W.E W.I.N Podcast

Send us Fan MailTinuade Oguntuyi was once mocked for crawling on the floor to fix cables as an "under the table engineer". Today, she is a General Manager who has scaled critical infrastructure across over 30 states in Nigeria. She joins us to discuss her accidental journey from wanting to be a doctor to managing networks that literally save lives and livelihoods. We talk about scaling through logistical nightmares , her deep passion for rural telephony, and the profound joy of bringing an unconnected village its first phone call. Ultimately, she shares how we must bridge the digital divide while ensuring she never loses touch with the people on the ground. Support the show

Send us Fan MailAre you running a daily hustle, or do you actually own an asset? Top-tier IP attorney Lara Kayode has spent 30 years protecting the creations of African entrepreneurs and world-famous brands. We dive into the heartbreaking reality of founders losing their brands because they didn't protect them early enough. From hunting down counterfeiters to the psychological switch between being a fierce litigator and a CEDR-accredited mediator, we uncover the realities of intellectual property in a complex market.Support the show

Send us Fan MailOreoluwa Somolu-Lesi founded W.TEC in 2008, long before "Women in Tech" became a popular corporate slogan. Having reached over 47,000 girls, she discusses the hard truths of the industry and the one lie we need to stop telling young Nigerian girls about working in technology. We discuss her concerns about raising a generation of technically brilliant children who are losing the ability to read deeply and think critically in the age of TikTok. Finally, this Ashoka and Vital Voices Fellow shares the ultimate lesson she wants every 12-year-old girl in her W.TEC camps to know about her own power—a lesson no code can teach.Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow do you balance building a tech startup with dismantling cultural conditioning? Technical founder Ebunoluwa Arimoro is attempting both. She joins us to discuss her journey building Jobapay for the service market while navigating her own pre-seed fundraise. We also delve into her work leading The HERdacity Network, unpacking the cultural expectation for Nigerian women to remain humble and let their work speak for itself. She shares how she guides ambitious women to break through their self-imposed 'Glass Walls' and finally own their achievements.Support the show

Send us Fan MailKemi Ojenike is a seasoned Family Wealth Advisor who focuses heavily on transferring 'Complete Wealth' across generations. She joins us to discuss the transition from managing clean corporate contracts to managing complex family dynamics. We answer the ultimate question: in the world of Ultra-High Net Worth families, is the biggest threat to generational wealth a bad economy or a badly raised child? We also dive into the challenge of convincing a powerful patriarch that it is time to step back and trust the next generation.Support the show

Send us Fan MailRev. Dr. Ruth Conlon encourages people to lead from the 'Inside Out'. In an age of personal branding, she helps high-level leaders identify the early warning signs that their 'Inside' is beginning to collapse, even if their 'Outside' looks successful. We discuss the journey toward the 'Authentic Self', how to peel off the 'False Self' we create to survive corporate environments, and whether it is dangerous to be authentic in a world that rewards performance. We also discuss what corporate CEOs can learn about 'endurance' from marginalized communities, and how to redefine the heavy word 'Holiness' into something closer to 'Wholeness' for the modern, fragmented person.Support the show

Send us Fan MailBolanle Ogungbe-Gogo balances her demanding role as the Financial Controller of IBILE Oil & Gas with her election as the Global President of the F.G.G.C. Calabar Old Girls Association. In this episode, she unpacks what "sisterhood" truly means to her and why she felt pulled to take on this massive responsibility. We discuss how the bonds formed as teenagers in boarding school translate into the support systems we need as executive women, and how she adjusts her leadership style to influence peers and childhood friends when she has no direct structural authority.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSpoken word poet Ruth Mahogany describes her work as "conscious storytelling," having collaborated with massive global organizations like the United Nations Population Fund and Amnesty International. In this episode, we unpack her creative process for turning "dry policy" and complex themes like human rights into art that makes people feel. She also shares how she balances the free-flowing spirit of an artist with discipline, and how she protects her mental health while constantly pouring her emotions into her craft.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Ijele Adimora brings a unique mix of high-level medical training from UT Health and Johns Hopkins, alongside an MBA from Dartmouth. She brings her dual perspective as a doctor and a business strategist to discuss low-cost healthcare options in systems like Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from her time on the ground in Nepal, Tanzania, and South Africa , as well as her interest in interventions in Ibadan , she shares advice for medical professionals in the Diaspora on how to engage with the Nigerian system in a way that is actually helpful. Beyond the business of healing, she also opens up about the emotional cost of high-stakes medical work. We explore the challenge of taking off the white coat after a heavy shift and how hard it is to stop being the "shock absorber" to simply be vulnerable.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo is an Executive Head who recently completed her PhD in Business Science. We explore the themes of her new book, Step Forward, focusing on Continuous Learning, while also looking back at the unpolished truths of corporate Nigeria from her 2017 book, The Pressure Cooker. As a C-suite executive and mother of two, she discusses making peace with the guilt of relying on support systems. Finally, we unpack how she equips women with market-ready skills and teaches young leaders the importance of ethics and governance.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAs the Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni is at the helm of youth leadership development and nation building. In this episode, we dive into how the evolution of leadership theories she studied during her Executive MBA  translated to the real world during her own leadership transition. We tackle the harsh realities of driving Africa Youth Development during the era of mass emigration from Africa and how she balances the "heart" of social development with the "head" required for non-profit financial sustainability.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe world of Investment Banking often demands a specific kind of 'armor'—tough, hyper-rational, and guarded. Ada Onanuga joins us to explore the profound tension between surviving the boardroom and maintaining your own vulnerability. We discuss the core message of her book, Awaken the Voice Within, unpacking the trap of waiting for permission that - as she says - "God never told you to ask for", and how to distinguish between cultural disrespect and the vital act of refusing to "abandon yourself".Support the show

Send us Fan MailPeju Abuchi is a Poetic Strategist whose mission is to "disrupt LEADERSHIP spaces". But her journey to the global stage started as a shy child for whom writing was an escape. She joins us to discuss navigating gatekeeping from other women while trying to publish her book, and how she turned that lack of support into an opportunity for growth, becoming the unexpected catalyst to find and hone her authentic voice. We explore the rare fusion of using the 'soft' tool of poetry to achieve 'hard' organizational transformation and her philosophy as a Therapeutic Wordsmith —that by changing our language, we can "craft a different reality".Support the show

Send us Fan MailJoy Salewa left a high-level finance career in London to pursue the "diaspora dream" in Nigeria. She joins us to discuss the challenging realities that forced her to leave again and how she channeled that experience into the I Moved Back podcast. We explore the real cost of doing business in Nigeria and dive into the specific challenges female founders encounter when raising capital in a system not always built for them.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Lilian Anomnachi has spent years fixing the big machinery of public health. Now, she is tackling "silent killers" with Viedial Healthcare, a startup that monitors patients outside the clinic. We discuss why lifestyle changes are notoriously hard to engineer and how her new venture bridges the critical gap between a doctor’s 15-minute appointment and the reality of a patient's daily life.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAt 32, Sheila Chingono was a successful Government Lawyer and Magistrate Judge. Then, in a single moment, a hemorrhagic stroke changed everything. She joins us to share how her faith and family played a crucial role in her recovery, becoming practical tools for survival in the face of deep struggle. We also discuss how building a brand rooted in resilience, unity, and positive reinforcement—Tiribhoo, meaning "we are good"—became a vital part of her healing journey.Support the show

Send us Fan MailOare Ehiemua-Ochui left a successful corporate career at major firms like Total and African Capital Alliance to dedicate herself to an unlikely sector: construction. She joins us to discuss why she believes this "unglamorous" sector holds significant potential for young people. We explore her journey from launching OPL Academy to the tech-driven solution, LaborHack. We also discuss why she prioritizes professional ethics and soft skills over just technical training, and her advice for women in 'safe' jobs who feel called to solve real-world problems.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAfter graduating from university in Nigeria, Naomi Eyler made the bold move to the UAE to start her career. She joins us to unpack the mindset of the next generation: from how they define a successful career today to the leadership styles that inspire loyalty and high performance". We also dive into the reality of "life integration"—how she manages a demanding career, a new marriage, and an MBA all at once, without feeling the need to sacrifice one for the other.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAfter a long and successful career in banking in Nigeria, rising to a senior role at FirstBank, Anne Nwaokolo made the incredibly brave decision to start a new career in healthcare data analytics in the UK. This week, she shares the very first, practical step she took to turn the abstract idea of change into a concrete project. We also discuss her strategy for balancing the demands of intense upskilling and how she managed imposter syndrome when entering a new field.Support the show

Send us Fan MailTya Bolton believes she was "chosen by the ancestors to be a legacy maker". In this episode, we explore the feeling of being called to a purpose larger than oneself. Tya discusses the concept of making "purposeful pivots" toward a life of greater meaning and distinguishes between companies that are just performative versus those building "truly authentic and impactful partnerships". This is a conversation about service, sacrifice, and the power of persistence.Support the show

Send us Fan MailMany from a previous generation might have waited until they felt "more 'ready'" to start something impactful. Nana Yaa Serwaa represents a generation that is moving differently. Co-founder of the "Dare 2 Dream Initiative" and host of "The Big Stepper Podcast", she joins us to discuss why young people today are rejecting traditional timelines. We explore the "portfolio" approach to a career and what "shaping the future" looks like on a practical, day-to-day level for the next wave of African talent.Support the show

Send us Fan MailLeaving a long-term career like that is a huge identity shift". Marina Vandeberg shares her journey of leaving the "highly structured, prestigious world" of corporate advisory to build a business from a "blank slate". We discuss the hardest part of no longer being defined by a corporate label—"Marina from PwC" —and her philosophy that strategic partnerships are fundamentally about human relationships. She reveals why she has walked away from perfect-on-paper deals because the trust "just wasn't there" and how she builds trust across cultures in her global work with Fimple.Support the show

Send us Fan MailNhlanhla Banda built a formidable career as a High Court attorney and corporate legal counsel. But her path took a turn after an incredibly difficult experience involving sexual harassment and unfair perceptions. Now, she is on a mission to create safe spaces for women. We discuss how she is "reclaiming her narrative" through her firm, Justice Edge, and her advice for women to be "pillars of strength" for one another to resist unfair treatment.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn a competitive global classroom, what makes a Nigerian student stand out?. Oge Onyemem joins us to discuss the "brain drain vs. brain gain" debate and the most effective way to build a bridge for talent to bring global value back home. We explore the unique strengths Nigerian students bring to the table and the role the established diaspora can play in creating structured opportunities for the next generation.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAmabelle Nwakanma is a professional builder of "enabling environments," but her approach is rooted in understanding the human mind. We discuss the critical difference between looking at a problem as a "hands-on counsellor" versus a "systems architect," and how she bridges the gap. She reveals the "unwritten rule" for making social change ideas compelling to donors and discusses the systemic barriers preventing the creation of leadership pipelines for young African women. Throughout, Amabelle emphasizes her personal responsibility to design a more resilient architecture for nurturing leadership on the continent.Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow do you manage profound personal challenges while maintaining a demanding career? HR expert Bola Oduwole shares her powerful personal story of perseverance through a seven-year waiting period before the birth of her child. We discuss how she navigated immense social and familial pressure and how that resilience informs her "Insider's Playbook" for women in corporate Nigeria. We also explore strategies for effective self-advocacy and the crucial difference between mentorship and active sponsorship.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis week, Shea Harty shares her moving perspective on why female founders must create lives and businesses on their own terms, navigating beyond systems that don't resonate. After successfully climbing the traditional corporate ladder, she found that fulfillment was more important than success as defined by the system. We explore how this mindset shapes her work as a true sponsor for others and her mission to architect solutions for the systemic gaps she’s identified in her work.Support the show

Send us Fan MailDr. Idongesit Essiet-Gibson's journey defies every script. What started as a trip to a mall for a job ended in a 26-year military and public health service career, taking her from Iraq to the CDC. Now, she's on a new battlefield: angel investing. As a Deal Lead with "She's Independent Investments" , she explains why representation in funding is necessary and how "when women fund women, entire ecosystems shift". This episode is for every woman who thinks her unconventional path disqualifies her.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is for the successful professional who feels a quiet unease or "constant restlessness". "The Mindset Queen" Rebecca Nwankwo shares her story of mid-career reinvention, which started with the powerful question, "Is this it?". We discuss her philosophy that the goal "isn’t to eliminate imposter syndrome—it’s to stop letting it take the wheel", and the specific "superpower" a 45-year-old professional has that a brilliant 25-year-old simply can't.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat was it like to build face recognition technology way before we used it to unlock our phones? Dr. Jania Okwechime shares her journey of dedicating her academic career to pushing the boundaries of computer science and what prompted her significant shift into the world of forensic technology to "fight financial crime". We discuss the culture shock of moving from a university to a corporate environment and dive deep into her advocacy for "Trustworthy AI". Dr. Jania explains what this means for Africa and what must be addressed to build AI that is "relevant for the continent's specific needs". Finally, we explore a topic dear to our hearts: what can be done for young girls and women to embrace STEM in Africa, especially where infrastructural constraints like poor power, internet access, and poverty exist.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat can managing complex, high-stakes systems in the aviation industry teach you about tackling the climate emergency? Aeronautical engineer turned climate tech co-founder Florina Minzat shares her journey. We discuss her vision for the future of smart, sustainable buildings and how her company, EcothermiQ, provides innovative, low-embodied carbon technology. If she is wildly successful, how will our homes and offices feel different in 10 to 20 years? Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an actress defies the script? In a powerful story, Nollywood star Mary Chukwuma went off-script while playing a victim of domestic violence and chose to fight back—a moment of improvisation the director kept. This conversation is about rewriting the scripts we’re handed. Mary discusses how this mindset applies to her career as an actor and costume designer, where developing a complementary skill is key for thriving long-term in the industry. We also explore the pressure to conform to damaging beauty standards, including a candid conversation about skin bleaching and what it says about the definitions of beauty and success promoted to women. This episode is for every woman who is ready to write her own ending.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat is the key to building an effective sales process with limited resources? Drawing from her experience reducing customer acquisition costs by 40% in one quarter for early-stage startups, Anna Insam provides a playbook for founders. But this is a story of more than business. As a survivor of domestic violence, Anna also shares what the word 'empowered' truly means within a healthcare context and offers advice for other survivors with a powerful ambition to build a venture on their own terms.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat is the true return on investment when a company takes employee health seriously? Corporate wellness expert Sherese Ijewere joins us to discuss the pushback she gets from leaders and how her Caribbean heritage influences her approach to nutrition in Nigeria. We explore the crucial link between what women eat and their ability to manage immense pressure , and the one simple step you can take this week to begin taking charge of your health.Support the show

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