The event saw HR practitioners and CEO across various industries share perspectives and deliberate on how to maximize the contribution of HR in the achievement of overall business objectives.

The keynote speakers’ speeches empowered CEOs to speak the language of HR by mastering the three pillars of strategic HR: Talent, Technology and Analytics to inform key business decision-making.

The first speaker, CEO of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Dr. Kwasi Agyeman-Busia, touched on the general roles of the CEO and mentioned some instances they could foster work ethics through cordial relationships with their HR departments and other immediate managers. He said, "When the CEO and the HR leadership are in sync and using collected data by the HR department: the impact of the workforce on business results, the business is able to make better-informed strategic decisions. He added that too many CEOs know what they need to know about finance and operations but not what they need to know about talent.

Mr. Agyeman-Busia identified that what CEOs require from HR departments is for HR to proactively help find and hire those who are or will become 'industry stars,' stating: "A true HR leader must help market the company in a way that attracts the best talent in the industry." "Recruitment is a continuous and diligent sales process, he added. He advised HR to match talents and resources to business strategy.

The HR Executive of MTN Ghana, and HR Practitioner of the Year 2017, Mrs. Amma Benneh-Amponsah was the second speaker. She emphasized the fact that HR can be empowered to contribute significantly to business growth through talent acquisition and development, and data analysis. She stated that before the HR department becomes relevant in a business, "your processes must be attached to the people. Detached processes will never have you seen or heard in your organisation," she said.

Mrs. Benneh Amponsah touched on the need for collaborative workplaces, progressive work environments and emotional intelligence at the workplace. She reiterated the need for HR to understand the strategy of the business and the long term positioning of the business. She encouraged all HR heads present to go beyond the ordinary to place their companies on a higher pedestal by looking out for the needs of their staff and the business.

As part of the programme, there was an open forum session which brought to the fore further insights about the unique benefits organisations can garner from a collaborative CEO and HR relationships.

The programme ended with the CEO of L’AINE Services, Dr. Mrs. Ellen M. Hagan encouraging all to practicalise all that have been shared in their workplaces.

CEO&HR: A Business Love Story took place on the 14th of March, 2018 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra.