Third Culture Africans

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a conversation with Adora Nwodo, a dynamic woman in the tech world. Her career seamlessly blends the corporate nine-to-five routine with entrepreneurial pursuits, driven by her passion for engineering, STEM, and the captivating world of software development. This episode kicks off by diving into the essential realms of STEM and AI. Unfamiliar with STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—encompassing diverse fields like mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. Now, let's delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on STEM careers. AI, a pivotal part of technology, relies on and empowers STEM professionals. These careers extend beyond AI development, involving customising and utilising AI in various domains like health tech, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace engineering. While STEM skills are highly valued, AI's rise sparks both job redundancy concerns and new opportunities—a conversation you can't miss! Zeze and Adora explore Adora’s journey into tech, strategies for breaking barriers for women in tech and how to connect individuals with opportunities while providing technical guidance. They also discuss exciting trends in the African tech industry.  Nwodo's tech passion ignited in Nigeria at the age of six, guided by her older brothers. She embarked on a lifelong love affair with technology, eventually earning a First-Class Honors degree in computer science from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Marked by her determination to forge her path and exceed her family's expectations, Adora began a career in the tech industry. During her university years, she took on a role as a software intern at an advertising company, a position she continued even after completing her NYSC service. This phase played a pivotal role in her journey, exposing her to diversity, broadening her perspective, and requiring her to balance multiple responsibilities, including being a working student, managing her shoe brand, and actively participating in tech communities. In her current role, Adora plays a pivotal role in NexaScale, a community group dedicated to facilitating valuable work experience for individuals through a range of projects and programs. When it comes to empowering women in tech, support systems are crucial. It is a cause close to her heart, clearly demonstrated by her active participation in NexaScale for women. Here, she conducts sessions on financial literacy and personal branding, with the aim of uplifting and educating aspiring female tech professionals. Regarding the future of the tech industry in Africa, Adora highlights the immense potential of young Africans, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are making significant contributions to the global tech landscape. Africa is emerging as an attractive market, with its young creators and engineers gaining recognition worldwide. The creator economy is thriving in Africa, with young content creators dominating platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Additionally, Africa's growing remote workforce is playing a pivotal role in the industry's development. Tune in, this is a MUST-listen! For all those interested in tech careers, especially young Africans aspiring to make their mark in the industry, this is a MUST-listen! You will learn about the thrilling synergy of STEM, AI, and African tech and gain valuable insights into shaping your own tech journey. About Adora Nwodo: Adora Nwodo is a multi-award-winning Software Engineer who currently works at Microsoft building Mixed Reality on the Cloud.  She is also the Vice President of the Nigerian chapter for VRAR Association, a Digital Creator, Founder of NexaScale, has courses online that teaches people about Infrastructure automation, author of a popular book "Cloud Engineering for Beginners" and multiple articles on Software Engineering, Productivity & Career Growth on her blog “AdoraHack” and student of LEAD in the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Adora spends a lot of her time on Twitter and LinkedIn sharing about her experience as a woman in tech. She is extremely passionate about the developer community and is trying to drive inclusion for women in technology. She co-organizes community events for unStack Africa, contributes to Open Source, and speaks at technology conferences worldwide. Topics: 🎙️ Welcome Adora Nwodo to Third Culture Africans!: (00:00) 🔍 What is STEM? (00:02:23)  🚀 AI Era: How does a STEM career expand your horizons? (00:04:29) 💻 Software engineering: Moving into tech (00:07:47)  🎓 Graduating with The First Class Honours (00:14:42)  🚀 How Adora found her way into the tech industry (00:17:40)  🌐 Insights on breaking the barriers as a woman in tech (00:30:44)  💼 Exploring Adora’s current work at NexaScale (00:36:05)  🌍 Exciting and promising trends in the future of tech in Africa (00:43:35)  💡 Advice for young Africans aspiring to pursue a tech career (00:45:21)  💬 Thoughts about remote workforce and remote learning (00:49:38) Mentioned resources: Cloud Engineering For Beginners Beginning Azure DevOps: Planning, Building, Testing, and Releasing Software Applications on Azure ZoneTechPark NestHubAfrica Connect with Adora Nwodo: Linkedin Instagram Web Youtube Twitter NexaScale 

