The Tech Surf Podcast

The journey through school is filled with laborious learning, overwhelming workloads, and grades showing the fruits of one's efforts. While some graduates leave with friends for life or business partners from school, graduation is rarely easy. With AI's rise, could technology make acquiring knowledge more exciting regardless of location or language? 

In this episode, our host Raymond Ewoenam Klutse interviewed entrepreneurs Samit Khalsa and Kamyar Hosseini, whose friendship led them to found edtech startup Penseum. It leverages AI to spark learning and reduce student anxiety. 

Enjoy today’s episode

Host: Raymond Klutse

Guests: Samit Khalsa, Kamyar Hosseini

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Reginald Tetteh, Samuel Andam

Data is often described as the new oil. Just like mining oil, mining data requires some core skills and mindset. Although many tools are available in the industry for Data Engineering, the core element of the role and how people who want to explore a career down this path is not often spoken of. 

In this episode, we sit with Shaine Ismail, a principal Engineer and co-founder of BigSpark, as he walks us through his journey and what he believes the next generation of engineers should be looking out for in the data space.  

Hosts: Raymond Klutse, Maclean Arhin

Guest : Shaine Ismail

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Etornam Koko, Reginald Tetteh

Transitioning careers can be daunting, but for those with psychology backgrounds, moving into user experience (UX) research may be a natural fit. With their skills in understanding human behavior and conducting scientific research, psychologists have a strong foundation to build upon for a UX role.

In this episode, we speak with Cyhana Williams, a UX Researcher at Microsoft who also doubles as a GIS enthusiast, with community building being a major ingredient in her success. Whether you're a recent psychology grad or a seasoned mental health professional looking for a change, you'll learn how to successfully switch from psychology into the exciting field of UX research. 

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Cyhana Lena Williams

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Etornam Koko, David Oyelade

A passion for diplomacy fuels one's decision to read Political Science. As we grow, our passions change and evolve, and we need to put the necessary structures in place to prepare ourselves for the phase we want to enter into.

In this episode we sit with Nana Adjoa Anim, a product manager who has a background in Political Science, and has also had experience working in the cloud. She walks us through the challenges she has faced on this journey, and how it has made her more empathetic about life and people in general.

Her story of resilience and determination reminds us that pivoting may not be easy but it is possible.

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Nana Adjoa Anim

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Sascha Cauchon, Reginald Tetteh

The university experience offers you a plethora of opportunities, but the path people take for life is seldom linked to the courses they took or their initial plan when they were freshmen.

In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of Wesley Ablordeppey aka Phish, who made the daring leap from being a techie to becoming a Travel Experience Designer with the extraordinary MoooveAfrica story. 

We discover the challenges he faced and faces, the lessons learned, and the joy he found in crafting remarkable travel experiences. Wesley's story will ignite your own sense of wanderlust and inspire you to explore new horizons.

Host: Raymond Klutse

Guest: Wesley Ablordeppey  

Music: Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over: Raymond Klutse

Producer: Raymond Klutse

Production Team: Sascha Cauchon, Etornam Koko

In the ever-evolving tech industry, career paths can take unexpected turns. Some people have chosen to hang up their lab coats to join the world of meetings, MVPs and go-to-market strategies. 

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Joel Kojo Anaman, a pharmacist who has ventured into the world of product management. Joel shares his experiences, challenges, and victories as he navigated this remarkable career transformation. 

We learn about the pivotal moments that drove his decision, the skills he acquired, and the valuable lessons he gained in transitioning from the pharmacy to digital product creation. Joel reminds us that with hard work and a commitment to learning, anyone can overcome challenges and thrive in different fields.

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Joel Kojo Anaman

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Sascha Cauchon, Reginald Tetteh

Pivoting careers can be daunting yet liberating. Transitioning from humanities into tech consulting seems formidable. In this episode, our host Raymond Klutse talks with Alice Aspinall, a consulting practice head at BigSpark, about her inspirational journey from the humanities to a successful tech career. 

With managerial experience at EY, Accenture and BlackRock, Alice provides insights on shifting careers. She discusses how humanities developed skills like critical thinking, communication, and intellectual curiosity are valued in consulting. With the right strategy, mentorship, and determination, Alice shows there's opportunity in tech for those from non-traditional backgrounds. 

Alice's account illustrates that while difficult, dramatic career changes are possible with the proper attitude and support. Her journey highlights how humanities skills prepare you for excellence in consulting. 

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Alice Aspinall

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Etornam Koko, Reginald Tetteh

Pivoting can be very daunting, especially when your background doesn’t have any tech roots. Kwame, however, took an opportunity in his GIS class to start his journey in tech. Now, he is a top professional in the data space, mentoring the next generation of data professionals in Ghana and beyond

Wherever you find yourself on your pivoting journey, Kwame reminds us that with a strategy, discipline, and effective mentorship, you would be more than equipped to excel on your journey.

Enjoy today’s episode.

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Kwame Adu-Manu

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - David Oyelade, Reginald Tetteh

In a world racing towards automation, almost everyone is trying to get some tech skills in order to join the bandwagon. Others however, have chosen to unplug and reconnect with the simple joy of cooking. 

In this episode, we sit with George Frederick Oddoye, popularly known as Chef Keeks, a software engineer who after riding the fintech wave in Ghana decided to trade writing code for recipes. Now he’s cooking up savory global flavors for a plethora of palates. We delve into the process of pivoting and some of the hurdles he has had to jump to get to where he is.

Enjoy today’s episode

Hosts: Raymond Klutse

Guest : Chef Keeks

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Sascha Cauchon, Reginald Tetteh

With the rise of data-driven roles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Data Engineer, it can be tricky for beginners to understand the distinctions between these jobs. In this episode, we spoke with data expert Derek Degbe who breaks down each position and provides more clarity.

Whether you're a beginner looking to get your foot in the data door or a professional wanting to switch roles, this discussion will help you understand the core differences of these jobs.

Enjoy today’s episode

Hosts: Raymond Klutse, Joseph Maclean

Guest : Derek Degbe

Music : Weekends, Kerala

Voice Over - Raymond Klutse

Producer - Raymond Klutse 

Production Team - Reginald Tetteh