The Grinders Table

Bernard Laurendeau built Ethiopia's first licensed payment system operator, advised the Prime Minister's office on job creation, and now operates from Tokyo helping Japanese billions find their way into African markets. But he has a contrarian message: Africa needs to stop chasing sexy tech and focus on boring infrastructure first.In this conversation, we explore:Why he respects unknown Lagos entrepreneurs more than Mark ZuckerbergHow Ethiopia needs 10,000 new jobs daily to avoid catastropheWhy aid has been "market disrupting" for African developmentThe difference between being a cultural chameleon and having real cultural intelligenceHis journey from management consultant to fintech CEO and backWhy African entrepreneurs are the "Indiana Jones and MacGyvers" of businessBernard shares candid insights about building in hostile environments, the importance of patient capital, and why African leaders need to become more comfortable with power. His unique perspective as someone who's navigated Ethiopian, French, American, and Japanese business cultures offers invaluable lessons for anyone interested in emerging markets.

Dr. Houda Ghozzi, founder of Open Startup (OST), shares her journey from professor to pan-African ecosystem builder. Following Tunisia's revolution, she transformed uncertainty into opportunity, now helping young entrepreneurs across 19 African countries develop through "hope, skills, and exposure." Houda discusses entrepreneurship as a common language that transcends borders, the evolution of OST into the "Y-Combinator of deep tech," and why Africa's innovation story requires patience rather than just focusing on exits. Her insights on cross-border collaboration, AI opportunities, and policy frameworks reveal a compelling vision for Africa's entrepreneurial future—one in which young people build solutions to local problems with global relevance.

After a decade as Nigeria's leading financial literacy advocate, Tunji Andrews realized education alone wasn't enough. Inspired by an elderly lottery agent from his childhood who fell into poverty, he founded Awabah to bring pension solutions to Nigeria's informal sector workers. In this candid conversation, Tunji reveals how his company is using local language and cultural understanding to make retirement planning accessible to everyone from street vendors to market wholesalers. He shares surprising insights about customer behaviour, his contrary bet on focusing on pensions rather than payments or loans, and the personal cost of founder resilience. Listen for valuable lessons on market segmentation, regulatory relationships, and why sometimes you need to "survive first, then scale."

Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, joins The Grinders Table to discuss building Africa's innovation ecosystem through deep tech investment.When Yassine chose to return to Morocco while his peers stayed abroad, he embarked on a journey to transform how innovation happens in Africa. In this conversation, he shares why Africa doesn't need "savers" but rather builders and executors, how constraints drive innovation more effectively than abundance, and why he believes Africa will become a global leader in deep tech within the next decade.We explore Yassine's philosophy that "entrepreneurship is not a job, it's a mindset," his approach to identifying promising deep tech founders in environments with limited data, and why he's particularly excited about Africa's potential in agricultural technology and green tech.This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the future of innovation in emerging markets.

In this reshared episode, Uwem speaks with Massimiliano 'Massi' Spalazzi, former CEO of Jumia Nigeria and early employee who helped scale the company to become Africa's first tech IPO on the NYSE.Key highlights:The origins of Jumia in Nigeria and early challenges of building an e-commerce pioneerHow Jumia introduced cash-on-delivery to transform online shopping in a low-trust environmentBuilding specialized teams when talent was scarce and the impact on Africa's tech ecosystemBalancing scale, growth and profitability across African marketsLeadership lessons from managing distributed teams across the continentWhether you're building an e-commerce business, scaling across African markets, or interested in the evolution of tech in Africa, Massi's insights remain essential listening for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

In this episode of The Grinders Table, we speak with Jelle Schuitemaker, co-founder of Goal 3, whose innovative patient monitoring system has reduced child mortality by 42% in African hospitals. Jelle shares his journey from first encountering global inequality in the Philippines to building technology that's transforming healthcare in low-resource settings. We explore the philosophical foundations of his work, the tension between impact and profit, and how his faith-driven purpose guides his mission to provide fair and accessible healthcare for everyone. A must-listen for anyone interested in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, global health innovation, or the intersection of faith and business.

