In Conversation With Rudy Samuel

Rudy Samuel

In Conversation With Rudy Samuel is an entrepreneurship and business podcast exploring the stories behind Africa’s builders, creators, athletes, and leaders. Hosted by Rudy Samuel, each episode uncovers the mindset, strategies, and lessons behind success across industries including business, sport, media, and culture. Through powerful storytelling and honest conversations, the podcast educates, inspires, and equips listeners with practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, personal growth, and building meaningful impact in Africa and beyond.

  1. May 26

    Money, Debt, Investing & Financial Literacy | Mona Manzambi

    In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel (#ICWRS), Rudy sits down with Certified Financial Planner Mona Manzambi for an important conversation around money, financial literacy, investing, debt and long term wealth building for young Africans. This episode unpacks:• The difference between financial literacy, financial wellbeing, financial education and financial planning• The importance of budgeting and saving early• Black tax and financial pressure on young professionals• Property vs stock market investing• Retirement annuities and wealth creation• The real cost of debt• Common financial mistakes young professionals make• The difference between a financial planner and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) This conversation is designed to help young professionals think differently about money, wealth and financial freedom in today’s world. #ICWRS#MonaManzambi #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #Investing #WealthBuilding #DebtManagement #FinancialFreedom #YoungProfessionals #AfricanPodcast #BusinessPodcast #SouthAfrica #TheFutureIsAfrican Chapters: 00:00 - Intro03:20 - Financial wellbeing, financial planning, financial literacy & financial education explained06:00 - The importance of budgeting08:40 - Understanding black tax as a young professional12:05 - How to start saving effectively17:10 - Retirement annuities and why they matter18:32 - Practical ways to save and invest30:35 - Can property help build long term wealth?33:03 - Financial mistakes young professionals are making today36:15- Good debt vs bad debt43:55 - Financial planner vs Certified Financial Planner (CFP)46:55 - The first 3 steps to take control of your finances49:54 - What every young African should do financially for their future51:22 - What financial freedom means to Mona Manzambi55:03 Outro

    57 min
  2. May 12

    TRICIA MPISI ON NETFLIX, TIKTOK, PRESENTING, CONTENT CREATION AND BEING AN AUTHOR

    In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, we sit down with Tricia Mpisi actress presenter, content creator, and now author.From building an audience through digital storytelling to stepping into the world of Netflix, Tricia’s journey reflects what it means to be a modern African creative navigating multiple industries at once.We unpack her transition from content creation into acting and getting her first role on a  Netflix  series #SoccerSeason as well as her experience working on screen, and what it takes to show up confidently in public platforms as a presenter.At the heart of this conversation is her debut novel Matric Dance ,a story rooted in identity, friendship, love, and self-discovery. Tricia shares the deeper meaning behind the book, the writing process, and what she hopes young African readers take away from it.This is a conversation about storytelling, culture, growth, and building a career with intention.If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or someone trying to find your voice, this episode is for you.🎙️ In Conversation With Rudy Samuel (#ICWRS) is a platform dedicated to telling powerful African stories that educate, inspire, and motivate.📌 Connect with Tricia Mpisi:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricia_mpisi/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@triciampisi📌 Follow Rudy Samuel:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rudysamuel_/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therudysamuel_Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:33 - Tricia Mpisi’s first podcast interview ever and its with Rudy Samuel03:50 - Who is Tricia Mpisi before the success and recognition?04:38 - Being multi cultural and what it means to be African today06:19 - Is Tricia Mpisi living her dream right now?07:20 - How the internet helped Tricia Mpisi grow creatively08:26 - Did Tricia Mpisi start for passion or popularity?09:10 - How social media helped her transition into mainstream media?11:17 - Advice for content creators trying to grow online13:57 - How Tricia Mpisi got into acting and working with Netflix?18:17 - Dealing with imposter syndrome as a creative20:20 - What Netflix teaches actors that people don’t see?20:55 - The story behind Matric Dance and taking 10 years to write it24:42 - What Tricia wants young African girls to feel reading her book?25:33 - Identity and self worth themes in Matric Dance26:03 - Why culture was important in writing Matric Dance?28:31 - The process of writing and publishing a book31:18 - What young African girls don’t see enough in books and movies?32:32 - How Tricia Mpisi got into presenting and hosting?36:27 - What makes someone powerful on camera?37:20 - The difference between confidence and preparation38:19 - What Tricia Mpisi is building in her life and career?40:44 - What Tricia wants her voice to represent?41:10 - What she wants people to feel from her work?41:58 - How Tricia Mpisi deals with tough times?42:49 - Talking about grief and personal loss45:15 - Outro#ICWRS #TriciaMpisi #AfricanStories #AfricanCreators #Storytelling #AfricanPodcast #ContentCreator #NetflixAfrica #Netflix #YoungAfrican #Entrepreneurship #AfricanExcellence #TheFutureIsAfrican #BTS #btsarmy #btsarmyforever

