Boardroom Banter
By Boardroom Banter
By: Boniface Omina | Sean Karanja | Yuri Coret
Boardroom Banter May 20, 2022
EP #88: The Imperfect Artist: Why "Bad Art" is the Key to Creative Freedom w/ Jonathan Caliguire, Founder- Eyelights Creative
From captivating photography to inspiring videos, Jonathan spends his time crafting narratives that bridge hearts and minds. In this episode, we discover how he transforms empathy and compassion into powerful tools for creative expression, in both his personal life as an artist as well as guiding businesses to authentically connect with their audiences.
His childhood challenges shaped his deep-seated belief in fostering welcoming spaces where everyone feels connected. This conversation delves into the transformative power of self-discovery and how this impacts how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us to nurture authentic relationships. Jonathan emphasizes on the need for creatives to embrace imperfection and get good at creating ‘bad art’, laying out various tools and practices that would help artists be able to achieve this kind of mindset shift.
Step into Jonathan’s world with us as we uncover the profound impact of knowing oneself, the beauty of vulnerability in creative endeavors, and how to harness imperfection to amplify creative output. Whether you're a struggling creative or simply longing for deeper connections, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
To learn more about Jonathan and the incredible work that he does, check out his website here and his YouTube channel here.
Episode Chapters
00:00- Introduction
06:02- Childhood Upbringing & Experiences
15:18- Discovering Purpose As A Young Adult
22:12- Stepping Into Our Creative Flow
31:52- The Weight Of Other People's Stories
44:00- The 30-Day Challenge
50:32- Getting Good At Making Bad Art
54:16- Creating From An Authentic Place
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel here.
EP #87: The Talent Equation; How To Build High-Performance Teams w/ Mark Paulson- President, People First Operations Inc.
Our guest today is committed to enhancing people's lives by empowering them to recognize their inherent greatness.
Mark Paulson is the President of People First Operations Inc., helping leaders understand their people's strengths, motivations, and goals, and then aligning them with processes that fit their needs and abilities. From an early age, Mark has always had an insatiable curiosity, often taking things apart to find out how they work. He went on to apply this same kind of analytical mindset in other aspects of his life, from the communities and spaces he engaged with, to his 30 years of leadership experience in the high-tech industry.
In this episode, Mark unravels the intricacies of hiring processes from his experience in the tech world and illustrates the transformational leadership models necessary to create work cultures within an organization that contribute to sustainable growth. We also delve into the qualities that hiring managers look for in an ideal team player such as humility, hunger, and high emotional intelligence skills - and why it is important for young professionals to be intentional about excavating themselves to understand who they are, what abilities they possess, and how to position themselves for the opportunities that await them.
Join us for yet another masterclass episode that bridges the gap between the complex hiring processes in the job market and empowering individuals to thrive within them.
To learn more about Mark and the incredible work that he does, check out his LinkedIn profile here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting the Nepal Tea website here.
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: click here
EP #86: A.I Gave Me Superpowers; How To Thrive While Living A Tech Enabled Life w/ María Francisca Yáñez, National Technology Officer- Microsoft (Chile & Argentina)
As a highly accomplished technologist and social impact advocate, Maria is actually most proud of the fact that she’s indeed, a super mom!
From automating her workflow to learning new ways to engage her children, Maria describes how her work as Chile and Argentina’s national technology officer at Microsoft has created a new love and appreciation for tech in our lives. In this episode, we unpack Maria’s stellar career from saving lives in the Public Sector to helping corporations and governments better implement technology at scale.
Join us for another fun-packed, insightful and informative conversation about how you and I can support emerging markets to get ahead of the tech curve!
To learn more about María & the work she does, check out his LinkedIn profile here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: click here
EP #85: Cracking The Code; How To Redefine Work In The Digital Frontier w/ Michael C. Liley, Senior Managing Director- Sand Technologies
The world as we know it is at a tipping point in this fourth Industrial Revolution, and today’s guest has a front seat in building strategic partnerships in the world of work and technology to move us towards this bright future.
Michael Liley is the Senior Managing Director at Sand Technologies, an organization that is at the core of the tech services market equipped with young, experienced talent that is focused on solving enterprise-level challenges with advanced AI and data solutions. In this conversation, we look at the history of technological advancement over the past few decades, unpack the current state of the labour market on the African continent and the megatrends that are driving digital transformation in our rapidly evolving economy.
This conversation will allow you to understand what it truly takes to not just equip young people with talent but also deploy them to spaces where they are needed and can make the most impact.
Join us for yet another insightful chat in the Boardroom that rests at the heart of the innovation and opportunity, as we delve into the strategies, initiatives, and collaborations shaping the future of work in the digital age.
To learn more about Michael and the work that he does, check out his LinkedIn profile here and Sand Technologies here.
– - -
Diversify your income and learn how to make smart investments with APEX through our affiliate link here: https://pro.apex.exchange/trade/BTCUSD/register?affiliate_id=6167&group_id=7307
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #84: Weaving Faith Into The Fabric Of Business w/ Jason H. Tucker, Narrative Designer , Founder- JHTDesign Studios, Group Lore
When Jason was young, he was enamored with the idea of creating wildly imaginative comics. As an artist and storyteller, he has evolved into a branding and storytelling powerhouse who turns everyday brands into high converting businesses that are “binge-worthy” through narrative design.
In this episode we unpack his work at the helm of his agency JHT Design Studios alongside his lifelong passion to use creative fiction to help young Christians walk in and better understand their faith via Group Lore.
Join us in the boardroom for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of business, faith and stories that bring people together.
To learn more about Jason & the work he does, check out his LinkedIn profile here, JHT Design Studios here or Group Lore here.
- - -
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #83: Seeing Beyond The Horizon; Charting A Course Through Purposeful Narratives w/ Julie Gichuru, Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer- Mastercard Foundation
Are you creating meaningful change, inspiring hope and breathing life into the world through the stories you share?
