The Voices of Influential People (The VIP Podcast)

Join us for the 11th and final episode of our VIP season as we sit down with Lanny Smith,  former Sacramento Kings NBA player,  and founder of Actively Black and Active Faith.Lanny shares his inspiring journey from the NBA to entrepreneurship after a career-ending injury shattered his dreams just 33 days into his NBA career. He discusses how his Christian faith and the color of his skin have influenced his business ventures, which have garnered partnership with prominent figures like Steph Curry and more.Discover how Lanny successfully transitioned to entrepreneurship without any prior experience or degree, building a million-dollar brand from his mother’s house. Don't miss this insightful conversation!Follow Lanny: https://www.instagram.com/l.smith23/?hl=enFollow Actively Black: https://www.instagram.com/activelyblack/Shop: https://activelyblack.com/Read more: https://blog.mipad.org/he-is-lanny-smith/VIP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/VIP TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voices.influentialpeopleWant to sponsor Season 2? - email [email protected] us Fan MailSupport the show

Join us on this enlightening 10th episode as we sit down with the multifaceted creative force and CEO, Raphael Sofuloke. He shares his unique approach as a visionary, entrepreneur and accomplished author and his journey of how he transforms raw ideas into tangible masterpieces. We delve into his diverse projects, exploring the intersection of culture, art and business, and the challenges and triumphs of pushing past boundaries. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Raphael's insights on innovation, persistence, and staying true to one's vision are sure to inspire and motivate. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the power and importance of following your passion and staying true to your vision.Subscribe now and don't miss this captivating episode with Raphael Sofuloke, where creativity meets reality.Raphael’s IG: @raphaelsofolukeRegister for the Birmingham Black Business Show: https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/Visit: https://www.ukblackbusinessshow.co.uk/Learn more about Raphael’s books here:“Twice As Hard: Navigating Black Stereotypes And Creating Space For Success”https://www.amazon.com/Twice-As-Hard/dp/0241501032“Together We Thrive” Out September 5th!https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/461806/together-we-thrive-by-sofoluke-raphael/9780241705131 Make sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast”.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1OiOMtnplCIcC48jSodwyG?si=e121a5d5cfb94184Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our 9th episode, we engage in a conversation with Robinson Lynn, a leadership and development expert whose work, to empower educators and students, emphasizes the profound belief that every individual matters. From helping you form ideal relationships to achieving your life goals, his guidance drives tangible results. Joining us from Washington, D.C., Robinson shares his insights on how to create sustainable impact.Join us to discover Robinsons tips on leadership as he reflects on his journey from becoming a young leader over an organization that has impacted thousands of people, to effectively leading by example and forging relationships with clients such as the  National Urban League, Disney, NBA, BET, Google, Rockefeller Foundation, Skadden, and Nike.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our eighth episode, we engage in an insightful conversation about the development of Smart Cities with our esteemed guest, Naomi Sesay. Naomi is pioneering the creation of the world’s first smart, sustainable, female-centric city in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her innovative approach has spiked attention from numerous organizations as she aims to establish an inclusive, regenerative, and eco-conscious urban environment—a blueprint for future communal living and sustainable workspaces.During our discussion, Naomi also shares invaluable insights gleaned from her extensive 30+ years of experience in television, shedding light on both on-screen and behind-the-scenes efforts towards equity. Join us as we explore practical strategies for realizing Smart Cities in Africa, fostering wealth creation, and Naomi's vision for advancing equity within the media landscape.Keep up with Naomi, and get involved with her initiative via social media: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-sesay/Make sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast”.Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LYLMYZf4uVFjt8i9olnC8?si=0o1r9HMcStig8NqzJ2vQkgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our 7th Episode,  we're marking World Creativity and Innovation Day with a special guest: Abdul Abdullah, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder behind AfroFuture Fest. This Global event shines a spotlight on the vibrant creativity and  talent of millennials both outside and within Africa. Calling in from the USA, Abdul shares his inspiring journey, unveiling the inspiration behind this global festival and imparting invaluable insights on navigating the path to success.Tune in to gain firsthand wisdom from Abdul's narrative, and hear how the steps along his journey were instrumental in realizing his dreams and achieving worldwide impact!Don't miss out—watch, listen, and engage with us in the comments section!Follow Abdul on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruler02/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheRuler02Learn more about AfroFuture Fest here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrofuture/?hl=enSite: https://bio.site/afrofutureMake sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast”.Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DvNompKQ35hQ0XBRcOv7a?si=OTgMnEjzTKu0fzNtZuCK9Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In episode six, we celebrate World Health Day with a key discussion around healthcare and innovation, highlighting the  experiences and perspectives of Black Brazilians. Dentist and Founder of AfroSaúde, Arthur Lima joins us from Brazil,  the country with the largest population of people of African Descent outside of Africa. AfroSaúde develops health solutions with social and organizational objectives. They provide resources for patients to find the best specialists, as well as a robust, personalized, and dependable platform for consultants to effectively manage their online practice with special attention to the Black population.Join us as we dive into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by Black communities within Brazil’s healthcare landscape and learn how Arthur is championing groundbreaking initiatives in tech and healthcare to create solutions that combat the systemic disparities many Black Brazilians are facing.Watch, listen and share your thoughts in the comments!Learn more about AfroSaúde here:https://afrosaude.com.br/homeInstagram:@afrosaude@souarthurlimaFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/afrosaudebrLinkedin:https://br.linkedin.com/company/afrosaudeMake sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast”.Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DvNompKQ35hQ0XBRcOv7a?si=OTgMnEjzTKu0fzNtZuCK9Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our 5th episode, Samantha Sibanda joins us all the way from China to discuss how she effectively pursues Human Rights for people of african descent, despite its history of a hostile racial environment. Her organization, Appreciate Africa, is known for successfully petitioning and stopping the Wuhan Provincial - an exhibition where Africans were be likened to animals. Besides advocatingagainst unfair treatment of Africans in China, she is also the Founder and Director of The Prideof Africa Asia Pacific Awards that recognizes the efforts of Africans based in Asia Pacific.Listen to her share her unique experience of being black in China, and share your thoughts in the comments!Link to Samantha’s book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZVGGQJKInstagram:@[email protected] www.elevateflair.comMake sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast” here:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DvNompKQ35hQ0XBRcOv7a?si=OTgMnEjzTKu0fzNtZuCK9Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Don’t forget to submit your question for the next V-I-P!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What does democracy look like in 2024 and beyond? What’s at stake as many critical elections across the globe are set to happen? How is the mission to achieve racial equity and equality being prioritized as the fate of democracy hangs in the balance? In our 4th episode, we’ll explore the intersections of race and democracy in a thought-provoking discussion with our esteemed guest calling in from the USA, Desirée Cormier Smith. Desirée is the Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice for the United States State Department.Her journey in public service and global diplomacy has been nothing short of extraordinary! Desirée is truly a brilliant and authentic leader and an expert in her field. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation during Women's History Month! Come listen in! Desirée on X (formerly Twitter):@US_SRREJU.S. State Department Bio Page:https://www.state.gov/biographies/desiree-cormier-smith/Young Black Scholars Programhttps://www.lacesmagnetschool.org/students/Orgs/YoungBlackScholars.htmlPickering Fellowship (Foreign Affairs Program)https://pickeringfellowship.org/Please make sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast” here:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DvNompKQ35hQ0XBRcOv7a?si=OTgMnEjzTKu0fzNtZuCK9wInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Don’t forget to submit your question for the next V-I-P!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our 3rd episode, Joseph Owolabi, Founder of Rubicola Consulting and the youngest and first Black Global President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), stops by “The Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast” all the way from Australia, to share his leadership insights. Success didn’t happen overnight for Joseph. Instead, Joseph tells us how it was dedication, perseverance and a culmination of small steps and key lessons learned along the way that propelled him into making history at a young age.  With an extensive background in senior management roles at leading firms across the globe, Joseph brings a wealth of experience and expertise to episode three. You’re in for a real dose of invaluable wisdom to accelerate your journey to success. Come on and listen in! Joseph on social media:@opejoe@rubicolaconsultingRubicola Website:https://www.rubicola.co/ACCA website:https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en.htmlPlease make sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast” here:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gQLOXZ1vIZD7aA7GHIGRI?si=30605620e6014686Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our second episode, renowned cultural anthropologist, writer, documentary filmmaker and Executive Director of Afrodiaspora Global and MIPAD Global Advisor, Dr. Sheila S. Walker joins us from the USA for a special discussion on global Black history. She shares how a transformative experience as a U.S. exchange student to the Central African country of Cameroon catapulted her into the transformative work she does today, teaching, sharing and documenting the global presence of people and cultures of African origin throughout the diaspora. Dr. Walker also highlights the continuum of “knowing” and the commonalities rooted in our stories, food, music, practices and spirituality that exists across the global African diaspora. And she illustrates how we can all celebrate and maintain our connections. Dr. Walker on social media:http://linkedin.com/in/sheila-s-walkerhttp://facebook.com/afrodiasporaglobalhttp://instagram.com/afrodiasporaglobalDocumentary works by Dr. Walker:“Scattered Africa: Faces and Voices of the African Diaspora”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INxzDDUX86Q“Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQvFXNB3VN4Please make sure to subscribe, download, share, like and follow the “Voices of Influential People (The VIP) Podcast” here:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gQLOXZ1vIZD7aA7GHIGRI?si=30605620e6014686Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In our pilot episode, Kamil Olufowobi, the Connectologist and founder and visionary of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) joins us for a conversation about the mission of MIPAD, the importance of forming and leveraging valuable connections, and ways to find your purpose and calling. We also delve into what MIPAD is doing to face systemic racism and tips on overcoming potential barriers to success.Sign up for the Connectology course here: https://shop.mipad.org/product-category/education/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofinfluentialpeople/Subscribe to our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MIPAD100/podcastsSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Tune into the Voices of Influential People, the VIP Podcast for a unique podcast experience that will elevate your strategy and build a bridge that connects you to today’s most influential global changemakers of African descent from politics, business, media and humanitarianism. Hosts: Jonathan Olufowobi, Aziza Taylor  & Imo Enang Send us Fan MailSupport the show