behind the scenes. Colleagues recall his ability to remember names, encourage young journalists, and treat everyone—from interns to global icons—with respect.

In Africa (and everywhere else), relationships often open doors that talent alone cannot. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections; it’s about genuinely investing in people.

Komla’s legacy reminds us that relationships—built on kindness and respect—outlast headlines and job titles.

The legacy lives on

The beauty of Komla Dumor’s career is that it wasn’t just about him. His daring choices, authenticity, mastery, optimism, and relationships left a blueprint for how to build a meaningful professional life.

Today, whether you’re a young graduate wondering if you should take that bold career leap, a manager trying to lead your team with purpose, or an entrepreneur pitching your dream to investors, the lessons in DUMOR apply.

A final toast

Komla Dumor proved that Africa’s stories deserve to be told by Africans—confidently, credibly, and with heart. If we want to honour his memory, we don’t just post tributes on social media. We live out the lessons: be daring, stay authentic, master your craft, lead with optimism, and value relationships.

And if you ever find yourself nervous before a big meeting or presentation, just remember: somewhere up there, Komla is probably smiling and saying, “Go on. You’ve got this.”

>>> Kafui Dey helps professionals to communicate their ideas clearer. WhatsApp COACH to 233 240 299 122 if you need help.

The post On Cue with Kafui Dey: Lessons from Komla Dumor: how to build a legacy that speaks across continents appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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