68 episodes

Voted the best #1 African career and lifestyle podcast. Dive into a world of diverse narratives, cultural insights, and inspiring conversations.

Embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of global cultures. Our podcast is more than just stories; it's a cultural exploration, a celebration of artistry, and a platform for diverse perspectives.

Inspiring, motivating, and full of wonder, discover how those who succeed do it. Hear what drives each of our dynamic guests to overcome obstacles and hear stories of their accomplishments.

Subscribe for enriching conversations that transcend borders and inspire a global community.

Third Culture Africans Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 13 Ratings

Voted the best #1 African career and lifestyle podcast. Dive into a world of diverse narratives, cultural insights, and inspiring conversations.

Embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of global cultures. Our podcast is more than just stories; it's a cultural exploration, a celebration of artistry, and a platform for diverse perspectives.

Inspiring, motivating, and full of wonder, discover how those who succeed do it. Hear what drives each of our dynamic guests to overcome obstacles and hear stories of their accomplishments.

Subscribe for enriching conversations that transcend borders and inspire a global community.

    • video
    Wealth Creation, Media, and Empowering Women in Africa with Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu

    Wealth Creation, Media, and Empowering Women in Africa with Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu join Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao to discuss financial literacy, storytelling, and African soft power.
    Discover the unexpected journey of two powerful African women as they share their stories of frustration, vulnerability, and success. From bestselling books to groundbreaking apps, their fearless pursuit of empowerment will inspire and challenge you.
    Join us as we unravel the untold chapters of their lives and explore the power of African storytelling.
    Are you ready to be captivated by their remarkable narratives and gain valuable insights into financial literacy and impactful storytelling?
    Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation that promises to redefine your perspective on success.
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Discover the rich heritage of African storytelling traditions, brought to life in engaging podcasts.
    Unlock the power of financial literacy, tailored to empower African women and transform their futures.
    Immerse yourself in uplifting narratives that showcase the positive representation of African culture.
    Explore the profound impact of African storytelling on driving meaningful change within communities.
    Experience the empowerment that comes from harnessing the art of African storytelling to inspire and uplift.
    Arese emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for women, drawing attention to the gender disparity in this area.
    Nkiru highlights the need for Africans to showcase the positive aspects of their culture and heritage through storytelling, countering prevalent negative narratives about the continent. 
    The conversation delves into the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perceptions, fostering empathy, and promoting cultural appreciation. Arese and Nkiru's insights underscore the significance of promoting financial literacy, celebrating African culture, and harnessing the power of storytelling to drive meaningful societal impact and empowerment.
    They share personal experiences, emphasizing the value of embracing vulnerability, seizing opportunities, and fostering collaboration within the African diaspora. This engaging episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring storytellers and advocates for change, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering community empowerment.
    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:00 - Introducing Third Culture Africans 00:02:14 - The Goal of Third Culture Africans
    00:04:16 - Shailene Quails' Story of Stories
    00:11:34 - The Power of Storytelling
    00:18:18 - Smart Money Woman on Netflix
    00:19:34 - The Power of Financial Literacy
    00:27:47 - The Impact of Storytelling
    00:28:50 - Celebrating African Culture
    00:30:54 - Creating Compelling Characters
    00:34:08 - Balancing Storytelling
    00:36:04 - The Importance of Balancing African Storytelling
    00:39:18 - Beginning Your Storytelling Journey
    00:42:18 - Frustration as a Driving Force
    00:45:36 - Embracing Vulnerability in Storytelling
    00:48:51 - Storytelling from Frustration
    00:53:13 - Impact of Nigerian Men on Women Worldwide
    00:55:37 - Definition of Success
    00:57:31 - Book Recommendations for Storytelling
    01:00:02 - Thanking the Audience and Closing Remarks 
    Check out The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu for practical financial advice and inspiring storytelling. Explore The Richard Different by Susan Howich for a captivating and timeless read that has stood the test of time. Discover So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba for a thought-provoking and impactful story about women's experiences. -----
    Join the newsletter community at thirdcultureafricans.com for exclusive content and updates.
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    • 1 hr 1 min
    • video
    The Making of Mahogany: How Sola Oyebade Created One of Africa's Top Modelling Agencies

    The Making of Mahogany: How Sola Oyebade Created One of Africa's Top Modelling Agencies

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany, shares his remarkable journey from model to founder of Mahogany Productions and Events, one of Africa's largest model agencies.
    Sola's early interest in the fashion industry began during his secondary school days, where he organized fashion shows as part of literary and debating societies.
    His entrepreneurial resilience and commitment to diversity in the fashion and events industry are truly inspiring. He faced challenges and overcame societal stigmas to establish businesses that showcase diversity, such as the Mahogany Bridal Show and Mahogany Models.
    Sola's insights into navigating the fashion industry, empowering models of color, and building successful ventures provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion and events industry. His determination to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the industry's growth makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance in building a diverse and successful fashion business.
    Timestamped summary of this episode:
    00:00:00 - Introduction to Mr. Mahogany
    Zeze introduces the guest, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany. She highlights his achievements as a multi-award-winning founder in production events and the owner of one of the largest model agencies in Africa.

    00:02:30 - Early Journey into Modeling
    Sola shares his journey into the modeling industry, starting from his time in secondary school to funding his university education through modeling. He discusses the challenges of being a male model in the UK and the lack of opportunities for black models at the time.

    00:07:05 - Setting Up Mahogany
    Sola explains the motivation behind setting up the Mahogany bridal shows and model agency, emphasizing the need to represent people of color in the wedding and modeling industries. He discusses the challenges and initial stages of establishing the business.

    00:12:15 - Addressing Racism in the Industry
    Sola addresses the pushback and accusations of racism he faced for promoting black models. He shares his efforts in educating the media and breaking down the lack of representation in top modeling agencies. Sola highlights the success of the Italian Vogue all-black issue.

    00:13:43 - Curating Our Own Stories
    Zeze and Sola discuss the importance of curating and telling their own stories, challenging the traditional media's narrative. They emphasize the need for empowerment and representation within the black community, and the impact of curating

    00:14:40 - Telling Our Own Story
    Sola Oyebade discusses the importance of telling our own stories and doing things for ourselves, particularly in the UK. He emphasizes the need for businesses to be self-financing and the challenges faced in competing with mainstream agencies.

    00:18:45 - Citizens Advice Bureau
    Sola talks about his role as CEO of the East End Citizens Advice Bureau, a charity that provides legal advice and assistance to those who cannot afford it. He highlights the importance of fundraising for each office and the challenges of managing multiple boroughs.

    00:19:48 - Building Infrastructure
    Sola shares his experience of building infrastructure for his events production business, particularly in the African market. He discusses the challenges of gaining trust from mainstream agencies and the need to build capital and business relationships.

    00:24:47 - Demystifying Success
    Sola reflects on the journey of building his business, emphasizing the importance of hard work, persistence, and consistency. He stresses the value of doing what one loves and providing a service that people want, rather than focusing solely on money.

    00:28:55 - Working with Young People
    Sola discusses the impact of the internet on the current generation of young entrepreneurs and the opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing with young people to he

    • 1 hr
    • video
    Unveiling Success: How Tania Omotayo Navigated Fame, Fashion, and Authorship

    Unveiling Success: How Tania Omotayo Navigated Fame, Fashion, and Authorship

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao delves into a captivating conversation with Tania Omotayo, an influential figure known for her multifaceted journey through TV, entrepreneurship, and authorship.
    Tania's unique blend of Austrian and Nigerian heritage, along with her experiences of culture shock and navigating different societies, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with multicultural backgrounds.
    Through her rebellious nature and determination to carve her own path, Tania emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. Her success as an author, entrepreneur, and reality TV star serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and aspiring reality TV personalities, showcasing the power of embracing one's unique identity.
    Prominently featured on The Real Housewives of Lagos, Tania Omotayo cleverly harnessed her fame to enhance her brand visibility. Despite the reality show's unpredictable nature, Tania utilized it as an international platform to give her brand, Ziva, great exposure. She learned to handle the drama and the spotlight, underlining that even negative publicity can boost a brand if handled smartly.
    Tania's journey highlights the necessity for empathy and understanding in a diverse world and provides a compelling narrative that encourages personal growth and brand success. If you're seeking inspiration and insights into navigating multiple cultures while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-listen.
    KEY MOMENTS 
    00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