Today's conversation sets sail from the island of Mauritius on a special graduation morning. Our guest, Julie Gichuru, challenges us to think deeply about the "why" behind the stories we tell about ourselves and the communities around us. Julie is an Afro-optimist, mother, wife, and the Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer at Mastercard Foundation.
In this episode, we delve into her early childhood experiences and the communities that shaped her character, values and how she sees the world. She speaks about how her passion for theatre, plays and written works birthed her love for storytelling and the African continent- influencing her approach to journalism in her early career. She steers us through the changing tides of the journalism industry, communication, and storytelling in the digital age- emphasizing the need for creators to ask themselves whether their work is creating a positive impact and supporting the communities that their stories are embedded in.
In addition, Julie speaks about the incredible work that she does with Mastercard Foundation and their ‘Young Africa Works’ strategy of seeing 30 million young Africans in digified and fulfilling work by 2030. Julie’s story inspires every young African to enthusiastically seek out their purpose in all areas of their lives and hold steadfast in answering the calling of our generation.
If you are interested in engaging more with Julie and her work, check out her LinkedIn here and visit the Mastercard Foundation here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #82: Re-Engineering African Businesses For Success w/ Kristin H. Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer- Spurt!
Joining us with a rich tapestry of experience and exposure, this week's guest joins us in the boardroom from the world of strategy consulting and venture capital with a radical view of how Africans can build businesses that make a difference.
Kristin Wilson spent her early professional life studying modern thought & literature, African studies, and neuroscience at leading institutions like Oxford, Princeton, and Stanford and led a tangentially different career in management consulting and venture capital. In this episode, we discuss the ways that culture and history play a part in how businesses across various societies build for success.
As a champion of African entrepreneurship, Kristin also unpacks a fascinating model as to how we can begin to move the needle as a continent by embracing our core values, strengths, and collective identity while appreciating our nuances. Join us in the boardroom to unravel the colorful fabric of psychology that drives our society, politics and business in Africa.
If you are interested in engaging more with Kristin and her work, check out her LinkedIn here or check out Spurt! here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #81: The Storyteller's Edge; Leveraging Narratives To Build Careers & Businesses w/ John Hill, Evangelist at Techstars
Storytelling, when used effectively can be an incredible tool to catapult your career and business through relationships.
No one embodies this idea quite like John Hill, who turned a passion for language, ideas and people into a massively successful career and life as a tech evangelist at LinkedIn and now Techstars. The concept of telling the stories, ideas and values of a business to global audiences to boost adoption is now widely known as evangelism, but when John started his career in traditional media, he never imagined where it would lead him.
In this episode, we explore how entrepreneurs and professionals can leverage their unique stories to build relationships that can move the needle!
If you are interested in engaging more with John and his work, check out his LinkedIn here or check out Techstars here.
Recommended Podcast Listen:
Masters of Scale Podcast episode featuring Techstars C.E.O, Maëlle Gavet: listen here.
---
Diversify your income and learn how to make smart investments with APEX through our affiliate link here.
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: click here.
EP #80: Creative Crossroads- Nurturing Potential In An Evolving World w/ Sam Wells, Founder- Tern Heads
Navigating the career space can be a daunting task, especially when you’re a creative charting an unconventional path through life.
In today’s episode, we speak with Sam Wells, founder of Tern Heads- a career development platform for emerging creatives looking for their first jobs or clients in the creative industry. Sam has worked in the creative industry for over 16 years, leveraging the power of community to support young people struggling to understand and showcase their full creative potential through
We touch on her early experiences trying to figure out what a career in her industry looked like in the mid-2000’s- when Rihanna was dropping Umbrella, J.K Rowling was publishing the last Harry Potter book and Steve Jobs was launching the iPhone. She highlights the challenges she faced adapting to the evolving world at the time, how she networked her way through various work spaces and the value of community as a support system in any creative’s journey.
If you are a creative and are unsure about how to navigate the first few hurdles of kickstarting your career then you’re tuned in to just the right episode. Join us as we dive into Sam’s world of creative career development.
If you are interested in engaging more with Sam and her work, check out her LinkedIn here.
---
Diversify your income and learn how to make smart investments with APEX through our affiliate link here: https://pro.apex.exchange/trade/BTCUSD/register?affiliate_id=6167&group_id=7307
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #79: Threads of Innovation; Unraveling the Digital Fabric of Luxury Fashion w/ Jonathan Chippindale, Co-founder & Chief Executive- Holition
In our first episode of the year, we take a trip to the United Kingdom where Jonathan Chippindale leverages tech and data to shape consumer perception and adoption of our favorite fashion brands.
With a fascinating childhood rooted in adventure and curiosity, Johnathan turned a fascination with style and culture into a valuable asset in the world of business that has helped brands like Luis Vuitton, Richemont and Tommy Hilfiger to win the hearts and minds of an entire generation of consumers. In this episode, we discuss key lessons that he has learned from working closely with creative directors such as Virgil Abloh, incredible events such as the New York Fashion Week and insights from his conversations with colleagues in the industry.
Join us for a mind-blowing exploration of consumer psychology and a radical approach to innovation in digital retail!
If you are interested in engaging more with Jonathan and his work, check out his LinkedIn here or check out their website here.
---
Diversify your income and learn how to make smart investments with APEX through our affiliate link here: https://pro.apex.exchange/trade/BTCUSD/register?affiliate_id=6167&group_id=7307
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #78: The Unconventional Investor; Rethinking Venture Capital In Africa w/ Jasiel Martin- Odoom, Africa Investment Officer- Accion Venture Lab
Jasiel didn’t always know he would find himself in the startup world, but after an early career on Wall Street, he realized the need to rethink how we support and invest in Africa’s most exciting entrepreneurs.
Hailing from Ghana, Jasiel is the Africa Investment Officer at Accion Venture Lab where he leads the growth of a dynamic portfolio of finance technology startups. In this episode, we uncover Jasiel’s unconventional journey into the venture capital industry, and his fascinating insights as to why more investors need to focus on women-led startups in particular. With a deep belief in the transformational power of entrepreneurship in Africa, Jasiel brings a refreshing and reflective perspective on how we should go about building and investing in companies that have world-changing potential!
Join us for yet another exciting episode in The Boardroom this week!
If you are interested in learning more about Jasiel and the amazing work he does, follow the link here to his Twitter/ X page.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #77: Mental Performance: How Athletes and Entrepreneurs Play to Win w/ Nicole Glaros- Venture Capitalist & Entrepreneur
In this week’s episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Nicole Glaros, a seasoned entrepreneur and dedicated business mentor.
Nicole's unique perspective is profoundly shaped by her early childhood experiences, which instilled in her strong beliefs about independence, wealth creation, and the essence of entrepreneurship. Her remarkable journey began in college when she founded her first company. Despite her lack of a traditional business background, she achieved resounding success with her initial venture but also encountered failures in subsequent endeavors, which she recounts in our conversation.
Nicole’s background in sports psychology instilled in her a profound understanding of the parallels between athletes and entrepreneurs. Drawing on these parallels, she highlights the similarities and distinctions between entrepreneurship and athletics- underscoring the vital role of mental performance in both athletics and entrepreneurship in providing a competitive edge.
Nicole rounds off her insights by emphasizing the fundamental role of storytelling in human nature. She encourages entrepreneurs to craft a compelling narrative about their brand and to concentrate on offering genuine value to the people they serve.
Hop into this episode with yet another industry expert with a treasure trove of wisdom and perspective on achieving success through authenticity and a mental capacity for winning.
If you are interested in learning more about Nicole and the amazing work she does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #76: From Classroom To Career; The 21st Century Skills Playbook w/ Allie Danziger- Senior Vice President & General Manager, AscentUP
Armed with a heart for learning and development and an entrepreneurial spirit, Allie Danziger has been shaping the school-to-work transition for thousands of graduates across the USA.
In this episode, we unpack how her unique upbringing and early work experience opened her eyes up to the challenges and opportunities facing young professionals globally and the incredible solutions that she birthed as a result. From scaling her skills training startup and getting acquired by the nation’s leading student loans and training provider, we explore Allie’s inspiring journey to date while unpacking key lessons learned along the way.
Join us in the Boardroom to explore the skills, exposure, and experiences that could shape you into a successful early professional and entrepreneur, no matter your interests and aspirations!
If you are interested in learning more about Allie and the amazing work she does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel: https://boardroombanterpodcast.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2myauy
EP #75:Scaling Your Side Hustle w/ Wendy Mubaiwa, Venture Partner- Esya
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Wendy Mubaiwa moved to the UK in her teens.
After her studies, she embarked on an unconventional career path that eventually led to an exciting journey in the startup world. With entrepreneurial parents as role models, she was drawn into the world of entrepreneurship from a young age. Today, Wendy’s passion and expertise shine as she serves as a Venture Partner at esya, a venture studio and venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs to create, invest, launch, and scale ventures of the future.
Outside of esya, Wendy helps solo founders and co-founding teams to bring their business ideas to life. In this episode, we will dive deep into the essential steps for students and professionals looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys, starting from a simple side hustle and scaling it to new heights.
Join us as we uncover the incredible insights Wendy has gained as an entrepreneur and advocate for founders. She firmly believes that with the right support systems, anyone who has the passion and drive can become a thriving entrepreneur!
If you are interested in learning more about Wendy and her amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #74: Inside The Arena: Nurturing Kenya’s Creative Ecosystem w/ Nanjero, General Manager- Sol Generation
In this captivating episode, Nanjero takes us on a journey through his career at the crossroads of sports, entertainment, and technology. As a passionate enabler and General Manager at Sol Generation, he shares his mission of nurturing talent within these dynamic industries.
Drawing from his diverse educational experiences across different countries and his exposure to varied cultures, Nanjero discusses the pivotal role that travel and mentorship have played in shaping his journey. He further sheds light on the people who have played an instrumental role in his journey and the skills he has acquired along the way that have propelled his success today.
With an insider's perspective on the sports landscape in Kenya, he underscores the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure and ecosystems to foster grassroots growth in this sector. Additionally, he highlights critical issues plaguing the entertainment industry, such as the lack of professionalism amongst stakeholders and knowledge gaps, which leave artists vulnerable in the absence of robust government policies and regulatory structures.
Nanjero passionately advocates for a global mindset that prioritizes the cultivation of value-driven societies, harnessing the transformative potential of the creative industry to forge lasting impact.
Join us for this enlightening discussion at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and technology- guided by an industry trailblazer with a vision for positive change.
If you are interested in learning more about Nanjero and his amazing work, check out this article here. To learn more about Sol Generation, check out their webiste here.
Opportunities mentioned by Nanjero in the episode:
House of Heroes: https://www.houseofheroes.world
Super Njero Comic: https://instagram.com/supernjero?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #73: Afro-Optimism; Building A Prosperous And Dignified Africa w/ Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Founder & Pan Africanist
With a fundamental belief in people and their ability to do good, Isaac Kwaku takes us on a fascinating journey through his life’s mission to create a prosperous Africa built by us, for us.
At the cutting edge of research, economic development and investment advisory at Botho Emerging Markets Group and Amahoro Coalition, this week's guest shares a remarkable new model to approach how we as Africans see ourselves and the problems around us: Afro-Optimism.
In this episode, we take a walk through Isaac’s impressive career and life’s work through a refreshing and unique lens. We talked about how a solution-oriented mindset and a deep love for our African heritage is the foundation for building a continent that is not only progressive but one that is shaped by us once and for all.
Join us in the Boardroom to learn about the geopolitical and cultural trends shaping our collective future, and how we can all play our part!
If you are interested in learning more about Isaac and his amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #72: Ethical Enterprise; Why Big Businesses Need Strong Values w/ Ebenezer Twum Asante, Senior Vice President of Markets- MTN Group
Is it possible to do well while doing good in Africa?
This week in the Boardroom, we spoke to Ebenezer Asante, the Senior Vice President for Markets at MTN Group, whose leadership and business philosophy left us speechless. Hailing from Ghana and with a footprint of impact and success across the continent, Ebenezer firmly believes that it is possible to prioritize ethics and integrity while simultaneously delivering stellar profits and business growth!
In this episode, we unpack the stories, strategies and ideas that have shaped Ebenezer into a global executive whose track record is as clean as it is impressive. As we dig into the psychology of the African consumer, we also explored the tactics and mindset needed in order to build products and businesses that will stand the test of time.
Join us for yet another fascinating conversation with a doer and thinker like no other!
If you are interested in learning more about Ebenezer and her amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #71: Future Factories: Universities As Catalysts For Innovation w/ Joseph Makokha- Engineer, Educator & Entrepreneur
From growing up in rural Kenya to standing at the forefront of building and using cutting-edge technologies over the past 20 years- Joseph Makokha joins us in the Boardroom this week to unpack a life and career unlike no other.
Joseph currently holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from Stanford University and practices research and engineering at the intersection of people and technology.
In research, he studies the role of Artificial intelligence (AI) in creative, high-performing teams. As an engineer, he designs and implements Deep Learning and AI models and takes leading-edge technologies from concepts to real products and services. In this episode, Joseph explores the role that leading universities like Stanford have had in shaping the future of global technology trends, and how their counterparts in the global south can create a similar impact. Joseph takes us down his incredible journey of building successful startups and the lessons he has learned about life, business, and technology.
Join us in the Boardroom for another guest episode taking a deep dive into the life of a true visionary!!
If you are interested in learning more about Joseph and his amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #70: Failing Forward; How To Turn Setbacks Into Success w/ Steven Adjei- Award Winning Healthcare Entrepreneur
While at the helm of a fast-growing and thriving pan-African healthcare company, failure was a far-fetched concept to Steven Adjei. Until it wasn’t.
After scaling into unknown territories and encountering multiple crippling setbacks, years of work and hard-earned capital went down the drain. In this episode, we sat down with Steven to unpack the realities of scaling profitable businesses in Africa, his renewed relationship with failure and the incredible multi-million-dollar comeback he was able to pull off.
Steven is also the best-selling author of “Pay the Price”, an award-winning book that outlines the tools entrepreneurs need to adopt to deal with the gravity of their dreams and the realities of tragic setbacks in our journeys.
Join us in the boardroom to learn how to leverage failure and pain in order to build resilience and an unshakable vision for your future!
If you are interested in learning more about Steven and the amazing work he does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #69: Shifting Paradigms; The Mindset Revolution In Africa w/ Akosua Bame- Management Consultant & Founder of Mindset Revolution
Hailing from the gold coast, and currently breaking barriers in Britain, this week's guest, Akosua Bame, is an accomplished management consultant with a very specific skillset: Reviving dying corporations through mindset transformation.
After 20 years of success in her craft, Akosua has pioneered a unique and trademarked approach to catalyzing change that starts with the mind of an individual. In our conversation, we use her Mindset Revolution™ Concept and HEARD ™ approach to unpack the fundamental psychology of why people, families, organizations, and nations at large, either succeed or fail. We embark on a reflective journey of why we act the way we do, and how nations like Rwanda have used the power of collective behavioral change to initiate and sustain long-term growth.
At the end of the day, Akosua argues, it is not our hopes and aspirations that will make our lives and communities successful, but an intentionally crafted system of psychological and cultural incentives and activities!
In this fascinating episode, we are challenged to see the bigger picture, by first looking within.
Join us for another incredible deep dive into the life journey and craft of an industry leader unlike any other.
If you are interested in learning more about Akosua and her amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 042: Angry Birds; Zuckerberg VS Musk And The Battle For Our Eye Balls
In this episode of Founders Friday- Yuri, Sean and Boniface are back in the Boardroom like they never left!
With a heated battle between Twitter and the new kid on the block; Threads, the trio discusses the facts, figures and factors behind the latest social media spectacle. We also dig into the underlying trends surrounding big tech and the race to capture as much data as possible.
Should we be weary of platforms like Worldcoin, Meta and Twitter (now called X)?
Join the founders for a deep dive into a very plausible dystopian future that we should probably start preparing for!
EP #68: The Unicorn Whisperer: The Man Who Turned Startup Investing Into A Science w/ Prof. Ilya Strebulaev- Professor of Private Equity and Finance, Stanford University's Graduate School of Business
This week in the Boardroom, we had a fascinating conversation with Ilya Strebulaev, the Unicorn Whisperer. Over his 20-year career at the center of Silicon Valley’s startup gold rush, he has turned the art of investing in startups through Venture Capital and Private Equity, into a science.
He is a tenured Professor of Finance and Private Equity at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a leading authority on venture capital, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we dug deep into his insights on how the VC industry has evolved over time, what challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs and investors face in the current market, what makes Silicon Valley’s ecosystem unique and what lessons can be learned by other regions. Professor Ilya also describes some of the common mistakes and best practices investors make when valuing, selecting, and scaling companies.
Listen in for an eye-opening glimpse into the future of VC and the new wave of groundbreaking innovations across the world.
Whether you are an aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the world of tech startups and innovation, you don’t want to miss this episode!
If you are interested in learning more about Prof. Ilya and his amazing work, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #67: Scaling Fundable, Lovable Solutions w/ Ahva Sadeghi- Co-founder & C.E.O, Symba
In this week's episode, we dive into a conversation on the extraordinary life and work of Ahva Sadeghi, a changemaker leading the evolution of digital talent pipelines as a social entrepreneur, economist and C.E.O of Symba.
Through deep reflections on culture and identity, Ahva shares childhood experiences, pivotal moments in her early career, and the fascinating evolution of her identity through the lens of her life’s work. We discover the inspiring journey that led Ahva to co-found an award-winning tech startup dedicated to democratizing workplace access through internships and apprenticeships in the USA, with global ambitions underway.
Ahva also discusses the nuance behind how she built Symba, intentionally optimizing their solution to be attractive to investors as well as the final users. We also discuss the power of co-founder relationships and her approach to dealing with uncertainty.
Brace yourselves for eye-opening insights into the future of early talent development in both the developing and developed world, alongside Ahva revealing Symba's impressive global growth aspirations!
If you are interested in learning more about Ahva and the amazing work she does, follow the link here.
Find out more about Symba here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #66: Grit and Gratitude: How To Pursue Excellence While Remaining Grounded w/ G-Money - International DJ, Radio Host
Forever on the move, forever setting trends, forever doing that which they say cannot be done, G-Money is a man that lives up to his motto.
As a UK-born, Jamaican-rooted and Kenyan-bred international DJ, radio host and events extraordinaire, Gmoney has a lifetime of experience building communities around the prevailing sounds of a generation.
In this episode, we explore how a multicultural upbringing and a life of travel have shaped and birthed the media personality we know today as well as the never heard before experiences and life stories that made him who he is today. In this profound and fascinating conversation, G Money opens up like never before, threading a hilarious, colorful, and rich story of his never-ending journey in pursuit of craft excellence.
Some know him as a radio personality, others know him for bringing in some of the world's biggest acts to perform in Kenya, and others know him as a friend or colleague. Join us in the Boardroom to deconstruct the man behind the legend.
If you are interested in learning more about G-money and the amazing work he does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #65: Culture Custodians; Nurturing Adaptability In A Globalized World w/ Wadzanayi Mutema- Business Consultant, Key Account Manager at Feelette
In the increasingly globalized world that we live in, it’s important for us to learn how to be keepers of our values as Africans as we live and work in different multicultural environments.
In today’s episode, we welcome Wadzanayi Mutema (Wadzy) to the Boardroom to unpack what it truly means to be culture custodians and global citizens. Wadzy is from Zimbabwe and has expansive experience working in various African countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Namibia as well as in Europe.
She breaks down how living and working in multicultural environments has nurtured her ability to assimilate and adapt- and how she has translated such skills in identifying gaps in the workplace and designing solutions.Wadzy draws some comparisons between work culture in Africa and in Finland where she currently works and emphasizes how important it is to learn from the West but also be keepers of our own values as Africans when working in these different parts of the world.
If you are interested in learning more about Wadzy and the amazing work he does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #64: Banking On Inclusion; How Financial Services Are Changing Africa w/ Tauriq Keraan, Group Executive: Growth Projects- Tyme Group
With the advent of digital payments and similar finance innovations across Africa, important questions surface about the future of money, it’s role in our society and the tools that will eventually stand the test of time.
To answer these questions we spoke to Tauriq Keraan, a digital payments veteran, former C.E.O of South Africa’s first digital bank known as Tyme Bank and the current Group Executive of Growth Projects at Tyme Group. In this conversation, we unpack the role that fintech and financial services have played in alleviating poverty, unlocking opportunities and disrupting traditional finance models across the global south.
We also explore how Tauriq’s personal journey to pursue financial freedom early in his life, instilled a passion for equipping others who come from humble beginnings with wealth-building tools.
Join us for another insightful guest episode discussion in the boardroom about the future of money, crafting a high-impact career and cryptocurrency in Africa.
NEWS:
Tyme Bank raises $77.8 million in a pre-Series C round of funding: read here
If you are interested in learning more about Tauriq and the amazing work he does, follow the link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #63: Rethinking Pan-Africanism; Raising a New Age of African Revolutionaries w/ Yaw Nsarkoh, Former Executive President of Global Markets- Unilever
From the peak of a stellar, accomplished and global career as a Fortune 500 executive, this week's guest reflects on the composition of what success means to us as Africans.
After spending 30 years building global brands, championing development and mobilizing cutting-edge ideas, Yaw Nsarkoh sits down with us to unpack the composition of the modern-day Pan-African.
In this episode, we take a walk down history lane, understanding Africa's complex struggle to decolonize and find her identity and the movements and icons that shaped our present. Yaw unpacks and investigates deep revelations about Africa's social, political and economic situation, unlike anyone we have ever spoken to before on the podcast.
Armed with a realistic view of our strengths as a people and his brilliant visibility as the former Executive Vice President of Global Markets at Unilever, Yaw hands us a blueprint for Africa's 21st Century rebirth into a potential global superpower.
Join us in the Boardroom for yet another inspiring, insightful and provocative learning experience with a real African Giant.
If you are interested in learning more about Yaw and the amazing work he does, follow this link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #62: The Human Touch; Creating Connection In Hybrid Workspaces w/ Gary Cookson- Director, EPIC HR and Expert In Workplace Performance
Can you recall the most memorable workplace you've ever been a part of? What made it stand out? Was it the leadership, your colleagues, the work atmosphere, the compensation, or a combination of factors?
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Gary Cookson in the Boardroom. Gary is not only a father of four and a dedicated husband, but he also runs a successful business called EPIC in his spare time, assisting clients in enhancing workplace performance.
Drawing from his extensive 25 years of experience in Human Resources and Hybrid Working, Gary emphasizes the significance of fostering meaningful relationships in the workplace, encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work, and highlighting the crucial role that human connection plays in fostering employee happiness.
In the current era dominated by hybrid work, Gary shares his insights on how organizations can create work environments that unlock the full potential of their employees and cultivate a work culture rooted in values and purpose.
Tune in for another masterclass on the future of work and learn how you can prepare yourself to thrive!
If you are interested in learning more about Gary and the amazing work he does, search 'Gary Cookson' on LinkedIn.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #61: Race Is Not A Barrier: Facilitating Minority Enrollment In Elite Institutions w/ Breauna Marie Spencer- Director of D.E.I at Stanford University [Computer Science Department]
We've all dreamt about it: getting into Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, you name it!
But oftentimes we stop in our tracks and give in to our doubts... am I talented enough? Are my grades good enough? Do they even know the obscure local schools I went to? Do they really consider people like me?
In this episode, we spoke to Breauna Marie Spencer- the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Computer Science department at Stanford University. Her renowned research and advocacy work is dedicated to increasing the number of women and students of color enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
We discussed the historical myths, lived realities and barriers often set up to hinder minority groups from accessing elite universities and how her life's work has cumulated in breaking barriers and creating easier access for minorities to achieve their dreams at Stanford and beyond.
Join us as we unpack the life and work of one of the most dedicated, fun and accomplished diversity and inclusion experts in the game. Who knows, she might have just given us the blueprint for our next higher education adventure at a world-renowned university.
If you are interested in learning more about Breauna and the amazing work she does at Stanford, check out her profile here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 041: Mind Over Matter
How are you? Like really, how are you feeling?
This week's Founder-in-Studio collaboration brings into focus a topic loved and appreciated in the Boardroom: Wellness. As high-energy, ambitious entrepreneurs, young professionals and go-getters- we sometimes need to sit down with ourselves and those around us for a quick P.E.N check. Khushbu Kotak, a mental health advocate and the C.E.O. of Salama Minds joins us in the Boardroom as we investigate the cultural similarities and nuances in African and Asian communities surrounding our attitudes on mental health and wellness.
Join us as we explore how historical events, the weather and our varied upbringings dictate our relationship with our minds as we get older.
To find out more about Khushbu and the amazing work that she does check out this link:
https://linktr.ee/Salama_Minds?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#243442550
EP #60: Transcending Limiting Beliefs w/ Dr. Mzamo Masito- Chief Marketing Officer, Google Africa
Welcome to our 100th episode! With reflection and gratitude being guiding values in the Boardroom, we decided to bring back one of our first and most impactful guests, Dr. Mzamo Masito, the Chief Marketing Officer for Google Africa.
In this special episode, we explore the unique power of our minds and our ability to turn our situations, no matter how complex and varied, into success. Dr. Mzamo guides us along on his personal journey of transcending the limiting beliefs he had about wealth, time, freedom and accomplishment. We also deconstruct the opportunities presently available to African youth and our role in designing a future we can be proud of. We could not imagine a better way to cross into our 100th episode milestone.
Join us in the Boardroom to unpack the mindset, beliefs and stories behind one of our continent's most revered and accomplished thinkers.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Mzamo and the amazing work he does at Google Africa, check out his LinkedIn here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 040: Beyond the Algorithm; Understanding the Realities of Gig Work in Africa
The rise of the gig economy in Africa has opened up new doors for millions of young, ambitious workers like ourselves looking for flexible employment opportunities and great pay.
However, as the use of algorithms for managing and evaluating gig workers and competition from Artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, we must also consider the human cost of this shift. From the lack of human interaction and support to concerns around mental health, motivation, and power imbalances- we dig into the far-reaching impact of the remote work revolution!
We explore real-world examples from our experiences and observations in Africa and beyond, and discuss what this means for our generation!
Hop into the conversation to learn more about how technology is changing the face of work in Africa, and what this means for the future of the continent's economy.
Founders Friday 039: Walking A Mile In People's Shoes; How Empathy Precedes Impact
As changemakers in the making or in practice, a dilemma often faced is the disconnect between our everyday lives and those of the people we want to help or empower.
This week’s founder-in-studio, Ziyaan Virji, born and raised in Tanzania, tells us the fascinating story behind “For the Menstruator"- an international social impact enterprise tackling period poverty. As someone who is definitely not a menstruator, Ziyaan breaks down the process and psychology that went into him launching and scaling his non-profit as well as the insane challenges along the way.
From hilarious encounters to lessons on building successful social enterprises- we all take account of our collective journeys as founders and what our purpose is on a larger scale as humans with a calling to help our fellow man.
Join us in the Boardroom for another insightful and laid-back conversation.
To learn more about Ziyaan and the amazing work he does, check out his profile here and his podcast, Leaders Of Today Podcast, through this link here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 038: Sacred Cows & Elephants In The Room; A Guide To Difficult Conversations
Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in a way of living or thinking that you can’t help but wonder, whose idea was this?
Today's episode takes a deep dive into the concept of "Sacred Cows", as introduced in Episode #59 with Steve Boehlke. These are sensitive topics, beliefs or traditions that teams, families, corporations and societies at large practice that can often be hard to question… and in some cases even justify!
Join us in the Boardroom as we unpack the "Sacred Cows" in our living and work spaces and how we go about challenging the status quo!
EP #59: The Politics of Creativity; How Leaders Challenge Status Quo w/ Steve Boehlke- Leadership Consultant
Discover the secrets to unlocking your leadership potential with Steve Boehlke, a global consulting expert and master facilitator of leadership. In this episode, we delve deep into the importance of authenticity and personal identity in leadership and explore strategies for identifying and addressing the blind spots that may be holding one back from unleashing their leadership potential.
By distilling 30 years of experience working with leading multinational corporations and social entrepreneurs- Steve shares valuable insights on how to strike a balance between productivity and reflection, delegating effectively, and promoting innovation within organizations. He also challenges leaders ón how they ‘break the rules with integrity’- navigating innovation and change through the Politics of Creativity.
Join us in the Boardroom as we learn how to lead ourselves and others with purpose, joy and impact.
If you are interested in learning more about Steve and his work, check out his LinkedIn here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 037: Test Drive Before You Buy
Founders Friday brings with it all the highs, lows, laughs and banter of the week. Today's episode welcomes one of our peers to join us in studio: an entrepreneur in the fashion space. Lynnet Muritu joins us from New York where she runs her luxury fashion brand, Mimi Pambo- exporting accessories and other products from Kenya to the rest of the world.
We catch up with her on how the business is doing and some of their recent highlights such as hiring a new intern into her team and the latest shipments she received of their leather collection. She shares her experiences running an international business, the importance of adapting one’s brand to a global market and some healthy habits founders should adopt to lead a team.
We draw parallels between the fashion, events and podcasting industries, with Lynnet giving incredible advice on the value of ‘testing before you buy’- whether it’s in launching a business or hiring new people to the team.