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Seun Oduwole, the Principal Architect at SI.SA. (Studio Imagine Simple Architecture), renowned for their innovative architectural designs. Together, they explore Seun's inspiring journey and his transformative project, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which transcends conventional architecture to celebrate the rich influences shaping Yoruba culture. This ongoing urban regeneration initiative in Onikan, Lagos, plays a pivotal role in transforming the Marina and Onikan region into a vibrant tourism destination, honouring Yoruba culture throughout history. The architectural design skillfully translates Yoruba values, paying homage to its historical significance. This episode showcases the evolution of a simple concept into a profound cultural landmark challenging museological paradigms – a must-listen!   🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/ 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Ikena Carreira, a social entrepreneur whose remarkable journey encompasses entrepreneurship, UN collaborations, television roles, and transformative career shifts. Ikena's narrative unveils her family's history rooted in Angola's struggle for independence, providing profound insights into the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped her perspective on identity. The dialogue delves into the podcast's mission, emphasising the nuanced nature of African identity and the power of cultural bridges. It explores Ikena's career journey from academia to media and her founding of StandSeven, a platform championing African craftsmanship and luxury. The conversation also probes the challenges of sustainability-focused entrepreneurship and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in a shifting African business landscape. Ikena shares her transition from entrepreneurship to the UN and imparts valuable insights on fundraising, motherhood, and the profound impact of self-belief. Discover Ikena's inspiring initiative, Train Clinic, and explore diverse experiences woven with themes of innovation, identity, and service. 🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/ 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze interviews Ngoni Chikwenengere – a blogger, lifestyle influencer, designer, and the visionary behind the brand We Are KIN, a women's wear size-inclusive slow fashion brand rooted in sustainability. Ngoni moved from Zimbabwe to London at the age of 10 and faced challenges in middle school due to her African heritage. Starting a blog at 16 in Northampton, where diversity was scarce, she created a platform to share her interests. Her early blogs ranged from discussing fashion to expressing admiration for celebrities. Through the internet, she connected with like-minded individuals. After the Rana Plaza disaster occurred while she was studying fashion, and witnessing unsold stock being sent to burn while interning, Ngoni Chikwenengere began to focus on a more sustainable living. Noticing a gap in the market for affordable contemporary tailored pieces for young women, she launched her label We are Kin and seized the opportunity to showcase her debut collection at London Fashion Week. By utilizing end-of-line fabrics, sustainable materials, and closely collaborating with the manufacturing factory, We Are KIN focuses on crafting simple, timeless pieces that defy fast fashion trends. The brand offers items in sizes ranging from 6 to 26, and for customers falling outside these sizes, custom-made pieces are also available. This inclusivity is a rarity in the fashion industry, where most brands hesitate to cater to women of larger sizes. Moreover, Ngoni's innovative approach goes beyond clothing; she employs 3D renders for her clothing line, conserving resources and presenting garments more inclusively. In addition to her fashion pursuits, Ngoni successfully maintains her lifestyle blogging, garnering popularity among other digital influencers. Through adept use of social media, she has forged a personal connection with her audience. Her transparency and authenticity have cultivated customer trust and engagement. Consistently posting and actively interacting with her audience have been pivotal in propelling her brand's growth. In assessing social media metrics, Ngoni prioritizes sales and conversion rates over follower count. Her overarching goal is to expand her brand while unwaveringly adhering to her core values. During the conversation, Ngoni addresses the entrepreneurial highs and lows, underscoring her experiences during the pandemic. Contrary to her expectations, her brand gained traction as people sought out sustainable and black-owned businesses. She acknowledges the challenge of striking the right balance between growth and ethical practices, particularly in partnerships with larger retailers. Ngoni also delves into the predicament of fast fashion and emphasizes the importance of ethical choices in fashion consumption, highlighting the availability of affordable and sustainable alternatives for consumers. Looking ahead, Ngoni aspires to achieve B-Corp certification while steadfastly aligning her brand with its values and indicators of success.  Dive in! This episode resonates with the journey of building a meaningful and sustainable business within the African diaspora. Learn about the power of inclusivity and sustainability in fashion, discover how authenticity and transparency build trust, and uncover how to balance growth with ethical values. Topics: 🎙️ Welcome Ngoni Chikwenengere to Third Culture Africans!: (00:00) 🌍 Transitioning from Zimbabwe to London (03:54)  📖 Starting a blog at the age of sixteen (05:49)  💼 When blogging became a business (07:46)  🌍 Facing challenges due to African heritage (08:57)  🧐 Ngoni’s sense of identity (11:02)  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Unveiling Ngoni's family's reaction to her move into fashion (13:54)  📚 Journey from school to Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and then graduating from university (17:15)  📝 Did blogging shape how Ngoni was becoming a designer? (20:45)  👗 Starting and building We are KIN (21:45)  ✨ From the First Collection to the Second: Shifting Towards Size Inclusivity (26:22)  💲 How Ngoni decides what she charges (32:36)  🛍️ Customer’s role in Ngoni’s designing process (33:59)  🖥️ About 3D renders & the role technology plays in Ngoni’s business (35:25)  🌱 Ngoni’s goals for We are KIN having been voted Forbes 30 under 30 (38:09)  📊 Dealing with high and lows in entrepreneurship; the pandemic (40:23)  📱 Experience leveraging social media for We are KIN (44:15)  ♻️ Thoughts about fast fashion (50:02)  ⚖️ Balancing Long-Term Vision and Industry Sustainability (51:58)  📈 Ngoni’s metrics around social media focusing on bank balance (58:12)  🏆 Ngoni’s next goal: B-Corp certification (59:47) Mentioned resources: CLO 3D Udemy Connect with Ngoni Chikwenengere: Instagram We Are KIN: Twitter Web Instagram Facebook

In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze interviews Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph, a young entrepreneur and CEO of Kippa. They delve into Kennedy's journey, highlighting his passion for creating socio-economic prosperity in Africa and how his background in philosophy and debating has influenced his success. From being a former national debate champion to working with TikTok and Accenture, Kennedy's career path shaped his latest venture, Kippa, a fintech startup based in Nigeria. Kippa raised an impressive $3.2 million in pre-seed funding, making it one of Africa's largest early-stage fund-raises. The conversation covers the challenges of fundraising for startups and the significance of focusing on small businesses in Africa, showcasing Kennedy's dedication to empowering them with efficient financial tools through Kippa. The episode emphasizes knowing your business, understanding investors, and tailoring pitches for success, inspiring young entrepreneurs with a vision for change.  Join Zeze and Kennedy as they explore fintech, entrepreneurship, and the power of a youthful mindset with a vision for change.   🌍 Full show notes at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/ 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

In this episode, Zeze engages in an inspiring conversation with Chaneen Saliee, a courageous mumfluencer, discussing the importance of embracing creative passions, vulnerability in self-expression, and navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood with a successful career. Chaneen fearlessly shares her motherhood journey, promoting empowerment and support for women while challenging societal norms. Her diverse African heritage and early passion for writing have shaped her unique voice, as she explores self-acceptance and healing, defying cultural barriers. Through candid self-expression, Chaneen finds catharsis and connection, uplifting her audience and advocating for breastfeeding and community support. Her journey serves as a powerful testament to the rewards of embracing vulnerability and openness in pursuing one's dreams.   🌍 Full show notes at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿

Welcome to Season 3 of Third Culture Africans! In this captivating episode, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao sits down with Nigerian fashion industry professional Sharmaine Aderemi for an inspiring conversation. Sharmaine takes us on a remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings as a receptionist to becoming a Talent Director, all while integrating African talent into the fashion industry. Her story defies societal norms as she became a young mother and pursued her dreams with authenticity and passion. Join us as we delve into the power of embracing one's true self and discover the resilience, passion, and pursuit of dreams that define Sharmaine's incredible career. Be sure to subscribe and tune in to this empowering exploration of personal growth and success.   🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ 📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿

Join Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao in an engaging conversation with Bukky Asehinde, the Founder of Bellafricana, as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship and creativity in the African market.  Discover Bukky's inspiring journey as an immigrant entrepreneur, her passion for showcasing African creativity, and her mission to empower and support fellow entrepreneurs. Gain valuable insights into the power of digital marketing, data-driven decision-making, and the crucial role of community in supporting and empowering entrepreneurs.  This episode is filled with motivation, lessons learned, and practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business. Tune in and get ready to be inspired! If you are an African fashion, beauty or lifestyle brand based in the UK and want to be part of the 10 amazing brands to reserve a spot, please go HERE     Available now at thirdcultureafricans.com Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿

In this episode, Zeze interviews Lydia Amoah, a multi-talented individual with a wide range of expertise, including being a wife, speaker, coach, consultant, author, innovator, activist, and leading authority on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Lydia shares her fascinating career journey, emphasising the value of every black consumer and sharing numerous anecdotal stories that showcase her fearless, inquisitive, and questioning attitude. Listeners will gain insights into how these experiences have shaped her success and contributed to her multifaceted accomplishments. One of the main reasons Lydia embarked on her journey was to empower individuals to recognize their worth and challenge narratives that shape their identity and future. Inspired by Dr. Dennis Kimbro, she founded The Black Pound Report, a comprehensive exploration of the UK's Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic consumer spending power, untapped potential, and profitability. This report has been instrumental in advancing the conversation on diversity and inclusion in business, providing valuable insights for institutions across the UK seeking to understand the black consumer. Lydia's career has been marked by learning from challenges and transforming negative incidents into positive outcomes. From demonstrating her leadership skills during a college project to showcasing her self-value during a job interview, she has consistently turned her experiences into opportunities for growth. Her honesty, coaching abilities, and effective communication skills also propelled her into managing and working with celebrities during her time in Italy.  This episode delves deeper into Lydia's remarkable experiences and the attitudes that have contributed to her thriving career, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration. ”There is something out there that you can do to take yourself from where you are to the beginnings of where you would like to be” - Lydia Amoah About Lydia Amoah: Lydia is the founder of Backlight, the active voice, advisor and solution maker in the DEI world and the founder of The Black Pound Report.  She has worked with organisations including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, EY, the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph on cultural workplace transformation projects. Topics: 🎉Welcome Lydia Amoah to Third Culture Africans!: (00:00:00) 💡 Unveiling the motivation behind The Black Pound Report: (00:01:01) 🚀 Evolving in the career journey: Lydia's path to success: (00:12:05) 🌟 The rise of coaches on social media: Lydia's perspective: (00:34:57) 🤔 Exploring the origins of the concept “black undervalue”: (00:48:51) 🌟 Defining success: (00:55:48) 🗝️ Keys to success: Lydia's lessons and tools for the journey: (00:58:22) 📚 Memorable quotes that inspire: Lydia's favourite gems: (01:03:31) ✨ Parting words of inspiration: (01:06:07) Mentioned resources: “Think and Grow Rich” Book by Napoleon Hill Dr. Dennis Kimbro Connect with Lydia Amoah: Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lydiaamoah Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lydiaamoah_official/ Web - https://www.lydiaamoah.com/about Twitter - https://twitter.com/LydiaAmoah_ The Black Pound Report - https://www.lydiaamoah.com/the-black-pound-report Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬 https://www.zezeonline.com/  Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿 https://maleeonline.com/

