the Winning Across Borders pod

Gbolahan Akinola

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.Contact: hello@wabpulse.comhttps://linktr.ee/thewabpod

Episodes

  1. 21H AGO

    I Had a PhD… But Almost Settled for Support Work in the UK

    I Had a PhD… But Almost Settled for Support Work in the UKWinning Across Borders: From Nigeria to UK Academia – The Journey of Dr. Olalekan Adisa DescriptionIn this episode of Winning Across Borders, we sit down with Dr. Olalekan Adisa, a Nigerian academic whose journey spans Nigeria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. From starting out in a polytechnic in Nigeria to earning multiple master’s degrees, completing a fully funded PhD in South Africa, and now serving as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at a UK university, Dr. Adisa’s story is one of resilience, humility, strategy, and purpose. We explore: What it truly takes to transition into UK academiaThe reality of relocating as an African professionalWorking support jobs despite holding a PhDHow to secure sponsorship and navigate the UK systemThe difference between African and UK academic culturesWhy networking, mentorship, and upskilling are criticalThe mindset shift needed to succeed abroadDr. Adisa speaks candidly about rejection, starting from the bottom, night shifts, balancing family life, and the power of positioning yourself as valuable in a competitive system. If you are: Considering relocating to the UKInterested in academia or lecturingStruggling to find sponsorshipTrying to pivot from survival jobs into your careerThis episode will challenge and equip you. Because at the end of the day, the real question is: What do you have to offer? 🎧 Listen now and discover how to win across borders.

    22 min
  2. FEB 6

    From Survival to Strategy: My Journey Winning Across Borders

    In this episode, Gbolahan Akinola shares his journey of relocating from Africa to the UK, discussing the challenges and opportunities faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, networking, and leveraging current skills to navigate the job market successfully. Gbolahan also highlights the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuously improving oneself through self-assessment and upskilling. The conversation serves as a guide for others considering relocation and seeking to thrive in a new environment. This episode isn’t about pretending it’s easy.It’s about answering the real question: 👉🏽 After the hard jobs… what next? If you’re:• currently in the “survival phase”• confused about your next career move• scared to relocate• or wondering if things will ever click This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Watch on YouTube📲 Follow @thewabpod This is Winning Across Borders.And this is just the beginning. Takeaways The podcast aims to inspire Africans relocating abroad. Relocation comes with challenges, including societal perceptions. It's essential to navigate the job market with research and preparation. Networking plays a crucial role in finding opportunities. Harnessing current skills can lead to better job prospects. Starting early in job applications is vital for success. Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers. Feedback from interviews can guide future improvements. A positive mindset is key to overcoming challenges. Titles Navigating the Relocation Journey: Insights and Strategies From Africa to the UK: A Personal Journey Sound bites "This is the year to get started." "How do you move from that stage?" "You need to learn to keep upskilling." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose 03:20 The Journey of Relocation and Career Transition 11:42 Navigating the Job Market in a New Country 20:07 Leveraging Skills and Networking for Success 23:35 Starting Early and Embracing Small Beginnings 25:11 Starting Small and Building Momentum 30:01 The Importance of Self-Assessment and Upskilling 38:22 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth 42:41 Navigating Job Offers and Visa Sponsorships 45:14 Maintaining a Positive Mindset for Success 49:23 Introduction and Call to Action 50:41 Introduction to the Podcast Journey 53:35 Understanding the Relocation Experience 56:52 Navigating the Job Market: Research and Preparation 59:44 The Importance of Networking and Community 01:02:27 Skills and Upskilling: Enhancing Your Career 01:05:52 The Application Process: Strategies for Success 01:08:41 Interview Insights and Feedback 01:11:54 Leveraging LinkedIn for Opportunities 01:14:44 Maintaining a Positive Mindset 01:17:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

    40 min

About

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.Contact: hello@wabpulse.comhttps://linktr.ee/thewabpod