In Conversation With Rudy Samuel

We live in a world that constantly encourages us to focus on ourselves. Our success. Our opportunities. Our connections. Our platforms.

But nobody truly succeeds alone.

In this episode of In Conversation with Rudy Samuel, I talk about the power of community, networking and becoming someone who genuinely helps other people win.

Why are we so afraid to share opportunities? Why do we protect our connections as though helping someone else somehow reduces our own chances of succeeding? And when did networking become more about what we can get from people than the relationships we can build with them?

Some of the biggest opportunities in our lives will come through people. Someone mentioning your name in a room you're not in. Someone making an introduction. Someone sharing information. Someone simply deciding to open a door for you.

But we also have a responsibility to become that person for somebody else.

We need fewer gatekeepers and more bridge builders.

Maybe your next breakthrough isn't something you need to find.

Maybe it's a person you haven't met yet.

🎙️ In Conversation with Rudy Samuel

#ICWRS #RudySamuel #PowerOfCommunity #CommunityOverCompetition #Networking #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Relationships #CollaborationOverCompetition #SouthAfricanPodcast

Seven years.

Seven years of podcasting, learning, investing, improving, getting things wrong, celebrating the wins and sometimes wondering: when is my turn?

In this solo episode, I open up about what it feels like to work on something for years and still know that you’re not where you want to be.

I speak about comparison, consistency, the numbers, the financial cost of building a podcast, watching others grow, questioning myself, the moments where things simply haven’t moved the way I hoped they would, and why I’ve continued anyway.

I’m proud of what I’ve built. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. But I’m also not going to pretend that I’m satisfied.

This isn't a conversation from the finish line.

Seven years later, I’m still building.

🎙️ In Conversation with Rudy Samuel
#ICWRS

Most entrepreneurship stories are told after the comeback has already happened. This conversation is different because Volo Ganca and 22Ours are still rebuilding.

A simple TikTok video introduced me to Volo’s story. In it, he revealed how a company that once had millions in its account was left with thousands. His decision to document the journey publicly pushed me to invite him onto the podcast and understand what really happened behind those numbers.

Volo is the Managing Director of 22Ours, an African sports media and content marketing agency. In this episode, he speaks honestly about rapid growth, leadership, business mistakes, retrenching staff, losing confidence and fighting to rebuild the company.

We also discuss what money in the bank can hide about the true health of a business, the importance of knowledge and relationships, and why African sports storytelling remains undervalued.

This is not a completed success story. The comeback is still being written.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro
02:15 - The TikTok video that inspired this episode
06:03 - Volo’s life and business update
06:27 - Why Volo publicly shared the decline of 22Ours
08:15 - How 22Ours went from millions to thousands
09:47 - When Volo realised 22Ours was in trouble
17:30 - The public response to Volo’s viral TikTok video
20:00 - What is 22Ours?
22:28 - How 22Ours became a serious sports media business and worked with SuperSport
31:24 - What 22Ours looked like at its peak
34:15 - Did 22Ours grow faster than its systems and leadership?
35:22 - Volo’s advice on rapid business growth and scaling
37:28 - The business mistakes hidden by millions in the bank
41:00 - Losing money but keeping knowledge, relationships and reputation
42:00 - Who was Volo at the height of his business success?
43:39 - Losing confidence, rebuilding publicly and retrenching staff
48:47 - Why Volo refuses to give up on 22Ours
52:57 - Why African sports storytelling remains undervalued
55:36 - Are brands genuinely investing in African sports culture?
58:52 - Volo’s advice for young entrepreneurs
59:47 - Volo’s one-year comeback vision for 22Ours
1:00:27 - Outro

Canva is doing far more in Africa than helping people design.

On this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, Rudy sits down with Bianca Sibiya, Head of Canva Africa, to explore why South Africa has become such an important market for Canva and how technology, creativity and AI can unlock new opportunities across the country.

They discuss Canva for Education, supporting South African teachers and learners, reaching township communities, and Canva’s partnerships with SACE, Cell C, Paystack and Capitec.