Hop in for another light-hearted, lively and insightful conversation straight from the Boardroom.
Follow this link here to learn more about Lynnet and the incredible work she does at Mimi Pambo
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #58: The Power Of Our Learning Experiences w/ Gabi Immelman, Co-founder & C.E.O- Mindjoy
What has been the most profound learning experience you have gone through in life?
Today in the Boardroom we hang out with Gabi Immelman as we reflect on this question and the power of such experiences in shaping who we are today and the work that we do. Gabi is the Co-founder & C.E.O of Mindjoy, an Artificial Intelligence enabled platform that gives educators A.I superpowers to transform lessons into tech projects that kids love.
She believes that our education, both formal and informal, shapes how we construct our stories of ourselves. We begin Gabi's story with her upbringing in a household in South Africa surrounded by incredible female role models in her mother and aunties and the competitive advantage they gave her by exposing her to the world of entrepreneurship and technology at an early age right at home. She walks us through her experience navigating the school system as a neurodivergent student, how she embraced her curiosity and sense of initiative to double down on her strengths and discover her passion in drama and theatre.
Gabi also narrates her early career life and work as a teaching artist in Silicon Valley's oldest children’s theatre, and how a classroom encounter with one of her students completely changed how she viewed the power of technology in shaping how we learn.
If you are interested in engaging more with Gabi and her work, reach out to us or to her directly through her LinkedIn here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 036: The Brain Drain Dilemma
Is the grass greener on the other side, or perhaps just the side you choose to water?
On this Founders Friday episode we spiced things up by introducing a new segment; peer-to-peer conversations with a 'Founder-In-Studio'. To kick us off, we invited our good friend Jefferson Kangacha to join us in the boardroom from his lovely home in Ithaca, New York. We discussed the concept of “brain drain”- where young talented Africans leave the continent for work or studies and decide to relocate permanently.
As a current student at Cornell University and accomplished social impact researcher, Jeff unpacks his experience of weighing his post-graduate options, and the psychology behind our youth leaving for good. As a common thread, we all explored how changing work dynamics, increased global exposure and social pressure have influenced our desires to stay in or leave Africa to pursue greener pastures.
EP #57: The Unicorn Blueprint; How To Build A 21st Century Tech Giant w/ Narek Verdian, Chief Technology Officer- Glovo
Here in the Boardroom, we are insanely curious about the psychology and process of building truly amazing products /services.
So this week our search for incredible builders finds us taking a unique masterclass as we speak to Narek Verdian. Narek is a global tech executive with over 20 years of experience recruiting and managing international tech teams that use disruptive technologies to drive product growth and exceptional customer experiences!
Most notable is his present role as the Chief Technology Officer (C.T.O.) at Glovo, arguably the coolest delivery app on your phone right now. Narek speaks about his Armenian heritage and takes us down a fascinating journey of his tech-swathed upbringing that launched him into the world of tech. He shares lessons that range from creating culture champions within organizations, to adapting to change processes and the value of simplicity in innovation.
Narek gives us his blueprint for building disruptive and “sticky” tech platforms featuring best practices on team building, problem-solving, dealing with competition and how to make yourself irreplaceable.
If you are interested in learning more about Narek and the work he does with Glovo reach out to us or to him directly through his LinkedIn here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 035: Get Your Head In The Game!
Top athletes, musicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and any other craft you can imagine, all experience something incredible: The Flow State.
Characterized by the ability to perform at the highest level for extended periods of time with a trance-like obsession, the flow state is key to high performance! In this episode, inspired by a conversation in one of our favorite shows, “The Shop” by UNINTERRUPTED, we unpack what it means to cultivate a culture of winning, and how we have used that to develop formidable skills, accomplishments and more!
From mastering our craft, to developing entire nations, join the Founders as they unpack exciting case studies on how to unlock the flow state in our individual lives and create a contagious culture of excellence in our societies.
Find the episode of "The Shop" that we speak about here: https://youtu.be/WjT-c6BOswY
Note: This is not a paid partnership
EP #56: Appreciating Our Human Ability To Create w/ Arman Amin, C.E.O & Productmancer- Send More Brains Inc.
How can we tap into our ability to create and add value to our life and everyone around us?
Today in the boardroom, we are joined by Arman Amin, the C.E.O and productmancer at Send More Brains Inc- an international creative design studio based in Toronto, Canada. Arman was born in Canada to two immigrant parents from Iran and grew up in both countries early on.
His work today sheds light on the above question of our human ability to create. He empowers visionary teams, startups, and companies to create paradigm-shifting products and services. This has given him an incredible perspective on how remote and multicultural teams navigate innovating around niche opportunities in different geographical regions worldwide.
In this episode, we unpack Arman’s cultural background and how his upbringing influenced his worldview. We touch on how he has always sought inspiration from informal moments that do not feel like work. We enjoyed this conversation because it was so multi-faceted- covering topics from navigating change during the pandemic, the value of meditation & deep thought, how he became a vegetarian because of the relationship he built with his pet gerbil (which is native to Mongolia) and even his passionate love for the Star Wars franchise.
Arman challenges entrepreneurs and everyone, in general, to continuously ask themselves the question ‘WHY’ when developing ideas and embracing our most unique human ability to CREATE.
If you are interested in engaging more with Arman and his work reach out to us or to him directly through his LinkedIn here.
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 034: Mentorship As A Life Hack
It’s Friday! That means the founders are back in the studio, unpacking a week full of lessons and life hacks.
In this episode, we explore the world of mentorship through our experiences in high school, college and post-college. We deconstruct how we go about identifying people we would like to have as mentors as well as how we apply the same in our peer relationships. From living with our mentors, to working with them, to navigating conflict when we don't see eye to eye- come learn the ropes with the founders.
EP #55: Venture Capital Made Easy; Developing The Next Generation Of Startup Investors w/ Mark Kleyner, Co-founder & Program Director- Dream VC
Investing in startups is a multi-billion-dollar industry globally, but few know the processes and people behind the scenes.
