the Winning Across Borders pod

Studying abroad can open doors — but getting there is often far more complicated than simply choosing a university and submitting an application. VZGate can help you simplify this process.

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Henry Umeaku, Founder & CEO of VZGate, and Mike Zhou, CFO of VZGate, to unpack what students — especially Africans planning to study abroad — need to understand before making the move.

We also discuss:

• Why studying abroad requires planning beyond university admission
• How students can identify and avoid unreliable agencies
• Why researching only the first few options you find online may not be enough
• Scholarships and ways students can explore funding opportunities
• Comparing different agencies, services and costs
• What students should consider before choosing a country or university
• The importance of planning for accommodation, transport and life after arrival
• How changing immigration rules can affect international students
• Why students should keep monitoring official immigration information
• How VZGate is building a marketplace connecting students with verified service providers
• The importance of using both free resources and professional expertise
• What students can do to make the study-abroad journey more informed and realistic

The goal isn't simply to get admitted.

It's to understand the entire journey — from choosing a country and university to funding, applications, immigration, accommodation and everything that comes after.

If you're considering studying abroad, or know someone who is, this conversation is worth watching before you make your next move.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vzgate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vzgate/

Website: https://vzgate.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-zhou-9a317527b

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LXRTl0yEk8rDAfz3v6uH4q?mode=gi_t

Subscribe to Winning Across Borders for more real stories, practical lessons and career blueprints for Africans building lives and careers abroad.

#StudyAbroad #InternationalStudents #AfricanStudents #StudyAbroadTips #WinningAcrossBorders #VZGate

00:00 Intro: Is Studying Abroad Getting Harder?

01:51 Henry's Journey From Nigeria to New York

03:31 Mike's US College Admissions Experience

06:38 What Exactly Is VZGate?

08:27 What Are International Students Looking For?

10:23 Why Students Choose to Study Abroad

12:51 What Do Host Countries Gain?

15:07 Is Studying Abroad Becoming More Difficult?

17:24 Can Nigerians Still Study in the US?

19:13 Why Africans Focus on the UK, US & Europe

21:09 How Do Students Find the Right Path?

23:57 How Much Research Should You Do Yourself?

25:42 Can VZGate Help With Different Countries?

28:03 A Student Has No Idea Where to Start

30:59 Scholarships, Agencies & Choosing Your Options

34:06 Commission-Based vs Paid Agencies

35:58 How VZGate Protects Student Payments

37:11 How the VZGate Marketplace Works

38:30 How Students Pay for Services

39:01 Why Verification Matters

40:31 The Biggest Study-Abroad Mistake

42:23 Mike's Biggest Admissions Mistake

44:23 Don't Let Pride Limit Your Options

45:48 How Students & Vendors Can Join VZGate

47:51 Final Advice for Students

How do you get an international tech job when you don't feel qualified yet?

Sarah's journey is a powerful example of what can happen when you combine curiosity, persistence, visibility and a willingness to apply before you feel completely ready.

Originally from Anambra State, Nigeria, Sarah studied Electrical Engineering before finding her way into technology. During NYSC, she discovered software engineering, started teaching children to code, taught herself C#, and eventually moved into a Microsoft 365 support role.

Then came the opportunity that changed everything.

With only around one year of experience, Sarah began researching Microsoft partners around the world and applying for roles. After numerous rejections, she noticed patterns in job descriptions, changed how she positioned her experience on her CV, and eventually landed an interview with Avanade.

The role turned out to be a relocation opportunity.

Despite COVID-related delays, the company waited for her and she eventually moved from Nigeria to Ireland.

Today, Sarah works in AI and Solutions Engineering at Microsoft, helping organisations understand and adopt technologies including Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio and AI solutions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Sarah moved from Electrical Engineering into technology
• Getting into tech without a traditional computer science background
• Being unemployed and self-teaching
• How social media helped create unexpected opportunities
• Getting an international job with only one year of experience
• How she researched companies that could potentially relocate her
• Why she changed her CV after studying job descriptions
• What relocating from Nigeria to Ireland was really like
• Moving from support engineering into consulting and architecture
• What an AI Solutions Architect actually does
• Whether AI will take people's jobs
• Certifications vs real-world experience
• Why mid-career professionals can get stuck
• The importance of LinkedIn and self-advocacy
• Mentorship vs sponsorship
• Platform Explorers and TechStylers
• How Africans can continue pursuing international opportunities despite a tougher immigration environment

Sarah's biggest message?

