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What if school made us more alive instead of more numb? That question threads through our conversation with Victoria, President of UWC‑USA, as we journey from her Head Start memories in Albuquerque to crisis-tested leadership during COVID and the largest wildfire in New Mexico history. We unpack how a single moment in a pathology lab pushed her from pre‑med to philosophy of the body—and why reconnecting mind, heart, culture, and spirit is the real work of education and leadership.

We talk about the UWC‑USA model: a truly global campus of teens from 90+ countries, the rigor of the International Baccalaureate, and the lived curriculum of wilderness, arts and culture, and service. You’ll hear how second chances, shared accountability, and reciprocal community partnerships in San Miguel County turn service from saviorism into solidarity. Victoria also reframes fundraising as philanthropy in its original sense—love of humanity—arguing that scholarships and access can’t be reduced to return-on-investment spreadsheets, because the true impact unfolds across a lifetime.

There’s hard-won wisdom here on inclusive leadership in polarized times, on moving from “us and them” to “we,” and on designing schools where failure teaches, curiosity leads, and competence grows without erasing the person. We also explore climate innovation through her board role at Element Six Dynamics, where hemp-based pulp aims to replace softwood in paper and packaging—sequestering carbon, reducing deforestation, and proving that profit and planet can align.

If you’re an educator, parent, student, policymaker, or simply someone who believes learning should expand our humanity, this story will challenge and encourage you. Listen, share with a friend who cares about education and community, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what’s one change you want to see in how we teach, lead, or give?

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A story of motion becomes a blueprint for momentum. From a childhood crisscrossing Botswana and Zimbabwe to rugby fields, rain-soaked pools, and a first blast on a copper pit, Dzikamai Gangaizo learned agility the hard way—and then used it to rewire a very traditional industry with data, discipline, and a continental vision. We sit down to trace how curiosity turned a mine into a learning system, why “good enough” keeps Africa small, and how to build teams across borders that serve people where they live.

We pull back the curtain on the real scale of mining; massive trucks, precise blasts, and the long journey from rock to refined copper—then follow the data trail: sensors, time-series logs, and reports that only matter when people act on them. Dzikamai explains how change management, clean data, and relentless measurement transform safety, maintenance, and cost. From there, we zoom out to the “piping” that actually determines power: policy, trade rails, reliable electricity, internet, finance, and where our data lives. If you don’t own the pipes, you don’t own the future.

This conversation is also a map for emerging builders. We talk distributed African teams in AI and analytics, local payment rails, and why context beats copy-paste. We explore investment over aid, the green economy’s mineral window, and the urgency to add value at home. Along the way: men’s mental health, Ubuntu as operating system, and a bold plan to impact a million lives through community multipliers. The takeaway is clear and practical: design for 2050, not for Friday; put youth at the table; and raise the bar from competent to excellent.

If you believe Africa can own its data, its value chains, and its story; this is your episode. Listen, share with a friend who needs the push, and leave a review so more builders can find us. Then tell us: what’s the next system Africa should own end-to-end?

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Host: Michael Kimathi
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Ryan Dewey-Smith, founder and CEO of Inperium Inc., reveals how he's revolutionizing the nonprofit world by creating a collaborative network where organizations maintain their autonomy while sharing resources. With over three decades of leadership experience, Ryan shares his journey from founding a single service organization to building a network of 38 companies across 20 states that directs an impressive 90% of funding directly to service recipients.

Growing up as an only child who changed schools eight times before ninth grade, Ryan developed a keen awareness of others' needs and a philosophy centered on relationships. This foundation led him to create a nonprofit model unlike any other – one where competitors become collaborators to overcome shared challenges like rising costs and uncertain funding. 

The conversation explores how technology plays a crucial role in this collaboration, with AI and automation streamlining operations across the network. Ryan explains how Imperium adapts to different communication preferences across generations, from traditional postal mail to gamified apps that engage younger employees through rewards and achievements.

Most compelling is Ryan's leadership approach, bringing together dozens of CEOs monthly to share challenges and solutions in a "constellation rather than top-down" structure. This peer-driven model creates resilience against funding cuts that would devastate standalone organizations.

For entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders feeling isolated in their work, Ryan offers actionable advice: "Call a peer at a competitor organization and have a conversation." Not about secrets or funding sources, but about shared operational challenges where collaboration could create efficiency without compromising identity. This simple step might be the beginning of transformative partnerships that allow more resources to flow directly to those who need them most.

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Host: Michael Kimathi
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Meet Tim Bradley, the creative force behind Pennant Video and pioneer of the "video marketing trifecta" that's transforming how B2B companies build trust and close deals. From his childhood making videos with his brothers in rural Massachusetts to founding a specialized agency serving tech's most innovative sectors, Tim shares the journey that shaped his unique approach to video storytelling.

What makes video so powerful in B2B marketing? As Tim explains, it's the medium's unparalleled ability to function like a conversation – engaging both heart and mind while providing the validation needed for complex purchasing decisions. His video marketing trifecta framework offers a structured approach to mid-funnel marketing: anthem videos that communicate your why, explainer videos that demonstrate your what, and endorsement videos that validate through customer stories.

Tim challenges the common misconception that smartphone-quality video is sufficient for all marketing needs. While authentic, low-production content has its place in your marketing mix, Tim emphasizes why production value matters most at critical trust-building stages. "First impressions count," he reminds us, "and when you're trying to make a good impression on a buyer, you don't get many chances."

Beyond the videos themselves, Tim reveals how a strategic video approach creates ripple effects throughout your marketing ecosystem. From forcing clarity in messaging to building a versatile content library that can be repurposed across channels, the investment compounds in value over time. For companies in sectors like cybersecurity, healthcare, and sustainability, this approach isn't just about better marketing – it's about communicating complex solutions that matter.

Ready to transform your B2B marketing approach? Download Tim's free video marketing playbook at pennant.video and discover how the right video strategy can shorten sales cycles, differentiate your brand, and build the trust needed to close deals in today's competitive landscape.

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Apple Podcasts ► https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/impact-masters-podcast/id1652228341
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Host: Michael Kimathi
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What does it take to go from coding on a phone during ferry rides to building developer tools at Microsoft? In this captivating conversation, Japheth Obala reveals his remarkable journey from Likoni, Mombasa to becoming the first engineer at Microsoft's Africa Development Center.

Japheth's story begins with a natural talent for mathematics and a dedicated teacher who became a father figure after losing his parent at age 10. His path takes an unexpected turn when security concerns prevent him from attending Garissa University—a decision that likely saved his life from a terrorist attack that would later claim 142 students.

The heart of this episode explores Japheth's obsessive self-teaching process, programming C on his Android phone during ferry commutes before he could afford a laptop. We witness how the Swahili Box tech community provided his first real coding opportunity, leading to the Andela Fellowship that connected him with global companies. Perhaps most fascinating is how a casual algorithm solution scribbled on a napkin during a dinner with Microsoft representatives launched his career at one of tech's giants.

Throughout our conversation, Japheth shares invaluable insights about building developer tools, the challenges of relocating internationally with a young family, and his philosophy on finding fulfillment in tech careers. His perspective on prioritizing craft over compensation offers a refreshing counterpoint to typical tech career narratives.

Whether you're a developer seeking inspiration, someone curious about Africa's tech ecosystem, or simply love stories of unconventional success, this episode delivers profound lessons about passion, opportunity, and the unexpected paths that shape our professional lives.

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Guest
Japheth Obala
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobala/


Host
Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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Apple Podcasts ► https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/impact-masters-podcast/id1652228341
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Host: Michael Kimathi
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What does it take for a woman to succeed in Africa's male-dominated tech world? Catherline Mirobe's story shows us exactly that - through determination, skill, and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to quit.

Growing up between Nairobi and Kisii, Catherline Mirobe transformed from a struggling student to an academic standout, even changing her name to boost her confidence. With her father's guidance - an engineering consultant who repeatedly warned her "no one will give you a job" - she developed an entrepreneurial mindset early. While pursuing her electrical engineering degree at JKUAT, she launched a cake baking business from her tiny apartment, eventually expanding it with her mother's help and saving 200,000 KSH to fund future ventures.

Tragedy struck when her father passed away just before graduation, but Catherline persevered. Combining her engineering expertise with software development skills from Moringa School, she established her own tech business focusing on IoT solutions. Her impressive portfolio includes automated stadium locks, a 360° photo booth built at a quarter of import prices, and an innovative social distancing system for public vehicles. Through TikTok, she's built a following of thousands by authentically showcasing her projects while breaking stereotypes about women in tech.

Beyond creating solutions, Catherline is nurturing the next generation - teaching coding to children using Scratch programming and mentoring students from Tanzania. Her journey proves that with determination and the right mindset, African women can thrive in tech entrepreneurship. As she says, "Just try. You may fail at first, but just try. This field isn't meant only for men." Follow Caterline's inspiring work and discover how you too can turn technical skills into entrepreneurial success.

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Host: Michael Kimathi
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What transforms a curious young boy from Likoni into a globally-recognized innovator creating life-changing solutions for fishing communities? In this captivating conversation, Dennis Okangi shares his remarkable journey from watching neighbors' TVs through windows to meeting world leaders and showcasing his innovation across continents.

Growing up as the only boy among five siblings in Mombasa's densely populated Likoni area, Dennis navigated the challenges of shared Swahili houses where multiple families coexist in close quarters with limited privacy and resources. These early experiences shaped his resilience and problem-solving mindset that would later define his entrepreneurial approach.

Dennis takes us through his educational journey – from earning a scholarship to Moi Forces Academy despite scoring below the typical threshold, to switching from an assigned zoology program to computer science at Rongo University. Along the way, he discovered his passion for hardware development through Science Congress competitions and mentorship at Swahili Box tech hub.

With refreshing candor, Dennis unpacks the failures of his first two business ventures, sharing painful lessons about equity distribution, investor relationships, and the importance of market validation. These experiences set the stage for the creation of Kuza Freezer – a revolutionary cold storage solution that's transforming the fish value chain in coastal Kenya.

By collaborating with local boat makers and embracing bottom-up design, Dennis cut production costs by 50% compared to imported alternatives. This approach not only makes the technology accessible to low-income fishing communities but also enables fishermen to preserve their catch longer and sell at fair market prices instead of at throwaway rates.

The impact of Dennis's innovation has earned him recognition across Africa and beyond, with acceleration programs taking him to India, Germany, Algeria, and South Africa. Yet he remains focused on the immense untapped potential within East Africa before expanding further.

Dennis leaves us with powerful insights about entrepreneurship not being "for the faint-hearted" and the wisdom of building solutions by first understanding community problems. His journey reminds us that with resilience, community understanding, and locally-appropriate technology, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift entire communities.

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Host: Michael Kimathi
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Dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Mthew Egessa, whose path from computer science to blue economy innovation demonstrates the transformative power of purpose-driven technology. Growing up in Western Kenya and navigating his way through the academic world, Mathew's story isn't just about personal achievement—it's a testament to how passion and persistence can create meaningful change in unexpected places.

This conversation explores how Mathew's formative experiences shaped his approach to innovation. From his days teaching in a resource-constrained village school to his time at the prestigious University of Nairobi School of Computing, each chapter of his life contributed to a unique perspective on technology's role in society. Particularly moving is his account of bringing drama and competitive opportunities to underserved students, witnessing firsthand how access and exposure can transform self-belief.

Mathew's work at the Technical University of Mombasa, where he now serves as chairperson of the Management Science Department and leads the Blue Economy Innovation Hub (BayHub), represents a fascinating intersection of academic research and practical innovation. His creation of Vua Solutions, a fintech platform helping small-scale fishers build financial resilience against seasonal income fluctuations, showcases the profound impact simple technologies can have on vulnerable communities.

What makes this episode particularly enlightening is Mathew's nuanced understanding of sustainable development. Rather than pursuing technological innovation or profit maximization alone, his work emphasizes environmental sustainability, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. As he explains the challenges and opportunities within Kenya's blue economy—from sustainable fishing practices to coastal tourism and environmental conservation—listeners gain valuable insights into how contextually appropriate solutions can address complex societal challenges.

Whether you're interested in technology, social entrepreneurship, or sustainable development, Mathew's thoughtful approach to bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact offers inspiration and practical wisdom. Listen now to discover how innovation with purpose can create ripples of positive change across communities.

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Host: Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
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Apple Podcasts ► https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/impact-masters-podcast/id1652228341
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Amazon Music ► https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/797ccc7b-d91b-4f09-9d0b-344a3d895692
Podcast Index ► https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5637888
Podchaser ► https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/impact-masters-podcast-4842099


Host: Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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The entrepreneurial journey from campus coder to fintech disruptor comes alive in this compelling conversation with Tom Kimani, founder of Presta. With remarkable candor, Tom reveals how his early fascination with computers transformed into a passion for solving real financial problems across Africa.

Tom's story is rooted in humble beginnings – from growing up near power stations where his father worked, to setting up an impressive workspace in his university days that left his peers in awe. What sets his narrative apart is how he leveraged limited resources to create maximum impact. While other startups chase massive funding rounds, Tom built Presta on the radical notion that "your biggest investor is actually your customer." This customer-first philosophy guided every aspect of his company's growth.

The conversation takes us through the evolution of Presta, which began as a simple digital lending platform and expanded to revolutionize how Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) operate. Tom shares the breakthrough moment when they created a digital loan application system with e-signatures, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and in-person guarantors. This innovation proved especially valuable during COVID when traditional paper-based systems became problematic.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Tom's transparency about the challenges of building a fintech in Africa – from navigating slow decision-making cycles in traditional financial institutions to implementing robust security measures while handling billions in loan disbursements. His insights on hiring ("sometimes you have to hire people and pay them more than you're earning") offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and talent management.

As Presta expands beyond Kenya's borders to Zambia and Botswana, Tom's story reminds us that African solutions can scale continent-wide when entrepreneurs focus on genuine customer needs rather than chasing trends. Whether you're building your first startup or scaling an established business, Tom's journey demonstrates that with passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of local markets, African entrepreneurs can create technology that transforms lives.

Ready to be inspired by the next generation of African tech innovators? Subscribe now and join our community of forward-thinking listeners passionate about technology's role in shaping Africa's future.

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Apple Podcasts ► https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/impact-masters-podcast/id1652228341
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Amazon Music ► https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/797ccc7b-d91b-4f09-9d0b-344a3d895692
Podcast Index ► https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5637888
Podchaser ► https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/impact-masters-podcast-4842099


Host: Michael Kimathi
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X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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