Bianca also shares her perspective on the challenges facing African entrepreneurs, the importance of good design in business, how AI is changing the playing field for small businesses, and the skills young people will need for the future of work.

This conversation goes far beyond design. It’s about education, entrepreneurship, digital access and Africa’s digital future.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Why South Africa Matters to Canva Africa
04:29 - Canva Africa’s Growth & Impact in South Africa
07:29 - What Is Canva for Education?
08:46 - Is Canva for Education Free for Teachers & Learners?
11:00 - Canva Africa’s SACE Partnership & Supporting South African Teachers
12:36 - How Canva & AI Can Reduce Teachers’ Workloads
15:00 - How Canva Plans to Reach South African Townships
17:39 - Preparing South African Learners for the Future of Work
19:48 - Canva x Cell C: Making Digital Creativity More Accessible
23:15 - How the Canva & Cell C Partnership Happened
24:45 - Can Digital Access Create Career Opportunities?
25:26 - Canva’s Partnerships with Paystack & Capitec
27:15 - The Biggest Branding Challenges Facing African Entrepreneurs
29:12 - Can Good Design Help Grow Your Business?
30:00 - Branding & Marketing Mistakes Small Businesses Make
31:32 - How AI Helps Small Businesses Compete with Bigger Companies
36:36 - The Skills You’ll Need to Succeed in the Next Decade
38:20 - Preparing Young People for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet
40:25 - Bianca Sibiya’s Message to Women & the Next Generation
42:32 - What’s Next for Canva Africa? | Closing Remarks

What happens when professional footballers need support beyond what happens on the pitch?

Claudio Ofosu is a director at Ballers in God, a football agent and someone working closely with players across Europe. In this conversation with Rudy Samuel, Claudio takes us inside the Christian football movement founded by former Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace footballer John Bostock.

They discuss how Ballers in God supports professional footballers through prayer, mentorship, accountability and trusted relationships. Claudio also speaks about Christianity within football, money, fame, agents, player exploitation, commercial activities and the realities African footballers face when attempting to move to Europe.

Claudio shares what he has learned from working closely with Borussia Dortmund and Germany international Felix Nmecha, his experience visiting South Africa and his vision for the future.

This is an honest conversation about faith, identity and protecting the person behind the footballer.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
04:00 - Claudio Ofosu’s life update
04:50 - Who is Claudio Ofosu beyond football, ministry and business?
05:30 - What being a player, football agent and spiritual mentor taught Claudio about people
06:52 - What professional football promised Claudio but could never give him
08:30 - How Claudio feels about remaining in professional football after his playing career
09:49 - Claudio introduces ⁨Ballers in God⁩
11:45 - Why John Bostock founded ⁨Ballers in God⁩
13:45 - What ⁨Ballers in God⁩ provides that clubs, agents, family and friends cannot
16:44 - How ⁨Ballers in God⁩ keeps professional footballers accountable
18:35 - Creating honesty and accountability among professional footballers
20:37 - How ⁨Ballers in God⁩ protects trust within its football community
22:10 - Can Christianity, wealth and status genuinely coexist in professional football?
25:58 - Why Christian footballers are becoming more open about their faith
28:40 - Claudio Ofosu’s journey as a football agent
31:05 - When should a young footballer get an agent?
32:20 - Warning signs that a football agent may be exploiting a player
33:29 - What young African footballers misunderstand about moving to Europe
35:10 - The biggest financial mistakes footballers make after signing their first major contract
38:10 - Working with ⁨Felix Nmecha⁩ and managing commercial activities at the highest level
39:14 - Claudio Ofosu’s visit to South Africa
41:54 - What Claudio the agent wishes Claudio the footballer had known
42:48 - What Claudio will tell the ⁨Ballers in God⁩ team about South Africa
43:43 - What God is teaching Claudio that success cannot teach him
44:44 - What is next for Claudio Ofosu?
46:10 - Advice for people struggling with their Christian faith
47:17 - Outro

#BallersInGod #FootballPodcast #ChristianFootball #ClaudioOfosu #JohnBostock #FelixNmecha #ICWRS

What does it really take to become a Springbok?

In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, I sit down with Hollywoodbets Sharks and Springbok loose forward Vincent Tshituka for one of his most open conversations yet.

Vincent reflects on the journey to wearing the green and gold, what it's really like inside the Springbok environment, and the lessons he's learned from leaders like Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi.

Beyond rugby, we dive into the realities of money in professional sport, sponsorships, preparing for life after rugby, navigating friendships, family, leadership and building a legacy that extends far beyond the game.

Whether you're a rugby fan, athlete, entrepreneur or someone chasing excellence, this conversation offers valuable lessons on discipline, purpose and long-term thinking.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who would enjoy the conversation.

#VincentTshituka #Springboks #SharksRugby #SouthAfricanRugby #Rugby #Leadership #LifeAfterRugby #SportsPodcast #InConversationWithRudySamuel #ICWRS

00:00 Intro

03:30 Vincent Tshituka's Life Update

04:33 Staying Humble Despite Success

06:24 The Influence of Northcliff High School

08:00 When the Springbok Dream Became Real

12:26 Vincent's First Springbok Call-Up

15:17 Inside the Springbok Camp

16:40 Captaining the Springbok A Team

19:07 Rassie Erasmus & Siya Kolisi Behind the Scenes

24:00 Family, Sacrifice & Staying Grounded

27:40 Sharing the Journey with Emmanuel Tshituka

30:00 Money & Life After Rugby

32:30 Vincent's First Professional Paycheck

34:00 Sponsorships & Building a Personal Brand

36:20 Financial Advice for Young Rugby Players

38:16 Real Friends vs Transactional Relationships

40:40 The Toughest Period of Vincent's Career

43:20 Balancing Rugby & Family Life

44:45 Planning for Your Family's Future

47:22 Leadership, Responsibility & Growth

49:37 Vincent's Vision for Life After Rugby

51:21 Did Rugby Give More Than It Took?

53:24 The Biggest Lesson from Vincent's Journey

54:48 The Legacy Vincent Wants to Leave Behind

55:43 Outro

Ash & Migs, the husband and wife duo behind The Manchester Derby, join Rudy Samuel for an honest conversation about football, marriage, content creation and building one of South Africa's most recognised football brands.

From starting a football page in Johannesburg to working with SuperSport, collaborating with global football brands and creating content around the world's biggest clubs, they share the journey behind the cameras and the lessons they've learned along the way.

In this episode we discuss:

• How The Manchester Derby was born

• Building a football brand from South Africa

• Working with international companies

• The opportunity to work with @supersport

• Losing their account and bouncing back

• Collaborating with @mancity

• Watching Manchester City vs @realmadrid

• Meeting #BernardoSilva and #RubenAmorim

• Experiencing Manchester City vs @manutd

• Navigating criticism and social media pressure

• Balancing marriage with content creation

• Planning viral football content

• Advice for aspiring content creators

• What's next for Ash & Migs

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

03:07 - Quickfire Football Questions

06:45 - How Ash & Migs Started The Manchester Derby

13:20 - Building a Football Brand & Working With International Companies

17:54 - Working With @supersport & Meeting Football's Biggest Names

31:40 - Losing Their Account, Working With @mancity, Watching Manchester City vs @realmadrid, Meeting #BernardoSilva & #RubenAmorim, and Experiencing @manutd vs Manchester City

37:00 - Dealing With Criticism, Pressure & Social Media Judgment

42:05 - Balancing Marriage, Content Creation & Business

49:34 - How Ash & Migs Plan Viral Football Content

53:54 - Advice for Content Creators & Football Creators

57:50 - What's Next for Ash & Migs?

59:24 - One Word That Describes Ash & Migs

1:01:13 - Outro

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves football, content creation or inspiring African stories.

New conversations every second Tuesday.

Hosted by Rudy Samuel.

In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, I sit down with Caiah M for a deep and honest conversation around identity, social media, colourism, faith and modern culture.

We unpack whether people truly know who they are outside of social media, how the internet has shaped human behaviour, the pressure of being perceived online, the realities of colourism, and how validation has become a currency in today’s world.

Caiah also opens up about her spiritual journey, growing up Christian, converting to Islam, her family’s reaction and where she currently stands with faith.

This is a conversation about identity, pressure, belief and what it means to navigate life in a world that constantly demands performance.

#ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro
03:00 Life update: growth, change and navigating adulthood
06:50 Social media, identity and why our generation performs life
13:35 When Caiah realized social media affects people psychologically
20:45 Colourism, beauty standards and can we ever overcome it?
25:00 Attention vs validation, brand deals and the pressure of being a creator
39:15 From Christianity to Islam: Caiah’s faith journey, family reaction and identity
58:25 Quick fire questions
1:02:50 Outro

For the first time, I sit down alone and speak honestly about what the last 3 months of fatherhood have truly been like.

In this episode, I open up about becoming a first time father, the financial realities of having a child, giving birth in private healthcare without medical aid, entrepreneurship, sleepless nights, and learning how to become a present dad while navigating marriage, business and responsibility.

I also speak about the emotional pressure society places on couples to have children and how watching people around me struggle with infertility made me quietly build emotional walls around fatherhood and having children.

We also discuss:
• African pressure around having kids after marriage
• Pregnancy anxiety and stress
• C section vs natural birth conversations
• The financial cost of giving birth
• Parenting advice from different generations
• Entrepreneurship and fatherhood
• Why support systems matter
• The importance of saving before having children

This is one of the most vulnerable and honest conversations I’ve had publicly.

Welcome to In Conversation With Rudy Samuel #ICWRS

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

01:50 - Growing Up In A Big Family

02:20 - Fear Of Having Kids & Becoming A Father

05:05 - African Pressure Around Having Children After Marriage

07:20 - Pregnancy Stress, Anxiety & C Section vs Natural Birth

10:55 - The Day My Son Was Born & My Honest Thoughts On Fatherhood

16:00 - The Financial Reality Of Giving Birth & Raising A Newborn

19:07 - Dealing With Opinions From Family, Friends & Social Media

20:23 - New School Mothers vs Old School Mothers

21:30 - It Truly Takes A Village To Raise A Child

22:53 - Stressing About Baby Milestones

25:28 - Sleepless Nights, Entrepreneurship & Fatherhood

26:14 - The Most Rewarding Parts Of Being A Dad

27:57 - Saving Money & Preparing Financially For Fatherhood

34:53 - Why You Need To Save Before Having Children

38:17 - Outro

#ICWRS #Fatherhood #Parenting #TheFutureIsAfrican

In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel (#ICWRS), Rudy sits down with Certified Financial Planner Mona Manzambi for an important conversation around money, financial literacy, investing, debt and long term wealth building for young Africans.

This episode unpacks:
• The difference between financial literacy, financial wellbeing, financial education and financial planning
• The importance of budgeting and saving early
• Black tax and financial pressure on young professionals
• Property vs stock market investing
• Retirement annuities and wealth creation
• The real cost of debt
• Common financial mistakes young professionals make
• The difference between a financial planner and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

This conversation is designed to help young professionals think differently about money, wealth and financial freedom in today’s world.

#ICWRS#MonaManzambi #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #Investing #WealthBuilding #DebtManagement #FinancialFreedom #YoungProfessionals #AfricanPodcast #BusinessPodcast #SouthAfrica #TheFutureIsAfrican

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
03:20 - Financial wellbeing, financial planning, financial literacy & financial education explained
06:00 - The importance of budgeting
08:40 - Understanding black tax as a young professional
12:05 - How to start saving effectively
17:10 - Retirement annuities and why they matter
18:32 - Practical ways to save and invest
30:35 - Can property help build long term wealth?
33:03 - Financial mistakes young professionals are making today
36:15- Good debt vs bad debt
43:55 - Financial planner vs Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
46:55 - The first 3 steps to take control of your finances
49:54 - What every young African should do financially for their future
51:22 - What financial freedom means to Mona Manzambi
55:03 Outro