“VISIONARY”- she aptly picks the word to describe and define herself. One needn’t look for its exact meaning in the dictionary, as she thoroughly personifies its essence. An interaction with this powerhouse is no less than any adrenaline-boosting experience. Introducing to you Adeline Sede Kamga, CEO of FabAfriq Media Group. She is a woman of resilience and grit who isn’t just breaking ceilings; she’s shattering stereotypes with every empowering stride. Her relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, fueled by a revolutionary approach, and her knack for conquering obstacles landed her a coveted spot on the “Top 10 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2024.”
Adeline redefines success on her own terms. It’s not just about the bottom line; it’s about achieving personal fulfillment through well-defined goals. While financial success is important, this adept professional believes it’s a journey encompassing growth, accomplishment, and pursuing your passions. “As a purpose-driven leader,” she explains, “my objectives are geared towards addressing needs and filling gaps, guided by principles of integrity, selflessness, and consideration for others.”
Like the building of Rome, Adeline’s rise to the top wasn’t an overnight feat, particularly in a continent where there are no set rules on how to succeed in the communication sector-acknowledging the struggle, she built Corporate Women in Leadership. This power network equips women with the tools to smash obstacles and reach their goals, whether climbing the corporate ladder or launching their own empires. Through Adeline’s platform, women are empowered to navigate the challenges they face and strive for success in their professional endeavors.
Ready to be amazed? Read through the captivating saga of Adeline’s leadership prowess as our cover story meanders through her life’s turning points and milestone moments. Let go of preconceived notions and immerse yourself in her world of innovation. Witness her transformative touch as she breathes life into the hearts of those she guides, kindling a blaze of boundless inspiration.
FabAfriq Media Group: A Story of Growth and Impact
Fueled by a desire to amplify the African narrative, Adeline launched a successful African lifestyle magazine in the UK in 2010. However, seeking a deeper impact, she relocated to Cameroon in 2013 and founded FabAfriq Media Group (FMG).
FMG quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and results-driven approach to corporate communication and PR. They specialize in customized solutions that enhance brand presence and augment client messages through strategic branding and communication tactics.
Over the past 14 years, FMG has become a client-centric agency with a loyal clientele who have thrived under their approach. Every strategy, campaign, and communication effort is meticulously crafted to ensure client success and growth.
“We persistently push boundaries in the service industry, aiming to establish fresh benchmarks,” informs Adeline, highlighting the agency’s diverse team of seasoned experts and young energetic talent.
FabAfriq magazine remains one of the most respected publications on the continent after 14 years, a testament to their tenacious dedication to excellence and promoting the African narrative.
Adeline’s People-Centric Leadership at FabAfriq to Achieve Success
Adeline’s leadership at FabAfriq Media Group revolves around a core principle: “people first.” She believes in fostering a collaborative environment where team members understand that their combined efforts are key to client success. This translates to emphasizing employee well-being to create an atmosphere that prioritizes client satisfaction.
FMG offers a comprehensive suite of services encompassing strategic branding, targeted corporate communications, digital marketing, magazine publishing, public relations, and event management. Their team consists of experienced professionals from various disciplines who work together seamlessly to deliver on client visions.
FMG puts a great focus on results! Through meticulous planning, execution, and continuous improvement, the company ensures its clients’ brands stand out in the competitive market. Adeline underlines their commitment to driving client growth and success while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at every step.
From Print Pioneer to Pan-African Powerhouse: Adeline’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Adeline knows leading an organization to success is anything but easy. Her journey with FabAfriq began in 2010 with a simple yet powerful vision: ‘to share the inspiring stories of Africa through a magazine, both in print and online.’ Back then, getting content was a far cry from today’s digital world, requiring dedicated effort through emails, phone calls, and even long-distance physical interviews.
The turning point arrived when Adeline returned to Africa in 2013. Businesses relied heavily on traditional media, and digital communication was a gap waiting to be filled. This marketing whiz recognized a golden opportunity beyond just magazine advertising. Thus, FabAfriq Media Group was born, placing digital communication at the core of its services.
Within a year, Adeline’s one-woman show transformed into a team of seven, primarily fresh graduates hungry for knowledge. Running a business in Cameroon presented hurdles, especially as a woman, but her dedicated team wasn’t deterred. They boldly entered the market, serving clients across diverse sectors like oil and gas, aviation, and banking.
Reflecting on her path, Adeline, a force to be reckoned with in the media, proudly states: “My journey has been marked by boldness and confidence as we built relationships and expanded beyond borders, extending our operations to other African countries such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Gabon, making us a Pan-African brand.”
Roadblocks in the Ride
Although the road to success was full of impediments, fueled by an achiever’s spirit, she remained unfazed. They were more like stepping stones, each a chance to learn and grow stronger.
One initial hurdle was a lack of capital. While relying on friends and family for startup funds demonstrated the power of belief in her vision, mismanagement of those funds led to financial lapses. This incident taught Adeline the importance of financial responsibility. Another challenge she faced was high employee turnover. Despite investing in training, employees would often leave for better opportunities. This turnover created significant setbacks, as her small business couldn’t afford immediate replacements. The ingenious lady addressed this by implementing the T-shaped model, which fostered a more versatile and adaptable workforce and mitigated the impact of employee departures.
Adeline also grappled with the physical distance between her family in the UK and her work in Africa. Balancing business and family obligations meant missing out on important events on both ends. However, the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently solved this problem. The shift to online work, necessitated by social distancing, allowed Adeline to spend more time in the UK while still managing her business virtually.
The digital landscape in Africa presented another obstacle. The surge of new entrants threatened to saturate the market. To stay competitive, this innovative executive pinned her focus on innovation by introducing new services and expanding into different countries. This adaptability proved to be instrumental in navigating a crowded market and achieving sustained growth.
