In today’s episode, I have Ruth Kamau, the Managing Director of iKhaya Lodge and Conference Centre⁠⁠, a popular destination for people seeking a pan-African experience and a home away from home. As a woman of many talents and involved in so much, she shares the source of her profound love for people, unwavering passion for Africa, and contagious enthusiasm for life.

My other two guests, Kamonde and Jessica, led the conversation and transformed this episode into an immersive learning and enriching experience.

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Ruth’s perspective on leading a purposeful and fulfilling life, integrating all aspects of our existence into one harmonious journey, will empower and inspire you. She shares her corporate experience in establishing successful enterprises in collaboration with the Dangote Group, navigating through challenges while thriving in the hospitality industry, and using adversities to achieve success. 

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👋🏽 Let’s support our friends at AGH (African Grassroot Hoops)

Learn about the organization...

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in.

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This is part two of my conversation with ⁠JJ Taboola⁠, the founder of ⁠Prime Circle⁠.

We delve deeper into the entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie within.

JJ explains how Prime Circle is building a platform to make transacting across borders easier. Furthermore, he mentions investment opportunities in East Africa and some constraints that make investing in Africa challenging.

Tune in for another empowering conversation.

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[0:02:16.953] Stellenbosch Mountain Accident

[0:11:47.355] Reflecting: Post-Accident Journey

[0:16:46.796] Transitioning: The Journey from South Africa to East Africa

[0:21:13.564] Iteration: Innovating Financial Solutions and Infrastructure Development in Africa

[0:24:52.585] Adapting Business Strategies and Fostering Sustainable Growth

[0:31:01.675] Delving into Client Needs and Mastering the Art of Arbitrage

[0:35:33.423] Implementing Scalable Solutions and Facilitating Seamless Financial Transactions Across Africa

[0:41:45.488] Empowering Millions of South Africans to Leverage Arbitrage Opportunities

[0:44:54.765] Unveiling the Stability and Long-term Investment Potential of South Africa

[0:48:07.557] Exploring Investment Opportunities Across Various African Countries

[0:50:50.335] The Unyielding Resilience of South African Entrepreneurs and the Significant Impact of Commodities

[0:56:36.209] Adopting and Cultivating a Pan-African Mindset

[0:59:38.965] Everybody Has Two Lives; The Second Life Begins When You Realise That You Only Have One

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Sound

* Code Box

* East African Community Anthem

* Echo Cinematics - Spy Music

* Josefpres

* Music by AlexiAction - African Safari from Pixabay 

* Music by Kevin MacLeod - Groove Grove 

* Sascha Schulz - Try To Fix It 

* Younoise

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In this episode, I talk to ⁠JJ Taboola⁠, the founder of ⁠Prime Circle Africa⁠ &⁠ Prime Circle Finance⁠, a South African company that helps individuals and businesses take advantage of arbitrage opportunities in foreign currency and investments.

In this first part, JJ amazes us with his family background and how their journey inspired him to leave a promising career at Coronation Fund Managers in Cape Town, South Africa, to build Prime Circle in Kenya.

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Quick announcement😃:

This episode was recorded at iKhaya. If you’re looking for a peaceful work environment in Cape Town, iKhaya Lodge and Conference Centre is an ideal location to consider. Situated in the heart of the city, it has become a popular destination for those who seek a home away from home. Not only does it offer a tranquil atmosphere, but it also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of the beautiful and vibrant African continent. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, staying at iKhaya is worth considering for a chance to enjoy life while experiencing the essence of Africa.

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[0:01:42.600] Family Background

[0:04:32.767] Education and University Experience

[0:05:51.878] Passion for Financial Markets

[0:06:47.217] Attraction to Mathematics and Quantitative Analysis

[0:08:13.200] JJ’s Father’s Investment Approach

[0:09:57.727] Dealing With Cultural Differences and Increasing Intrinsic Motivation

[0:15:04.220] JJ’s Sisters and Their Career Paths

[0:17:57.491] High School Years: Learning to Make Money and Building a Business

[0:21:11.180] The Journey at Sygnia Asset Management, PSG Asset Management, and Coronation Fund Managers

[0:27:53.370] Critical Lessons From Sygnia, PSG, and Coronation for Entrepreneurs

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Sound:

* Code Box

* Sascha Schulz - Try To Fix It 

* Echo Cinematics - Spy Music

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I had the opportunity to chat with a truly impressive entrepreneur and creative from South Africa.

Brendan's story is nothing short of inspiring. 

