Michael L. Bartlett-Vanderpuye has recounted his journey from working with limited resources to building a business group with interests across different sectors.

His entrepreneurial journey, according to his account, began modestly, at a time when he worked from his room while trying to turn an idea into a viable business.

Speaking about his experience, he said his early years in business were marked by uncertainty, repeated proposals and the challenge of convincing potential clients and partners to give his ideas an opportunity.

Before fully committing to entrepreneurship, Bartlett-Vanderpuye had professional experience in areas including banking, accounting, marketing, packaging and logistics. He also gained exposure to mining advisory services, property and other commercial activities.

He says those experiences helped him understand how different parts of the business environment operate and influenced his decision to explore opportunities beyond a single industry.

Even after establishing an office in East Legon, he recalls instances where people assumed he was working for another company because they found it difficult to believe that the business was his.

For Bartlett-Vanderpuye, those experiences reinforced the importance of building the substance of a business before focusing on its public image.

He says his approach to entrepreneurship is centred on creating sustainable value through knowledge, relationships, investment and partnerships.

He also believes professionals can adopt an entrepreneurial mindset by developing assets, building networks and identifying additional opportunities alongside their careers.

On business expansion, Bartlett-Vanderpuye advocates collaboration between companies and industries, arguing that strategic partnerships can sometimes create greater value than treating other businesses solely as competitors.

He also emphasises the importance of research and understanding the markets in which businesses operate.

According to him, entrepreneurs need to consider factors such as regulations, market conditions, relationships and operational structures before expanding into new areas.

His business interests have since developed into M&C Group, which he describes as part of his broader effort to build an enterprise that can operate beyond a single venture.

Bartlett-Vanderpuye says his interest in business also extends to job creation and skills development.

He believes the private sector has an important role to play in creating employment and opportunities, particularly in an economy where unemployment remains a concern.

He argues that the impact of a business should not be measured solely by the wealth generated for its owner, but also by the people it employs, the skills it develops and the opportunities it creates within the wider economy.

He is also cautious about judging the success of a company by its visibility, particularly at a time when social media can influence public perceptions of businesses.

According to him, the more important indicators are the systems supporting the business, its customers, assets, operations and financial results.

Bartlett-Vanderpuye says his long-term objective is to build businesses that can continue to operate and create value beyond his own involvement.

He views legacy as extending beyond his immediate family and believes sustainable institutions should be capable of serving future generations.

His account of his entrepreneurial journey—from working with limited resources to leading a growing business group—highlights the challenges associated with starting and expanding a business, as well as his views on sustainability, partnerships and long-term planning.

Michael L. Bartlett-Vanderpuye, Group Chairman of M&C Group, was featured on the cover of the 24th issue of My Story Magazine, where he discussed his entrepreneurial journey, business experiences, leadership and his plans for building an enduring enterprise.