Agbara Ada stands as a testament in the dynamic world of luxury hospitality and elite networking to how embracing cultural diversity and trusting one’s instincts can forge an extraordinary path to success.
As the founder of Estilo de Vida Events Management and curator of the prestigious Elite’s Jamboree, Ada’s journey from a multicultural upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in international hospitality is both inspiring and instructive.
A Foundation Built on Cultural Richness
Born to a Nigerian father and a Burkinabé mother, Ada’s early life was shaped by the rich tapestry of her dual heritage.
“The Nigerian spirit is more daring,” she reflects, comparing her cultural backgrounds. “Nigerians are go-getters; they don’t see a reason why they cannot do something. They would always say yes to everything, even when they cannot.”
This bold approach complemented what she describes as the more measured determination characteristic of Burkina Faso’s people, particularly its women.
Breaking Convention in Education
Ada’s educational journey challenged traditional norms. After moving between schools in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, she made a bold decision post-high school that would set her apart.
Rather than following the typical academic path, she chose to forge her own route, completing her specialized hospitality training in just two years.
Her philosophy was clear: “If you’re not a doctor trying to save lives or a lawyer trying to keep people out of prison, every other thing is taught on the job.”
Rising Through Hospitality Excellence
Her unconventional path led her to Kempinski Hotel in Ghana, where she quickly distinguished herself through exceptional service and genuine care for guests. Her experience expanded to serving high-profile guests, including coordinating with the U.S. Secret Service during Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit, and hosting distinguished African leaders such as President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, along with Prime Ministers Patricia Trovada of Sao Tome and Principe and Philip Davis of the Bahamas during the Afreximbank event in Accra last year in July.
She also expertly handled visits from global celebrities like Idris Elba, Chance the Rapper, SZA, and Teyana Taylor. Within three months, Ada had become employee of the month, a recognition she would receive multiple times. Her most notable achievement came through her handling of a World Bank executive’s medical emergency, where she went far beyond her duties, staying at the hospital until 3 AM to ensure the guest’s well-being.
The Power of Authentic Connection
Ada’s approach to guest relations was marked by genuine empathy and care. A particularly touching example involved her work with an elderly Korean gentleman suffering from dementia who had traveled to Ghana without his family’s knowledge. “Based on the fact that I was like one of the first people or the one person who kept smiling with this man, became the one person he recognized and felt safe around during his stay until his family located him” she recalls.
A Leap of Faith to Qatar
Her exceptional service caught the attention of Qatar’s Ambassador to Ghana, leading to an opportunity with their company in Qatar. Despite initial hesitation to leave her established position at Kempinski, where she was being groomed for a management role, Ada took a leap of faith.
“I told God that, listen, this place, if I am not meant to be, even though the ambassador of Qatar is involved, let that visa not be approved,” she remembers. In less than a day her visa and ticket was processed and the rest is history.
The Elite’s Jamboree: A Vision of Purpose-Driven Networking
Now, Ada brings her wealth of experience and vision to the Elite’s Jamboree, an exclusive networking event scheduled for December 4th at Atlantis the Royal Hotel Dubai. The event, themed “Africa and Middle East Next Generation Connect,” exemplifies her philosophy of purposeful networking.
“Sometimes it is not only about meeting a big investor who can pull you up,” Ada emphasizes. “Your greatest connection could be a peer with whom you collaborate to create the next big thing.” This perspective shapes the event’s structure, which brings together diverse leaders and emerging talents across industries.
A Philosophy of Authentic Networking
Ada’s approach to networking and event curation reflects her deeper understanding of brand building and authentic connections. She advocates for “party with a purpose” – events that transcend mere socializing to create genuine opportunities for growth and connection. “The pretense and everything can happen on social media. Why don’t you now participate in things that could help you in real life?” she challenges.
Her message to young entrepreneurs is particularly poignant: “The right time is the time you start.” She dismisses the notion of perfect timing, comparing it to the simple act of eating – there’s no perfect time; the right time is when you begin.
The Elite’s Jamboree represents is a manifestation of Ada’s vision for purpose-driven connection. Combining fine dining, entertainment, and strategic networking opportunities, the event aims to bridge cultures, industries, and generations while fostering collaborative opportunities across continents.