In this enlightening conversation, Ghita Zniber, co-founder of Kalys Ventures, shares her unique journey from rugby player to venture capitalist. Discover her "first follower" philosophy reshaping African startup investment and how a childhood conversation with her father about values became the foundation for her business approach.Ghita reveals why she embraces being a generalist in a specialist's world, how Kalys Ventures supports African startups, and their strategic focus on the Moroccan diaspora. She offers invaluable advice on building founder-investor relationships, maintaining partnerships, and avoiding common capitalization pitfalls.Whether you're a founder seeking investment, an aspiring investor, or simply curious about the evolving African tech ecosystem, Ghita's fresh perspective offers insights that challenge conventional venture capital wisdom.Time Stamps:00:00 - Introduction03:42 - Rugby lessons that shaped her business approach07:14 - The childhood values conversation that changed everything13:15 - Discovering her true calling as a "first follower"24:23 - Investment philosophy at Kalys Ventures33:35 - Maintaining strong partnerships35:59 - The vision for African investment47:06 - Rapid fire advice for founders48:36 - Power, money, fame or pleasure?

From train driver's son in Austria to building Africa's pioneering Direct Air Capture company, Martin Freimüller shares his journey of building Octavia Carbon in Kenya. In this episode, we explore why Kenya is the world's best place for DAC, the reality of building deep tech with local talent, and the true tests of entrepreneurial conviction. Martin shares candid insights about startup crises, his contrarian views on African climate tech, and why building hardware companies matters for Africa's future. A must-listen for anyone interested in climate tech, African entrepreneurship, or building ambitious companies in emerging markets.

What happens when a Lebanese-born, Paris-educated investment banker returns to Dakar and discovers her true calling in venture capital? In this deeply personal episode, Sabrine Chahrour, Investor at Partech Africa, takes us through her remarkable journey from Googling "what is venture capital" to becoming a key player in Africa's tech ecosystem. But this isn't just another VC story. As a mother of two young children, Sabrine offers rare insights into navigating the demanding world of venture capital while embracing parenthood. She challenges conventional wisdom, revealing how motherhood enhanced her investment approach through improved empathy, patience, and strategic thinking. Whether you're a founder seeking to understand VC dynamics, a professional navigating work-life integration, or an investor curious about Francophone Africa's potential, this episode offers fresh perspectives on building impactful organizations in unexpected places. Key conversations include: The power of curiosity in career pivots Motherhood as a catalyst for better investing Why Francophone Africa might be tech's next frontier Strategic frameworks for evaluating African startups The art of managing both internal and external expectations

In this episode of The Grinders Table, we take a journey into the transformative world of healthcare in Africa with our guest, Tobias, CEO of Viebeg. Tobias, originally from Vienna, Austria, has spent over seven years in East Africa, where he has witnessed firsthand the critical challenges faced by healthcare providers, particularly the lack of reliable medical supplies. Tobias shares his journey, which began with a master's thesis in Rwanda, where he became acutely aware of the inefficiencies in the healthcare supply chain. He recounts visiting numerous health facilities and discovering that many healthcare providers relied on gut feelings rather than data-driven decisions for procurement. This realization sparked the idea for Viebeg Medical, a company that now serves over 1,000 healthcare providers across five countries, utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize procurement processes and ensure that essential medical supplies are available where they are needed most. Throughout our conversation, we explore the unique challenges of being an entrepreneur in Africa, including the cultural differences and infrastructural hurdles that Tobias has navigated. He emphasizes the importance of hiring local talent who understand the market and the value of building a community-oriented workplace culture. We also discuss the role of technology and data in healthcare, with Tobias explaining how Viebeg leverages data to make informed decisions about medical supply needs. He discusses the challenges of data quality in Africa and the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare delivery, while also acknowledging the need for accurate data collection in remote areas. Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the healthcare landscape in Africa but also offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs everywhere about the balance between impact and profitability, the significance of community, and the transformative power of technology.

