I'm Eric Francis Manu. An Author, Award Winning Entrepreneur, International Etiquette Professional, TEDx Speaker, and graduate of the esteemed University of Cambridge & Harvard Business School Executive Education.
From Humble Home to Humble Lifestyle- (The Gentleman with the Hat)
Born and raised in Ghana, Eric Francis Manu, or Dada Kofi as he is known in his homeland, carries with him the vibrant cultural heritage of his Ashanti roots and is fluent in the captivating language of Twi. He playfully keeps the exact meaning of his local name a delightful mystery, adding a touch of intrigue to his professional persona.
Eric is the eldest of five siblings. However, tragedy struck during his teenage years when he lost his beloved mother, Joanna, at the young age of 38. Despite this heartbreaking loss, Eric remembers his mother as one of the most hardworking individuals he has ever known. She tirelessly pursued different business ventures to provide for her children. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering faith as a devoted Christian left a lasting impact on Eric and his family.
Eric's childhood
From a young age, Eric dreamed of being a pilot, but the untimely passing of his beloved mother dimmed the light of those aspirations. Inspired by her dedication, Eric set out to forge a new path for himself and his family. In 2001, Eric made a life-changing decision to move to England in search of new opportunities. He was motivated by the thought of creating a better life for his self and knowing that he would be able to support and care for his siblings, a responsibility he continues to fulfill to this day. It was during this journey that he found his soulmate, and they have been married for 15 years, blessed with two amazing children, Lewis and Alexis.
Eric's pursuit of education has always been a fundamental value instilled in him by his mother. Despite her own limited educational background, she continously emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge at the highest level. "Make sure you go to school, so that you can help people as the lord has helped you (this is an assumed statement, please fill in with what resonates with you)," she would say. Inspired by those words, Eric enrolled in Barking College for access to a degree in Computer Science. He then continued his studies for two more years at Middlesex University, and is currently studying at Havard Business Executive Education, fueling his passion for learning and personal growth.
Eric's graduation
Eric's unwavering commitment to philanthropy is what defines him the most. Rooted in the teachings of his mother, he believes in the power of selflessness and compassion. "Look after someone, and God will reward you," his mother always said, and those words stuck to him. Till date, he would prefer to stay hungry if it meant feeding someone in need. For him, true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the lives touches and hearts gladdened through simple acts of kindness.
Today, Eric has lived his dream of being a pilot, if only for an hour, when his partner gave him the remarkable gift on this thirtieth birthay. Now, he finds joy in the simplicity of life's pleasures. As he navigates the complexities of life, he does so with a profound sense of gratitude to the lord for how far he has come, and a deep sense of purpose that keeps driving him. His story is a testament to the resilience of human spirit, and a beacon of hope to anyone around the world who dares to dream big.
Eric's Lifetyle
Every morning, Eric begins his day with a moment of quiet reflection and prayer, a practice instilled in him by his dear mother. Whether for a second or a few minutes, this daily ritual grounds him in a sense of peace and purpose.
Eric is passionate about health and fitness. Once an avid long-distance runner, his love for the open road carried him through miles of exploration and self-discovery. Though his long-distance running has been sidelined by a knee injury, he continues to pursue his passion for fitness in the gym as a way of keeping fit mentally and physically. Asides his love for fitness, Eric also enjoys cooking traditional ghanian meals like Jollof and chicken.
Eric is also a voracious reader. His thirst for knowledge has made him commit to reading at least one book a month, which sums up to twelve a year. He has kept up this practice for years because he believes that as a lecturer, public speaker and recognized etiquette consultant, it is necessary for him to be a wealth of knowledge so that he may impact the lives of those who listen to, or look up to him.
Fun Facts About Eric
- As a proper gentleman, I own over 30 hats for different styles and occasions.
- I have been given a Chinses name, 埃里克·弗朗西斯·马努
- I am learning how to speak Chinese (Mandarin)
- I have over 40 ties, from Kente to Christmas ties.
- We are a family of around 200; ask me later!!
- I love cooking and can cook a variety of dishes.
- I read 12 books every year—one every month.
- I love skydiving.
- I love mountain climbing.
- I love heights, and hope to go to space in the near future.