It's incredible to see an individual who used his challenges as an opportunity to build a fulfilling career and, in the process, found the perfect marriage between his passion for photography, people, and technology. The sheer potential unleashed when creativity and technology combine in such a profound manner is genuinely exhilarating.

Additionally, we discussed the importance of community, honest feedback, and the interconnectedness of diverse belief systems in South Africa. 

Join us as we dive into Brendan's journey and uncover some of the keys to his success.

If you want to connect with Brendan, follow him on IG or LinkedIn ⁠⁠@brendanlouw⁠⁠.

Here is the link to most of his work: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/brendanlouw.⁠⁠

Enjoy it.

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Quick promo😃:

I recorded this episode at iKhaya Lodge and Conference Centre. If you're in Cape Town and searching for a serene location to work and appreciate life,

iKhaya Lodge and Conference Centre is the perfect place. No wonder they've become a go-to for me and many others looking for a home away from home.

But, even if you're not in Cape Town, it's worth checking out iKhaya for its welcoming atmosphere.

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[1:28] Building the Company 'VR Events'

[4:35] Starting Forj, Empowering Creatives, NFT Campaigns for Savanna and V&W

[6:46] Immersive Experience and the Impact of VR on Memory Retention

[10:08] Opportunities in Education and Involving End-Users

[12:00] Lowering the Cost of Technology

[13:34] Homeschooling, Meditation, and Organizing One's Thoughts

[15:05] Defining Reality and the Importance of Authenticity

[16:28] Web 3.0, Price-Innovation Cycles, and Micro Communities

[19:45] Innovating for South Africa

[23:19] Web 2.0, Using Blockchain to Facilitate Participation in the New Economy

[25:16] Collaboration Among Creatives in South Africa

[27:16] Creativity, Finding a Creative Outlet, and Dealing with ADHD

[27:16] Developing Entrepreneurial Vision and Skills

[29:19] Incredible Family Support and Mentorship

[31:01] The Significance of Communities for Creatives and Entrepreneurs

[32:42] Meditation and Yoga

[34:37] Thoughts on Religion and Spirituality

[38:10] Becoming a Lifelong Student

[42:22] Don't Wait for Courage to Start

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George Clements (@gftclements) is the Co-founder of ⁠Magnum Company⁠, a UK-based business transforming how you get and drink your magnum since 2017. George has extensive entrepreneurial expertise and a demonstrated history of establishing and exiting thriving companies.

George is known for being a skilled communicator who can connect with people personally and make them feel at ease.

He is also known for his great sense of humor and ability to create memorable experiences. If you enjoy trail and long-distance running, you may come across George.

In this episode, he will share how he has successfully exited three companies and mastered the art of building thriving, motivated teams.

If you want to learn more about George and the Magnum Company, consider connecting with George on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

You can find the link for ‘The Magnum’s’ company website: ⁠https://themagnumcompany.com⁠

Credits:

George’s picture for the cover art was captured by one of the most incredible humans I have met, ⁠Roy Potter.⁠

Enjoy it!

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[00:58] Being a founder and joining the UK’s Royal Navy after losing a bet. 

[2:35] Lessons for business in sports and the military.  

[3:58] Having a co-founder might be crucial.

[5:10] On learning to appreciate other people’s talents.

[6:28] Delegate for the right reasons. 

[7:52] Three companies successfully sold and the joy of building teams. 

[11:37] If you enjoy doing something, you are more likely to excel at it. 

[13:39] Your body can endure more than your mind is accustomed to handling.

[15:58] Everyone has strengths that should be given a chance to shine.

[17:31] Identify the right moment to exit a business. 

[18:46] Having a good relationship with parents requires understanding different perspectives.

[21:17] Stagnation is undesirable in any business or individual’s life.

[23:16] The benefits of intuition when examining deals. 

[23:54] A good rule is to be gracious, not greedy.

[24:55] A founder might not be the best CEO, and you must determine what works best for you.

[25:55] If you’re considering hiring an outside executive, remember some critical things. 

[26:42] Starting the Magnum Company at 2 AM.

[29:05] Views on romantic relationships. 

[31:16] A few words to other founders. “A problem shared is a problem halved.” 

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Hey there, it's Geovany André!

You're listening to 'The Last Student, ' launching on April 30th. This Season 1 is for business builders and professional service providers who want strategies, insights, and tools to productize their services, manage successful businesses, and build thriving careers.

Want more? Check out our bi-weekly newsletter on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠thelaststudent.substack.com⁠⁠.

It's a place to get hands-on learning and explore big ideas and the ideal follow-up of our monthly discussions on the podcast.

Thanks for tuning in. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.