Amber Penny, co-founder of Faro, a sustainable fashion brand, joined the podcast to share her journey and insights. She discussed her background in high-performance sports, the challenges of managing a startup, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Amber highlighted the value of vulnerability in leadership and the impact of creating a supportive work environment. She emphasized the significance of balance, pleasure, and financial motivation in her career, prioritizing these over power and fame. Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into building a successful business while maintaining a focus on people and culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this episode, I interview Lara Dendy Young, the co-founder of Conservio. Lara shares her background as a South African with a passion for nature conservation and wildlife. She discusses her experience in water polo and how it has shaped her work ethic and teamwork skills. Lara talks about the journey of founding Conservio with her business partner, Justin, during the challenging times of COVID-19. Throughout the conversation, Lara emphasizes the importance of impact and relevance in her work. She defines success as building a relevant platform for nature-based travel and making a meaningful impact in conservation. Lara also reflects on the balance between work and personal life, highlighting the significance of routines and maintaining a healthy mindset. Overall, Lara's journey and insights showcase her dedication to conservation and building a successful business while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In our latest podcast episode, we had an enriching conversation with Sheni Sulyman. We explore Sheni's journey from a hands-on operator who helps scale one of Africa's unicorns (Andela) to a visionary founder. He shares invaluable insights on problem-solving, crafting processes, and strategic execution - the backbone of any prosperous company. Sheni emphasizes the power of empathy and adaptability in leadership. His stories serve as a masterclass in engaging and inspiring teams, highlighting the importance of resonant communication and turning challenges into opportunities. He also provides a rare look into the personal life of a public figure, discussing the balance between visibility and privacy and his deliberate choice to prioritize personal values and meaningful work over the attraction of fame. This episode is more than just a conversation. It's a catalyst for self-reflection on the motivations behind our quest for success, fulfilment, and impact. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

We had Oyin Selebo, MD of Techstars Lagos on the Grinders Table in the episode. Oyin shares insights on succeeding in the startup ecosystem as a founder and investor, offering her unique perspective from experiences in wealth management, strategy consulting, and startup mentorship. Join us as we discuss the traits of successful startup leaders, the art of networking, the balance of power and fame, and the complexities of co-founder dynamics. This episode is a deep dive into Oyin's career and an exploration of broader themes critical to those looking to make a mark in the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This episode is a repost from Season 1 of our podcast. Clive Butkow shared his extensive journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures to his impressive tenure at Accenture, and his eventual founding of Kaylon Venture Partners after a brief retirement. This episode was not just a deep dive into the mechanics of venture capital but also a masterclass in leadership and entrepreneurial mindset. Clive's passion and expertise were truly inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or business leadership. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kola Aina, a Nigerian entrepreneur turned Venture Capitalist, who shared his journey from starting a technology business to becoming a key player in the African investment landscape. Kola began his career in corporate finance before venturing into entrepreneurship with his company, Emerging Platforms, which focused on enterprise software for governments and corporations. He later transitioned into angel investing and now leads the Pan-African Early-Stage Fund Ventures Platform. We touched on the challenges Kola faced while raising funds for his first tech business and how these experiences shaped his approach to investing. We also discussed the evolution of the African tech ecosystem, noting the significant growth in venture capital and the need for more local participation and liquidity in local markets. It was an insightful conversation with Kola Aina, filled with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, investment, and the art of maintaining balance in life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Join Caroline van der Merwe, co-founder of Jem HR, in a candid conversation with Uwem on the Grinders Table Podcast. Caroline shares insights on her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of values in leadership, and the power of having difficult conversations. Discover how Caroline navigates the challenges of startup life, the significance of building a strong support system, and self-discovery. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In the second part of my conversation with Oo Nwoye on The Grinders Table, we shift our focus to venture capital, innovation, and the global tech landscape. Oo shares his insights on how venture capital can effectively support startups, the importance of domain expertise in angel investing, and the risks of providing too much capital too early. We also discuss the evolution of startup funding and the ethical considerations for founders in managing investor relationships. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week, I had the honour of hosting Oo Nwoye at The Grinders Table. Oo stands out as a key figure in Africa's startup ecosystem, providing advisory services to startups and serving as an exceptional source of deal flow for investors interested in the continent. He shared so much that I split the conversation into two episodes. We dive deep into his fascinating entrepreneurial journey in this first part of our conversation. We explore his personal background and the early career experiences that shaped his unique path. We'll discuss the significance of networking in the tech industry and uncover the importance of building genuine relationships for fundraising success. We'll also delve into the social media habits of founders, the challenges in maintaining an online persona, and how to navigate the complex landscape of social media work culture. Join us for this exciting exploration of entrepreneurial beginnings and the power of networking. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Today, we're celebrating International Women's Day by revisiting one of our favourite episodes. Joining me is the remarkable Kanini Matooni, a voice that resonates with empowerment and inspiration. In this episode, we dive into Kanini's journey, her challenges, and the triumphs that define the essence of womanhood. So, whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, sit back and let's honour the spirit of women everywhere with this special conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, we're excited to feature Massimiliano Spalazzi, the former CEO of Jumia Nigeria and Group Executive VP Marketplace at Jumia. Join us as Massi shares his remarkable journey of being one of the first employees at Jumia and playing a pivotal role in the company's inception in Nigeria in 2012. Massi opens up about the exhilarating experience of starting a company from the ground up, launching into different markets, managing various verticals, and ultimately achieving the milestone of becoming the first African tech internet company to list on the New York Stock Exchange. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Jumia, including the challenges and high-pressure environment that come with building a brand destined to scale across multiple markets. Massi reflects on working closely with the initial co-founders Tunde and Rafael in Lagos and the evolution of Jumia from its initial websites to the renowned brand it is today. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with valuable stories and learnings from a key player in the growth of Africa's e-commerce ecosystem. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Join us on an inspiring journey as David Gonahasa, Founder of Tripessa, takes us from his early beginnings on the streets of Uganda to revolutionizing the tourism sector with RoundBob, and now Tripessa. His narrative is not just one of success, but of resilience, as he navigates the trials of pioneering internet ventures and leadership roles in a pan-African enterprise. David also shares invaluable insights on leadership, building teams, and attracting supporters for a new venture. Plus, we get a glimpse into the personal side of entrepreneurship, including the vital support of spouses and the importance of maintaining a moral compass. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, I sit down with June Angelides MBE, a trailblazer and advocate for diversity in the startup ecosystem. June is the founding partner at Levare Ventures which backs early-stage startups across E-commerce, Fintech, Healthtech, Future of Work and B2B Saas across sub-saharan Africa. She has invested across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana. She also invests in European startups with Samos Investments. June shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Lagos to studying economics in London, and how she found her passion for supporting female founders and breaking down barriers in the tech industry. June's story is one of resilience and determination as she navigated different industries, from working in finance to founding a child-friendly coding school for moms. She opens up about the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of authenticity, building meaningful relationships, and embracing failure. June also delves into the power of networking, the value of curiosity, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a difference in the world. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 June's background and journey to the UK 00:02:02 Joining Silicon Valley Bank and learning the world of startups 00:03:16 Founding Moms-in-Tech and the challenges of building a business 00:05:57 Transitioning to Venture Capital 00:06:30 Investing in Africa and the exciting startup ecosystem 00:08:46 Overcoming challenges and staying motivated 00:11:28 Motivating others and building a strong network 00:14:46 The importance of authenticity and storytelling 00:18:18 Addressing the lack of capital for diverse founders 00:23:05 The role of female investors in allocating capital 00:26:12 Learning to swim and the power of networking --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

I am delighted to have Oswald Osaritin Guobadia as our guest on the Grinders Table Podcast today. He is a prominent figure in the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem who played a key role in passing The Nigerian Startup Act. Oswald's story is a powerful narrative of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of value. His insights on career change, the importance of impact, and the power and money dynamics give us much to ponder. Subscribe, share with a friend and leave a comment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

For this episode, I had a wholesome conversation with Anil Atma, a savvy entrepreneur and advisor to various venture funds, startups and businesses in Nigeria, including a unicorn. We explore the fascinating world of tech and business, and what entrepreneurs need to focus on as they build. Whether you dream of launching your startup, scaling your existing company, or learning from the best practices of successful entrepreneurs, this episode will give you valuable insights and motivation for your journey. Listen, subscribe and share with a friend! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Join us on a captivating journey with Seyi Abolaji, who went from pursuing his football aspirations to becoming a leader in the Nigeria Food and Beverage industry with Wilsons Juice Co, aka, Wilson's Lemonade. In this episode, we dive deep into Seyi's pursuit of impact over comfort, his dedication to personal growth, and his dogged pursuit of impact. Seyi discusses the intricacies of making it in Nigeria's beverage industry, the importance of playing to your strengths, and how his personal mantra, "create better," along with his SKITS philosophy—Sacrifice, Creativity, Integrity, Teamwork—guides his entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom not only for aspiring entrepreneurs but for anyone looking to forge a meaningful trajectory in their professional and personal lives. Subscribe and share with a friend! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

On the first episode of this season, we dive into Joe Kinvi's inspiring story, a visionary whose roots in Togo have branched out to make a Pan-African impact in the business world. We trace Joe's remarkable journey from an accounting and finance student in Dublin to building one of Africa's top investment syndicates - Hoaq. His story is a masterclass in resilience, underscored by an unyielding passion to drive Africa's economic renaissance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or simply a curious mind, there's a wealth of insight waiting for you in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the journey of Ikpeme Neto, the founder and CEO of Wella Health. This episode provides an in-depth look at one of those transforming healthcare in Africa through the lens of a visionary who traded in his scrubs for the world of startups. Hear about the challenges and triumphs of building a successful team, leveraging data in healthcare tech, and maintaining a balanced family life while pioneering change. Neto shares valuable insights from his experience, shedding light on the unique path he's carved at the intersection of medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this enlightening episode, we have an in-depth discussion with Mark Kleyner and Cindy Ai, co-founders of Dream VC, as they reveal the realities of the venture capital world. They share their journey from being entrepreneurs to becoming venture capitalists and how their shared passion has been a catalyst for their success. Mark and Cindy delve into the dynamics of the African venture capital market, discussing the importance of understanding the various aspects of the industry and the challenges they've faced. They also touch on the unique dynamics of their co-founder relationship, including how they support each other during challenging times and the principles they value. The conversation takes a turn towards diversity and ethics in the venture capital space. Mark and Cindy discuss the need for improved knowledge and standards in the African VC space, creating a culture of ethical behaviour, and promoting diversity. They also highlight the need for better support systems and resources to create a more accessible and safe space for young women to transition into venture capital. Listen in to get insights into the venture capital landscape from the perspective of Mark and Cindy, co-founders of Dream VC. Shownotes: (0:00:00) - Introduction to Mark and Cindy, co-founders of Dream VC (0:07:56) - Transition from entrepreneurs to venture capitalists (0:13:10) - The importance of a strong co-founder relationship (0:18:05) - The value of taking a break (0:27:12) - Promoting diversity and ethics in the venture capital space (0:34:27) - Managing expectations --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this insightful episode, we delve into the intriguing world of healthcare and the rich career of Eugene Nwoke across FMCG, Pharma, and Biotech. Eugene shares his journey and commitment to addressing the stark inequity in healthcare. He also talks about the balance of passion and practicality in making decisions. Listen and share with a friend. Key points discussed: - Eugene's journey into healthcare, triggered by the stark disparities he observed in the field. - Balancing passion and practicality in decision-making - Understanding you can't control everything - Learning from failure - Mentorship - Learning beyond conventional education --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and experiences of Babajide Duroshola, a seasoned operator who helps African companies scale. Babajide offers invaluable insights into leadership and team building, learned from his time with reputable firms like Andela, SafeBoda and M-Kopa. He discusses the importance of shared understanding, learning from mistakes, and the pursuit of progress before perfection. This episode is packed with life lessons, personal experiences, and inspiring stories that are sure to enrich your perspective as you build your career and run your business. Key Discussion Points: - Babaji's journey in striking a balance between personal and professional life (0:00:00) - His insights on leadership and team building, learned from firms like Andela, SafeBoda, and M-Kopa (0:15:41) - The philosophy of play and personal growth - taking a hiatus from work to reconnect with inner selves, being a life-long learner (0:28:35) - Importance of independent thought (0:33:33) Key Quotes: - "We're not striving for perfection. We are striving for what works." - "The only way you are able to pull in the same direction is by getting everybody to a point of shared understanding." - "Progress before perfection. For me, it is like progress. It's never really perfection. Like are we moving forward? Are we moving? Are we moving in the right direction?" - "Leadership is hard. You make decisions and you have to look at those decisions and live with it." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

