the Winning Across Borders pod

Gbolahan Akinola
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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. 5d ago

    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 44:23 Don't Let Pride Limit Your Options 45:48 How Students & Vendors Can Join VZGate 47:51 Final Advice for Students

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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?

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Jul 10

    My Finance Career from Nigeria to the UK

    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/

  8. Jun 19

    How I Got a Public Health Job Before Graduation in the UK

    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

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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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