Adeline’s dived headfirst into entrepreneurship, and while the ride has been unpredictable, she’s discovered that challenges are just par for the course. Each entrepreneur faces unique setbacks, but ‘overcoming adversity and finding solutions to these encounters can be deeply rewarding and contribute to the growth and success of the business.
Adeline’s Leadership Legacy
While running a successful business for 14 years is a feat in itself, this industry leader finds her greatest fulfillment in empowering others. Building a thriving company is commendable, but true success lies in fostering opportunity and growth for Adeline.
Throughout her career, she has prioritized creating a nurturing environment where employees, particularly those she mentors, can flourish. Her most cherished accomplishment is witnessing the positive impact on their lives through these avenues.
One such success story is of Ramses, a team member on the autism spectrum. His journey within the company exemplifies not only his own determination but also the power of inclusion. Adeline’s firm support for Ramses emphasizes the importance of creating diverse teams where everyone can contribute their unique talents.
On the professional front, Adeline takes pride in managing the brand image of respected companies across Africa. Earning their trust is a testament to her dedication and expertise.
However, her most meaningful contribution extends beyond business. Through FabAfriq magazine, Adeline has championed diverse African voices. Interviewing inspiring individuals has not only enriched the publication but also broadened her own perspective. This trailblazing doyen celebrates the vibrant fabric of African culture, cultivating understanding and appreciation for its rich heritage.
Perhaps her most catalytic pursuit is “Corporate Women in Leadership,” empowering over 500,000 women through various platforms (Online, in person ad via her network of impactful women) and earning recognition from prestigious organizations. Witnessing the tangible progress of these women in their careers is an incredibly rewarding experience for Adeline.
Further solidifying her commitment to excellent people management, Adeline launched the Corporate Awards program in 2026. This initiative allows companies to evaluate and improve their HR practices, promoting overall organizational growth across Africa.
FMG Future Plan
The distinguished CEO of FMG has a vision to prudently position their clients as industry leaders by implementing impactful communication strategies tailored to resonate with their target audience, enhancing their brand (FMG) presence.
Life Before FabAfriq Media Group
Adeline wasn’t always navigating the world of corporate communications. Back in Cameroon, with a teacher dad and a home business-savvy mom, she juggled dreams of educating minds and captivating audiences like a journalist.
College saw her dive into Sociology and Communication adn later specialised in Corporate comunications, these skills blossomed with radio gigs—MCing, sales whiz, and even ad voice-over! With a degree in hand, Italy beckoned for adventure. But academia called again, this time in the UK, where communication initially interested her. Yet, a twist of fate (or perhaps a hidden passion) and a push from her sister friend Rachel Hale, led young Adeline towards the world of Human Resources, prompting her Master’s degree. Years of valuable experience later, the urge for a more dynamic path tugged at her, pulling her away from the familiar shores of HR. So, guess what? This communication rockstar returned to her roots, this time around with a blend of people management skills powerful enough to help her manage the people she works with.
Remember that childhood connection with people? It turns out it never left. Adeline did what any confident communicator would do – she launched her own business! Today, those who knew her back then marvel at her transformation into a PR powerhouse, a trusted consultant, and a spokesperson for top brands. Adeline’s quest to FabAfriq wasn’t linear, but it sure was one heck of a ride!
A peek into Adeline’s Daily Life
A steaming cup of tea and a quiet prayer set the tone for her dynamic day. She tackles emails first, prioritizing responses to her team and clients, ensuring a smooth workflow for everyone later. Though the hour is early, connecting with family is a must, a stolen moment before the day truly begins.
The sun rises as she shifts gears, transitioning from solo work to family mode. Breakfast prep, school lunches, or even the morning school run might be on the agenda. By nine, it’s all work. Adeline huddles with her team, discussing ongoing projects. The strategist schedules client meetings for either the early morning or late afternoon hours, allowing her to carve out dedicated time for focused work.
Six pm marks a shift. The hustle and bustle of work gives way to a sacred space for family. Reconnecting and unwinding with loved ones fills the precious window until 7:30 pm. The evening holds flexibility. Additional meetings might be on the table depending on the workload, but her unmatched accommodative spirit ensures a smooth sail.
Juggling Act of a Savvy Entrepreneur
“Maintaining work-life balance presents a significant challenge for me,” acknowledges Adeline. Being a key stakeholder in a business and juggling frequent international travel for work presents a unique challenge for this veteran. Her clients are based in Africa, while her family resides in the UK with siblings scattered worldwide, so maintaining consistent connections sometimes becomes overwhelming. Despite this, the accomplished luminary has crafted strategies to disconnect from work and fulfill her role as the family anchor.
Family remains preeminence, and Adeline finds a fascinating equipoise between her responsibilities. Though some friendships have strained under the pressure of her demanding schedule, 2023 saw her making an intentional effort to reconnect with friends and family.
The constant battle to harmonize the demands of entrepreneurship with the sanctity of personal life and self-care strikes a chord with many founders. Like others, Adeline often works long hours and sacrifices personal time for her ventures’ success. However, she’s actively working towards a better equilibrium, and her dedication inspires hope for a positive outcome.
Beyond the Checklist: Adeline’s Personal Goal, Igniting Potential
Visualize a world where women confidently helm the corporate setting and conquer the entrepreneurial landscape. This is the goal that drives Adeline to build a futuristic women’s academy that focuses on soft skills development. Here, women won’t just learn; they’ll be empowered. Tailored communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving training will equip them to tackle any challenge, propelling them toward professional success. This academy isn’t just about skills; it’s about unlocking the boundless potential within every woman. She owes her success to her co-founder and husband Nelson N. Kamga, her brother Rev Fr. Basile Sede, her family, close friends and a network of professional persons challenging her to dare.
