Founder Diaries Podcast

What if everything you thought about profit, business, and your personal value… was wrong? 👀In Episode 5, we sit down with Mr. Waithaka Gatumia, a financial literacy coach, who breaks down the realities of business, money, and what it truly means to build wealth.From transitioning out of Media & Communications into financial education, to helping people grow sustainable wealth, this conversation is packed with hard truths and practical wisdom every entrepreneur (and self-employed individual) needs to hear. The difference between being self-employed vs an entrepreneurWhy profit is NOT your money 💸The real aim of every business (and why many get it wrong)Why labour is a cost (yes, even yours!)Understanding your true value beyond your businessAnd the story of how Mr. Waithaka ended up spending dollars in just two weeks 😂Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comWhen you think DigiTax think tax and e-TIMS simplified. Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403DigiTax — your tax assistant in your pocketSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram / founderdiar. .Tiktok / founder.diari. .Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVj...Follow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi...TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurm...

Why are so many founders determined to use their own money to build businesses? 🤔In this Minisode, we unpack the deeply rooted mindset behind self-funding and bootstrapping, especially among Kenyan founders, and ask the uncomfortable question:Is it always bravery… or sometimes fear and lack of awareness?From selling personal assets, borrowing from chamas, and taking high-interest loans, to wearing burnout like a badge of honor - this episode challenges the narrative many founders have grown up believing.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

In this episode of Founder Diaries, we sit down with a creative entrepreneur, Tara Nicole as she shares her journey of building, evolving, and reinventing herself across multiple creative industries.From painting on t-shirts and shoes, to diving into food photography for brands, to creating props and drops —Tara’s story is one of constant evolution, bold pivots, and following curiosity.Today, she’s shares her journey as a vibe curator, running a mobile cocktail experience that blends creativity, experience, and lifestyle.This conversation goes beyond just business, it will remind you that it is okay to start before you feel ready and that every version of you is part of the journey.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram / founderdiar. .Tiktok / founder.diari. .Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVj...Follow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi...TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurm...

Opening a new branch sounds like growth but it can quickly become pressure if you’re not fully prepared.In this minisode, we’re unpacking the real conversations every entrepreneur needs to have before expanding, because having cash flow doesn’t always mean you have overflow, and that distinction can make or break your next move.We get into:Why data matters more than hype; Understanding your market, order volumes, and the people in that areaThe hidden costs most people overlook (equipment, systems, WiFi, hiring, legal, and more)The importance of vetting—why you should always ask for past work, long-term results, and real client feedback before bringing people on boardThe operational truth—whether your business is actually built to sustain another branchIf you’ve been thinking about scaling, this is your reality check. Subscribe and turn on notifications.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

Sage Skin officially turned 1 last month and in this episode I get to share some financial decisions that almost cost me the business and how we've managed to pivot since then. Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.com Sponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram  / founderdiar.  Tiktok  / founder.diari.  Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVj...Follow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi...TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurm...

In today’s episode, we explore the power of founder-led brands and what it really means to build through founder-led marketing.More than just visibility, founder-led marketing is about becoming the primary channel for trust, storytelling, authority, and distribution. It’s strategic, intentional, and deeply human.If you’re building a brand, this episode will challenge you to step forward not just as a founder, but as the face and voice that brings your vision to life.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram / founderdiar. .Tiktok / founder.diari. .Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVj...Follow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi...TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurm...

In today`s episode, we feature Lynn Ngugi (commonly knows as Miss Turu), who is a well celebrated Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and founder of ANO Advocates LLP as she takes us through her journey of becoming a lawyer, transitioning from a well paying job into building businesses that are thriving in the market.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comNow, you`ve heard me talk about DigiTax for a while now and I'm here to plug you again. When you think Digitax think tax and e-tims simplified. Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403Digitax — your tax assistant in your pocketSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

This episode is a follow-up on Minisode 4, where we go deeper into what it really takes to build systems that support growth, not just survival.We break down the power of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), the franchise mindset, and scaling properly and how small consistent structures allow a business to scale.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram / founderdiar. .Tiktok / founder.diari. .Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVj...Follow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi...TikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurm...

