The NDINI Podcast

"When you show up, show up with empathy and compassion and love, and watch how that experience is just going to magnify and just be the best experience you could have imagined." - Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson

Nkechi is a corporate executive, author, professional bodybuilder and inspirational speaker. She has devoted her life to empowering and inspiring people, and helping them live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Something that really stands out about Nkechi is her incredible energy and joyful spirit - she even calls this her “superpower.” You truly feel this amazing gift she has the moment she starts to speak.  

Nkechi recently gave a powerful and emotional speech at Speaker Slam that went viral on social media. Her speech, which was titled “You Matter”, talked about identity.  She shared the life experiences, including some painful ones, that shaped her. 

Nkechi is a high-powered corporate executive by day, but she also has a passion for health and fitness, and is a competitive bodybuilder.  Nkechi competed in her first bodybuilding competition in 2005...and won! She recently went back to competing after a four year hiatus. Nkechi shared some of the challenges of her bodybuilding journey, why she made the decision to stop competing, and the shift that reignited her passion and brought her back to the competition stage.  

In a truly heartfelt moment, Nkechi shared how her best friend’s courage to tell her some hard truths led her to a life-changing book that started the journey to a changed mindset and renewed passion for life.  

"It's never about how you look in that one moment, it's about how your life is like all the time." - Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson

Nkechi, along with R&B superstar Jully Black, founded Empowered in My Skin to help other women around the world live purposefully in the comfort of their own skin. The organization works to help women find their power by helping them tap into their unique intuitive talents and creative potential. The goal is to help them to become true leaders in every aspect of their lives.

"We are supposed to return to a place of love, and then start again from there making sure that love is our guidepost and our guiding principle." - Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson

Nkechi also talks about how she’s been able to bring her message about living fully and authentically into the corporate world.  She also talks about how a recent opportunity to meet Michelle Obama helped her realize that she was meant for global impact.

YOU WILL LEARN:

• How Nkechi’s upbringing in a predominantly white community shaped her formative years
• How she got into bodybuilding and eventually competing professionally
• The challenges and struggles she faced as a professional bodybuilder
• How her best friend’s courage to speak up, and a life-changing book helped her change her mindset
• How Nkechi got into public speaking, and some tips she has for aspiring speakers
• The speech she gave that went viral, and how it helped her to realize the potential she has to impact the world
• The heartwrenching and often lonely journey Nkechi has faced in trying to realize her dream of motherhood
• What led to her co-founding an organization to empower women to live purposefully “in their own skin”
• Her powerful insights on having a vision, fulfilling your purpose, and living with empathy, compassion, and love.

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“I am beautiful, bold, courageous and tenacious.” - Rumbi BvunzawabayaShe’s a Solicitor, Speaker, Author and Social Activist.

Spurred by seeing the mistreatment of women in her native Zimbabwe, Rumbi Bvunzawabaya was inspired to become a lawyer so she could address some of the injustice she saw growing up. But due to the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe at that time, she was forced to move to the United Kingdom with her husband.

Arriving in UK, she was shocked by the shoddy legal services being provided to migrants, and so she and her husband decided to set up their own legal practice.

Rumbi quickly realised that her relationship with her clients needed to expand beyond just being their lawyer – they needed help with settling into the country, especially after having been separated as families. And so she and her husband started Migrant Family Support to provide parenting, marriage and bereavement support to immigrants.  

Rumbi and her husband have also recently started a series of ‘Freedom’ events aimed at empowering people to break free of past life events that are holding them back from achieving their true potential.

"We go back, so that we could move forward. That's what we do. I'm vulnerable, I'm open. That leads other people to be open and vulnerable. We go where not many people want to go, and we talk about those issues that you're not usually encouraged to talk about." - Rumbi Bvunzawabaya

Rumbi was candid about her life and the challenges she has faced, especially coming from a culture where speaking about domestic issues is taboo. She shared how witnessing domestic violence in her own family, as well as being raped as a young girl, affected her self-confidence and her marriage. She also shared how she was able to make peace with herself through writing her book ‘Girl in the Mirror’ which talks about her experiences.  