You don't have to be the perfect candidate before you apply.

If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe and share the episode with someone building their career across borders.

00:00 – From Nigeria to Microsoft: Sarah's Story

02:24 – Meet Sarah: Electrical Engineering to AI

05:00 – Why She Studied Electrical Engineering

06:32 – How She Discovered Tech

09:00 – From Unemployment to Microsoft 365 Support

11:46 – What an AI Solutions Architect Actually Does

13:03 – How LinkedIn Changed Her Career

16:05 – Getting an International Job With 1 Year of Experience

17:42 – How She Researched Microsoft Partners

18:19 – The CV Change That Got Her Callbacks

19:14 – Landing the Relocation Opportunity

20:55 – The Company That Waited for Her

22:06 – Adapting to Working in Ireland

23:50 – Breaking Into Tech in the Age of AI

28:08 – Will AI Take Your Job?

32:26 – Certifications vs Experience

35:55 – Why Mentorship & Giving Back Matter

36:42 – TechStylers & Platform Explorers

40:36 – Can Africans Still Relocate Through Tech?

44:38 – Why Visibility Matters

48:14 – Mentor vs Sponsor

49:22 – Final Thoughts

#WinningAcrossBorders #TechCareers #IrelandJobs #Microsoft #AI #CloudComputing #CareerGrowth #NigeriaToIreland

What happens when the career you worked so hard to build is no longer the life you want?

For Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi, popularly known as Cass Uk, the answer was to reinvent herself.

Cass moved from Nigeria at just 19 to study nursing in the Caribbean before eventually relocating to the UK. She worked in care homes, private hospitals and later the NHS in Newcastle, building a career in healthcare while quietly nurturing a desire to become an entrepreneur.

But burnout, motherhood and a near-death experience during childbirth changed her perspective on life and career.

Rather than continue playing it safe, Cass decided to go all-in on Tolicious — the nurse-led wellness brand she had been building alongside her career. Today, Tolicious has grown into an award-winning wellness business, while Cass has also become an author, speaker, podcast host and founder of Blueprint Academy.

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, we discuss:

• Moving from Nigeria to the Caribbean at 19
• Why she chose nursing as a pathway abroad
• Her experience working across healthcare settings in the UK
• Burnout in the NHS
• The life-changing experience that pushed her to take a risk
• Building Tolicious while working a 9–5
• Turning nursing knowledge into entrepreneurship
• Winning Best Female-Led Wellness Brand UK 2025
• Building a personal brand alongside a business
• Her book, The Tolicious Way: Detox Your Body and Life
• Why she created Blueprint Academy for diaspora women
• Funding and grants available to entrepreneurs
• Balancing business, motherhood and wellbeing
• The importance of creating an exit strategy
• Starting a business while navigating immigration and visa restrictions

One of the biggest lessons from Cass's journey is that leaving a career doesn't necessarily mean throwing everything away. She still maintains her nursing licence, but today nursing is an option rather than something she has to depend on.

If you're an immigrant who feels trapped in a job, especially because of sponsorship or financial security, Cass's story offers an important perspective: you don't necessarily have to make a reckless leap. You can start building your next chapter while you're still in your current one.

These are based on the actual transcript timestamps.

00:00 – From NHS Nurse to Entrepreneur
01:27 – Why Cass Keeps Building
02:30 – Growing Up in Nigeria
04:48 – Why She Chose Nursing
07:23 – Why She Moved to the UK
08:27 – Working as a Nurse in the UK
10:31 – When Burnout Became Real
11:52 – The Moment Everything Changed
14:33 – How Tolicious Started
16:06 – Can Social Media Transform Healthcare?
18:45 – Winning Best Female-Led Wellness Brand UK 2025
20:22 – Building Cass Uk as a Personal Brand
23:06 – The Tolicious Way: Her Book
25:19 – The One Lesson From Her Book
27:40 – What Is Blueprint Academy?
31:29 – Why Women Should Build Businesses
36:45 – Quick Fire: Lessons From Nursing & Business
38:23 – What Migration Taught Her
39:31 – The Best Investment She Made in Herself
40:30 – What Work-Life Balance Really Means
42:00 – Tolicious, Blueprint Academy & Her Work
44:13 – Advice for Immigrants Trapped in Their Jobs
47:03 – Final Thoughts

Subscribe for more conversations with Africans building meaningful careers and lives across borders.

#WinningAcrossBorders #CareerAdvice #AfricansAbroad #UKJobs #Immigration #Entrepreneurship #NHS #CareerChange #Wellness #Diaspora

What if the next opportunity in your career comes through a relationship you built years earlier?

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Juan Ojochemi Idowu, a Security Solutions Engineer at Microsoft in Ireland, to explore her journey from studying Computer Science in Nigeria to building an international technology career.

Juan's story is a powerful example of how community, volunteering, LinkedIn, professional relationships and referrals can create opportunities that you may not have been able to access on your own.

Her move to Ireland wasn't simply the result of applying for a job. Years of building relationships and contributing to technology communities eventually helped create the opportunity that took her and her family from Nigeria to Ireland.

We also discuss the reality of relocating to Ireland with a family — including the housing crisis, childcare, adapting to a new culture and adjusting to a different workplace environment.

Juan also shares practical advice for anyone trying to land an international role, including:

• How to use LinkedIn to discover opportunities
• Why you shouldn't wait until you meet 100% of a job description before applying
• How referrals can improve your chances
• Why you should tailor your CV for each role
• How community projects can give you experience when you don't have formal experience
• Why volunteering can accelerate your career
• How to build relationships without feeling like you have nothing to offer
• How to position yourself for relocation opportunities
• Why personal branding matters
• How to overcome imposter syndrome after moving abroad
• Why you need to be willing to raise your hand even when you're not completely confident

Juan's story is ultimately a reminder that your career isn't built only through technical skills. The people you meet, the value you contribute, the communities you join and the opportunities you are willing to pursue can all shape where your career takes you.

If you're an African professional looking to build a career abroad, this conversation is for you.

Watch, listen and share with someone who needs to hear this.

00:00 – Introduction & Juan’s career journey
03:10 – From Nigeria to Ireland: How the opportunity came
08:30 – Relocating to Ireland with a family
14:20 – Adjusting to life and work in Ireland
20:20 – Overcoming imposter syndrome & raising your hand
27:00 – From community involvement to career opportunities
31:20 – How professional relationships led to Microsoft
36:45 – Building a career with purpose
41:50 – The power of networking, referrals & community
46:00 – How to position yourself for international opportunities
49:00 – Are relocation opportunities still available?

Thinking of moving to the UK or building a career in tech abroad? This episode is for you.

Many people believe relocating is the hardest part. According to Microsoft Certified Trainer and Business Intelligence Engineer Olujuwon Omotoba, relocation is only the beginning—you need a blueprint.

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, Olujuwon shares:

• Why he believes many migrants succeed because they arrive with a clear plan.
• How he transitioned from technical support into Business Intelligence, Power Platform, Data Governance and AI.
• Which Microsoft certifications helped accelerate his career.
• Why continuous learning is essential in today's technology landscape.
• How he built Softclue and secured UK community funding to provide free digital skills training.
• His advice for Africans looking to build meaningful careers abroad.

Whether you're planning to relocate, already living in the UK, or looking to break into tech, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Meet Olujuwon Omotoba

02:20 Choosing Computer Engineering

05:40 Discovering Data & Power BI

07:25 Advice for Anyone Starting a Tech Career

10:40 Why He Moved to the UK

13:40 "Don't Just Japa—Come With a Blueprint"

16:15 Why He Loves Teaching

20:30 Becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer

21:00 Building Softclue & Winning UK Grants

25:30 Will AI Replace Jobs?

28:00 Final Advice

#WinningAcrossBorders #UKJobs #TechCareers #PowerBI #Microsoft #DataAnalytics #ArtificialIntelligence #CareerGrowth #Relocation #AfricansAbroad

One LinkedIn message changed Rachel Irabor's life forever.

Fresh out of university in Nigeria, Rachel wasn't planning to relocate to Malta. In fact, she barely knew anything about the country. But after sharing her tech journey online, a recruiter discovered her profile, leading to an opportunity that transformed her career.

Today, Rachel is a Microsoft MVP, AI Techno-Functional Consultant, international speaker, content creator, and community leader helping thousands build careers in tech.