Welcome to Season 3 of Third Culture Africans! This season, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao is taking you deeper into the lives and journeys of successful Africans in the diaspora. Expect engaging conversations with a dynamic range of guests, from entrepreneurs and artists, to writers and innovators, each sharing their unique experiences and insights. As always, our guests continue to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and shape the global narrative of Africa and Africans. Season 3 is an exploration of resilience, creativity, and the African spirit of ingenuity, further broadening the scope of our stories and impact in the world. Tune in to discover, connect, and get inspired!   Full show notes: 📝🔗 https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ Get in touch with Zeze: 📲💬 https://www.zezeonline.com/ Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🙏🌿 https://maleeonline.com/  

Welcome to Season 3 of Third Culture Africans! In our opening episode, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao sits down with British-Nigerian authors Ore Agbaje-Williams and Nancy Adimora. Through candid conversations, we explore their personal career paths and their commitment to enriching storytelling in the literary world. Ore, a passionate writer and former Commissioning Editor at HarperWilliams Publishers UK, shares her journey into the publishing world and her anticipation for the release of her debut novel, “The Three of Us.” Meanwhile, Nancy Adimora, founding editor of AFREADA and former Talent and Audience Development Manager at HarperCollins UK, discusses her lifelong interest in African storytelling and the impact it can have on a reader's life. Together, they share insights on a joint project, “Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian Writers on the Home, Identity and Culture They Know” that sheds light on perceptions of Nigeria from numerous acclaimed Nigerian authors.  Ore Agbaje-Williams new book: ”The Three of Us”: ORDER HERE - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451518/the-three-of-us-by-agbaje-williams-ore/9781787334083 Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that sets the tone for our exciting new season. Tune in to Season 3, Episode 1 of Third Culture Africans to glean insights from Ore and Nancy's unique perspectives on writing, publishing, and fostering cultural representation through their work. Remember, your support is invaluable to us. If you find value in our content, please share this episode with your network. Engage with us on social media and let us know your thoughts. Every like, share, and comment helps us to continue creating content that matters to you. Finally, if you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to Third Culture Africans on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on our latest episodes. We have an incredible line-up this season, and we wouldn't want you to miss a single episode. “Anyone can do this as long as your motivation is not money” Write what is authentic to you - Ore Agbaje-Williams   “When an old person dies a library is burning”  - Think about yourself as a story, write it down and pass it on to the next generation - Nancy Adimora Topics: 🎙️ Welcome Ore & Nancy to Third Culture Africans!: (00:00:00) 📘 Of This Our Country: about project and how it came about: (00:02:33) 🌟 Nancy’s career journey: (00:07:44) 🔍 Experiences that have influenced Nancy into her actual career: (00:11:49) 🌍 What is AFREADA?: (00:16:20) 📚 Ore’s career trajectory and what inspired her into her actual career : (00:18:00) 💪 Growing within an industry that has some marginalization: (00:27:17) 📖 Misconception about their jobs: sit around and read all day: (00:31:45) 🖋️ How Ore crafts her own voice when not in her day job: (00:32:59) 👥 How Nancy helps people stay authentic and original: (00:35:53) 🔎 Last thing they both have searched on Google: (00:37:49) ✒️ Prerequisite to putting pen to paper?: (00:39:08) 🕰️ Ore and Nancy before and after the pandemic: (00:45:51) 🤝 What has helped them both along the way: (00:52:14) Mentioned resources: “Of This Our Country: Acclaimed Nigerian Writers on the Home, Identity and Culture They Know” - https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/of-this-our-country-acclaimed-nigerian-writers-on-the-home-identity-and-culture-they-know?variant=39742106107982 “Half of a Yellow Sun” - https://www.chimamanda.com/half-of-a-yellow-sun/ Connect with Ore Agbaje-Williams: Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ore-agbaje-williams-23344011a Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oreawilliams/?hl=en Web - https://www.instagram.com/oreawilliams/?hl=en Connect with Nancy Adimora: Twitter - https://twitter.com/NancAdimora?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/adimoranancy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nanceo/?hl=en Personal Web - https://www.nancyadimora.com/bio Afreada AFREADA Web - https://www.afreada.com/team AFREADA Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/afreada/ AFREADA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/afreada/?hl=en

In this episode, Zeze interviews Efua Akumanyi, a Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence expert, Co-Founder and CTO of Furnishful, a shopping discovery site for furniture and homewares. She talks about her beginning in the IT world, the choice of her career, and how important  it is for her to help other black women to succeed in their business. Efua Akumanyi found a way to stand out, firstly from her family's career choices and later on as a black woman in the Tech niche. She pursued a career where women, especially black females, were not so popular. She started a path in which women have the opportunity to use technology to improve their businesses and become successful in what they want to. Furthermore, she understands the need of having solid bases to build a successful business. Tech is a key component to make it easy, no matter if you are selling a product or a service. You need to find a tool that suits the business you have. There is no point in coding if you do not need it. Knowing what you want and what you require is fundamental when hiring someone to develop your website. Plus, doing follow-ups, providing feedback and communicating as often as possible will give you the sense of control and knowledge you need to improve and get what you want to achieve as regards your business goals.  Efua Akumanyi Efua Akumanyi graduated from Sussex with a degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and went on to work as a software developer for 15 years. She has also worked as a contractor in various fields including medical, legal, charity and ecommerce. Currently, she is the Co-Founder & Head of Technology at www.furnishful.co.uk. a website which helps people find items of furniture for their homes. Her passion is to encourage other women into tech, whether it’s finding jobs in the industry or starting their own business. She is a member of several women in tech groups and speaks on subjects ranging from AI to entrepreneurship. Highlights of the episode: 03:25: Efua Akumanyi’s  migration to the UK from Ghana at her early age and how it impacted on her career path. 5:45: Efua tells Zeze about how and why she selected her career in Computer Science, her passions and her ideas about her professional future. 7:15: Efua´s understanding of the impact her career choice would provoke on the Tech world for black women. 10:55: She states the Pros and Cons of her career choice in the furniture niche. 12:30 : The need of coding against already-built tech tools, both for products and services. 13: 55: Efua tells how she started coding for black female businesses. 15:55: Her passion about photography and how it is connected to her work in the furniture world. 18:00 She speaks about her visibility online, her cofounded business and her resources to build a successful business while helping black women to succeed as well. 24:45 : Efua provides some pieces of advice for women entrepreneurs when they need to hire someone to build their website. What to do with a low budget and legal issues to pay attention to.  Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans furnishful.co.uk codingblackfemales.com

In this episode, Zeze interviews Chi-chi Ekweozor, a social media marketer, software engineer, and the founder of Assenty. Chi-chi talks about the very beginnings of social media and how she founded her company. Also, Zeze and Chi-Chi dive deep into why it is so important to consider representation from many different angles. Chi-chi Ekweozor understood the potential of social media well before others did. This allowed her to acquire a unique set of skills that led her to advise large companies and create her own business early on. As she identified challenges and problems in the process of building communities and promoting interactions, she decided to create solutions for this. Eventually, Chi-chi became a very successful business owner. In this episode, Chi-chi and Zeze talk about the representation of Black women in tech and the many aspects that can influence this. Chi-chi remarks on the importance of pursuing your ideas and being brave enough to try and reach out, connecting with others, and seizing opportunities. Chi-chi had to traverse a fascinating path that led her to see how the internet and social media have changed the world. making the most of it at every turn. ABOUT Chi-chi Ekweozor Chi-chi Ekweozor is a Nigerian social media marketer, front-end developer, software engineer, and the founder of Assenty, a platform that allows event organizers to interact live with their audiences. She has been working in the tech industry for the past 15 years and she was a pioneer in the world of social media marketing and tech communities. Highlights of the episode: Chi-Chi's career in engineering and her to focus on tech. How she had to adapt and develop the skills set to thrive. A career as an independent musician and podcaster before podcasts became popular. How Chi-chi became a social media expert before social media was a thing worldwide.  The realization that there was true potential in the interactions between attendees and conference organizers and the birth of Assenty.  The importance of creativity in the world of tech and how it allows for the creation of a self-sustainable business. Female and African representation in tech at different levels of the industry. The impact of generational wealth and experience on the success of entrepreneurs.  Knowing the timing and making the most of societal changes as keys to make a business or an idea grow.  Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Assenty