Since my conversation with Rumbi, she and her husband have sold their law practices to focus on the various programs they have established to help migrants, as well as people in her home country of Zimbabwe.  

"What I love is the people. For me, providing a solution to the people, that's what motivates me and that's what I get up for every morning."  Rumbi Bvunzawabaya

If you’re interested in supporting the work that Rumbi is doing through Tugwi Trust, please consider sponsoring a child. You can get in touch with Tugwi Trust through their Facebook Page.

• What inspired Rumbi to become a Solicitor
• The role faith and spirituality play in her life and the work she is doing
• What it’s like being business partners and working together with her husband
• How Rumbi’s family responded to her writing a book about her childhood experience with domestic violence
• How she was able to find forgiveness for her father after his death

• The inspiration behind her and her brother starting a foundation to help young Zimbabweans
• Her vision for where she sees herself for the next 5 years 
• What brings Rumbi the most joy
• What she can’t get through the day without 
• What she wishes she had more of in her life
• What Rumbi’s ‘I am…’ is

• Rumbi on Facebook
• Rumbi on Instagram
• Rumbi’s book The Girl in the Mirror available on Amazon
• Migrant Family Support Website 
• Tugwi Trust Facebook Page

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Monique London is the owner and creative director of the all-natural and organic beauty brand London Ivy. 

Apart from her beauty brand, Monique is the founder of Black Beauty Brunch. This event started in 2016 and began as a meet and greet event for Toronto’s self-identified black women, which has then evolved into a “judgment-free safe space where women can come and have an open forum to explore their concepts of self-love, beauty ideals, and representation.” As Monique would describe it, it is a place where black women are given room to take off their armor, reset, learn, and leave feeling celebrated.

“I am not the exception for you. You don’t just have ‘Monique, the black friend.’ Monique is a black woman that represents the fact that black women are all different.” - Monique London

Having studied in North Bay, Ontario, Monique talks about the struggles of being a minority in the university, sometimes being the only black woman in class. This made her realize the importance of having a safe space where she would talk openly, surrounded by people like her.

This experience began her journey on starting Black Beauty Brunch. 

“Black Beauty Brunch -- it kind of throws people for a loop, because some people see the name and they assume it’s going to be like a make-up show, or they assume it’s going to be about skin care… No, it’s about the actual woman.” - Monique London

Monique also talks about how and why she started her beauty brand, London Ivy. She talks about the processes she had to learn and experience, the challenges of being in the beauty industry, and the advice she would give to young entrepreneurs.

"Do enough work that when you get there, you can be happy there, and you're not struggling and drowning." - Monique London

As an entrepreneur, Monique talks about the value of self-reflection and “unlearning” to achieve the right mindset to be successful.

Aside from being an entrepreneur, Monique also talks about being a mother and raising her daughter, whom she has also named “London Ivy.” 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• What Black Beauty Brunch is, and how it started
• How Monique’s experiences in university that began her journey to starting Black Beauty Brunch
• How and why she started her beauty brand, London Ivy.
• The story behind the name of her beauty brand
• Monique’s challenges of being in the beauty industry
• The value of “unlearning” and having the right mindset to be successful
• Her insights on being and entrepreneur and also a mother

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“You keep doing the work you’re doing, and your excellence will shine through in your output.” - Theresa Nyabeze

My guest today is as comfortable in overalls and deep underground of the earth, as she is in heels and makeup. She’s a mining engineer, an author and a mom. She’s also the founder of Diversity STEM.

Theresa Nyabeze works as a front-line supervisor at one of Canada’s largest mines, and she is president of ‘Women In Science and Engineering’ (WISE) Sudbury. She’s also part of a small demographic of women who make up the mining workforce. According to a 2014 study by Global Mining Standards and Guidelines, women account for only five to ten percent of the international mining workforce, and only seven per cent serve on board positions.

Theresa shares why she chose this unconventional career, and why she is so passionate about it. She also shares her experiences and powerful insights on values, mentorship, privilege, failure, and success throughout her journey.

“I've always believed in people in that if you take care of other people, and the results will follow. If you are authentically trying to take care of the needs of your fellow, and you are trying to be in service to them... I say you are going to have success." - Theresa Nyabeze

Theresa has also authored an illustrated story book for children called “Underground: My Mining Adventure” which is one of the adventures of her STEM book series. She also currently hosts The Mining Meet Up Podcast which is a collection of conversations with a variety of people who interact and engage with the Mining Industry.

• How Theresa ended up in mining
• Why she thinks mining is a fantastic career option for any able-bodied person
• What she’s learned about herself through following this unconventional career path

• Why she’s made it her mission to empower and inspire young women through mentorship
• What she’s learned about failure
• What her “I am” is

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"To go fast, you go alone. To go far, you go together."- Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

 Chidiogo Blessing Akunyili-Parr’s name roughly translates as ‘God is gracious with blessings and my cup overflows’.  It’s an appropriate name for a woman whose list of accomplishments is so impressive. She’s been voted one of the ‘100 Most Influential Young Africans,’ ‘100 Most Influential Nigerians,’ she’s been a World Economic Forum Global Leadership Fellow, and she speaks 7 languages!

"I share always that it's a journey. That's why I share my journey. To give you permission to also go on your own journey because it doesn't happen overnight." - Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

But Chidiogo says her greatest accomplishment was finally facing her fears and choosing to march to the beat of her own drum! In 2017, Chidiogo founded an organization called She ROARs – Reimagining Our Africa Rising.

Her mission: to empower women across Africa to unleash their full potential and that of the continent.  Her philosophy is based on the humanist African concept of Ubuntu – ‘I am because you are.  You are because we are’.

"My purpose as I see now, because I have also experienced that it keeps evolving, is to support women on their journey in emancipating themselves and their power." - Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr is also a writer and storyteller.  She’s currently writing a biography about her late mother, Professor Dora Akunyili, who was Nigeria’s first head the country’s National Agency of Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC).

• What it was like growing up as the fifth of six children in a very high achieving family
• The impact and influence that her mother had on her life
• What she thinks is her super power
• Why she’s sometimes reluctant to tell people that she speaks 7 languages
• What Chidiogo is most afraid of

• Her greatest dream for She ROARs
• The limiting beliefs she felt she needed to address in her TEDx Talk
• How she manifested her husband, and knew he was ‘the one’ the day they met
• The impact that Chidiogo would like to have in the world
• What Chidiogo’s “I am” is

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"I am where I am because somebody gave back. If they didn't, I might not have been here. The company is named after someone who believes in that, so it is my call, it's in my heart, it's me." - Ntsiki Biyela

Ntsiki Biyela is a trailblazer in every sense of the word.  She went from being a domestic worker to becoming the first black woman winemaker in South Africa!

Ntsiki grew up in Mahlabathini – a rural village in KwaZulu Natal.  She dreamed of becoming an engineer, but after finishing high school, Ntsiki’s family didn’t have money for her to continue with her education.  She ended up taking a job as a domestic worker. Ntsiki had been an impressive student, and so when her former school teachers heard about a scholarship for University, they went looking for her.

The scholarship was to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University.  Winemaking wasn’t something Ntsiki had ever thought about doing, or even knew anything about. In fact she shares that she used to drink cider, and thought that was wine! And to further complicate the situation, the scholarship was for classes that were all taught in Afrikaans –  a language Ntsiki didn’t speak.

But Ntsiki was undeterred, and immersed herself into her studies.  She graduated in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture ((Viticulture and Oenology), and then joined boutique winery Stellekaya the following year.  Just five years into her career as a winemaker, Ntsiki was named Woman Winemaker of the Year.

Ntsiki used her time at Stellekaya to learn everything she could about the wine business.  But she always knew that in order for her to be able to give back to her community in the way she wanted to, she would eventually need to branch out on her own.

In 2016, Aslina Wines, which is named after Ntsiki’s grandmother, was born.  Last year Ntsiki was named one of the world’s top 20 most innovative women in food and drink by Fortune Magazine!

Ntsiki is now in an enviable position – she has more demand for her wines than she can keep up with!

• How Ntsiki went from being a domestic worker to becoming South Africa’s first black, female winemaker
• Why Ntsiki named her winery ‘Aslina’
• The biggest dream Ntsiki has for Aslina
• What it’s like being one of only a few black winemakers and even fewer black female winemakers in the world
• What it meant to Ntsiki to be name winemaker of the year
• The terrible advice a marketer tried to give Ntsiki about naming one of her wines ‘Msasane’
• The greatest lesson she learned from working as a domestic servant

• What it was like attending university – in a language she didn’t understand
• The woman that Ntsiki most admires
• The best advice she has ever been given
• What Ntiski is most grateful for
• Why one of Ntsiki’s wines is named after the Acacia tree
• What Ntsiki is most afraid of
• What Ntsiki’s favorite wine is
• The not so surprising (but funny) thing that Ntsiki always carries with her everywhere she goes
• What Ntsiki’s “I am…” is

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Check out the full article post at https://ndini.com/podcasts/086/

We’re down to the last quarter of the year. If you’re like me, this is when “the wheels come off the bus” so to speak! All the good habits, and all the goals I’ve been working towards go out of the window.

If this sounds like you….BUT you want this year to be different, then this is for YOU!

I’ve been there so many times – ending the year disappointed in myself, and even further from my goals than when I started the year.

I’m sharing some of the things I’ve learned that I think will help to make this year different for you. It doesn’t matter how close or far you are from your goals. Using these 9 tips will absolutely help you to make these last 90 days your best of 2019!

… And it will set you up to go into the new year feeling inspired, and ready to take on the new decade!

Let’s finish 2019 STRONG!

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“The sky is the limit.  Do not limit yourself, and do not let fear be the reason you do not go after what you want.” - Aisha Addo

Aisha Addo says she thrives on working to make the world a better place for women.  

After leaving her native Ghana to move to Canada at 14 years old, she found herself in foster care for 2 years. At 18 years old she started ‘Power to Girls Foundation‘. Aisha wanted to provide young girls with a space where they could be inspired, empowered and provided with mentorship and support – all the things she wished she’d had growing up. Seven years on, she’s taken the foundation to Ghana, and is looking to expand to other African countries. She’s also working on building the first Leadership Centre for Women in Ghana to provide skills training for women, so they can gain economic freedom.  

“Women are natural nurturers. You give us a seed, we give you a farm. So I believe that once you instill knowledge into a young girl, this is something that would go on to create change within the community, create change in society as well.” - Aisha Addo

And as if running a foundation wasn’t enough, Aisha has also launched Canada’s first ride sharing service for women by women. The service, which is called DriveHer, was prompted by seeing the young girls from her foundation struggling to find safe transport, particularly late at night.  

And what’s next on her list of goals?  Well, to become Ghana’s first female President of course!

Aside from being a philanthropist and entrepreneur, Aisha is also a motivational speaker and consultant speaking in various events related to youth, entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and the African diaspora. 

Aisha was named ‘One of 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada’, as well as one of the ‘150 Black Women making history in Toronto’. She also received the ‘Young Black and Gifted Award for Community Service’ and was named a ‘Black Diversity Group Role Model’.  

