Skip to main content
The Everyday Leader

The Everyday Leader

By CoffeeChat

Conversations with leaders from across Africa about their experience managing teams and projects throughout their careers.

CoffeeChat is a Future of Work technology startup on a mission to democratize access to executive coaching for the estimated 15 million managers working at companies, organizations, and governments across Africa.

The CoffeeChat platform helps teams accelerate their growth at half the cost of traditional coaching with access to our global pool of coaches who specialize in leadership, strategy, marketing, and careers.

Request access for your team at www.coffeechat.co
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Luizer Makena: Regional Manager, East Africa, SeamlessHR

The Everyday LeaderJan 31, 2022

00:00
45:04
Evy Nyairo: Global People Operations Manager, IDinsight

Evy Nyairo: Global People Operations Manager, IDinsight

Leadership experience vs leadership roles, finding the courage to suggest changes about how your team works, and embracing AI in the HR sector.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evy-nyairo

Connect with Evy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evy-m-nyairo/

Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/

Sep 04, 202331:52
Queen Kaze: Global HR Manager, Jibu

Queen Kaze: Global HR Manager, Jibu

Entrusting Team Members To Learn On The Job, Gaining Buy-In From Peer Managers, And Keeping The Company's Mission And Vision At The Forefront Of Strategy Conversations


Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/queen-kaze

Connect with Queen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queen-kaze-612885125/

Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/

Aug 07, 202329:19
Ruben Munien: Head of Leadership, Learning and Talent, CIEL Textile

Ruben Munien: Head of Leadership, Learning and Talent, CIEL Textile

Building the business case for HR initiatives within companies, growing his network through CoffeeChat, and practicing an agile mindset as a manager.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ruben-munien

Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-munien-1131b064/

Learn more about CIEL Textile: https://www.cieltextile.com/

Jul 24, 202330:17
Adebola Adeniran: Chief of Staff, Moni

Adebola Adeniran: Chief of Staff, Moni

Knowing when to shut down a project, leveraging peer coaching, and continuous innovation in the fintech sector.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/adebola-adeniran

Connect with Adebola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adebola-niran/

Learn more about Moni: https://www.moni.africa/

Jul 17, 202333:56
Ivan Mbowa: Managing Partner, IKM Advisors

Ivan Mbowa: Managing Partner, IKM Advisors

The Role of Consultants, Adapting His Leadership Style, and Knowing When In-Person Dealmaking is Desired


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ivan-mbowa

Connect with Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmbowa/

Jun 26, 202331:27
Audrey Mate: Program Manager, Africa, Village Capital

Audrey Mate: Program Manager, Africa, Village Capital

Learning about leadership in student-run organizations, the importance of including peer support during startup accelerators, and working with a management coach to navigate a promotion.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/audrey-mate

Connect with Audrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khasavuli/

Learn more about Village Capital: https://vilcap.com/

Jun 12, 202326:26
Darshani Haria: Commercial Director, Rescue.co

Darshani Haria: Commercial Director, Rescue.co

Preparing For A Dynamic Career, Leadership Styles Learned On The Job, and Finding a Business Worth Promoting

Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darshani-haria

Connect with Darshani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshaniharia/

Learn more about Rescue.co: https://www.rescue.co/

Jun 05, 202332:25
Hannah Olukoye: Engineering Manager, TaxFix

Hannah Olukoye: Engineering Manager, TaxFix

Becoming An Engineering Manager, Moving to Europe, And Leveraging Mentorship


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hannah-olukoye

Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaholukoye/

Learn more about TaxFix: https://taxfix.de/


May 29, 202328:19
Tai Ajayi: Vice President of Product Commercial, Propel

Tai Ajayi: Vice President of Product Commercial, Propel

The communication, collaboration, and stakeholder influence needed as a product manager.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tai-ajayi

Connect with Tai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiwo-ajayi-4b316a49/