In this episode, Zeze interviews Lwazi Wali, a South African investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of H(er)Q. Lwazi talks about the current situation for new businesses and startups in Africa, the barriers faced by women, and the tools that can be used to break these barriers and create our space in the African business world. Lwazi Wali knows more than most about the many barriers faced by entrepreneurial women in the African continent. As an investor involved in venture capital, she has seen the numbers that show that, while startups and investing are growing in Africa, women continue to face considerable barriers to get funding. They are creating the majority of new businesses, but they lack the funding to scale them and make them grow. In this episode, Lwazi goes in-depth into the barriers that are holding Black African women back and how we can help make a significant and long-lasting change. She remarks on the importance of uniting as women and creating our own table where we can create opportunities to have access to the necessary funds. Lwazi also provides practical advice on how to present a new product or idea for funding, and how to change the paradigms and societal preconceptions that limit women to this day. ABOUT Lwazi Wali Lwazi Wali is a South African fundraiser, investor, an Obama Leader in Africa. Lwazi came back to Africa after studying and living in the US with the goal of helping in the development of venture capital infrastructure in the continent. She is the founder of H(er)Q, a community for women of color that are interested in building a community by and for entrepreneurial women. Highlights of the episode: Lwazi Wali’s perspective on the current state of venture capitalism in the African continent. The approach to fintech in Africa. How the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to further develop the digital infrastructure. Lwazi’s decision to go into venture capitalism in Africa. Impacting society in a positive way. The gender differences seen worldwide. While women are starting businesses at a faster rate than men, they are not scaling them. The importance of rethinking and creating systems of capital that support women’s businesses by creating funds led by women. African entrepreneurs often look for investors from the West as local investors tend to be more risk-averse. The three things an entrepreneur needs to be able to provide when looking for funding. The first doors to knock on to be able to raise funding for a business include accelerators and incubators. The far-reaching impact of teaching girls about their potential and possibility to have key roles in the business world. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Founders Factory Lwazi Wali

In this episode, Zeze interviews Vamba Sherif, a Liberian best-selling author, essayist, motivational speaker, and activist. Vamba shares his story of survival after the Liberian civil war and the Gulf War. Listen to the episode and learn how these experiences led him to become a thriving novelist and storyteller. Vamba Sherif was living in Kuwait when the civil war started in Liberia, his home country. As he felt the pain of what was taking place back home, he found himself in the middle of the Gulf War, seeing horrors that he is unlikely to forget. This led him to become a refugee and an exile, and he remembers his time in a refugee camp between Jordan and Iraq as one of the worst ones of his life. However, Vamba managed to not only survive but thrive once he made a home in Holland. Thanks to his affinity for languages, he was able to learn Dutch, study, and make a life for himself. Writing stories about pre-war Liberia became his coping mechanism, which helped him preserve his mental health and led him on a successful path as a writer. In this episode, Vamba shares his inspiring story, filled with family love, his admiration for women, and the will to keep growing, embracing and sharing African stories. ABOUT Vamba Sherif Vamba Sherif is a Liberian best-selling author, film critic, activist, motivational speaker, essayist, and occasional actor who found himself stuck between two countries during the Liberian civil war and the Gulf War. This led him on a journey of survival, traversing through different countries before finding a home in Holland. He shares his personal experiences through his novels and memoirs, and he also focuses on  showing the history of Liberia before the war. Highlights of the episode: 04:54: Vamba Sherif shares what his life was like before the devastating Liberian civil war took place. 07:47: Vamba found himself stranded between two wars, the Liberian civil war back at home and the Gulf War in Kuwait, where he resided at the time.  09:56: The return of Liberian slaves from the US to Liberia. 12:37: The chaos experienced in Kuwait during the Gulf War, and how Vamba was able to smuggle himself out of the country. 15:42: The strength demonstrated by Arab women fighting during the occupation of Kuwait. 20:10: The sense of hopelessness experienced at a refugee camp between Iraq and Jordan and the feeling that there was no longer a future. 26:02: Returning to the stories of Liberia before the war and showing the good things about the country served Vamba as a survival technique.  32:55: Being a writer can be a privilege that allows them to ascend and embrace all the stories they tell.  37:10: How his mother and grandmother influence the characteristics of the strong women that appear in Vamba’s stories.  40:09: The huge impact being loved had on Vamba’s life and how he wanted to put that into words through an emotional journey that led to him writing his memoirs.   Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Vamba Sherif