• How growing up in foster care and being in an abusive relationship inspired her to start a foundation to support and empower young girls
• The challenges she faced in starting and growing the foundation
• What made her start Canada’s first ride-sharing service for women
• Who she’d most like to have dinner with, and what her favorite African dish is

• What she wishes she had more of in her life
• Her biggest goal
• The best advice she’s ever been given, and that she lives by 
• What Aisha’s ‘I Am’ is

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“In our lifetime, we can solve this water crisis. It’s something that’s achievable. It’s doable.” - Saran Kaba Jones

Saran Kaba Jones is a clean water advocate and social entrepreneur from Liberia. She is the founder of FACE Africa, an organization working to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and services in rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa. 

Saran and her family were forced to flee their home country of Liberia in the early 80s due to the civil war that devastated the country. In 2008, she went back to Liberia for the first time and was inspired to start Fund A Child’s Education (FACE Africa). Over the years as the organization grew, Saran realized that while education was a huge priority, what was even more urgent was the need for children and their communities to have access to clean water. She saw that the lack of access to clean water was a barrier to education. And so 10 years ago, the first fundraising gala was held to raise money for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programs -- which is why it’s called the WASH Gala. 

In this short conversation with Saran, she talks about the organization’s phenomenal accomplishments over the last 10 years in their quest to provide access to clean water to all  parts of Africa. She also talks about their challenges, and how even the smallest donation can make a big difference. Saran shares that she believes the water crisis in Africa can be solved in this lifetime if we all do our part to support those taking action.  She also talks about how taking action is more than about giiving financially - it’s also about using our voices to make this issue heard.

Saran is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.  She has been recognized for her work by many organizations, including being named a 2016 TIME Magazine ‘Next Generation’ Leader, and receiving the MTV Africa Music ‘Leadership Award’ in 2015.  Her work with FACE Africa has been also been profiled in the Boston Globe, and on CNN Inside Africa.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN

• How Saran was inspired to start FACE Africa
• How she returning to her home country gave her a new advocacy to fight for -- access to clean water.
• How their organization has significantly improved the status of clean water access in 10 years
• The challenges and goals of their organization’s advocacy for clean water

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“There is a powerful narrative that we can all tell. Not just in walking the world, but using our voices to actually change this narrative… not just with our friends, not just in our native tongues with people who speak the same language, but with those that look at you when your accent comes out, to use it in the rooms in which there are people who don’t look like you, who don’t understand your culture -- to use it in a powerful way.” - Bozoma Saint John

Earlier this year, NDINI was the official media partner for the FACE Africa 10th Annual WASH Gala.  The Gala, which was held in New York City was a fundraiser for Water,  Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs and facilities across Africa.  It was also an opportunity to celebrate people who are working to create opportunities and to help improve the lives of people on the African continent.  

Accepting the Voice of Change Award at this year’s WASH Gala was Bozoma Saint John. In this episode, Bozoma delivers her powerful acceptance speech about being the voice of change.

Bozoma Saint John is a businesswoman and marketing executive who has served as chief brand officer and worked on marketing for PepsiCo, Beats Music, Apple and Uber. 

When Beats was purchased by Apple in 2014, Bozoma became the head of global consumer marketing for iTunes and Apple Music. She particularly captivated the public during her presentation of the redesigned Apple Music onstage during the 2016 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, captivating both local and online audiences. Buzzfeed wrote that she was the "coolest" person to ever take the stage at an Apple keynote.

Bozoma has also been recognized in media and magazines for her outstanding work, including Billboard Magazine's list of the top women in music, Fast Company's 100 most creative people, and AdWeek's most exciting personalities in advertising.

Bozoma is currently the chief marketing officer (CMO) at William Morris Endeavor. 

“Use your voice. Use it. It is powerful, even if it is singular. And then when there are two of us, let’s make a loud noise.” - Bozoma Saint John

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Why it is important that our voice be carried on to the next generation
• The importance of empowering the next generation to make a difference in the world
• How using your voice can change the narrative of your culture and heritage
• The importance of knowing, being proud of, and expressing who you are
• How to make your voice heard even in silence
• How using our voices together makes a huge impact

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