In today’s episode, we speak with Mark Kleyner- the co-founder & program director at DreamVC. Their mission is to equip the next generation of African startup investors, more formally known as Venture Capitalists, with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive.
We discuss how Mark’s background as a Russian/Ukrainian immigrant and first-generation entrepreneur set him up to succeed in the corporate and startup worlds and his radical decision to focus on building in Africa.
Join us as we explore the psychology and skills involved in picking great companies from the crowd and how Mark's work at DreamVC is setting the stage for young African professionals- like ourselves- to break into the VC world as investors and operators.
If you are interested in engaging more with Mark and his work with Dream VC, reach out to us or visit their website here: http://www.dream-vc.com/
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 033: The Hard Thing About Doing Hard Things
They say tough times don’t last, but tough people do- so in today's episode, we unpacked why doing hard things is often… HARD.
But most importantly, we talk about the tools and tricks we have used in our various experiences to navigate and mitigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and life.From building robust support systems to our attitude towards failure- the Founders offload a host of mechanisms that are sure to get you through tough times.
Click 'PLAY' to enjoy our latest Founders Friday episode on your favorite podcast platform today!
EP #54: The New Classroom; Adapting To The Changing Landscape Of Education w/ Prof. Tawana Kupe- Vice Chancellor, University Of Pretoria
In a rapidly modernized world, the pressure on educators to keep up with workforce demands and the increasingly liberal access to learning materials grows daily.
In this episode, we sit down with Professor Tawana Kupe, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, to discuss how a blended approach to education can bridge the digital divide and better prepare students for the 21st-century workforce.
Professor Kupe unpacks the history of how digitalization and internet connections have revolutionized education in Africa and emphasizes the need for universities to update their curriculum continuously to keep up with emerging trends in technology such as Artificial Intelligence and free open-source courses.
He also highlights steps he has pioneered to enable closer collaboration between the University of Pretoria and employers, and how they are ultimately preparing students for a future that is increasingly digital and collaborative.
To learn more about Prof. Tawana and the work that he does with the Univeristy of Pretoria, check out his LinkedIn profile here.
Follow the link to tune into yet another masterclass in the boardroom!
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 032: To Innovate Or Not To Innovate?
As witnesses to the rapid pace of development and change in the 21st century, we often feel the pressure to be innovators. What does that even mean?
In this episode, we unpack the lessons we have learned from our recent guests and their journeys as innovators and inventors- and understand what it truly means to bring forth new products and solutions and have them succeed in this day and age.
We also challenge the notion that to be successful, you must be some sort of disruptor, when in fact some of the greatest opportunities lie in positioning ourselves in spaces where other pioneers have laid a foundation.
Join in for another wholesome, reflective and humorous conversation with the Founders in the Boardroom.
EP #53: Building Great Products For An Evolving Industry w/ Robb McDaniels- C.E.O, Beatport
Over the past 20 years, Robb McDaniels has built his career and reputation as one of the most influential voices in the international music industry.
From spending his early twenties experiencing the dance culture and community in New York and London, to discovering and building his passion for music technology- Robb has developed an intimate relationship with his work both in front of audiences and in the executive boardrooms behind the scenes. Today, he sits at the helm of one of the world’s leading music companies known as Beatport- providing the global DJ community with a vast catalog of high-quality digital music.
In today’s episode, he steps into our boardroom and speaks to us about his early career life, the trends in music and technology that paved the way for him and his philosophy of leveraging innovation to build products that appeal to various customer cohorts in an ever-changing industry.
Tune in for yet another masterclass from an industry expert with years of experience and wisdom to share.
To learn more about Rob and the work that he does, check out his LinkedIn here and the Beatport website at www.beatport.com
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
EP #52: What Is In Your Hands? How To Create More With Less w/ Sam Gichuru- C.E.O, Kidato Inc.
Africa’s race to build the next wave of billion-dollar companies has seen incredible minds like Sam Gichuru’s at the forefront of putting our tech scene on the global map.
In this episode we speak to Sam to unpack his journey as the CEO of Kidato, a Y-Combinator incubated EdTech startup and Africa’s first fully online school.
Armed with a “less is more” attitude, a humbling start and a passion for tech-enabled solutions, Sam breaks down his life and business philosophy like never before! We spoke about the importance of saving yourself before you save the world and how to ease our anxiety about tomorrow by creating our future today.
Sam also breaks down how to be more grounded in the face of success and failure by understanding that our journey is the real gift, not the treasures we often pursue.
Hop into another well-rounded guest episode full of priceless life and business lessons from Sam Gichuru; a dreamer, a founder, a father and a friend.
To learn more about Sam & the work he does, check out his LinkedIn profile here.
Book Recommendation
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
---
Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com
Support our podcast further by subscribing to our Patreon Page here: https://www.patreon.com/boardroombanter?fan_landing=true
Founders Friday 031: Life Changes; Making The Most Out Of Every Season
Seasons come and go, and as we get older and wiser, our ability to adapt gets better... Hopefully!
In today’s episode, we dig into the ways that we can best set ourselves up strategically for long-term success by making the most of our transitions between key life stages. As young professionals, we identified ways to build stronger foundations for the coming decades while reflecting on the difficulties of making various decisions in our professional and personal lives.
Join us for another insightful and uplifting Founders Friday to kick off your weekend!
Founders Friday 030: Adapting To An Artificially Intelligent World
The nature of work and current industry trends are evolving at a fast rate.
At the helm of these changes are emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and tools that channel this kind of tech into various use cases in our day-to-day lives.
From our classrooms and art exhibits to our resumes and essay questions- no one can ignore the potential that these A.I tools have to enhance our workflow, save us time and increase our productivity. Question is, how can you best position yourself to leverage these tools? Which ones are we currently equipping ourselves with and WHY?
Hop into today’s episode to listen to our take on these A.I tools and how they are empowering us!
--
Referenced Links:
AI Today Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DSde5SYyQxWh2fig9GcbW?si=d9nv6nSjSOymdix7Pl9ZIA