Dear Diaspora

Switched things up this week and recorded a solo episode! I have so many things to share, a couple of announcements – so I figured why not put it all into one episode. Tune in to hear:

• What's in store for Dear Diaspora in 2020
• How you can chime in and give the show some feedback (survey link below)
• Reflections on 2019 (how I secured the bag and got the exact job I wanted)
• What one of my favorite songs is right now, and how excited I am to read @mindaharts book "The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table"

Take the Dear Diaspora survey here: https://forms.gle/gP2TuycsebS4ymMNA

Join the Dear Diaspora Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2330802427235529/?source_id=103991790962425

The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts: https://amzn.to/34eHnyr

Mayorkum's "Up to Something": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9A0fQu28Gk

Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nduulwakowa/

For episode 15 of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luper Akough, co-founder of Clout Enterprises, a logistics company that delivers packages for Amazon Logistics.

After a successful career in the insurance industry, Luper was ready for a new challenge and responded to a call for Amazon delivery partners. After a few rounds of interviews, he was selected and became an official Amazon Delivery Service Partner. Within 30 days, Clout Enterprises had 35 employees, and ran 15-20 routes a day!

Tune in to hear about how Luper secured the Amazon deal, what it's like to work with his co-founder (and wife), and how he diversifies his income by investing in real estate.

"Start where you are with what you have, and you can always build and change later." – Luper Akough

Resources mentioned in this:

• Clout Enterprises: http://cloutenterprises.com
• Clout Enterprises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clout-Enterprises-1962689464036986/
• Amazon Partnership: https://www.omaha.com/money/retail/amazon-s-sarpy-county-facility-is-part-of-its-plan/article_5b981cae-d879-5279-85d5-f0cbf2e566c7.html?fbclid=IwAR39iNPPTksZU1tNtKZhn8yXHr6_yBEZKdGzOSyE3N8gQcMS37Vb_qTEdfo
• Info About House Hacking: https://www.coachcarson.com/house-hacking-guide/#1

For episode 14, I had the pleasure of interviewing Beverly Luma, co-founder of Lady Beverly, a cosmetics line offering affordable makeup and beauty products/services.

Lady Beverly was started in 2016 while Beverly and her sister were mere college students. After trying product after product, the sisters were unable to find a line of makeup that worked for their sensitive skin. Their frustration led them to experiment and ultimately launch Lady Beverly, a cosmetics company offering vegan, cruelty-free makeup.

After operating for a few years, Beverly sold part of the company in effort to expand operations in her home country of Cameroon and beyond.

During the episode, she shares her experience finding the right manufacturers, enlisting the help of her family and friends to make sure the business ran smoothly, and the next phase of the business—expanding and having a stronger presence on the continent. Listen in to hear more of our amazing conversation!

"It would be nice to see that I contributed to something [on the continent]. I will probably put a drop of water in the ocean, but that will be good enough for me." - Beverly Luma

Lady Beverly on Instagram: @ladybeverlyofficial

Lady Beverly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladybeverlyofficial/

E-mail:[email protected]

In this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andile Masuku, co-founder of African Tech Roundup. African Tech Roundup is a Johannesburg-based media and insights organization which tracks the progress of Africa's emerging digital, tech and innovation industries.

African Tech Roundup produces podcasts, syndicated op-eds, omnichannel media projects, live events, and in-depth fringe insights coverage of leading conferences. I've been listening to African Tech Roundup for a couple of years now, so I was honored to have a conversation with Andile.

In addition to African Tech Roundup, Andile presents storytelling podcasts for the BBC World Service, develops and executes content strategy and tactical media plays for leading companies. His op-eds also offer readers around the world accessible African perspectives on the continent's digital transformation journey.

During the episode, we discuss what sparked his interest in technology, his thoughts on the Mara Group (they're behind the first cellphone to be completely manufactured in Africa), as well as what he thinks about China's presence on the continent.

If you're interested in tech on the continent—you don't want to miss this interview!

Tune in for more of our conversation wherever you listen to podcasts.

"Get your savings up and put yourself in a position where you can at least spend 3 months minimum immersed in the everyday life of the places you think you're going to impact." - Andile Masuku

Resources mentioned in this episode:

African Tech Roundup Episode about Facebook's Libra and if its good for Africa: https://www.africantechroundup.com/facebook-libra/

The Mara Group's Phone Factories in Durban and Kigali: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tobyshapshak/2019/10/31/africas-mara-group-launches-phone-factories-in-durban-kigali/#488e0a91230b

Jumia: https://techcrunch.com/2019/10/10/africa-e-tailer-jumias-shares-fall-4-day-after-ipo-lockup-expiration/

More on China's Presence in Africa: https://chinaafricaproject.com/cap-network-members/andile-masuku/

African Tech Roundup Twitter: https://twitter.com/africanroundup

Episode 12 is a bonus episode and the episode topic is: self-care! I had a conversation with Jasmine Lessley all about self-care. Jasmine is a nationally qualified fitness competitor, lifestyle and fitness blogger, student and one of my best friends!

We chat through some of the biggest lessons she learned in the military, her fitness journey, and her tips for prioritizing self-care and making it less of a chore.

You can follow her on Instagram at @jasmineraechelle to follow her journey!

"You can't pour into others if you don't have anything left in the tank. Self-care allows you to refuel."

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Jasmine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmineraechelle/

Dr. Caroline Leaf's book Jasmine mentioned towards the end of the episode: https://amzn.to/31Oe6Zo

In episode 11, I had a wonderful conversation with change-maker Balkissa Mahamane. When she's not at her corporate job working as a Business Transformations Analyst, she consults businesses and entrepreneurs through Excellence Insights, LLC. She currently serves on the board of directors for Agaji, a nonprofit organization connecting active global citizens in the USA and Africa. Balkissa also serves as the Executive Director of La Grande Académie in Niger, West Africa.

A successful entrepreneur herself, she is an alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program, where she was awarded for La Grande Académie School. She decided to start this school to create an environment that will enable children and parents to experience better, to aim for a higher purpose and to own and improve their living conditions.

During the episode, we had a great conversation about the lessons she's learned managing and overseeing projects in her native Niger, how she balances her full-time gig, her business and her passion projects, as well as what excites her about Africa's future.

"What excites me about Africa is that Africans are about to take charge of their own value."

Resources mentioned in the episode:

The Grand Academy: https://www.tgainc.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkissa-mahamane-5a055143/

In episode 10 of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nana Prempeh, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Asoriba.

Asoriba is tech startup aiming to provide technology to half a billion Africans. It is designed to help churches effectively and digitally run their administration, while seamlessly engaging with members through content sharing and enabling easy donation via mobile money and cards.

During the episode, we dive into his upbringing in Ghana, going through The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology's training program, and his thoughts on being a pastor and the church's role on the African continent.

Tune in for more!

"You are good enough to build the future you want." – Nana Prempeh

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Asoriba: https://www.asoriba.com

Grow for Me Africa: https://www.growforme.com/en/aboutus/

Meltwater Business Program: https://meltwater.org

Nana's Instagram: @kingnanaprempeh

Nana Prempeh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingnanaprempeh/

In this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had a great conversation with International Journalist and Founder of TanTV Studios Adedayo Fashanu. As a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Forbes, Adedayo is passionate about using storytelling to amplify the work of young change-makers across the globe.

During the episode, we dive into how working as a mental health professional inspired her successful career in journalism.

Adedayo covered the Obama White House on its global development arena, interviewing personalities like the Chief of Staff Tina Tchen and U.S Chief Tech Officer Megan Smith.

Her studio, TanTV, is a luxury digital media brand bringing together the leading voices, thought-leaders and change-makers of our generation to further educate us on global issues that matter, inform us on solutions and inspire us to stay motivated, live meaningful and even happy lives.

"Finding change-makers is not difficult. There are everyday people doing amazing work but their stories never get told. We only hear about people who've made millions, but everyday, there are people who make a difference in other people's lives. We want to be the platform to share their stories." – Adedayo Fashanu

Tune in to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Adedayo's Instagram: @adedayo_fashanu

TanTV Studios on Instagram: @tantvstudios

Email:[email protected]|

TanTV:www.tantv.co

Global Development Youth Leaders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/495062954018292/

In this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had a wonderful conversation with Jedu Armar, founder of Paradise Sun Snacks. Paradise Sun Snacks are naturally lit snacks, cooked using just the energy of direct sunlight. How dope is that??

Jedu is a proud British-Ghanaian, and was inspired to start Paradise Sun Snacks after having several fascinating conversations with his grandfather about sun cooking, life, and Africa's bountiful natural resources. ⁠⁠

During the episode, we chat about his experience growing up in London, coming to the US for college, and why he decided to return to Ghana after graduating. We also discussed what doing business in Ghana is like, and the hoops he had to jump through to get FDA approved.

Tune in for more of our conversation!

Quote: "I want to be a celebration of this continent. I want to celebrate what we have. I want to give the world a true taste of Africa in an incredibly eco-friendly and sustainable way." – Jedu Armar

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Paradise Sun Snacks Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/paradisesunsnacks/

In this episode, Ndu is joined by Iveoma, your guide to Africa! Iveoma Okparaeke is an attorney, content creator and started her platform "It's Iveoma" for anyone interested in moving to, traveling to, or building a business in Africa.

Her YouTube channeland Facebook groupserve as resources for those seeking accurate and inspiring information about opportunities in Africa.

We had such a fun conversation about why Africa is poppin' right now, what inspired her to move to Nigeria, and what steps you need to take in order for you to successfully move to or do business in Africa.

"This is our time—if you don't get in where you fit in, you're going to regret it."– Iveoma Okpere

Tune in for more of our amazing conversation!

Resources mentioned in the episode:

It's Iveoma YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXQqsYF-1El7vPPctzT1aFg/about

Contracts and Money: https://contractsandmoney.podia.com

Iveoma's Guide Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IveomasGuideToAfrica/

Harvard Africa Business Conference: https://www.africabusinessconference.com/about-1

I Am the Diaspora Podcast: https://www.iveoma.com/podcast/

Udemy: https://www.udemy.com