On this week's episode of The Grinders Table, I share insights from my conversations with guests on the podcast to provide you with inspiration and guidance as you navigate the world as it unfolds. If what you've heard today is beneficial to your journey, please hit the share button on your podcast platform and share it with a friend. Remember, tough times don't define us; they refine us. Keep grinding and stay resilient. Thank you to Blessing Abeng, Anta Diallo, Will Senyo, Temitope Ekundayo, Hafsah Jumare, Max Cuvellier, Kanini Mutooni, Kristin Wilson, and Dayo Ademola for sharing your time with us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

We dive into the fascinating world of hospitality with Havar Bauck, founder and co-CEO of Hotel Online, as he shares his incredible journey from a one-year international exchange program in Kenya to building a successful business in the hospitality industry. Hotel Online is the leading revenue partner for hotels in emerging markets like Africa. Founded in 2014, they help more than 6,000 hotels in 27 countries boost occupancy, and increase yield. In this episode of the Grinders Table podcast, Havar reveals the passion that drives him, his experience working in Africa, and the unique challenges he faced along the way. Get an inside look at the hurdles and triumphs of steering a business to profitability, including the impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism and how Hotel Online pivoted to a domestic market. Havar and his co-founder's open and honest dialogue led them through such turbulent times, and together, we explore the potential of AI in the hospitality industry. Join us for an engaging and informative episode that's sure to inspire and educate! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this inspiring episode, Mayowa Ali, co-founder of Traction Apps, shares his journey from studying engineering to launching a digital operating system for SMEs in Africa amidst a global pandemic. Mayowa's passion for technology and entrepreneurship led him and his co-founder to address the underserved SME market and pick so many invaluable lessons along the way. Learn about the challenges of building a startup in financial services, fostering a collaborative remote environment, and the importance of understanding your motivations and staying true to yourself. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Mayowa Ali and see how embracing resilience can lead to success on your entrepreneurial journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Angie Madara, a passionate advocate for women in tech entrepreneurship. Angie is a Founding Partner at AthenaFundX, a fund that invests in providing women entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and visibility they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Angie shares her experience in business and her foray into tech which led her to create groundbreaking projects like M-Pesa, a mobile money platform widely used in Africa. We explored Angie's lessons from the acquisition of her startup to the importance of preparing entrepreneurs for the types of questions they may face when pitching. She emphasizes the need to give value to receive value and to focus on building and improving the lives of others. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

I thought to share a conversation I recorded in 2016 with Yusufa Sey, founder of Northern Industries. In this BONUS episode, our guest shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey from Gambia, the United States, London, and finally Denmark, where he co-founded Athene, a personal genetics company that unlocks the secrets of sports and diet genes. He discusses the importance of taking calculated risks and embracing uncertainty as an entrepreneur and shares his experience of moving to Denmark, overcoming challenges, and the power of perseverance in building a global business. The episode also explores the importance of risk-taking in life and business, the story of Facebook's unexpected growth, and the key to successful entrepreneurship: facing uncertainty and moving forward with courage. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this insightful episode, we speak with Dayo Odutale-Ademola, Managing Director for Nigeria at Branch International Financial Services, about her professional journey driven by the desire to create an impact through her work. Dayo shares her experiences, emphasizing the importance of growth, risk management, and building a sustainable business for long-term success. We also discuss the transformational experience of losing her father and how it led her to reconsider her views on mortality and legacy. Additionally, we explore the significance of empathy and patience when dealing with others in the workplace and the power of understanding different backgrounds and perspectives. Listen this thought-provoking conversation and learn valuable lessons that will be worth revisiting. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