Learn more about Propel: https://withpropel.com/

May 22, 202348:09
Cassandra Kiereini: Director, Shortlist

Cassandra Kiereini: Director, Shortlist

Learning when to speak up and not taking power skills for granted.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/cassandra-kiereini

Connect with Cassandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandramk/

Learn more about Shortlist: https://shortlist.net/

May 15, 202334:35
Judy Komen: General Manager, TryKe

Judy Komen: General Manager, TryKe

The Power of Peer Coaching & Fostering Trust Through Remote Work


Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/judy-komen

Connect with Judy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykomen/

Learn more about TryKe: https://www.solar-e-cycles.com/

Apr 03, 202342:52
Rose Mwende: Country Manager, Kipawa

Rose Mwende: Country Manager, Kipawa

Leveraging curiosity as a superpower


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/rose-mwende

Connect with Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemwende/

Learn more about Kipawa: https://www.kipawa.io/

Mar 20, 202326:49
Hakeem Akiode: Head of Growth & Marketing, Youverify

Hakeem Akiode: Head of Growth & Marketing, Youverify

Listening to all perspectives, collaborating with others, and crafting logical arguments.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hakeem-akiode

Connect with Hakeem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakeemakiode/

Learn more about Youverify: https://www.youverify.co/

Mar 13, 202343:05
Evans Onyango: Client Success Manager, Ona

Evans Onyango: Client Success Manager, Ona

Diving into manager roles early in your career, being proactive and selective when seeking out a mentor, and feeling ownership and pride in the products your company provides.

Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evans-onyango

Connect with Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evans-onyango-826a0499/

Learn more about Ona: https://ona.io/home/

Mar 06, 202340:55
James Osho: Country Finance Manager, IDP Education

James Osho: Country Finance Manager, IDP Education

Moving across different sectors early in your career, finding roles that help you uncover new skills, and taking an active role in translating a global company’s culture

Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/james-osho

Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-osho-acca-03520129/

Learn more about IDP Education: https://www.idp.com/

Feb 27, 202323:41
Timothy Mburu: Head of ICT, Madison Group Kenya

Timothy Mburu: Head of ICT, Madison Group Kenya

Driving early adoption within the fintech sector, positioning your team strategically within your company, and aiming to be a pull leader.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timothy-mburu

Connect with Timothy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-mburu-a1468116/

Learn more about Madison Group Kenya: https://www.madison.co.ke/

Jan 30, 202332:38
Marion Samantha Wambui: Customer Success Manager, Raise

Marion Samantha Wambui: Customer Success Manager, Raise

Earning promotions through both performance and trust, setting internal expectations through SOPs, and building a customer council


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/samantha-wambui

Connect with Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-samantha-wambui-b092694a/

Learn more about Raise: https://www.getraise.io/

Dec 05, 202230:34
Benedict Oghenede: PR & Marketing Manager, Trove Finance

Benedict Oghenede: PR & Marketing Manager, Trove Finance

Giving enough time to your team members, team collaboration at tech startups, and putting in the effort to upskill yourself


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/benedict-oghenede

Connect with Benedict: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedict-oghenede-b70955b0/

Learn more about Trove Finance: https://www.troveapp.co/

Nov 28, 202240:13
Tricia Govindasamy: Senior Data Product Manager, Code For Africa

Tricia Govindasamy: Senior Data Product Manager, Code For Africa

Leveraging team members for peer learning, separating personal and project check-ins and embracing the world of data.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tricia-govindasamy

Connect with Tricia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-govindasamy/

Learn more about the Code For Africa: https://codeforafrica.org/

Oct 17, 202223:19
Esther Ndagire: Digital Transformation Fellow, African Union

Esther Ndagire: Digital Transformation Fellow, African Union

Leadership through influence, learning and relearning leadership lessons, and digital transformation within African governments


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/esther-ndagire

Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-ndagire/

Learn more about the African Union: https://au.int/

Sep 26, 202228:13
Gabriel Gab-Umoden: Group Marketing Head, The African Talent Company

