the Winning Across Borders pod

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About the Show: Welcome to Winning Across Borders, the premier podcast dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of Nigerians and Africans excelling in the Western world. Relocating to a new country is only the beginning. From the UK and Europe to the USA and Canada, we sit down with high-achievers who have navigated the challenges of migration to reach the pinnacle of their careers. Whether you are a professional looking to move, a student abroad, or someone seeking inspiration from the global African community, this show is your blueprint for success. What to Expect: Career Blueprints: Practical advice on breaking into top-tier industries abroad.Real Stories: The unfiltered truth about culture shock, resilience, and triumph.Global Impact: How the diaspora is reshaping the narrative of African excellence.

  1. 2d ago

    Alternative Career Paths for Doctors (Beyond the Frontline)

    Are you a doctor or medical graduate wondering whether clinical practice is your only career option in the UK? In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Dr. Clifford Enobun, a Nigerian-trained doctor and Senior Public Health Practitioner working in the UK, to explore career paths beyond the frontline. Clifford shares how working on the frontline during COVID-19 helped shape his interest in prevention and population health, and how he moved from medicine into UK public health. We discuss: Alternative careers for doctors beyond frontline clinical practiceWhat public health looks like in UK local governmentWhether you need an MPH or other postgraduate qualificationsHow important UK experience is when applying for public health jobsWhether GMC registration is necessary for non-clinical rolesHow to present Nigerian experience in a UK job applicationTransferable skills from care and support workWhy you should avoid specialising too early in public healthHow to find public health opportunities that may not have “public health” in the job titleNavigating family expectations when choosing a different career pathClifford also explains how he developed a public health job directory to help people discover opportunities across local authorities, the NHS, private organisations and the third sector. A key takeaway: Your previous experience may be more relevant than you think. The challenge is showing employers how your skills match the role. If you're an African professional building a career abroad, subscribe to Winning Across Borders for practical career journeys, lessons and strategies. Connect with the guest: Search for Dr. Clifford Enobun on LinkedIn to find his public health job directory and Telegram community. Like, comment and share this episode with a doctor or healthcare professional who needs to hear this conversation. #PublicHealth #DoctorsInTheUK #InternationalMedicalGraduates #UKCareers #WinningAcrossBorders #AprokoDoctor 00:00 Introduction: Careers beyond the clinical frontline 01:59 Clifford’s journey from medicine to public health 04:37 Why doctors are needed outside hospitals 08:41 Growing awareness of non-clinical careers 10:52 Public health opportunities in Nigeria and the UK 14:39 Salary, working hours and work-life balance 18:22 Do you need an MPH or UK experience? 24:16 Is GMC registration required for public health? 24:34 Can Nigerian experience help you get a UK role? 30:19 What does a public health practitioner actually do? 38:19 Public health career paths: why not to specialise too early 42:54 Finding public health jobs beyond the obvious titles 46:07 Handling family pressure when leaving frontline medicine 47:12 Can care or support work lead to public health? 51:00 Final advice and where to find the job directory

