A Kenyan's Experience

From aspiring Olympic athlete to life coach and sports psychologist, Vanessa Akiwumi joins the podcast for an episode that’s all about purpose, well-being, and redefining success. 🧠🏃🏽‍♀️

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

🌿 Mental health in Kenya—navigating stigma and starting important conversations

🏃🏽‍♀️ Sports psychology meets life coaching—supporting athletes beyond the field

💬 Balancing ambition with social and emotional health

📈 Building a coaching business from scratch—and serving a diverse clientele

🌟 Advice for aspiring coaches—why personal growth never stops

Vanessa’s journey is a reminder that intentional living, mentorship, and self-awareness are key to thriving—on and off the track.

🎧 Now streaming on all platforms! Catch the full episode now!!

💬 What does intentional living mean to you? Let’s talk in the comments!

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

This week, we’re joined by an absolute powerhouse—Vanessa Akiwumi, a life coach, sports psychologist, and mental health advocate who went from chasing Olympic dreams to coaching others toward intentional living.

In this episode, Denis, Eric and Gathoni chat with Vanessa about:

💬 Balancing athletic life with mental & social well-being

🌍 Mental health in the Kenyan context—and breaking cultural stigmas

🧩 Personalized life coaching—why one size doesn’t fit all

🚀 Starting a coaching business from her bedroom—and building something powerful

🧠 The five pillars of well-being and how they impact us all

Vanessa’s story is real, inspiring, and packed with takeaways for anyone looking to grow, heal, or simply understand themselves better.

🔜 Episode drops soon! Stay tuned for this uplifting and eye-opening conversation.

💬 What’s your definition of well-being? Let’s talk in the comments!

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

This one’s special—aKEx’s first guest of the season is here! 🎉 Akshil joins Cynthia and Denis to share his journey from high school to becoming a quantitative analyst in finance and the lessons he’s learned along the way.⁠

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In this episode, we dive into:⁠

💡 Choosing the right career path—navigating university & making informed decisions⁠

🤝 The power of mentorship & networking—why guidance from the right people matters⁠

📈 Switching from engineering to finance—the challenges, skills, and mindset needed⁠

🔥 Avoiding burnout & staying committed—how to balance ambition and well-being⁠

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Akshil’s story is packed with insights, whether you're a student, an aspiring finance professional, or just figuring out your next move.⁠

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🎧 Now streaming... Listen to the full episode now!! ⁠

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💬 What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? Let’s chat in the comments!⁠

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

For the first time this season, we’re bringing in a guest—Akshil—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one!⁠

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In this episode, Cynthia and Denis reconnect with their long-time friend, who shares his journey from high school to becoming a quantitative analyst in finance.⁠

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🔥 Choosing the right career path—navigating university & career decisions⁠

🔥 The power of mentorship & networking—learning from those who’ve walked the path⁠

🔥 Transitioning from engineering to finance—how he made the switch & the skills that matter⁠

🔥 Avoiding burnout & staying committed—balancing ambition with well-being⁠

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Akshil drops real, relatable, and practical advice for anyone figuring out their next steps—whether you're a student, career changer, or just curious about finance.⁠

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🔜 Episode drops soon! Stay tuned for an inspiring and insightful convo.⁠

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👉 What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments!⁠

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

From Culture Shock to Co-op Success⁠ 🇨🇦⁠

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From stepping off the plane as a student to building a career and now embracing entrepreneurship—Eric’s @eric_cauri decade-long journey in Canada has been one of growth, challenges, and big decisions.⁠

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In this episode, he shares:⁠

🌍 Culture shock & adapting to a new country⁠

🎓 How co-op programs helped him break into his career⁠

🦠 Graduating during COVID-19 & navigating uncertainty⁠

🚀 The leap from employment to entrepreneurship—why he’s prioritizing time freedom & fulfillment⁠

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This isn’t just an immigration story—it’s a deep dive into resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to chase success on your own terms.⁠

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🎧 Now streaming! Tap the link in our bio to listen.⁠

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💬 Have you ever considered studying or working abroad? Let’s talk in the comments!⁠

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

In this conversation, Eric reflects on his ten-year journey in Canada, sharing insights from his experiences as an immigrant, student, and professional. ⁠

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He discusses the challenges of culture shock, the importance of co-op programs in building his career, and the impact of COVID-19 on his graduation.⁠

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Eric also explores his transition from employment to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the pursuit of time freedom and personal fulfillment.⁠

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This is more than just an immigration story—it’s about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success.⁠

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🔜 Episode drops soon! Stay tuned for an honest, eye-opening conversation.⁠

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👉 Thinking about studying or working abroad? What’s your biggest question? Drop it in the comments!⁠

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

🎙️ Imposter Syndrome—Let’s Talk About It!

That little voice in your head saying, “I don’t belong here” or “I’m not good enough”—yeah, we’re tackling that head-on.

In this episode, Cynthia, Denis, and Eric break down imposter syndrome—how it impacts academic and professional growth, the fear and anxiety it causes, and their own personal struggles with it.

🔥 Is imposter syndrome holding you back?

🔥 Or has it become just another catchphrase?

🔥 How do we push past self-doubt and own our success?

It’s a raw, real, and much-needed conversation. Listen now and let’s start normalizing confidence instead of self-doubt!

🎧 Catch the full episode now!!

💬 Have you ever battled imposter syndrome? Let’s talk in the comments!

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

Imposter Syndrome—Is It Holding You Back? 🤔

Ever felt like you don’t belong, like you’re not good enough, or that any success you’ve had is just luck? You’re not alone.

In our next episode, hosts Cynthia, Denis, and Eric dive into the realities of imposter syndrome—how it affects academic and professional growth, the fear and anxiety it brings, and the personal experiences that shaped their journeys.

But there’s more—has ‘imposter syndrome’ become just another buzzword? We unpack how the term is used in today’s world and whether it’s helping or hurting us.

🔜 Episode drops soon! Stay tuned for honest stories, hard truths, and tips on tackling self-doubt.

👉 Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? Let’s talk in the comments!

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

🎙️ Hey aKEx fam, the latest episode is HERE! 🚀 This time, we’re sitting down with our co-hosts Eric Cauri and Denis Odera for an overdue catch-up.

🔥 Denis is making moves as a lead game producer, navigating the fast-paced world of gaming. He shares insights on his journey, the challenges, trusting the process and what’s next in his career.

🎂 Eric just hit the big 3-0! From reflecting on this new milestone to continuing his adventure of living and working in Canada, he’s got some great stories to share.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode for career lessons, life updates, and plenty of fun!

👉 What’s a big career or life milestone you’ve reached recently? Let’s celebrate together in the comments! 🎉

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution

Hey aKEx fam, we’re keeping the catch-ups rolling! This time, we’re checking in with our co-hosts Denis and Eric to see what’s been happening in their worlds.

🎮 Denis’ Game-Changing Journey: Still leading the charge as a game producer, Denis shares what it’s like navigating the ever-evolving industry and what’s next in his career.

🎂 Eric Hits the Big 3-0! Our guy crossed a major milestone—turning 30! He reflects on this new chapter and his continued journey of living and working in Canada.

From career wins to life lessons, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and plenty of insights.

🎧 Listen to the full episode dropping out on Wednesday. What’s a major milestone or career shift you’ve hit recently? Join the convo!

Remember to follow us on IG @akenyansexperience & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening from. You can also reach out to us on email at: [email protected].

Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution