08. From McKinsey to the Heights of Global Finance - Reading Tidjane Thiam

In this episode, we explore Without Prejudice, a memoir by Tidjane Thiam,  one of the most influential African figures in global finance, whose life has unfolded at the crossroads of power, race, ambition, and belonging.From a rare, privileged, yet at times deeply challenging childhood in post-independence Africa, to elite education in France, to the highest executive roles in global finance, and finally to a contested entry into politics, Thiam reflects on risk, responsibility, and the invisible barriers that persist even at the very top.Structured around three threads - a golden childhood, a brilliant career, and a rocky start in politics - this episode is less a celebration of success than a meditation on its cost: racism, exile, sacrifice, and the limits of meritocracy.This reading also echoes themes we’ve explored in earlier episodes on Africa’s development -  a reminder that excellence emerges from Africa, in all its complexity.🎧 Tune in as we reflect on Without Prejudice, and ask what it truly means to rise, and what it means to choose what you rise for.The FT article we talked about: ⁠https://www.ft.com/content/d3365c78-e93e-44eb-9c62-d43189e70bda⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠00:00 Intro01:30 Book Intro and background12:31 The Author14:03 The Rare African Golden Childhood42:19 A Brilliant Career01:29:51 Rocky Start in Politics01:40:48 Outro