  2. Oct 16

    The Blueprint to a successful Cybersecurity career

    In this episode of Winning Across Borders, Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele shares her journey into cybersecurity, why she returned to Nigeria after her UK master's degree, how an unexpected career change led her to pursue a PhD, and how her experiences inspired her to build communities that help others succeed. As a cybersecurity professional, lecturer, mentor and entrepreneur, Dr. Iretioluwa explains why technical knowledge alone isn't enough, how personal branding can open doors, and why joining a community can make your career journey easier. We also discuss something many career conversations overlook: building a demanding career while managing marriage and children. She shares her perspective on choosing a supportive partner, navigating family responsibilities, and pursuing your ambitions even when life is busy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a UK master's degree can be valuable even if you return home.How to enter cybersecurity without expecting overnight success.Why communication, soft skills and attention to detail matter.How CyBlack grew from a response to loneliness and isolation.How personal branding and integrity can create career opportunities.How women with families can approach career growth.How to improve your CV, prepare for interviews and handle rejection.Why dedicating even two hours a day to your goals can make a difference.About Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele Dr. Iretioluwa is a cybersecurity professional, lecturer, researcher, mentor and entrepreneur. She is a co-founder of CyBlack and a director of Cybarik, working to support cybersecurity professionals and organisations. Connect with Dr. Iretioluwa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-iretioluwa-akerele/ X: https://x.com/ireteeh Subscribe to Winning Across Borders for real stories and practical lessons from Africans building careers, opportunities and meaningful lives across borders. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/ #Cybersecurity #CareerGrowth #WinningAcrossBorders 00:00 – Meet Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele 01:53 – Rapid Fire: Career, Skills and Chelsea 04:34 – The Career Advice You Should Ignore 06:01 – Her Journey Into Cybersecurity 08:55 – How She Accidentally Found Cybersecurity 11:05 – Is a UK Master's Degree Worth It? 12:02 – Why Returning to Nigeria Wasn't Failure 14:16 – Why She Decided to Pursue a PhD 17:33 – Mistakes Beginners Make in Cybersecurity 20:02 – Can Anyone Build a Career in Cybersecurity? 21:28 – The Skills Employers Want Beyond Your Degree 24:49 – Why She Started CyBlack 26:16 – The Community's Unexpected Impact 27:56 – What Makes a Successful Mentee? 30:59 – How Personal Branding Transformed Her Career 36:42 – Starting a Career While Managing Marriage and Children 39:11 – How Africans Can Stand Out in the UK Job Market 41:55 – The First Step to Changing Your Career 43:16 – Final Thoughts

  3. Oct 2

    How to Potentially Study Abroad for Free

    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

  4. Sep 18

    I Got a Job in Ireland With Just 1 Year of Experience

    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 technologyGetting into tech without a traditional computer science backgroundBeing unemployed and self-teachingHow social media helped create unexpected opportunitiesGetting an international job with only one year of experienceHow she researched companies that could potentially relocate herWhy she changed her CV after studying job descriptionsWhat relocating from Nigeria to Ireland was really likeMoving from support engineering into consulting and architectureWhat an AI Solutions Architect actually doesWhether AI will take people's jobsCertifications vs real-world experienceWhy mid-career professionals can get stuckThe importance of LinkedIn and self-advocacyMentorship vs sponsorshipPlatform Explorers and TechStylersHow 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

  5. Sep 4

    I help women build businesses & prioritise their Wellbeing

    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

  6. Aug 21

    Building a Global Career: The Power of Referrals & Professional Relationships

    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 opportunitiesWhy you shouldn't wait until you meet 100% of a job description before applyingHow referrals can improve your chancesWhy you should tailor your CV for each roleHow community projects can give you experience when you don't have formal experienceWhy volunteering can accelerate your careerHow to build relationships without feeling like you have nothing to offerHow to position yourself for relocation opportunitiesWhy personal branding mattersHow to overcome imposter syndrome after moving abroadWhy you need to be willing to raise your hand even when you're not completely confidentJuan'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. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – 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?

  7. Aug 7

    Don't Just Japa , Come with a Blueprint | How to Keep Your Career Moving After Relocating

    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

  8. Jul 24

    A LinkedIn Message Changed My Life | How Rachel Irabor Moved to Malta & Became a Microsoft MVP

    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 TechThe bootcamp that changed her lifeWhy personal branding opened global opportunitiesHow LinkedIn led to a sponsored job in MaltaWhat life is really like for immigrants in MaltaThe reality of relocation in 2026Why certifications alone are not enoughBuilding confidence, public speaking and becoming a Microsoft MVPHow AI is changing careersAdvice for Africans looking to build global careersWhether 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 Timeline00:00 - 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

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About the Show: Welcome to Winning Across Borders, the premier podcast dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of Nigerians and Africans excelling in the Western world. Relocating to a new country is only the beginning. From the UK and Europe to the USA and Canada, we sit down with high-achievers who have navigated the challenges of migration to reach the pinnacle of their careers. Whether you are a professional looking to move, a student abroad, or someone seeking inspiration from the global African community, this show is your blueprint for success. What to Expect: Career Blueprints: Practical advice on breaking into top-tier industries abroad.Real Stories: The unfiltered truth about culture shock, resilience, and triumph.Global Impact: How the diaspora is reshaping the narrative of African excellence.

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