In this episode, we unpack key insights from The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber—and the hard truth about what’s really holding most businesses back.The difference between working in your business and working on your business.Most small businesses don’t fail because the owner lacks skill but because the owner never stops being the technician.Technical skills may generate income, but systems build sustainable businesses.This episode will challenge how you think, build, and operate.Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.com Sponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

Did you know that the Melvin Marsh company didn’t start as a tea brand—it started by solving a practical everyday problem through Kenya’s first free-flowing salt? In today`s episode, we sit down with the Founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International as she shares her journey into building this well celebrated tea brand that has become a household name across boarders. Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.com When you think DigiTax think tax and e-TIMS simplified. Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403DigiTax — your tax assistant in your pocketSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

According to Rory Sutherland, (a well-known behavioral science expert at Ogilvy in the U.K), human beings don't buy things for purely logical or practical reasons. Instead, their decisions are driven by subconscious desires, emotional triggers, and perceived meaning.In this episode, we’ll be unpacking the real reason VS the practical reason behind consumer behaviour, exploring what truly influences people to say “yes.” More importantly, we’ll dive into how founders can tap into emotion and market to the feeling in a way that genuinely connects and converts.Partner Spotlight;We’re honoured to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

Imagine having a phone that doesn`t force you to be on your screens all day but you still get your notifications on time. In this episode, we talk about an entrepreneur called Kat Goetze who invented a bluetooth landline phone that is able to connect to your smartphone, which means if your phone rings, the landline rings. The phone was designed to help users reduce screen time by allowing them to take calls on a familiar handset without picking up their smartphones, how cool.Partner Spotlight;We’re honoured to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comWhen you think DigiTax think tax and e-TIMS simplified. Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403DigiTax — your tax assistant in your pocketSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiar...Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diari...Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFollow our host on socials:Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

Imagine being able to access real data to understand your business operations, reduce stock-outs and who your consumers are. In this episode, Michelle Watiki, Co-founder of Duck Analytics takes us through the importance of data and client segmentation in business building to make better decisions that boost revenue. Duck Analytics helps retailers optimise their pricing and location strategies using an AI-powered platform empowering you with real-time data for smarter decisions.Partner Spotlight;We’re honoured to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comNow, you`ve heard me talk about DigiTax for a while now and I'm here to plug you again. When you think Digitax think tax and e-tims simplified. Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403Digitax — your tax assistant in your pocketSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.com and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram⁠\TikTok - @founderdariespodcast Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1CBpdVjLHAuO96jyYCLo4S?si=SJOyRSTQS_GXgTOFzZc0ZgFind our host on socials:Instagram⁠:https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyi?igsh=Y3NiczB1YWR1eW1wTikTok⁠:https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamake?_r=1&_t=ZS-95NMkTDQ6wD

Welcome to Season 2 of Founder Diaries! 🎙️In this first minisode, I take you back to where it all began—my story, my journey into business, and how we got here. From selling noodles in high school to building two thriving beauty and skincare brands, this is a raw and honest look at the process behind the progress.One thing I’ve learned? Skincare is like math—there’s a formula for everything.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to start, grow, and stay consistent in business, this one is for you. Partner Spotlight;We’re honored to have Sarova Hotels as our Season 2 partner on Founder Diaries. From creating beautiful spaces to curating unforgettable experiences, Sarova is the best fit for your staycation, business meeting or that special celebration. Visit their website to check out their facilities and services at www.sarovahotels.comSponsor highlight;This podcast is proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquare.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTI2NzNndTgyZGUydg==Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-95LDUI5VlHY

Listen to the story of how Cellulant was built, the businesses Ken Njoroge built prior to getting investors into the business. He built with a larger market in mind and today that is a reality. Today's hustle is Komini which is a business built to create community for small business owners and helping them "arrive alive." Then hear the perspective of Kui Njoroge who built alongside him and continues to do so in Komini. Asking: "How big the business shall be vs how big it can be."Find Komini on socials: InstagramFind our host on socials:Instagram⁠ -   / yvonnekanyi  TikTok⁠ -   / entrepreneurmamake  Follow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠\TikTok - @founderdariespodcast Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

Hear my thoughts on how I would market my business if social media was no longer available. Social media is becoming saturated and more people sensitive to promotional content thus affecting it's effectiveness. We need to start thinking about offline ways to engage and attract new customers. What are your ideas? Engage us in the comment section. Find our host on socials:Instagram⁠ TikTok⁠ Follow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠TikTok - @founderdariespodReach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠HERE⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke, and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co, and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