    46 min
  3. Apr 28

    HE LEFT SOUTH AFRICA FOR SIERRA LEONE AND BUILT A R3 MILLION FOOD BUSINESS IN 9 MONTHS

    Welcome to another episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel.In this episode, we sit down with Nahum Bangura, a 30 year old entrepreneur, South African born and raised, who made the bold decision to move to Sierra Leone and build a business from the ground up. In just 9 months of operating, Nahum generated over R3 million in sales through his food brand, Namza Smash Burgers and Wings, and is now expanding to a second store.In this conversation, we unpack:• Why he chose Sierra Leone as a business destination• How he built a food business from scratch• The reality of operating in a new market• The challenges behind the growth• What it takes to scale from one store to two• The lessons every entrepreneur can learnThis is a powerful conversation for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, African markets, and building real businesses that generate results.If you enjoy conversations that educate, inspire and challenge your thinking, make sure to subscribe and join the journey .Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:21 - Why He Chose Sierra Leone and the Early Struggles of Starting From Scratch 05:55 - Why Saving Money is Critical When Starting a Business 07:16 - Leaving the Comfort of Johannesburg to Build in Sierra Leone 09:49 - Why He Chose Wings and Smash Burgers as a Business Model 16:00 - Inside the Operations How He Trains Staff and Maintains Standards 19:20 - The Reality of Running a Food Business Stress Pressure and Challenges 24:25 - From One Store to Two Making Over R3 Million in 9 Months 29:30 - Growing Up Around Excellence and How It Shaped His Mindset 33:34 - Failure Family and the Beliefs That Keep Him Going 35:40 - Advice for Doing Business in Africa 38:42 - When Starting a Business What Matters More Than Money 40:25 - Outro#ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican #SierraLeone #Africa #ICWRS #AfricanEntrepreneur #BusinessInAfrica #Entrepreneurship #StartUpAfrica #YoungEntrepreneur #FoodBusiness #SuccessStories #AfricanBusiness

    41 min
  4. Apr 14

    Why Discipline Is the New Currency for Men | With Jesse Pretorious

    In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, I sit down with Jesse Pretorius, the founder of Jesster Studios, a high-performance individual who has built his life around discipline, fitness, and business.From competing in Hyrox and marathons to building a podcast studio and creating content, Jesse breaks down what it really takes to operate at a high level in today’s world.This is not just a conversation. This is a playbook masterclass.We dive into:• The difference between discipline and motivation• How fitness translates into business success• Building consistency when you don’t feel like showing up• The mindset behind high performers• Starting and running a podcast studio• Rebuilding your life from zeroIf you are serious about growth, performance, and becoming the best version of yourself, this episode is for you.Follow Jesse:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the_middle_way_podcast?si=uLsJfDkfMir1zchmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse_sebFollow me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudysamuel_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rudysamuel_Chapters00:00 - Intro 01:43 - Discipline vs Motivation | Quick Fire Questions 02:47 - Who Was Jesse Before Discipline Changed His Life?03:44 - What Shaped Jesse’s High-Performance Mindset?04:57 - How Fitness Built the Man Jesse Is Today 06:44 - When Did Jesse Become an Entrepreneur? 07:33 - Why He Started a Podcast Studio (Jesster Studios) 10:33 - The Moment Everything Clicked for Jesse 13:10 - The Hardest Phase in His 20s (And How He Overcame It) 15:27 - The Biggest Misconception About His Lifestyle 16:48 - Jesse’s Playbook: Building a High-Performance Life 24:15 - How Fitness Improves Business Performance 25:23 - Does Discipline Lead to Financial Success? 27:22 - Content Creation Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid 33:12 - Cost of Starting a Podcast Studio + How He Gets Clients 40:21 - ICWRS Pressure Test: Real Life Scenarios 48:50 - Would His 20-Year-Old Self Be Proud? 50:06 - Outro #ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican #Discipline #Entrepreneurship #SelfDiscipline #Mindset#FitnessMotivation #BusinessMindset #PodcastSouthAfrica #ContentCreator #HighPerformance #MensGrowth