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, Rachel shares:

• How she transitioned from Industrial Mathematics into Tech
• The bootcamp that changed her life
• Why personal branding opened global opportunities
• How LinkedIn led to a sponsored job in Malta
• What life is really like for immigrants in Malta
• The reality of relocation in 2026
• Why certifications alone are not enough
• Building confidence, public speaking and becoming a Microsoft MVP
• How AI is changing careers
• Advice for Africans looking to build global careers

Whether you're considering relocating, building a career in Microsoft technologies, or simply looking for inspiration to start over, this conversation is packed with practical lessons.

Guest: Rachel Irabor

00:00 - A LinkedIn message changed Rachel's life
00:28 - Introduction
02:18 - Who is Rachel Irabor?
03:09 - From Industrial Mathematics to Tech
06:09 - Standing out beyond technical skills
10:38 - Why personal branding matters
11:36 - How Rachel relocated to Malta
14:18 - What is life really like in Malta?
15:01 - African community and food in Malta
15:48 - Should Africans consider relocating to Malta?
18:59 - Biggest misconceptions about Malta
20:00 - Building a global personal brand
27:18 - Becoming a Microsoft MVP
28:16 - Why joining communities matters
29:29 - AI and the future of careers
31:22 - Advice for young Africans starting their careers
33:16 - Final lessons and closing remarks

#WinningAcrossBorders #Malta #MicrosoftMVP #TechCareer #Relocation #LinkedIn #PowerPlatform #AI #CareerAdvice #AfricansAbroad #PersonalBranding #GlobalCareer #Nigeria

Thinking of building a career in finance, audit, or accounting in the UK? This episode is for you.

In this conversation, I sit down with Kehinde "Kenny" Ayoola, an ACCA-qualified accountant and Senior in Audits & Accounts, to discuss what it really takes to build a successful finance career abroad.

Kenny shares her journey from studying Computer Science to working in Deloitte Nigeria, transitioning into the UK, earning her ACCA qualification, and building a successful career across leading audit firms.

We also discuss:

✅ Transitioning into the UK finance industry
✅ Big 4 experience — is it really necessary?
✅ ACCA vs ICAN and professional certifications
✅ How to get sponsorship opportunities in finance
✅ Communication skills that helped her succeed
✅ Why your work alone won't speak for itself
✅ LinkedIn, networking and professional visibility
✅ Advice for Africans building careers abroad

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Who is Kehinde Ayoola?

03:45 Why did she leave Computer Science for Accounting?

07:52 ACCA vs ICAN: Which is Better?

12:06 Is ACCA Worth It in the UK?

16:28 Can You Get a Finance Job Without ACCA?

20:14 What's It Like Working at Deloitte?

24:41 Do You Need Big Four Experience?

28:35 How Can You Get UK Sponsorship in Finance?

33:50 Biggest Career Mistakes Africans Make Abroad

38:22 Why Your Work Won't Speak for Itself

43:47 The Communication Skills Every Professional Needs

48:36 How to Stand Out at Work

52:10 Career Advice for Finance Professionals

55:18 Closing Remarks

Whether you're a student, graduate, accountant, auditor, finance professional, or planning to relocate to the UK, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Kenny
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayoola/

Subscribe for more conversations helping Africans build careers and opportunities abroad.

Winning Across Borders Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/

How do you secure a professional Public Health role in the UK before graduation?

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Brenda, a Public Health professional who transitioned from Medical Laboratory Science into Public Health and successfully secured a role in the UK before completing her Master's degree.

We discuss the realities of studying in the UK, building a career in Public Health, networking, volunteering, job applications, data skills, and the mindset required to stand out as an international student.

Whether you're studying Public Health, considering an MPH, or looking to build a professional career in the UK, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.

🎙️ Topics Covered

✅ Public Health careers in the UK

✅ Getting a job before graduation

✅ NHS and local council opportunities

✅ Networking and volunteering

✅ International student success strategies

✅ Data skills for Public Health professionals

✅ Excel, Power BI, R, and epidemiology

✅ Career planning and mindset

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Why you need community as an international student (Preview)

01:14 Introduction

02:38 Meet Brenda – Her background and journey

05:00 Why Medical Laboratory Science?

07:28 Why the UK and why Public Health?