Catch up on Waithera Mugo's story and how she went from a law student to owning her own firm and building a niche business with Ithera Africa, a tax & wealth advisory firm. I learned from here there are so many ways to legally reduce your tax liability as a business and to think through your corporate structure and the implications that has on your tax points. The true point of a business is to make money for the business owner - hear more on how to maximize this. Find Waithera: https://ithera.africa/, on Instagram: @waithera_mugo Find our host on socials:Instagram⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyiTikTok⁠ - https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamakeFollow Founder Diaries on socials:⁠Instagram⁠\TikTok - @founderdariespodcast Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke, and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

Find our host on socials:Instagram⁠ TikTok⁠ Follow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠TikTok - @founderdariespodcast  Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: HERE⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke, and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co, and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

You know… running a product business will teach you math you didn’t even know you needed.Not the cute math… the painful math.The “why is my cash gone yet my shelves are full?” math.Today we’re talking about inventory mistakes, the true cost of dead stock, and why inventory turnover and run rate are non-negotiable if you want a healthy business.Inventory is a beast to master and has to be mastered to really optimize your business - most importantly cash flow! Learn why dead stock is detrimental to your business and get specific and practical tips on how to better manage inventory. "Inventory doesn’t care how passionate you are.It doesn’t care how good your brand is.It doesn’t care how many followers you have.Inventory rewards:SystemsDisciplineCash flow awarenessNegotiation skillsAnd the willingness to say “no” to suppliersIf you master your turnover, your run rate, and your inventory planning, you stop running your business like a kiosk…" Find our host on socials:Instagram⁠ TikTok⁠ Follow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠\TikTok - @founderdariespodcast  Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke, and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co, and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

Pricing might seem straightforward — but over time, I’ve learned that most of us underestimate how many things quietly eat into our margins.We price for the product.But we forget to price for the business. Your pricing should factor in: Your salary and compensation as a founder/directorGovernment compliance (taxes, licenses, statutory requirements)Rent and operational overheadsStaffing and laborSoftware, tools, and systems that keep everything running.If these aren’t built into your pricing structure, your profit is an illusion. And here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: pricing is emotional. For many founders, pricing feels deeply tied to self-worth. If you struggle with valuing yourself, charging higher prices can feel like you’re building a wall to push customers away. But that’s not what strong pricing does. Strong pricing creates sustainability.It allows you to serve well.It gives your business room to breathe. Here are signs your pricing likely needs adjusting: High revenue… but just as much money going out. Constantly tight cash flow. You can’t scale without feeling financially stretched.You’re overworked and underpaid.Revenue is vanity.Margin is sanity.Cash flow is survival.If your business is growing but you constantly feel pressure, the issue may not be effort — it may be"Profit is not extra - it's how the business stays alive." Find our host on socials:Instagram⁠ - https://www.instagram.com/yvonnekanyiTikTok⁠ - https://www.tiktok.com/@entrepreneurmamakeFollow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠\TikTok - @founderdariespodcast Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke, and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

I've been in business for many many years and I have one particular season where I truly thought about quitting. I sat down to figure out how to replace my income and actually got the ball rolling until I realized where the pain point truly was. What happens when you're faced with the end of the business you built from scratch?This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off. Find our host on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow Founder Diaries on socials: ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: ⁠https://digitax.tech/⁠ | ⁠+254795279403

Hear the story of Liz Njuguna and how she started off with buying and flipping land at 19. She started off with one parcel being paid in installments of 20K a month which down the road was flipped into 700K pain in a lumpsum. Learn how her discipline and reinvesting grew that hustle into Risiih Investments. Five years down the road Risiih is working on putting more land into the hands of women and breaking down the barriers to women owning land. Find our guest on socials: Liz Njuguna Find our host on socials: Instagram, TikTok Follow Founder Diaries on socials: Instagram, TikTok Reach out to DigiTax to make your eTIMS compliance much easier: https://digitax.tech/ | +254795279403

Dreaming is dopamine and doing is discipline. It's not because you're lazy or lack of motivation. Thinking about your dream life of driving the car you'd want, the freedom of time you crave and dream travel destinations is VERY easy but different to when it comes to taking the action required to achieve that. There is a physiological reason to this - your nervous system is wired to avoid change and it's a survival mechanism. Listen to how this works and how to counter it to set the ball rolling for the dream life you want. Get some practical steps to beat how your body has been wired to achieve what you want. This podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

At some point, every founder has to ask:Am I building a real business… or just surviving?In Minisode17, Yvonne shares the practical shifts that helped her stop running her business like a kiosk and started structuring it properly, from paying herself consistently, building systems, delegating intentionally, to planning financially and creating cash reserves.If you’re still in survival mode, this one is for you.

We’ve been sold the myth that businesses need to be revolutionary, AI-powered, or completely novel to succeed.In this minisode, we strip it back to the basics and unpack the 4 pillars of a good business — and why simple, needed, profitable ideas often win.If you’ve been overthinking your idea, this episode is for you.Let’s share about our partners, DigiTaxAs someone running a business, staying compliant shouldn’t be complicated…and that’s where DigiTax comes in.DigiTax is an eTIMS invoicing platform that helps you issue, receive and track all your tax invoices in one place, with ease.With DigiTax, you can:✅ Issue, receive, and track tax invoices in one place✅ Access via web or Android app — no technical skills needed✅ Get real-time tax reporting that syncs automatically with KRA✅ Enjoy reliable customer support for setup and complianceDigiTax makes eTIMS compliance simple, affordable and stress-free.📱 WhatsApp Support: 0112685368🌐 Website: digitax.tech

Many founders think they’re building businesses... but have actually created full-time jobs for themselves.In this minisode, we unpack the difference between being self-employed and being an entrepreneur, the signs your business depends too heavily on you, and practical steps to start building systems that scale without burning you out.If your business stops when you stop, this episode is for you.Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@founderdiariespodacst?si=JJAYjtB1vW5BlTfEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-93DygkaNo4C

What does it take to build a sustainable catering business?In this episode of Founder Diaries, Yvonne sits down with Esmeralda Founder & CEO of Spez Catering Limited, to unpack her journey from starting to running multiple corporate cafeterias.We talk about:• Why event catering alone isn’t sustainable• How corporate cafeterias create steady daily cashflow• Turning one client into long-term institutional contracts• Starting a business young and scaling through real hustle

What if the reason your business feels stuck isn’t strategy —but mindset?In this Minisode, Yvonne breaks down Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill — the one book she believes every entrepreneur must read.This episode explores how fear, drifting, habits, and lack of purpose quietly control founders and keep businesses stagnant. Framed as a psychological conversation, the book reveals how most people operate on autopilot — and how founders can reclaim control of their minds, decisions, and direction.In this episode, we cover:• Drifting vs intentional leadership• How fear shows up in business decisions• Definiteness of purpose and why it makes founders “unownable”• The power of habits and hypnotic rhythm• How environment shapes your growth• Why mastering your mind comes before scaling your businessThis isn’t motivation — it’s mental discipline.

Just because an idea didn’t make money doesn’t mean it failed.In this minisode , we unpack why founders often label ideas as “failures” too quickly and how that mindset can cost you valuable insight, growth, and momentum.We talk about:Why failure feels personal (and why it shouldn’t)How to reframe “failed” ideas What to audit after an idea doesn’t perform financiallyWhy money is not the only metric of successFamous brands that launched flops — and what those flops becameFrom Apple and Amazon to Coca-Cola and Dyson, this episode reminds you that every idea can give you data, clarity and direction only if you’re willing to look closely.This one is for founders who’ve tried something, paused it, or walked away wondering if it was all a waste.

Delegation sounds great in theory… but in practice? It can be terrifying especially when it comes to the big things.In this Minisode of Founder Diaries, Yvonne shares her personal journey with delegation …from doing everything herself , to slowly handing over responsibilities, to finally bringing in management-level support.We talk about: •Why founders cling to control (even when it’s hurting the business) •The hidden cost of staying in “busy work” •Delegating before you feel ready •Why hiring an Operations Manager changed everything •How delegation creates space for growth, strategy and clarity