    00:06:03 - Transition to America

    00:12:26 - Public Relationship with Wizkid

    00:15:52 - Handling Public Attention

    00:16:33 - Starting Ziva and Overcoming Challenges

    00:21:17 - Expansion to Kids' Clothing and Toys

    00:22:43 - Writing "Sarai", Identity, and Racism

    00:23:25 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Identity

    00:31:04 - Joining Real Housewives of Lagos

    00:31:47 - Embracing a New Challenge

    00:35:27 - Leveraging an International Platform

    00:37:33 - Realities of Reality TV

    00:40:21 - Leveraging Publicity for Business

    00:42:59 - Managing Fame and Public Perception

    00:46:34 - Embracing Self-Confidence

    00:47:17 - Pursue Your Happiness

    00:48:10 - Misconceptions About Success

    00:49:03 - Overcoming Challenges

    00:51:23 - Closing Remarks 
    -----
    Join the newsletter community at thirdcultureafricans.com for exclusive content and updates.
    Check out Quidco, UK's number one cashback platform, to earn cashback on over 5000 brands and get a 15 pound new bonus credit when you join using the provided link.
    Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts, and vouchers at all your favorite brands.
    Visit Ziva for stylish clothing and kids' toys, and explore the unique pieces that are available.
    Watch the Real Housewives of Lagos to see Ziva pieces worn by the cast and get inspired by the fashion showcased on the show.
     
    Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected.
    Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. 
    Your support means the world to us!
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    • 52 min
    • video
    The Business of Fashion: Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Nigerian Designer with Banke Kuku

    The Business of Fashion: Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Nigerian Designer with Banke Kuku

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Banke Kuku, a renowned fashion designer and founder of the brand Banké Cuku, shares her journey in the fashion industry, discussing challenges, growth strategies, and the future of Nigerian fashion.
    Banke's experience working with the Designers Guild and her focus on sustainability and collaboration provide valuable insights for fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She emphasizes the importance of industry experience, scalability, and adapting to local markets. From her reflections on the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability, Banke's story offers inspiration and practical advice for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands in Nigeria's fashion industry.
    Her optimism and determination to create a sustainable and thriving industry make this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian fashion landscape.,In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, renowned fashion designer Banke Kuku, founder of the brand Banké Cuku, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian fashion industry. With a wealth of experience, including her work with the Designers Guild, Banke discusses the importance of industry experience, scalability, and sustainability.
    She shares her journey, from navigating the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability in her brand. Her optimism and determination to create a thriving industry make this episode essential listening for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian fashion landscape. Banke's practical advice and inspirational journey provide valuable takeaways for those looking to make their mark in the industry.
    • Follow Banke Kuku on Instagram at @bankekukuliving for updates on the new collection and store expansion.
    • Visit Banke Kuku's store in Lagos, Nigeria to shop the new collection and experience the expanded space.
    • Stay tuned for the grand opening of the expanded store to explore the new offerings and shop for Christmas.
    • Check out Banke Kuku's website for more information on the brand, collections, and upcoming events.
    • Keep an eye out for the latest designs and products from Banke Kuku, available for purchase in-store and online.
    Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. Your support means the world to us!
     Explore our Website and Join the community
     
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    • 54 min
    Empowering Africa's Future in STEM and AI with Adora Nwodo

    Empowering Africa's Future in STEM and AI with Adora Nwodo

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a conversation with Adora Nwodo, a dynamic woman in the tech world. Her career seamlessly blends the corporate nine-to-five routine with entrepreneurial pursuits, driven by her passion for engineering, STEM, and the captivating world of software development.