Gabriel Gab-Umoden: Group Marketing Head, The African Talent Company

Being firm on outcomes and flexible on strategy, staying agile to grow quickly, and using coaching sessions to expand your perspective.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/gabriel-gab-umoden

Connect with Gabriel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielgabumoden/

Learn more about The African Talent Company: https://www.tatcafrica.com/

Sep 12, 202221:35
Ann Kitare: Head of Customer Success (B2C), Fuzu

Ann Kitare: Head of Customer Success (B2C), Fuzu

Building a team from scratch, maintaining continuity in the face of staff turnover and being comfortable with your team’s motivations


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ann-kitare

Connect with Ann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-kitare-6806374a/

Learn more about Fuzu: https://www.fuzu.com/

Sep 05, 202233:27
Kelly Ng-Lun: Community Manager, MCB Ltd.

Kelly Ng-Lun: Community Manager, MCB Ltd.

Managing others the way you would want to be managed, identifying your values before setting a vision, and the many sides of community management


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kelly-ng-lun

Connect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynl/

Learn more about MCB: https://mcb.mu/

Aug 15, 202221:36
Ifedolapo Ogunjubee: Head of Global Business and Partnerships, Termii

Ifedolapo Ogunjubee: Head of Global Business and Partnerships, Termii

Finding win-win roles for team members, building a culture of trust within a fast-moving startup team, and translating your personal superpower into a business advantage.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ifedolapo-ogunjubee

Connect with Ife: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifedolapo-ogunjubee/

Learn more about Termii: https://termii.com/

Aug 08, 202240:06
Darlington Kabatende: Regional Director, Jibu

Darlington Kabatende: Regional Director, Jibu

Shifting from individual contributor to people manager, building win-win relationships with franchise owners, and empowering local leaders to adapt business models.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darlington-kabatende

Connect with Darlington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlington-kabatende-511b6024/

Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/

Jul 25, 202241:20
Ben Shaw: Associate, EXEO Capital

Ben Shaw: Associate, EXEO Capital

Dealing with stress, using mentors to manage ups and downs, and the importance of contextualizing leadership and business advice.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ben-shaw

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-shaw-24480835/

Learn more about EXEO Capital: https://www.exeocapital.com/

Jul 18, 202238:49
Maggy Mushira: Partner, Global Search, Shortlist

Maggy Mushira: Partner, Global Search, Shortlist

Confronting insecurities by speaking about them, balancing strategy with execution, and how great leaders can step in and succeed with almost any team.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/maggy-mushira

Connect with Maggy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggymushiraagweyu/

Learn more about Shortlist: https://www.shortlist.net/

Jul 11, 202243:37
Chilekwa Banda: Managing Director, Post Dot Net Zambia

Chilekwa Banda: Managing Director, Post Dot Net Zambia

The challenges of managing staff who are friends, the importance of making teams know that they have been heard, and why leaders need to understand enough about each part of their business.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chilekwa-banda

Connect with Chilekwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chilekwabanda/

Learn more about Post Dot Net Zambia: http://www.postdotnet.co.zm/

Jul 04, 202230:18
Benny Ayerite: Manager, Enforcement, NSITF
Jun 27, 202220:19
Syakaa William: Project Manager, Dalberg

Syakaa William: Project Manager, Dalberg

Being mindful of setting the right pace of work for a team, enabling a customized work experience for staff and identifying a problem you are passionate about.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/syakaa-william

Connect with Syakaa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syakaa-william-54917455/

Learn more about Dalberg: https://dalberg.com/

Jun 20, 202241:28
Yekeen Ajeigbe: Senior Engineering Manager, Deimos

Yekeen Ajeigbe: Senior Engineering Manager, Deimos

How entrepreneurship experience can make you a better manager, the best practices of open communication with clients, and why leaders need to regularly adapt their style.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/yekeen-ajeigbe