In this minsode of Founder Diaries, we’re unpacking something most founders never stop to define …your job description as the founder or CEO.So many of us struggle with focus, delegation, and time management not because we’re lazy or disorganised, but because we’ve never clearly defined what our role actually is in the business.We talk about: •Why founders end up doing everyone else’s job •How not having a JD creates confusion, burnout, and poor delegation •How to draft your own founder JD based on your strengths, vision, and impact •Using SMART goals to objectively measure your performance •Protecting your time once tasks are delegated •What not to include in your founder JDPlus, we share a practical framework (and a real example) to help you get started.This episode is for founders who want clarity, better use of their time, and a more intentional way of showing up in their business.Partner: Digitax — your tax assistant in your pocket

In today’s episode of Founder Diaries, we sit down with Murugi Munyi for a conversation that goes beyond content creation…the space most of us know her for.Murugi shares her journey of starting her first business while still in university, navigating entrepreneurship as a young mum, and growing into a founder who has built multiple businesses over time.We talk about starting before you feel ready, evolving through different seasons of life and what it really takes to keep buildingThis episode is for anyone building, pivoting, restarting, or figuring things out as they go.

In today’s episode, Yvonne shares 6 lessons from 6 years in business…From hiring and money to boundaries, self-awareness and trusting your instincts, this episode is a reflection on what it really takes to build and sustain a business over time.If you’re building something of your own, or thinking about it …this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’re talking about overplanning and why it’s quietly holding you back.Planning feels productive because it’s safe. You get to keep the idea in your head without exposing it to the world. But real clarity doesn’t come from thinking, it comes from moving.In this episode, I share: •Why money loves speed •How getting the first ball in motion forces execution •Why you don’t need the full plan to start •How I finally launched this podcast without having everything figured out • Simple habits to move from planning into actionIf you’ve been waiting for the “perfect strategy,” this episode is your sign to start now…refine later.

In this episode, we talk about why founders struggle to trust their own decisions, and how constantly seeking validation slows down execution, growth and impact.If you were given responsibility early in life, you might feel the need to overthink every move, ask multiple people for approval, or wait until something feels “perfect” before acting. But the truth is, clarity often comes after action.We explore:Why founders seek validation before making decisionsHow outsourcing responsibility protects you emotionally but costs you speedWhy money loves speed, not perfectionReal examples of founders who made “crazy” decisions that paid offHow trusting yourself helps you move faster and build with confidenceThis episode is a reminder that not everyone will understand your vision and that’s okay. Some ideas only make sense after they work.

In Minisode 7 of Founder Diaries, Yvonne shares why going to therapy is not a weakness…it’s a leadership toolUnhealed trauma shows up in how we lead, delegate, price, overwork, avoid hard conversations and even burn out.You don’t leave your past at the door when you build a business

In this episode, Yvonne sits down with Robert, an executive leadership coach and entrepreneur trainer (also known as The Business Therapist) for a deep and honest conversation about burnout, pressure, identity, and what it really costs to “hold it all together especially as a female entrepreneur/founder.This episode goes beyond business tactics and zooms in on the person behind the business …because you are the biggest asset your business has.Robert unpacks: •Why burnout isn’t just about exhaustion, but loss of control •The hidden pressures many entrepreneurs carry (especially those juggling multiple roles) •Why working harder doesn’t always mean working better •The difference between time management and priority setting •How constantly giving without recharging leads to breakdown, not breakthrough

Minisode 6 of the Founder Diaries, Yvonne shares why working longer hours doesn’t always lead to better results.She breaks down the shift from being busy to being intentional and why clarity, decision-making, and systems matter more than constant hustle.If you’ve been feeling stuck in overwork mode, this episode is a gentle but honest reset.Let’s talk about our partners, DigiTaxAs someone running a business, staying compliant shouldn’t be complicated…and that’s where DigiTax comes in.DigiTax is an eTIMS invoicing platform that helps you issue, receive, and track all your tax invoices in one place, with ease.With DigiTax, you can:✅ Issue, receive, and track tax invoices in one place✅ Access via web or Android app — no technical skills needed✅ Get real-time tax reporting that syncs automatically with KRA✅ Enjoy reliable customer support for setup and complianceDigiTax makes eTIMS compliance simple, affordable, and stress-free.📱 WhatsApp Support: 0112685368🌐 Website: digitax.techThis podcast has been proudly sponsored by Beauty Square Ke and Sage Sknn. Visit and patronize at beautysquareke.co and use the code FOUNDER10 for some coins off.

In this minisode, Yvonne shares her honest take on work-life balance, especially as a woman and a mother.She explores why balance often feels impossible and offers a more realistic approach: creating harmony by aligning your calendar with your values, roles and season of life.A grounding listen for founders juggling many responsibilities.Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RouYAzRrqbMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-93DygkaNo4C

Feeling overwhelmed at work or during a busy day?In this minisode, Yvonne shares a simple, practical framework she uses to reset when everything feels urgent and overwhelming, especially on days filled with deadlines, interruptions and mental overload.She walks you through: •How to pause and re-center •A simple way to organize your tasks •How to plan your time more realistically so the day feels manageable againA short listen you can return to whenever you need clarity and calm.Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/0x3B2lqbAHUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-93DygkaNo4C

Welcome to Minisode 3 of the Founder Diaries Podcast.In this episode, Yvonne dives into a tough but necessary conversation about overworking…and how many of us unknowingly tie our identity and self-worth to productivity, roles, and output.She unpacks how long-term stress, early responsibility, work culture and capitalism condition us to feel “safe” only when we’re busy.When rest, silence or slowness feels uncomfortable, it’s often because our nervous systems have become used to high alert which is a state known as hyperarousal.In this minisode, Yvonne explores: •How identity becomes entangled with work •Why rest can feel unsafe or uncomfortable •Signs your nervous system may be addicted to productivity •How overworking can be a coping mechanism •Why learning to not do is just as important as doingThis is a space to feel validated, comforted and gently challenged.A reminder that you are not your work, not your output and not your productivity.Youtube:https://youtu.be/9mOBEkcykXMInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-93DygkaNo4C

In this episode , we sit down with Charles, the founder of Royal Reel Photography and one behind the production of the Founder Diaries Podcast.Charles introduces himself as a visual strategist, someone who goes beyond photography and videography to intentionally create visuals that communicate meaning for brands and personal brands.He shares how his journey didn’t begin with a polished plan or a grand vision, but as a hustle...assisting, carrying equipment, learning on the job and slowly building skill, confidence and clarity.Over time, that hustle grew into purpose and a deeper understanding of storytelling through visuals.In this episode, we talk about: • What it really means to be a visual strategist • Starting out with what you have and learning as you go • Turning a hustle into a sustainable creative business • Building a brand that communicates meaning through visuals • Finding your “why” as a founder and creativeThis conversation is honest, grounding and especially relatable for creatives, founders and anyone building from the ground up.Youtube:https://youtu.be/9mOBEkcykXMInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-93DygkaNo4C

In Minisode 2, Yvonne walks through a simple morning formula for a productive day...why avoiding social media first thing matters, how to ground yourself before the day begins and small habits that help you pour into yourself before giving to the world.

What’s Your Tip for Success? This is a Minisode segment of the Founder Diaries Podcast, where Yvonne shares hot takes, tips, tricks, and real experiences from the entrepreneur journey.In this 1st minisode, Yvonne talks about her personal tips for success ... the lessons, mindset shifts, and practical tips that have guided her journey as a founder and entrepreneur.An important plug: We have to share about DigiTax, such an amazing platform, especially for small and medium businesses. It helps you:- Raise and manage invoices easily- Keep accurate records-Stay compliant with tax requirements- Manage multiple businesses under one account.It’s a simple, reliable way to make invoicing and compliance much easier, a must-know for any entrepreneur! Watch more minisodes and full episodes of the Founder Diaries Podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JdPayTnUWA4Follow us on Instagram & TikTok:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-9344MIiFFHp

In our very first episode of Founder Diaries Podcast with Yvonne Kanyi, we sit down with Victoria, a serial entrepreneur building and scaling multiple businesses in Kenya.She shares her journey running a multi-branch spa VSPA Kenya, alongside her other ventures, Titi Kenya and Thao Tree and talks about how marketing strategy has been key to her growth. She also opens up about the realities of leading multiple ventures, the challenges of scaling and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@founderdiariespodacst?si=JJAYjtB1vW5BlTfEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderdiariespodcast?igsh=MTRxcnZjcm5zM3pwdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@founder.diaries.po?_r=1&_t=ZS-9344MIiFFHp