Why I left Bermuda for Ghana
Voices of a Continent
5,227 views
In this episode of Voices of a Continent, we dive into the extraordinary life of Karen A.S. Hendrickson, a visionary leader and "connector" who moved from Bermuda to Ghana over 24 years ago. Karen shares her profound insights on the African Diaspora, the cultural parallels between Jamaica and West Africa, and her mission to build a "frictionless" aviation bridge between the two regions through Malaik Air. What you will learn in this episode:
The Cultural Connection: Why Karen believes "Jamaica literally feels like it just broke off from Ghana and floated into the Caribbean".
Leading with Purpose: Insights from her 40-year career leading organisations like Rabito Clinic and Visual Orator, and her role as a founding member of the Children's Heart Foundation Ghana.
The Journey of a "Returnee": What it really feels like to move to Africa, finding a sense of belonging, and the importance of "freedom of the mind".
Building an Aviation Ecosystem: The story behind Malaik Air and the goal of connecting Africa and the Caribbean to facilitate business, family reunions, and cargo.
Leadership and Resilience: Why Karen is comfortable "becoming a beginner again and again" and her philosophy on leaving a positive impact in every space she enters.
About Karen A.S. Hendrickson: Originally from Bermuda, Karen has spent more than two decades shaping businesses and inspiring leaders in Ghana.
Her journey is defined by an unwavering belief in Africa’s future and the power of staying connected to one’s roots.
Whether navigating the jungles of the DRC where Bob Marley's music served as a life-saving cultural bridge or empowering young girls in remote Ghanaian villages, Karen’s story is a testament to the power of identity and resilience.
00:00 - Introduction to Karen A.S. Hendrickson
00:02:00 - Growing Up Between Jamaica and Bermuda
00:04:00 - Jamaican Culture vs. Ghanaian Nuances
00:07:00 - Karen’s First Solo Journey to Africa (Cameroon)
00:15:15 - Living in Ghana and Cultural Adaptation
00:16:30 - Fieldwork in Remote Ghana & The Importance of Inclusion
00:20:10 - Lessons on Community from Herman Chinery-Hesse
00:25:30 - Embracing New Beginnings Across Career Industries
00:27:00 - A Story of Survival and Culture in the DRC
00:31:40 - Navigating a Multicultural Marriage
00:38:30 - Transforming Rabito Clinic & Co-Founding an Aviation Venture
00:41:00 - Connecting Africa and the Caribbean
00:45:30 - Identity, Colonial Mindsets, and Diaspora Mindsets
00:55:00 - Returning to Africa with an Open Mind
00:58:00 - Core Legacy: Impact, Connection, and Resilience
20 Comments
Jamaicans never forget their African roots ❤❤❤❤🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇧🇫🇳🇪🇧🇴🇻🇬
Why I left Bermuda for Ghana
Voices of a Continent
5,227 views
In this episode of Voices of a Continent, we dive into the extraordinary life of Karen A.S. Hendrickson, a visionary leader and "connector" who moved from Bermuda to Ghana over 24 years ago. Karen shares her profound insights on the African Diaspora, the cultural parallels between Jamaica and West Africa, and her mission to build a "frictionless" aviation bridge between the two regions through Malaik Air. What you will learn in this episode:
The Cultural Connection: Why Karen believes "Jamaica literally feels like it just broke off from Ghana and floated into the Caribbean".
Leading with Purpose: Insights from her 40-year career leading organisations like Rabito Clinic and Visual Orator, and her role as a founding member of the Children's Heart Foundation Ghana.
The Journey of a "Returnee": What it really feels like to move to Africa, finding a sense of belonging, and the importance of "freedom of the mind".
Building an Aviation Ecosystem: The story behind Malaik Air and the goal of connecting Africa and the Caribbean to facilitate business, family reunions, and cargo.
Leadership and Resilience: Why Karen is comfortable "becoming a beginner again and again" and her philosophy on leaving a positive impact in every space she enters.
About Karen A.S. Hendrickson: Originally from Bermuda, Karen has spent more than two decades shaping businesses and inspiring leaders in Ghana.
Her journey is defined by an unwavering belief in Africa’s future and the power of staying connected to one’s roots.
Whether navigating the jungles of the DRC where Bob Marley's music served as a life-saving cultural bridge or empowering young girls in remote Ghanaian villages, Karen’s story is a testament to the power of identity and resilience.
00:00 - Introduction to Karen A.S. Hendrickson
00:02:00 - Growing Up Between Jamaica and Bermuda
00:04:00 - Jamaican Culture vs. Ghanaian Nuances
00:07:00 - Karen’s First Solo Journey to Africa (Cameroon)
00:15:15 - Living in Ghana and Cultural Adaptation
00:16:30 - Fieldwork in Remote Ghana & The Importance of Inclusion
00:20:10 - Lessons on Community from Herman Chinery-Hesse
00:25:30 - Embracing New Beginnings Across Career Industries
00:27:00 - A Story of Survival and Culture in the DRC
00:31:40 - Navigating a Multicultural Marriage
00:38:30 - Transforming Rabito Clinic & Co-Founding an Aviation Venture
00:41:00 - Connecting Africa and the Caribbean
00:45:30 - Identity, Colonial Mindsets, and Diaspora Mindsets
00:55:00 - Returning to Africa with an Open Mind
00:58:00 - Core Legacy: Impact, Connection, and Resilience