Connect with Yekeen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekeenajeigbe/

Learn more about Deimos: https://deimos.io/

Jun 13, 202231:60
Dinah Njuguna: Investment Manager for Africa, Kiva

Dinah Njuguna: Investment Manager for Africa, Kiva

Creating space for making mistakes, the importance of establishing your credibility, and being more mindful of time management during remote work.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/dinah-njuguna

Connect with Dinah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinah-n-5b877964/

Learn more about Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/

Jun 06, 202229:30
Collins Lumumba: Head of Customer Experience, Metropolitan National Sacco

Collins Lumumba: Head of Customer Experience, Metropolitan National Sacco

The difference between a boss and a leader, staying resilient during times of rapid sector transformation and being proactive about continuous professional development.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/collins-lumumba

Connect with Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collins-lumumba-mcim-63a052b0/

Learn more about Metropolitan National Sacco: https://www.metrosacco.co.ke/

May 30, 202227:34
Temitayo Samson-Grace: Head of Talent, Big Cabal Media

Temitayo Samson-Grace: Head of Talent, Big Cabal Media

Making a career pivot within a company, how best to approach your side gig, and how media influences how we show up as leaders.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/temitayo-samson-grace

Connect with Temi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temitayosg/

Learn more about Big Cabal Media: https://www.bigcabal.com/

May 23, 202240:20
Matthew Henshall: Founder & CEO, Lessonspace & Code4Kids

Matthew Henshall: Founder & CEO, Lessonspace & Code4Kids

Stepping into a leadership role by necessity, parallel learning through managing multiple businesses, and the risks of aiming for a perfect outcome.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/matthew-henshall

Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhenshall/

Learn more about Lessonspace: https://www.thelessonspace.com/

Learn more about Code4Kids: https://www.getcode4kids.com/

May 16, 202236:53
Timi Omotoso: Product Manager, Dojah

Timi Omotoso: Product Manager, Dojah

On building alongside founders as a Product Manager, using Twitter to learn on the job and conduct market research, and building in public to establish trust and confidence with early adopters.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timi-omotoso

Connect with Timi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omotoso-oluwatimilehin-158968121/

Learn more about Dojah: https://www.dojah.io/

Apr 25, 202224:60
Neha Kumar: Head of Product Partnerships, Stitch

Neha Kumar: Head of Product Partnerships, Stitch

Building authentic relationships with business partners, the shift from time-based to outcome-based work, and how the process of hiring a team can lead to valuable reflection.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/neha-kumar

Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehakumar2/

Learn more about Stitch: https://stitch.money/

Apr 11, 202233:43
Nelly Agyemang-Gyamfi: Group Director of Operations, Moringa School

Nelly Agyemang-Gyamfi: Group Director of Operations, Moringa School

Developing self-awareness as a leader, building a reputation for getting things done, and transitioning to leading through influence.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/nelly-agyemang-gyamfi

Connect with Nelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellyagyemanggyamfi/

Learn more about Moringa School: https://moringaschool.com/

Apr 04, 202244:26
Kevine Kagirimpundu: CEO & Co-Founder, UZURI K&Y

Kevine Kagirimpundu: CEO & Co-Founder, UZURI K&Y

The power of telling your brand’s story, seeking opportunities to stay grounded as a leader, and designing your workspace with your team in mind.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kevine-kagirimpundu

Connect with Kevine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevine-kagirimpundu

Learn more about UZURI K&Y: https://uzuriky.com

Mar 28, 202231:38
Sitati Kituyi: Co-Founder, Hodi

Sitati Kituyi: Co-Founder, Hodi

Different ways software engineers can pursue leadership roles, understanding the context of the problems you are solving, and finding the right balance between product velocity and technical debt.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/sitati-kituyi

Connect with Sitati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitati-kituyi

