Culture is Currency

Frances Quarcoopome
  • 4.8 (4)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Monthly

If you are doing business across African markets, the real due diligence is cultural. The Culture is Currency Podcast, hosted by Frances Quarcoopome, is where that work happens. Through stories and lived experience, each episode unpacks the cultures, nuances, and contexts that shape what it takes to grow and build a business across the continent. What it means to build trust, move with authority, show up correctly, and be locally relevant in markets like Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and beyond.

  1. Sep 2

    Unpacking Entrepreneurship and Identity with Davida Selby

    Davida Selby shares her journey of moving from the US to Ghana, building the KLA lifestyle brand, and navigating cultural differences in business and life. This episode offers insights into cultural nuances, business strategies, and the importance of understanding history and community in Africa. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Davita Selby and her journey 04:28 Growing up between Ghana and the US 07:46 Deciding to move back to Ghana in 2023 11:30 Building her brand and sourcing ingredients in Ghana 16:08 Cultural differences in business and staffing 20:33 Balancing professionalism and community in Ghana 25:51 Cultural shocks and motivation in Ghana 30:28 Travelers' experiences and first impressions 34:16 Historical and cultural education at Cape Coast 43:19 Advice for newcomers to Ghana and Africa 50:14 Future plans for expanding cultural experiences and markets

  2. Aug 25

    Ekow Archer's Journey of sustainability across continents

    In this episode, we explore the journey of Ekow Archer, a Ghanaian entrepreneur with extensive experience in both Ghana and the US. We discuss building his sustainable business, Clean Earth, navigating cultural differences, and opportunities in the environmental and industrial sectors in Africa. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Echo Archer and his background 02:00 Echo's journey from Ghana to the US and back 04:07 Overview of Clean Earth and its focus areas 06:50 Opportunities in water, environment, and sustainability in Africa 12:11 Cultural norms, trust, and relationship building in Ghana 19:56 Challenges of infrastructure and talent in African markets 29:51 The importance of long-term vision and people in business 40:02 Advice for African entrepreneurs and expanding globally resources Clean Earth - Official Website - https://www.cleanearth.africa KNUST - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - https://www.knust.edu.gh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekowa/

  3. Aug 10

    Building a Global Ghanaian Brand: The Kaeme Journey with Freda Obeng Ampofo

    In this episode, Freda, founder of Ghanaian skincare brand Kaeme, shares her journey of building a local industry, navigating cultural nuances, and scaling a business in Africa. Discover insights on resilience, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of self-belief for African entrepreneurs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Freda and Kaeme 02:08 Frida's Background: Ghana, US, and International Experience 06:48 The Inspiration Behind Kaeme and Writing the Ghanaian Narrative 11:42 Building Industry Infrastructure and Factory Challenges 15:26 The Resilience of Ghanaian Entrepreneurs 18:41 Cross-Continental Cultural Nuances and Business Challenges 24:36 Balancing Skills and Context for Diaspora Entrepreneurs 32:27 The Factory Journey and Industry Building 39:22 Giving Back and Supporting Future Entrepreneurs 41:23 Advice for African Entrepreneurs: Embrace Your World-Class Potential resources Kaime - Ghanaian Skincare Brand - https://kaime.com Shea Butter - Resource on Ghanaian Shea - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter African Industry Building - Insights and Resources - https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/07/20/how-african-entrepreneurs-are-building-industry-infrastructure/ Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredaobengampofo/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellokaeme/

  4. Aug 3

    The Seattle Series EP2: Navigating Africa: Language, Identity, and Culture with Leoma James-Sarr

    In this episode, Leoma James-Sarr shares her extensive experience traveling and living across Africa, exploring cultural differences, identity, language, and the dynamics of Black Americans reconnecting with Africa. Her insights shed light on navigating the continent with awareness and respect. Key topics Leoma's background and travels across Africa Cultural differences between African countries Language barriers and lingua franca challenges Perceptions of Black Americans in Africa Gentrification and land ownership concerns Identity and colonial legacies in Africa The impact of history on African self-perception Navigating privilege and doing no harm Building community and supporting local economies The future of African-American and African relations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Leomas' background in Africa 01:56 Travel experiences across Namibia, Tanzania, and beyond 03:49 Cultural differences and language barriers in Africa 07:00 Perceptions of Black Americans in different African regions 10:06 Identity, colonial legacies, and understanding oneself 14:59 The diversity of African countries and cultures 19:56 The impact of history and Black Lives Matter in Namibia 25:00 Gentrification, land ownership, and supporting local economies 30:05 Navigating privilege and doing no harm in Africa 35:10 Building community and fostering ethical investments 37:50 The future of African-American and African relations Resources Harambe House Global - https://harembehouse.org Black Lives Matter Movement - https://blacklivesmatter.com Africa Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) - https://au.int/en/ti/afcfta Peace Corps Namibia - https://www.peacecorps.gov/namibia Learn Swahili in Tanzania - Department of Defense Fellowship - https://www.defense.gov Ghana Year of Return - https://visitghana.com/ghana-year-of-return/ guest links

  5. Jul 27

    The Seattle Series EP.1: Building in Ghana. The culture, context and lessons with Arif Gursel

    Podcast, Entrepreneurship, Africa, Culture, Investment, Community In this episode, Frances Quarcoopome sits down with Arif Gursel, a serial social entrepreneur and investor, to explore his journey from Chicago to Ghana. They discuss building community spaces, navigating the business environment in Africa, and the importance of cultural understanding for successful investment and growth. Main topics covered:Arif Gursel’s upbringing and background, blending American and African rootsThe significance of community spaces like the union in Seattle and their roots in college traditionsCultural differences in service, payment systems like mobile money, and business etiquette in GhanaOpportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in Africa, especially around land, investment laws, and infrastructureThe importance of authentic cultural integration while maintaining individual identityPractical advice for foreigners looking to move, invest, or build businesses on the continentReflections on the Year of Return initiative, and the need for infrastructure and education around Africa’s history and potentialTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Arif Gursel and the podcast's purpose 02:00 - Arif's upbringing in Chicago and Brooklyn, and early life influences 04:30 - Roots in community, culture, and heritage through Kwanzaa and family values 07:00 - Moving to Seattle for Microsoft and building cultural spaces like The Union 09:30 - Navigating corporate America as a Black man in tech 11:00 - Inspiration behind investing in Ghana and embracing African heritage 13:00 - Cultural nuances: mobile money, service expectations, and everyday manners 15:45 - Business investments: testing products locally before scaling 18:00 - The vibrant December festivals and start-up opportunities amidst cultural activities 20:00 - The demographic landscape: youth population and market potential in Ghana 22:00 - The importance of bringing authentic value (like soul food) rather than trying to be "Ghanaian" 24:30 - Challenges with investment laws, GIPC, and infrastructure hurdles 27:00 - Reflections on the Year of Return and issues of perception versus reality 29:00 - The colonial legacy, self-value, and the importance of local branding (Made in Ghana) 31:00 - Finding raw materials like tiger nuts and building local industries 33:00 - Practical investment insights: land, legal frameworks, and mitigating risks 36:00 - Practical advice for foreigners: trust networks, legal support, and authenticity 37:30 - Closing remarks, future discussions on culture, and encouragement to listen and subscribe **GIPC in Ghana has since scrapped the minimum entry amount for international investors.

  6. Trailer

    Introducing Culture is Currency

    Introducing the Culture is Currency podcast as we evolve from the Palaver podcast. Going deeper into cultural nuances while still capturing the stories and experiences of entrepreneurs across Africa.

  7. Mar 25

    Family Affair with Guido Quarcoopome

    Guido Quarcoopome, co-founder, Operations Director and my brother! I finally manage to get him on the podcast to talk about all things working together, how he joined the company and what he did before he joined the JamJar family.

    Family Affair with Guido Quarcoopome

  8. Mar 18

    The Brains and Beauty behind Colourbox - Stephanie Adu

    Stephanie is the brains behind Ghanaian beauty brand Colourbox Cosmetics. She recognised a gap in the market and when for it. Her journey is inspiring after a near fatal accident meant she had to rebuild herself and he brand again.

    The Brains and Beauty behind Colourbox - Stephanie Adu
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

If you are doing business across African markets, the real due diligence is cultural. The Culture is Currency Podcast, hosted by Frances Quarcoopome, is where that work happens. Through stories and lived experience, each episode unpacks the cultures, nuances, and contexts that shape what it takes to grow and build a business across the continent. What it means to build trust, move with authority, show up correctly, and be locally relevant in markets like Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Frances Quarcoopome
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Frances Quarcoopome
  • Show Website
    Culture is Currency

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