    This episode kicks off by diving into the essential realms of STEM and AI. Unfamiliar with STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—encompassing diverse fields like mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. Now, let's delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on STEM careers. AI, a pivotal part of technology, relies on and empowers STEM professionals. These careers extend beyond AI development, involving customising and utilising AI in various domains like health tech, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace engineering. While STEM skills are highly valued, AI's rise sparks both job redundancy concerns and new opportunities—a conversation you can't miss!


    Zeze and Adora explore Adora’s journey into tech, strategies for breaking barriers for women in tech and how to connect individuals with opportunities while providing technical guidance. They also discuss exciting trends in the African tech industry. 


    Nwodo's tech passion ignited in Nigeria at the age of six, guided by her older brothers. She embarked on a lifelong love affair with technology, eventually earning a First-Class Honors degree in computer science from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Marked by her determination to forge her path and exceed her family's expectations, Adora began a career in the tech industry. During her university years, she took on a role as a software intern at an advertising company, a position she continued even after completing her NYSC service. This phase played a pivotal role in her journey, exposing her to diversity, broadening her perspective, and requiring her to balance multiple responsibilities, including being a working student, managing her shoe brand, and actively participating in tech communities.


    In her current role, Adora plays a pivotal role in NexaScale, a community group dedicated to facilitating valuable work experience for individuals through a range of projects and programs. When it comes to empowering women in tech, support systems are crucial. It is a cause close to her heart, clearly demonstrated by her active participation in NexaScale for women. Here, she conducts sessions on financial literacy and personal branding, with the aim of uplifting and educating aspiring female tech professionals.


    Regarding the future of the tech industry in Africa, Adora highlights the immense potential of young Africans, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are making significant contributions to the global tech landscape. Africa is emerging as an attractive market, with its young creators and engineers gaining recognition worldwide. The creator economy is thriving in Africa, with young content creators dominating platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Additionally, Africa's growing remote workforce is playing a pivotal role in the industry's development.


    Tune in, this is a MUST-listen! For all those interested in tech careers, especially young Africans aspiring to make their mark in the industry, this is a MUST-listen! You will learn about the thrilling synergy of STEM, AI, and African tech and gain valuable insights into shaping your own tech journey.


    About Adora Nwodo:


    Adora Nwodo is a multi-award-winning Software Engineer who currently works at Microsoft building Mixed Reality on the Cloud. 


    She is also the Vice President of the Nigerian chapter for VRAR Association, a Digital Creator, Founder of NexaScale, has courses online that teaches people about Infrastructure automation, author of a popular book "Cloud Engineering for Beginners" and multiple articles on Software Engineering, Productivity & Career Growth on her blog

    • 54 min
    Challenging Established Paradigms in The World of Museology with Seun Oduwole

    Challenging Established Paradigms in The World of Museology with Seun Oduwole

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Seun Oduwole, the Principal Architect at SI.SA. (Studio Imagine Simple Architecture), renowned for their innovative architectural designs. Together, they explore Seun's inspiring journey and his transformative project, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which transcends conventional architecture to celebrate the rich influences shaping Yoruba culture. This ongoing urban regeneration initiative in Onikan, Lagos, plays a pivotal role in transforming the Marina and Onikan region into a vibrant tourism destination, honouring Yoruba culture throughout history. The architectural design skillfully translates Yoruba values, paying homage to its historical significance. This episode showcases the evolution of a simple concept into a profound cultural landmark challenging museological paradigms – a must-listen!
     
    🌍 Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/
    📲 Get in touch with Zeze: 💬 - https://www.zezeonline.com/
    🙏 Thank you Malée Natural Science for the support: 🌿 - https://maleeonline.com/

    • 1 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Brilliant podcast!!! ,

Winnie

This is such a brilliant podcast - I have thoroughly enjoyed every single episode and cannot stop recommending to all my friends.

TinkermelC23 ,

Inspiring

Can so relate to it!

Regina🌺 ,

More episodes please!

Refreshing, honest and inspiring conversations with a great host. Bravo

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