Learn more about Hodi: https://www.hodi.co/


Mar 21, 202238:47
Chipo Phiri: Director of Talent, UpEnergy Group

Chipo Phiri: Director of Talent, UpEnergy Group

Screening your potential new employers for values fit, understanding the demographics of your team and how leaders have been emboldened to become more creative.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chipo-phiri

Connect with Chipo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipo-emmanuella/

Learn more about UpEnergy: https://www.upenergygroup.com/

Mar 14, 202234:34
Phoebe Kagame: Head of Operations, M-Shule

Phoebe Kagame: Head of Operations, M-Shule

Stepping up into roles where you have been appointed, influencing upwards within a leadership team, and setting clear expectations around performance with your team.


Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/phoebe-khagame

Connect with Phoebe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-khagame/

Learn more about M-Shule: https://mshule.com/

Mar 07, 202242:49
Krista Davidson: Executive Head, Injini

Krista Davidson: Executive Head, Injini

Aligning on working styles with new teams, leaning on your strengths during challenges, and being intentional about making the most of hybrid work.

Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krista-davidson

Connect with Krista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristaroberto/

Learn more about Injini: https://injini.africa/

Feb 28, 202246:49
Joseph Rutakangwa: Founder & CEO, Rwazi

Joseph Rutakangwa: Founder & CEO, Rwazi

Managing a network of 10,000 freelancers, keeping your startup team focused, and identifying self-limiting beliefs with an executive coach to unlock business growth.

Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/joseph-rutakangwa

Connect with Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/

Learn more about Rwazi: https://www.rwazi.com/

Feb 21, 202248:14
Mumbi Annstella: Country Growth Manager, Tala

Mumbi Annstella: Country Growth Manager, Tala

Creating collective ownership by setting strategy through OKRs, leveraging internal expertise at larger organizations, and playing the roles of supervisor and mentor for team members.

Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/mumbi-annstella

Connect with Mumbi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mumbi-annstella-543b0969/

Learn more about Tala: https://tala.co/

Feb 14, 202240:44
Krishna Ramesh: Associate Director, IDinsight

Krishna Ramesh: Associate Director, IDinsight

Balancing the benefits and blindspots of international experience, embracing a culture of ownership, and staying connected to the team and mission while working remotely.

Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krishna-ramesh

Connect with Krishna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnajramesh/

Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/

Feb 07, 202243:27
Luizer Makena: Regional Manager, East Africa, SeamlessHR

Luizer Makena: Regional Manager, East Africa, SeamlessHR

Finding what you can be the best at, making time to pause during transitions, and the power of working with a professional coach. 


Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/luizer-makena

Connect with Luizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizer-m-73924072/

Learn more about SeamlessHR: https://seamlesshr.com/

Jan 31, 202245:04
Persis Ashers: Africa Regional Operations Director, IDinsight

Persis Ashers: Africa Regional Operations Director, IDinsight

Working with coaches during career transitions, leveraging company culture as a pillar for growth, and adapting to the future of work.


Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/persis-ashers

Connect with Persis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/persis-m-ashers/

Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/

Jan 24, 202234:23
Catherine Njeri: Key Account Manager, Cellulant

Catherine Njeri: Key Account Manager, Cellulant

Shaping your story to mobilize, finding ways to identify blindspots, and future-proofing your career by developing a mix of soft skills and industry expertise.

Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/catherine-njeri

Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-njeri-3278a4130/

Learn more about Cellulant: https://cellulant.io/

Jan 18, 202243:51
Wairimu Njoki: VP of Operations - East Africa, Micro Insurance Company

Wairimu Njoki: VP of Operations - East Africa, Micro Insurance Company

Discovering your favorite type of work, understanding the why of your company, and adjusting your 1:1 check-in rhythm over time.

Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/wairimu-njoki

Connect with Wairimu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wairimunjoki/

Learn more about Micro Insurance Company: https://microinsurance.com/

Jan 10, 202229:59