In this episode I sat down with fast-rising Filmmaker and Creative Director, Diji Aderogba, where he shared his creative journey, experiences working with big brands and achieving success despite the odds. Diji talks about his love for cultural storytelling, his background as an actor, handling criticism and the lessons he's learned from various projects that have shaped his career. This conversation provides valuable insights for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs. Timestamps: (0:00:01) - Creativity Through Cultural Storytelling: Discover Diji's love for the arts and his path to becoming a filmmaker, as well as how his experience as an actor has informed his work as a director. (0:13:37) - Working With Big Brands: Learn about the challenges and benefits of working with various crew members, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and partnering with big brands while balancing trust, communication, and respect. (0:22:14) - Achieving Success With Goals: Find out the importance of focusing on the work, not getting carried away by big brands or celebrities, and the value of building a portfolio and making connections in the industry. (0:32:40) - Living in Bondage: Listen to our guest reminisce about the classic film Living in Bondage and its impact on his creative journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

I had the pleasure of talking with Hafsa Jomari, CEO of CoAmana, an Agtech startup operating in Nigeria and Kenya. We discussed her inspiring journey from academia to entrepreneurship and how her obsession with solving the issue of market access for smallholder farmers led her to create CoAmana. In this episode, Hafsa shares invaluable advice she received during her entrepreneurial journey and how CoAmana has adapted and evolved over time. We also discuss the challenges of building and managing a team, the importance of having a co-founder, and the best and worst advice she has received in her career. (0:00:01) - Exploring Curiosity and Leadership in Business (0:14:03) - Navigating Agriculture Markets (0:25:31) - Just Do It Key moments from the podcast: - Hafsah's journey from academia to entrepreneurship and her obsession with solving market access for smallholder farmers - The importance of curiosity and understanding the local context when solving problems - Challenges in building and managing a team, and the role of a co-founder - Valuable advice Hafsah received during her entrepreneurial journey and how CoAmana has adapted and evolved over time - The importance of overcoming analysis paralysis and taking action to learn and grow --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

We spent time with Desigan Chinniah aka Dees or Cyberdees, a successful technology entrepreneur and investor in under-represented minority founders.  In this episode, we explore his journey through the dotcom era (his time at Mozilla and deprecating Flash), taking risks, building diverse teams, the rise of AI, and much more. This episode is full of insights into succeeding as a technology entrepreneur! From staying curious and staying focused on things that bring joy and energy to exploring new opportunities through taking risks - there is something for everyone! So why not give it a listen? We guarantee you'll learn something valuable about navigating the world! (0:06:03) The Journey of a Technology Entrepreneur: Dees talks about his personal experience of getting into the tech industry, nurturing relationships, and his multicultural family background. (0:14:46) Empathy and Investing: The conversation focuses on topics such as Firefox OS, deprecating Flash from the web, taking risks, building diverse teams, and the rise of AI. Dees encourages listeners to take risks and be empathetic when hiring and managing teams. (0:26:33) Navigating a New World: The speaker discusses the African continent, the future workforce, and the potential for disruption, as well as the importance of time management and creating calendar entries to remind oneself of important tasks. (0:33:46) Staying Focused on What You Want: The conversation concludes with the idea of staying curious and staying focused on the things that bring joy and energy, even when it is hard to achieve. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week we had a chat with the amazing Ashley Immanuel, the Co-founder and COO of Semicolon. Semicolon's goal is to turn Africa's vibrant youth population into an army of technologists, software developers, enterprise architects and project managers. Ashley shares her journey with us, how she followed her passion and experiences, as well as one of the coolest intros you'll ever hear! Timestamp: (0:00:00) - Unlocking Potential to Change the World: Ashley shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the importance of being inquisitive and open-minded when starting out in a career. (0:16:34) - The Journey of Co-Founding Semicolon: Ashley talks about the challenges and benefits of running a startup with her husband, and how their complementary skills contribute to the success of the business. (0:25:07) - Building Talent Pipeline: Ashley discusses the talent pipeline problem in Africa and how Semicolon is working to bridge the gap between unemployed or underemployed individuals and businesses in need of tech talent. She also shares advice for founders on being values-driven and committed to their vision. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week I had a chat with Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, a 'fast rising' entertainment business leader and lawyer from Nigeria, also known as FozaDoza. She has years of experience in entertainment and media law, a path not many female lawyers tend to tow in Nigeria. She has brokered deals worth over $10,000,000 working with top talents across various nationalities, as well as advising several governments in the sub-Saharan African region on IP matters. Foza shared quite a lot of gems with us so listen, subscribe, and share with a friend. Ps. you can get the full gist of her journey in her memoir - So Far, So Foza. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

I am excited to start 2023 buzzing with Caleb Maru, Managing Partner at Proximity ventures, on the Grinders Table. Caleb also writes an amazing newsletter that tracks the African tech ecosystem called Tech Safari. Caleb shares why he invests in startups, his approach to managing teams and insights on his journey so far.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Snehar Shah, the CEO of Moringa school. Snehar is passionate about spearheading the development of Africa's young people through learning tech skills and this is evidenced in his leadership at Moringa school. Snehar has over 25 years of diverse experience in building and running businesses in multiple industries and geographies (UK, Europe and Africa). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week we had Mouna Akefli, Marketing Manager CU West Africa & Morocco at Ericsson. Muna discusses her journey of finding purpose in life and her deep-rooted love for Africa. She talks about purpose-led marketing and impacting initiatives through her work, and why young professionals should focus on growing their talents, taking risks, and experimenting. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Last weekend we spent time on the Grinders Table with Solape Akinpelu, CEO of Hervest. Hervest is pioneering inclusive finance for the African woman! Solape took time to share her experience and wisdom about fundraising, why businesses and the world are not as inclusive to women, what holds them back, and how the behaviour of finance needs to be part of the conversation in order to change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week's featured conversation is with a 'true son of the soil' and Co-founder of Impact Hub Accra - Will Senyo. Will shares tips for founders, his thoughts on the over-fixation on Fintech,  revitalising dying industries, his recent fund targeting the creative space in Accra, Ghana and future plans. One of our hottest episodes yet! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Martin is a technologist and PanAfricanist who believes in technology's ability to put Africa on the map as the most significant workforce in the world. He has been working on delivering programs and aggregating relevant programs to empower Africans with 21st-century skills and bringing remote workers from around the world to Africa to realise the continent's beauty. Martin talks about his motivations, as well as shares some really good advice you don't want to miss. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

Folake Owodunni is the Co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa (ERA), a health-tech company dedicated to saving lives one emergency at a time. Folake shares her inspiration for building the company, lessons she learned along the way and tips for aspiring founders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

I had the pleasure of speaking with Damilare Ogunleye, the co-founder at FoodLama. FoodLama is a personalized genie that helps you find the best food for you, based on your preferences and your lifestyle choices. Damilare shared how being an entrepreneur requires work-life balance, communication, and discipline. He talked about building distribution into your products and having a clear vision and roadmap for the next ten years. He touched on relationships and how being a father impacted his life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message

This week I caught up with the founder of Nigeria Agritech, ThriveAgric, while playing football. ThriveAgric provides access to finance, technology-based advice, extension services, and global and local markets to smallholder farmers in Africa. They noticed that smaller farmers faced a lot of problems, and they wanted to provide them with solutions so that they could increase their yield and also assess a larger market. Uka shared his story of building his business, and he advised founders to take their time to relax, have friends within their startup, and embrace uncertainty. He shares that the key to solving a problem is to take one step at a time and to have the right mentors who can help you along the way. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-grinders-table/message