In an exclusive interview with Lissa Appiah, granted Bayo Speaks as a face of the week. She revealed her background, lifestyle, career and achievements.

Lissa Appiah is a Certified Career & Resume Strategist and the Founder of WeApply.

She was born and raised in Canada the City of Montreal, Quebec. Lissa received her Undergraduate  Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration & Sociology from the University of Ottawa and her Master in Public Administration from Carleton University.

Lissa Appiah is very articulated in which her consistency has earned her lot of Awards and Recognitions.

Background Check;

May we get to meet you; who really is Lissa Appiah?

I am a Certified Career & Resume Strategist and the Founder of WeApply. Also, a mom and a wife.

Can you please tell us about your background?

I was born in Canada the City of Montreal, Quebec, but my family is from Ghana.

Briefly tell us about your educational background?

I have a Master in Public Administration from Carleton University and a Bachelor’s in Public Administration & Sociology from the University of Ottawa.

What do you do for a living?

I am the Founder of WeApply Canada. I provide career and leadership development services to individuals and organizations. I am also a public servant.

When did you know you wanted this job?

I knew I wanted to teach or coach since I was a child. I knew I wanted to provide career service since I was a teenager. Also, i was known for helping family members with their resumes

What dream did you have while growing up?

I wanted to be a Teacher or an Astronaut.

What drove you into this field and motivated you to stick along?

It comes naturally to me, and it’s a blessing to help others achieve their goals.

What have you lost on the way to achieving what you have today?

I haven’t lost much. On the contrary, I have evolved and grown as a person and learned a lot along the way.

Was there a career setback you faced which you later realized was an advantage?

I started my career underemployed. I settled for a job that was below my skills and qualifications. I however kept my goal in sight. I was promoted 5 times in less than 8 years. My experience enables me to coach my clients better today.

Can you briefly walk us through your career as Development Workshop Facilitator?

I facilitate workshops for organizations that are looking to support their employee career development. This can be one-on-one or as a group. A recent study by the Pew Center found that in 2021, tied with low pay, 63% of workers left as there were no opportunities for development and advancement. Career development can be key to attracting and retaining talent within an organization.

What was your first win that made you confident that you were doing the right thing? 

I heeled a client land an executive role with the United Nations.

Describe yourself in one word?

Determined

What has helped you get to where you are, and what advice would you give someone who wants to set off in a similar direction?

Not giving up

What are some of your achievements?

• Helped 400+ professionals get hired or promoted
• $36K average salary increase; $3.1M cumulative salary increases in 24 months
• Facilitated 80+ trainings and workshops
• 68 professionals of colour promoted to executive roles in 24 months
• Canada’s Top Black Women To Watch of 2022
• Deputy Minister’s Award of Excellence 2022
• Nominated Forward Ladies Leadership Award UK
• Nominated WBN Businesswoman of the Year, Entrepreneurial Leader Category
• Deputy Minister Beyond the 2020 COVID-19 Award

 Where do you hope to be in the next four years? 

Doing what I love to do. Coaching and facilitating workshops.