What does it take to climb life’s highest mountains—both literal and figurative? In this second episode of the Unstoppable Campaign, we sit down with Julius Mbura, a lawyer, poet, car reviewer, and mountaineer who has defied the odds time and time again. Losing his eyesight twice—first as a child and then again just before completing law school—Julius has faced adversity with unparalleled determination and grace.

Julius shares how he has continuously challenged himself to push boundaries, scaling iconic peaks like Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. He critiques the special needs education system in Kenya, shedding light on its shortcomings and how it can better serve people with disabilities. Julius also speaks to the incredible potential of technology as a bridge for accessibility, opening doors for greater inclusion and opportunity. Through moments of self-acceptance and resilience, Julius offers valuable lessons about adapting to change, restructuring one’s life after setbacks, and the importance of loving oneself through every challenge.

This conversation is part of a broader campaign by Mastercard Foundation and InABLE, in partnership with the Boardroom Banter Podcast, to amplify the voices of youth with disabilities and shift societal mindsets around youth with disabilities in education and employment. Tune in for an unforgettable story of strength, self-discovery, and the courage to rise above all limits.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Meet Julius Mbura

06:42 Losing his sight at 10 years old

12:03 Navigating the education system as a blind man

15:49 Why study Law?

21:57 Losing his sight a second time

29:50 What climbing mountains has taught Julius about himself

35:40 What would you give to get your sight back? 41:51 How technology can build bridges for the blind

47:02 How Julius' advocacy work is influencing policy in Kenya

53:34 A message to other people who are disabled

01:05:50 What's next for Julius?

01:09:35 Elevator Segment

To listen to more of our episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcast or to learn more about our podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/boardroombanter

#MastercardFoundation #YoungAfricaWorks #DisabilityInclusion #YourUnstoppable#BoardroomBanter #podcast

In this powerful episode, we are joined by DJ Wiwa, an international DJ, fashion enthusiast, gender-based violence advocate, and passionate supporter of women with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, DJ Wiwa’s voice is slightly affected, so she’s joined by her sister and caregiver, Pauline, who helps amplify her words and shares her unique perspective as both a support system and best friend.

Together, they take us through DJ Wiwa's inspiring journey—navigating early childhood environments with a disability, learning to embrace her identity and breaking through societal barriers to carve out a fulfilling life and career. Through Pauline’s lens and experience, she offers a powerful perspective on the pivotal role of caregivers in fostering independence, resilience and creating enabling environments for people with disabilities to thrive. Their shared journey underscores the importance of inclusivity, compassion, and the need to dismantle the barriers that limit access to education, employment, and opportunities for people with disabilities. 

This conversation is part of a broader campaign by Mastercard Foundation and InABLE, in partnership with the Boardroom Banter Podcast, to amplify the voices of youth with disabilities and shift societal mindsets around youth with disabilities in education and employment. 

Tune in for an episode that celebrates strength, hope, and the belief that every dream is achievable, regardless of the challenges life presents.

#MastercardFoundation #YoungAfricaWorks #DisabilityInclusion #YourUnstoppable

Today, we celebrate 3 years of Boardroom Banter! To mark this special occasion, we're bringing you an inspiring conversation with Anthony Mabonga, the Managing Director of Bboxx Kenya—a leader whose organization has revolutionized energy access for over 500,000 Kenyans, providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to homes, communities, and businesses that had never experienced it before.

Born and raised in a rural Kenyan village, Anthony shares how his upbringing taught him the importance of community and the transformative power of education. These early lessons laid the foundation for a path of academic excellence, taking him to prestigious institutions like Alliance High School, one of Kenya’s top schools, and eventually Harvard University in the United States.

We go beyond his personal story to unpack the state of the renewable energy industry in Kenya and Africa at large. Anthony breaks down the latest trends shaping the sector, the unique opportunities waiting to be explored, and the innovative strategies Bboxx employs to meet the distinct energy needs of rural and urban populations. We also look to the future, exploring what’s next for energy solutions across Africa and how Anthony’s personal mission continues to evolve with the impact of his work. His insights are a testament to how individual leadership, combined with a commitment to community, can drive lasting change.

This episode is more than just a celebration of our podcast’s 3-year journey; it’s a tribute to resilience, innovation, and a shared vision for a brighter, more connected future. Join us for a conversation that promises to inspire and empower.

To learn more about Anthony and the work that he does, check out his profile here.

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by two visionary entrepreneurs, Niels and Wendy, who are behind an innovative solution called thnx—a digital label that helps you track and recover lost items effortlessly. They take us on a journey through their entrepreneurial story, from how they first crossed paths to how being their most genuine and authentic selves allowed them to forge a strong working relationship. It's a reminder that the best collaborations often stem from shared values, mutual respect, and a sense of purpose.

Thnx Tags aren't just another tech-driven product; it’s a solution that taps into something deeper. It offers the simplest and most efficient lost-and-found system, allowing users to retrieve their misplaced belongings quickly and easily. What makes it truly unique is not just the tracking technology, but the way it leverages human honesty and reliability. It’s a solution that banks on the goodness of people, reminding us that sometimes the best innovations aren’t just about the tech—they’re about trust.

This episode challenges us to think about the broader question: What simple technologies can we create that unlock the potential of human connection? Today’s conversation will leave you inspired to believe in the power of both people and innovation, and how the two can come together to create meaningful solutions.

If you would like to reach out to Niels and talk about the work that thnx is doing, reach out to him directly: [email protected]

Episode Chapters

00:00- Introduction

6:26- How Niels & Wendy Met

14:24- Value of Knowing Your Colleagues

16:36- Shared Values in Work Relationships

19:52- Thnx Tags- Birth of The Idea

25:18- Investability & Scalability of Ideas

28:48- Honesty As A Tool For Impact

38:31- What are Users Saying?

52:58- The Pitch: Why Us?

1:05:48- Looking Ahead To The Future

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Support our podcast further by buying us a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/boardroombanter

In today's episode, we sit down with Mike Warner, a true pioneer in the music industry with over 20 years of experience, to dive deep into his incredible journey. 

From being an artist himself to becoming a key figure in empowering musicians through technology, Mike has lived and breathed every aspect of the music industry. Mike's passion for helping artists get their music heard has driven his work in music production, distribution, analytics, engineering and so much more.

Growing up in Australia, Mike discovered his love for music through vibrant local communities. He shares how these experiences shaped his career and created for him the platforms to explore the unique ability of music to bring people together and impact lives. Mike also sheds light on the current and evolving music streaming landscape, offering invaluable insights on key trends every artist should keep an eye on, discusses the challenges and opportunities of streaming platforms and makes bold predictions about the future of the digital music landscape.

If you're an artist, a music enthusiast, or just curious about the future of music, this episode is packed with expert advice and thought-provoking insights. Hop in for this deep dive into the world of music, tech, and creativity!

To get in touch with or find out more about Mike and the work that he does, check him out on https://www.askmikewarner.com/

Episode Chapters:

00:00- Introduction to Mike

07:12- Early Childhood Experiences in Music

15:48- Finding a Music Community

19:28- Self-awareness in the Music World

26:16- The Process of Making Music

34:20- From Self-releasing Music to Self-publishing a Book

36:10- The Value of Music Education

47:26- The Music Business= Artists & Companies

55:15- The Future of Music Consumption

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Support our podcast further by buying us a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/boardroombanter

In this week’s compelling episode, we welcome Shermin Kruse, a stoic empathy specialist dedicated to helping individuals and companies evolve through thought-provoking dialogue. Growing up in Iran during a time of conflict, Shermin found refuge in her home, where her parents encouraged a love for reading and the pursuit of knowledge. This nurturing environment taught her that the true nature of a society's people is not defined by its political turmoil but by the character and values of the people.

After immigrating to America, Shermin's experiences with the realities of being an immigrant shaped her understanding of human nature and and the intricacies of social power structures, reinforcing her principles of integrity and resilience. She now channels these life lessons into her work, teaching the concept of stoic empathy—the ability to maintain emotional control while connecting deeply with others.

This episode delves into how Shermin translates her rich tapestry of experiences into actionable teachings. We'll explore how stoic empathy can be effectively practiced in various scenarios, from personal relationships to professional environments- as we discover the profound impact that understanding and mastering this skill can have on enhancing communication, fostering compassion and building stronger, more empathetic communities.

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Shermin

06:26 - Her Early Childhood In Iran

12:26 - Adapting To Change In New Environments

17:08 - Early Career Decisions

26:13 - What Is Stoic Empathy?

30:50 - How Applying Stoic Empathy Influences Our Relationships

35:36 - Stoic Empathy In Society

42:43 - Shermin's Upcoming Book & Its Interesting Ideas That Will Challenge Readers

50:17 - How Shermin's Work Is Contributing To A Better Future

57:03 - Outro + Announcement

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Listen in to Shermin's podcast 'Stoic Empathy with Shermin Kruse' on Spotify by clicking here.

Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com

Support our podcast further by buying us a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/boardroombanter

In today’s episode, we step into the world of Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization. With roots in South Africa and a childhood shaped by the rich cultural landscapes of Botswana and Eswatini, Dr. Moeti's diverse cultural background has profoundly influenced her life's mission of improving health equity and justice across the African continent.

Her commitment to equity and justice was forged in the crucible of Southern Africa's historical struggles, driving her to dedicate her life to empowering communities and creating just, equitable spaces. This passion was further nurtured by her upbringing in a family of doctors, where dinner table conversations about public health opened her eyes to the intricate connections between health, financial status, political climates, and cultural backgrounds. In her current role at WHO, Dr. Moeti oversees a vast network of dedicated professionals working tirelessly across Africa to improve health outcomes. In this episode, she sheds light on the state of public health across the continent, focusing on crucial indicators like immunization rates, child mortality, infectious disease control, and the rising tide of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues among the youth.

Dr. Moeti emphasizes the urgent need for systemic solutions to these challenges, advocating for the integration of social interventions to bolster community health. Her insights are not just a call to action but a roadmap for how we can collectively work towards a healthier, more equitable future for Africa and the vital role of her WHO team in this ongoing mission.

Episode Chapters

00:00 -Introduction

07:15 -Early Childhood In South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini & Swaziland

17:48: -Relationship With Her African Identity

23:25 -Key Decisions In Her Academic Life

30:25 -Stepping Into Her Role As R.D For Africa

40:42 -State Of Public Health In Africa & Its Indicators

47:36 -Shifting The Narratives Around Mental Health Challenges

53:27 -Adapting Her Leadership Style In Her Role As R.D

1:03:48 -Balancing Professional & Personal Life Decisions

1:06:28 -Future Outlook For Africa & Her Career

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Support our podcast further by buying us a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/boardroombanter

In today’s episode, we dive into the heartbeat of the Kenyan music industry as we sit down with the incredible Bilha Ngaruiya, Country Manager of ONErpm for Kenya, to uncover how distribution companies are revolutionizing the industry.

Bilha spends her time helping artists across Kenya access essential music services through ONErpm to advance their brand and careers.  Her early experiences gave her a profound understanding of artists' needs and challenges, allowing her to foster close and impactful relationships with stakeholders within the industry towards the impact she’s creating today. We also explore the crucial role of data in decision-making for artists, where Bilha explains how understanding geographic locations, demographics, and genres can unlock new revenue streams and drive smart business decisions. 

As we uncover the intricacies of the music industry, we also look at what artists think about the role of distributors through the lens of academic research findings and breakdown the knowledge gaps that currently exist that prevent artists from reaching new heights in the music market.

Whether you're an aspiring artist or a music enthusiast, this episode is packed with essential knowledge on navigating and thriving in the ever-evolving music landscape. 

To learn more about Bilha and the amazing work that she does, check out her LinkedIn here and the ONErpm website here.

Episode Chapters

00:00- Introduction to Bilha & Her Early Life

23:32- ONErpm & The Role of Music Distribution

37:41- Kenya vs Other African Music Markets

45:58- How Industry Insights Relate To Academic Research

50:10- Music Intelligence & Data-driven Business Decisions

1:07:12- Future Prospects For Kenyan Music

1:18:25- Quick Fire Questions & Outro

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Support our podcast further by buying us a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/boardroombanter

Our guest this episode, Gina Din- Kariuki, is a powerful voice in the world of brand storytelling. Raised in an environment that championed reaching for dreams amidst a backdrop of a changing Africa, Gina witnessed firsthand the continent's resilience during a pivotal time where political, cultural, and technological shifts were shaping the world.

This dynamic upbringing ignited a lifelong passion within Gina: telling the stories of different brands and businesses. Her career began at an impressive 21-years-old, when she led the corporate affairs at Barclays Bank in Kenya- entrusted with redefining the company’s narrative for a more Africa-centric future. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that has seen Gina become a master storyteller for various brands.

In our conversation, Gina dives deep into the art of storytelling: how to craft compelling narratives for brands, the trends that are shaping how consumers perceive the different brands that they interact with every day and the importance of Africans sharing their authentic stories. From navigating the corporate communications landscape to leveraging modern-day digital technology to amplify impact, this discussion offers invaluable insights for aspiring storytellers and entrepreneurs alike.

Gina's story, chronicled in her book "Daughter of Africa," is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of sharing our narratives. Join us as she equips us with the tools to tell our story and the stories of the brands we represent!

To learn more about Gina and the incredible work that she does, check out her LinkedIn here.

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From captivating photography to inspiring videos, Jonathan spends his time crafting narratives that bridge hearts and minds. In this episode, we discover how he transforms empathy and compassion into powerful tools for creative expression, in both his personal life as an artist as well as guiding businesses to authentically connect with their audiences.

His childhood challenges shaped his deep-seated belief in fostering welcoming spaces where everyone feels connected. This conversation delves into the transformative power of self-discovery and how this impacts how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us to nurture authentic relationships. Jonathan emphasizes on the need for creatives to embrace imperfection and get good at creating ‘bad art’, laying out various tools and practices that would help artists be able to achieve this kind of mindset shift.

Step into Jonathan’s world with us as we uncover the profound impact of knowing oneself, the beauty of vulnerability in creative endeavors, and how to harness imperfection to amplify creative output. Whether you're a struggling creative or simply longing for deeper connections, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

To learn more about Jonathan and the incredible work that he does, check out his website here and his YouTube channel here.

Episode Chapters

00:00- Introduction

06:02- Childhood Upbringing & Experiences

15:18- Discovering Purpose As A Young Adult

22:12- Stepping Into Our Creative Flow

31:52- The Weight Of Other People's Stories

44:00- The 30-Day Challenge

50:32- Getting Good At Making Bad Art

54:16- Creating From An Authentic Place

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Join us in creating social impact through a cup of tea by visiting www.nepalteacollective.com

Support our podcast further by pledging your support through our Substack Channel here.