In this episode, Zeze interviews Zukiswa Wanner, an award-winning South African author and humanitarian. She has published fiction novels, co-authored Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, and started her own publishing house to help bring African literature to the forefront in the African continent. Zukiswa Wanner believes in changing how African literature is seen and embraced in Africa. She writes not for the European or American masses, but for her fellow Africans. Seeing how the African publishing houses often prioritize foreign markets over their own, she decided to start her own publishing company, as part of her drive to change the self-oppression that has been imposed on African literature. Zukiswa also discusses the importance of bringing literature to children, providing them with the opportunity to learn and thrive in the world. She also remarks on how accomplished Black African women are often seen as aggressive when they pursue their careers and are good at what they do. Zukiswa highlights the importance of women not second-guessing themselves and becoming part of this narrative. ABOUT Zukiswa Wanner Zukiswa Wanner is a Zimbabwan and South African author, co-author of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, a humanitarian, and a recipient of the Commonwealth’s Writer Prize. She has also started her own publishing house, with the goal of distributing African books in the continent, including both adult and children books. Highlights of the episode: 04:16: Zukiswa Wanner’s journey to becoming the co-author of Nelson’s Mandela autobiography in only 4 years. 10:58: Zukiswa’s love for literature never led her to think she could be a fiction writer.  14:15: The debate about being seen as an African writer in Africa. 17:59: Writing for the African community and how resonating with Africans is especially valuable for Zukiswa.  20:45: Zukiswa’s transition from author to publisher and editor.   25:39: Building bridges across the African continent through different events and literary initiatives. 27:15: The reasons why Zukiswa asks the question “do I make you uncomfortable” in the context of being a black African woman. 30:16: Why African women often feel like they need to shrink.  32:27: The need for platforms in which African women can talk without having to be a representative of the entire collective.  34:13: Zukiswa’s passion for helping children have access to learning resources and developing their critical thinking skills. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Zukiswa Wanner Nelson Mandela on the Run

Aminatta Forna was raised to be a fighter. As a triple minority, she knew from a young age that she would be great, but she would need to work very hard to get what she wanted. This led her to develop an inquisitive and astute mind that questions the things everyone takes for granted. As a writer, she has explored and shared her grief as well as the concept of identity and she talks about the importance of telling ourselves the right narrative. Aminatta has lived a life of change, being born in Scotland and raised between Sierra Leone and other countries. She went back to Sierra Leone before the war ended and was able to bring change into a community with assertive and empowering interventions. She talks about the impact words can have on people, why she thinks appropriation can cause great damage to the literary and arts world, and why the elevation of victimhood does nothing for actual progress.  ABOUT Aminatta Forna Aminatta Forna is a British-Sierra Leonean formidable writer, humanitarian, professor, and thinker who has won numerous awards, including the Windham Campbell Award from Yale University. She has published four novels and a memoir, which have been translated into twenty two different languages.  Highlights of the episode: 01:53: Aminatta Forna discusses the relevance and currency of her BBC documentary The Lost Libraries of Timbuktu.  04:57:How Aminatta forged her identity. 10:06: The common and constant rebranding of identities to fit in with the rest of the world. 14:00: The American narrative and how it illustrates the many perspectives that can exist regarding one event or fact.  17:20: The everlasting nature of grief and how while it gets better it never disappears. 21:10: Aminatta’s experience as part of the diaspora. 25:50: How Sierra Leone has survived through the ages and how the forests have been a sacred place of protection. 30:32: Growing up as a triple minority and being brought up to be ready to fight for what she wanted.  36:28: The drive that comes from having something different to say and the will to share it not with a minority but with the majority of people.  42:13: American academia and what Aminatta’s experience as part of this world has been. 44:26: Writing and reading as a one-on-one experience that deeply touches people when they look for a certain kind of answer. 51:02: Elevating victimhood has become a common narrative that leads to the creation of tokens. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée The Lost Libraries of Timbuktu Aminatta Forna The Window Seat

Helon Habila believes in hard work, perseverance, and believing in himself and his capabilities. His motivation to be a great writer led him to defy the wishes of his parents and to challenge the negative beliefs of some of his fellow authors. He always believed his dream was possible, even if he didn’t realize how big that dream could be and the reach it would have. Helon was willing to make big sacrifices in pursuit of his writing career, including leaving Nigeria, a country that was suffering from the consequences of a totalitarian military regime. Despite having won awards for his work, Helon maintains a humble attitude. He recognizes that he has had a lot of luck, which he could only leverage thanks to his preparation. Helon’s determination is a big part of what allowed him to become a published author by Penguin, one of the world’s top publishing houses. His advice to writers is to own their voice by understanding their culture and where they come from. Only then will they be able to see where they can innovate and how they can make their impact on the world. About Helon Habila Helon Habila is a Nigerian writer, poet, literary, and pioneer when it comes to African literature. He is an award-winning author, having earned prestigious recognitions such as the National Poetry Award and the Caine Prize. He has also been nominated for numerous other awards. Helon is currently a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and he is in the process of writing his next novel, tentatively titled The Fortress. Highlights of the episode: 02:17: Helon Habila’s journey to literature after trying to meet parental expectations by studying engineering.  06:57: How Helon had to hide his decision to become a writer for fear of being misunderstood. 11:06: Helon’s start in the writing industry as a struggling romance story writer.  14:14: The “I made it” moment that encouraged Helon to keep writing.  16:40: The hardships faced by the publishing industry.   21:25: Helon’s decision to enter his work into a contest posing as a publisher 23:50: The experience of being part of a community that believed in making cultural changes in Nigeria.  25:05: The need to leave the country to be able to write due to the anti-culture atmosphere in Nigeria. 29:23: Visualizing success and believing in the quality of his work helped Helon get where he wanted to be.  31:43: The need for a new model that allowed African writers to be published.  36:34: What it means to own your voice. 40:14: The process of reinventing yourself and adapting after arriving in a new country and how this can impact creativity. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Helon Habila

Chuma Nwokolo became an advocate for others from his early years. During his first years working as a lawyer, he created a legal aid group with the goal of providing information to the public in an accessible way. His interactions with others only grew from there, including his constant interactions with his readers, his efforts to bring people closer to culture and literature, as well as his campaigning against government corruption in Nigeria. Chuma is a groundbreaking Nigerian writer, who believes great stories can change us, and he proposes that everyone is the owner of their narrative. He also believes in taking action to see the changes he wants in the world. This is why he founded BribeCode, a campaign that looks to empower individuals to fight government corruption in Nigeria. Chuma invites people to ask questions about governance and see beyond their daily needs. He encourages others to consider the needs of others and the needs of the country, as well as to take action to promote good governance. About Chuma Nwokolo Chuma Nwokolo is a writer, poet, lawyer, speaker, and an anti corruption advocate. He has been prolific in his work, with numerous books and short stories published since he was still in college. Chuma is a founder of the BribeCode, a campaign that looks to eliminate government corruption in Nigeria and promote good governance. Highlights of the episode: 03:19: Chuma Nwokolo’s experience as an internally displaced person in Nigeria after the civil war. 07:01: The guilt seen in survivors from war and the fortitude needed to continue and create new lives for themselves.  13:11: Chuma Nwokolo’s experience as a recently-graduated lawyer and how this led him to create a legal aid program. 16:24: Chuma’s role in encouraging the public to contribute literary pieces and poems at the Ashmolean Museum. 22:10: The need to thrive on conflict to be able to write in the thriller genre. 23:48: Corruption in the public sector in Nigeria as one of the biggest impediments to what the country can be.  32:15: Everyone can dictate their narrative, which is something people don’t always realize. 36:22: Blogging can be a type of oral tradition in which there isn’t always a commitment to the long form. 40:47: The search for readers and platforms distracts writers from creating excellent work.  43:49: Chumu’s decision to become a publisher and the impact this has had on his writing. 50:05: Campaigning for good government is in the best interest for everyone, even if not everyone realizes how it affects them.  57:17: Asking the good questions about governance and transforming each citizen into an anti corruption worker through the Bribecode. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Chuma Nwokolo BribeCode

ABOUT Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué is a feminist historian, assitant professor of African Cultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin, an author, and a speaker. She has focused most of her research on African feminisms and how gender norms and constructions influence the entire identity of a person. She also sits at the editorial board of the Journal of Women’s History and Feminist Africa.  Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué, Highlighting African Feminisms through Academia “Being a Black woman is being Black twice”. That is a phrase that sums up the reality of being a Black woman in this current world. Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué has dedicated her work as an African Cultural Studies professor and researcher to understand the gender norms that shape the identities of African people as well as the different feminisms that have emerged in the continent. Yes, feminisms, in plural. There are differences not only between how gender equality is seen in Africa and the US, but also inside the African continent. Through her research, Jacqueline-Bethel has found that there have been different ways in which African women have fought for gender equality. These range from loud and visible protests, to more subtle yet impactful actions at the highest political levels. She also talks about finding her identity as a Cameroon-born girl who grew up in the United States. Embracing both sides of her required her to be authentic, and taking a look into the history of women around the world helped her accept herself and be proud of who she is. Even when she goes down the less-traveled path. Highlights of the episode: 03:24: Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué talks about cultural norms and values and how they influence what it means to be African in this current world. 05:08: The subtle way in which African women have expressed their political authority.  09:11: The generational differences in African identity stemmed from changes in the experience of being Black in the US. 17:45: How being a resident instead of a citizen in the United States limited and shaped Jacqueline’s experiences.  19:23: The impact of African events on Jacqueline’s love for African fabrics, patterns, and her interest in design. 23:33: Black women as a double minority and the obstacles faced by Black women within the Black community itself. 27:15: Gender norms shape the different types of feminisms.  31:39: The differences in how African women express their political opinions according to their age as well as the roles they have in a country.  35:10: The gap between researching feminism and gender values and the reality experienced in everyday life. 38:44: How the examples of other women and understanding the role of women in history have shaped Jacqueline’s concepts of self-acceptance and independence. 42:39: The drive to learn about African women’s history and the road that brought Jacqueline to this path. Mentioned Resources Third Culture Africans Malée Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué