Many people would be content with running the semifinals of the 100x4 meter relay in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. Not Kenneth Andam; he plans to compete again in the 2004 games and bring home a medal. However, his wins aren't only on the track. He is lapping competitors on the business fast track as well. Andam earned a double BS in information systems and economics from BYU in 2000 and is now a graduate student at BYU studying mass communications. His education gives him the technical and analytical skills he needs to compete in the global economy.
Andam, from Ghana, West Africa, was just promoted to CEO of Worldwide Financial Holding, Inc., a publicly-held company that deploys wireless technology set to revolutionize how the world communicates. The company develops and markets user-friendly, web-based software applications and development tools on an integrated service platform. The instruments allow both large organizations and small, stand-alone businesses to exploit the full capabilities of the Internet as a communications, information management, marketing, and e-commerce platform. As CEO, Andam's responsibilities include developing business plans, managing staff, fund-raising, and offering expertise in strategic partnerships, possible mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations.
In addition, Andam serves as chairman of the board of Squanet Communications. Andam founded Squanet to provide companies with the information and Internet technology needed to market their products at cheaper rates. Squanet helps companies cut infrastructure costs so corporate resources can be directed toward Internet advertising. The company also helps investors obtain the necessary investment contacts needed in African countries like Ghana and Gambiaùopening Africa's industrial sector to foreign investors.
Andam's long-term career goal includes returning to Ghana to become a political leader. "That's what keeps me moving," he said. "I'll be taken more seriously when I return with skills and knowledge I can impart to my people."
Referring to his racing capabilities, he said, "I believe that I have the potential to be the best in the world if I want to be."
Andam is already training heavily to run for Ghana in Greece in 2004. His athletic ability coupled with a clear business course will advance him to the front—no matter what track he's on.
