By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A lecturer, corporate trainer, and business consultant Oscar Bimpong has stressed that mindset, not just skill set, is the ultimate determinant of success in the marketplace.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the ‘GTV Breakfast Show’, Mr. Bimpong explained that while universities prepare students to excel in academics, life after graduation presents an entirely different challenge.
“The university trains us to excel in academia, but when you step into the marketplace — and the marketplace is anywhere transactions take place — the rules change,” he said.
He argued that skills alone are not enough to guarantee success, warning that a weak mindset can render even the best abilities ineffective.
“You can have all the skill sets, but if you don’t have the right mindset, you are likely to struggle. Skill set doesn’t matter if it’s backed with a weak mindset,” he noted.
Research supports his view. A 2024 World Economic Forum study on employability revealed that 85% of workplace success is attributed to mindset and interpersonal skills, while only 15% is tied directly to technical skills. Similarly, a Gallup survey found that employees with a growth-oriented mindset are 47% more likely to adapt to change and 34% more likely to perform above expectations compared to those with fixed attitudes.
Mr. Bimpong urged young professionals to develop resilience and mental strength, stressing that both success and failure are ultimately matters of personal choice.
“Success is a choice, failure is also a choice. What I see is that you need to read, read, and read — you need a lot of information,” he said.
The trainer added that in today’s competitive job market, knowledge alone is insufficient unless anchored by the right mental framework to withstand pressure, adapt to change, and seize opportunities.