10:22 How Brenda secured a UK job before graduation

11:05 The mindset shift international students need

13:18 Understanding Public Health beyond job titles

15:14 The importance of integrating into UK culture

16:15 Expanding job searches beyond the NHS

17:48 Volunteering and gaining relevant experience

19:53 Working with children and the NHS Dynamic Support Keyworker role

21:33 Brenda's job application strategy

23:05 Using LinkedIn, Twitter, and networking to prepare for interviews

24:30 Interview preparation and using AI tools effectively

26:08 Why you should start applying early

29:14 Networking, conferences, and opportunities students miss

32:31 Why networking is not begging

35:06 Advocating for yourself at work

38:27 The growing importance of data skills in Public Health

40:18 Learning Excel, Power BI, R, and epidemiology

41:33 Using university resources and lecturers effectively

44:03 Key lessons for international students

47:19 Final advice – Find your community

48:05 Outro

💼 Connect with Brenda

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-o-539ab51a4/

📺 Subscribe to Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod

🌍 Website

https://thewinningacrossborderspod.riverside.com/

💼 Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast

O3FUBOC4VVYTJUQT

#PublicHealth #MPH #InternationalStudents #NHSJobs #PublicHealthCareers #DataAnalytics #PowerBI #HealthcareCareers #UKJobs #WinningAcrossBorders #AfricansInTheUK #CareerGrowth #Networking #InternationalStudentsUK

What makes someone leave a successful career behind and start over in a new country?

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Annabel Okuomose, a Power Platform Technical Specialist based in the UK, to discuss her journey from studying Computer Science in Nigeria to building a successful career in tech and eventually relocating to the United Kingdom.

Annabel shares how she accidentally found her way into tech, the role LinkedIn and networking played in opening doors, how she discovered Microsoft Power Platform, and why she decided to leave Nigeria after the last election despite having an established career.

We also discuss:

✅ Breaking into tech without a clear roadmap
✅ Building a career in Power Platform and Automation
✅ Relocating to the UK as a tech professional
✅ Navigating the UK job market
✅ Why community and visibility matter
✅ Tailoring your CV for success
✅ Confidence, resilience, and career growth

Whether you're considering relocating, trying to break into tech, or looking to grow your career abroad, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections.

─────────────────────────────

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction

1:16 – Annabel introduces herself

1:45 – Studying computer science in Nigeria (not by choice)

3:47 – Graduating with no plan — the blank slate moment

4:46 – COVID, one year at home, and reaching out on LinkedIn

6:05 – How community and friendship shaped her early career

10:46 – What is Microsoft Power Platform? A plain-English breakdown

12:00 – How she discovered Power Platform through an internship

14:11 – Why she left Nigeria despite warnings about the UK job market

16:27 – The decision to pursue a master's in project management

19:50 – How she found her unique selling point in the UK market

22:20 – What makes candidates stand out (and what keeps people stuck)

24:36 – The CV strategy most applicants are missing

26:41 – Final reflections and takeaways

─────────────────────────────

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🎙️ Winning Across Borders Podcast

A podcast sharing the real stories of Africans navigating careers, opportunities, and life abroad.

Subscribe for more conversations on relocation, careers, visas, academia, and building a successful life across borders.

Connect with Annabel:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-okuomose-076a011a1/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/

#PowerPlatform #TechCareer #NigerianInUK #AfricanAbroad #UKJobs #CareerAdvice #MicrosoftPowerPlatform #Relocation #TechJobsUK #Immigration #UK #Nigeria #Relocation #AfricanAbroad #WinningAcrossBorders #TechCareers #CareerGrowth #NigeriansInTech #AfricansInTech #LinkedInTips #TechPodcast

What happens after your MPH?

For many international students and public health graduates, this is one of the biggest questions they face after studying in the UK.

In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Adaeze Ogoh — an Epidemiology and Information Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency — to break down the realities of building a public health career in the UK.

Adaeze shares practical insights, honest experiences, and actionable advice for aspiring public health professionals.

We discuss:

• What to do after your MPH
• Public health career pathways in the UK
• Job titles people should actually search for
• UK visa sponsorship opportunities in public health
• Networking and LinkedIn strategies
• Skills that matter in public health
• UKHSA, councils, NHS and other organizations to target
• How to gain experience while studying
• How to stay motivated through rejection

If you’re studying Public Health, Global Health, Healthcare Management, Epidemiology, or planning a career in the UK healthcare/public health system, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations helping Africans build careers and opportunities abroad.

#PublicHealth #MPH #UKJobs #PublicHealthCareers #InternationalStudents #UKHealthSecurityAgency #WinningAcrossBorders #HealthcareCareers #Epidemiology #AfricansInTheUK

Connect with Adaeze Ogoh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-ogoh-public-health-professional/

Winning Accross Borders 

https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod

https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/