    51 min
  5. Mar 10

    Young, Black and Farming | The Business of Poultry Farming in South Africa #ICWRS

    In this episode of In Conversation With Rudy Samuel, we sit down with Bongz Khumalo, a young South African farmer and founder of Nkabohle Poultry Farm in Pretoria West.Bongz began dreaming about farming at just 15 years old. Today, in his early 30’s, he is building a poultry farming operation that produces thousands of broiler chickens while balancing a full time job.This conversation explores the business of poultry farming in South Africa and what it really takes to succeed in agriculture today.We discuss the financial realities of starting a poultry farm, the equipment and infrastructure required, how farmers generate income, and the challenges facing the industry including crime, funding and access to land.Bongz also shares how his farm contributes to developing the next generation of farmers by hosting Tshwane University of Technology agriculture students, giving them hands on experience and providing them with a stipend while they learn the practical side of farming.This episode is about more than farming. It is about entrepreneurship, ownership, food security and the opportunities agriculture presents for young Africans.Topics covered in this episode• The business of poultry farming in South Africa• How much it costs to start a poultry farm• Equipment needed for poultry farming• Challenges farmers face in South Africa• Farming while working a 9 to 5• Employment opportunities in agriculture• The role of the South African Poultry Association• Training agriculture students through practical experienceFollow Bongz KhumaloTwitter: @BongzThaMr_KWebsite: www.nkabohle.co.zaSubscribe for more conversations with African entrepreneurs, builders and change makers.#ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican #PoultryFarming #FarmingInSouthAfrica #AfricanEntrepreneurs #Agriculture #YoungFarmers

    53 min
  6. Mar 10

    Ambition Without Losing Yourself | Mamello Rantseuoa on Corporate Pressure & Purpose #ICWRS

    Welcome back to In Conversation with Rudy Samuel This is the first episode of the year and we are starting with depth.In a world where everyone is chasing success, very few people talk about what it actually costs. The pressure. The expectations. The identity shifts. The emotional weight that comes with ambition.In this episode, Rudy Samuel sits down with Mamello Rantseuoa, Speaker and Corporate & Investment Banking professional to unpack the inner game of ambition.From navigating corporate power and pressure to protecting your identity in high performance environments, this conversation explores what it really takes to rise without losing yourself.This is not just a conversation about success.This is a conversation about staying grounded while chasing it.If you are an ambitious young professional, entrepreneur, or leader trying to grow with purpose, this episode is for you.🎯 In this episode, we cover:• The real cost of ambition• Unspoken rules of corporate success• How to handle pressure in high performance environments• Balancing ambition with identity and purpose• Emotional intelligence in leadership• Faith, discipline and staying grounded📌 Mamello’s Playbook:Practical lessons on how to grow without losing yourself in the process🌍 The Future Is African🎙️ In Conversation with Rudy Samuel (#ICWRS)🔔 Subscribe for more powerful African conversations on business, leadership, and personal growth00:00 - Intro The Cost of Ambition and Starting the Year with Purpose02:13 - How Mamello and Rudy Met in High School04:32 - Did She Always See This Level of Success Coming09:25 - Biggest Mistake Ambitious People Make When Starting Something New11:35 - How to Set Goals Without Losing Your Identity16:00 - Financial Discipline Tips for Young Professionals21:06 - Building Influence on LinkedIn and Sharing Corporate Insights27:20 - Unspoken Truths About Corporate Life Young Professionals Must Know32:20 - How to Protect Your Peace in a High Pressure Corporate Environment35:50 - Staying Soft and Grounded in a Hard Competitive World36:40 - The Real Cost of Ambition and Personal Sacrifices38:42 - Mamello’s 2026 Playbook for Success and Growth39:00 - One Mindset to Carry Into This Year39:09 - One Boundary Every Ambitious Person Needs39:20 - One Habit That Builds Long Term Credibility39:38 - One Thing to Stop Doing Immediately39:51 - One Truth About Ambition People Must Accept40:46 - Outro#ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican #Ambition #SuccessMindset #CorporateLife #YoungProfessionals #Leadership #SelfDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #EntrepreneurMindset #AfricanExcellence #MotivationAfrica #CareerGrowth #PodcastAfrica #BusinessAfrica

