In business, as in sport, success is often measured by numbers—revenue, valuations, growth rates, and deals closed. But every now and then, a story reminds us that how you exit a relationship can matter just as much as how you performed while you were there. The recent £65 million transfer of Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City offers such a lesson—one that goes far beyond football.
Semenyo’s rise to the summit of English football is impressive by any standard. Yet what has captured the attention of business leaders, communities, and even the UK Parliament is not the size of the deal, but the character he displayed at the point of departure. Instead of a hurried farewell post or silence—now common in high-profile transitions—Semenyo invested in a four-page advertisement in the Bournemouth Echo to thank fans, staff, and the local community for their support.
That single act transformed a commercial transaction into a masterclass in stakeholder management.
In business, clients, customers, and partners often remember how you made them feel long after contracts have ended. Semenyo understood this. He recognised that while Manchester City was his next chapter, Bournemouth was an essential part of his story. By honouring that relationship publicly and respectfully, he strengthened his personal brand and left behind goodwill that money alone cannot buy.
This is why his conduct was cited in the UK Parliament as an example of professionalism and gentlemanly behaviour in a digital age. In an era where exits are frequently marked by disputes, social media rants, or abrupt disengagements, Semenyo’s approach stood out as intentional, thoughtful, and values-driven.
For business owners, the lesson is clear: transitions are reputational moments. Whether you are exiting a partnership, selling a company, changing roles, or moving on from a client, how you communicate matters. A graceful exit reinforces trust, preserves relationships, and opens doors for future opportunities.
There is also a deeper leadership lesson here. Semenyo’s gesture demonstrated emotional intelligence—the ability to recognise the human side of transactions. In business, customers and employees are not just line items on a balance sheet; they are stakeholders in your journey. Acknowledging their contribution builds loyalty that outlasts any single deal.
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Interestingly, while lawmakers debated his character, Semenyo was already delivering value on his new platform, scoring and assisting on his Manchester City debut. This reinforces another business truth: integrity and performance are not opposites. The most sustainable success is built when competence is matched with character.
At Bizexcel Partners, we believe excellence is not only about how far you go, but how well you carry people along—and how respectfully you leave when it’s time to move on. Antoine Semenyo’s story is a powerful reminder that in business, as in life, your legacy is shaped not just by what you achieve, but by how you treat people at every stage of the journey.