    41 min
  7. Mar 10

    I Spent A Day Interviewing and Training With One of South Africa's Fastest Women #ICWRS

    Today I step onto the track with one of South Africa’s fastest rising stars Joviale Mbisha. A student athlete who runs for South Africa, a Sportswoman of the Year winner at the  @ujyoutube  and an  @adidas  sponsored athlete who trains up to 6 hours a day while balancing school competitions and personal life. 🇿🇦🇨🇩In this episode we dive into what it truly takes to become an elite sprinter. We unpack her discipline, her daily routine. the identity of being South African -Congolese, the challenges she has faced and the dreams she carries for her future in athletics.I also join her in training where she teaches me sprint drills and we speak about the mentality needed to compete at the highest level. This episode is for every young athlete student dreamer and anyone who believes that excellence is built in silence and revealed in motion.This episode is brought to you by PA Plus +PA Plus+https://www.instagram.com/_pa_plus?igsh=dDd5ZWE0OG1rcm42PA Plus+ is a flexible premium personal assistant service designed for online coaches who want more time more structure and less overwhelm. From admin and client management to content support and daily organization they handle the behind the scenes work so you can focus on growing your business.Thank you for watching.The Future Is African.#ICWRS #TheFutureIsAfrican #RudySamuel #JovialeMbisha#SouthAfricanAthletics #WomenInSport #AfricanExcellence #StudentAthlete #TrackAndField #AdidasZA #olympics2028 #olympics 00:00 Intro 01:43 Who Is Joviale Mbisha, Rising South African Sprinter?02:19 How Joviale Convinced Her Parents To Support Her Track And Field Career03:49 The Moment Joviale Realised She Could Become A Professional Sprinter05:14 The Reality Of Being A Professional Student Athlete At  @ujyoutube  06:00 How Joviale Balances Training School And Personal Life07:21 Joviale Shares Her Biggest Achievements In Athletics08:49 Inside Joviale’s Sponsorship Journey With Adidas South Africa  @adidas   @adidaswomen  09:45 The Challenges Joviale Faced In Her Sprinting Career And How She Fought Through12:28 The Injury That Almost Ended Her Career And How She Overcame It Mentally And Physically17:44 How South African Athletics Compares To The Rest Of The World19:00 Joviale’s Future Goals Studies And Olympic Dreams  @Olympics  20:11 Joviale Puts Me Through A Track Training Session23:27 Closing Reflections And Outro

    24 min

About

In Conversation With Rudy Samuel is an entrepreneurship and business podcast exploring the stories behind Africa’s builders, creators, athletes, and leaders. Hosted by Rudy Samuel, each episode uncovers the mindset, strategies, and lessons behind success across industries including business, sport, media, and culture. Through powerful storytelling and honest conversations, the podcast educates, inspires, and equips listeners with practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, personal growth, and building meaningful impact in Africa and beyond.