Africans In Tech

Sahr
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Welcome to Africans In Tech, a podcast where inspiring journeys in the world of technology are explored. Hosted by Sahr Lebbie, join us for candid interviews with tech professionals sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you're new to tech or a seasoned veteran, valuable insights and mentorship opportunities await. Let's demystify tech together and drive positive change in the industry.

  1. FEB 25

    Africans in Tech Podcast Episode 25 | Build Support Infrastructure From Scratch w/ Sean Ilenray

    In this deep-dive interview, Sean Ilenrey, Speaker, Founder, and CEO of Value-Centric, a seasoned tech operations leader, shares his multi-industry journey through enterprise and startup environments—from Comcast to Toast (pre-IPO) to Dutchie, a leading cannabis tech platform. Sean breaks down how he built and scaled technical support infrastructures, introduced AI and automation tools, stood up WFM (Workforce Management), QA, and KPI systems from scratch, and helped companies move from chaos to structured scale. He also introduces his original leadership framework, "IMO" (I Momentum)—a tactical 4-phase model for driving sustainable transformation inside tech orgs. This conversation is essential for operators, support leaders, startup builders, and execs looking to understand what it actually takes to build scalable support and customer operations in high-growth SaaS and tech environments. 🔥 Transitioning from Enterprise to Startup Tech Leadership 🧱 Standing Up Support Infrastructure: WFM, QA, KPIs, AI Tools 🌐 Remote-First Team Strategy & Async Collaboration Best Practices 📈 Navigating Pre-IPO Startup Culture (Toast) 🌍 DEI Challenges in Tech Orgs & Culturally Scaling Teams 🌱 Building in Underserved Verticals: Cannabis Tech at Dutchie 🧠 How to Implement the IMO Framework: Foundation, Build, Scale, Sustain Connect with Sean - https://linktr.ee/Seanthespeaker?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b98960fd-96d7-4031-b81e-5864ef443544 📌 Subscribe for more content on scaling customer operations, building tech-enabled teams, and real-life stories of leadership in SaaS, startup, and enterprise ecosystems.

    1h 30m

  2. FEB 25

    Africans in Tech Podcast Episode 26 | Level Up Your Agile Career w/ Nimi Bello

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nimi Bello — Nigerian-American, mom of two, and the founder & CEO of Link Empower — to unpack her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Nigeria to becoming a Senior Consultant and Release Train Engineer at Deloitte. Nimi shares how growing up in a blended family shaped her servant leadership style, how she pivoted from sales to tech, the realities of being a Black woman in Agile leadership, and why embracing a consultative mindset is key in the age of AI. She breaks down the Scrum framework in simple terms, explains the value of Toastmasters and Clubhouse for building confidence, and shares the blueprint that took her from entry-level to executive roles in tech. 🎯 Topics covered: 🧠🔁 Embracing Agile as a mindset 💼➡️🛠️ Moving from sales into Scrum and product 🎤🤝 The power of public speaking and community 💸📈 How job hopping helped her increase her income 👩🏾‍🍼🏠💻 Navigating motherhood, family, and career 👩🏾‍💼✨💻 The importance of Black women in tech leadership 🔗 Whether you’re breaking into tech or looking to level up in Agile roles, this episode is a masterclass in growth, grit, and purpose. Get in contact with Nimi - https://linktr.ee/agilebae

    1h 2m

  3. FEB 25

    Africans in Tech Podcast Episode 27 | Breaking Into Tech with Splunk w/ Tike Awe

    What does resilience really look like? In this powerful Afric. episode, host S. Levy sits down with TK—a Nigerian-American tech professional—who shares his inspiring journey from college dropout to IT security specialist. TK opens up about: Moving from Nigeria to the U.S. at age 16 Facing discrimination and false accusations from police Dropping out of college with just 8 classes left Grinding through unpaid internships and commuting 90 minutes Learning Linux, web design, and Splunk from scratch Surviving whiteboard interview disasters Getting mentored into cybersecurity and finally breaking through 🎯 Whether you're stuck in school, unsure how to enter tech, or feel behind—this conversation will light a fire in you. 🔥 Topics Covered: Free tech training through real-world internships Self-taught tech growth (SolarWinds, Splunk, HTML/CSS, Python, Linux) How to prepare for technical interviews (even if you're new) Advice on building confidence and finding mentors Leveraging help desk roles to break into cybersecurity Why mindset and perseverance matter more than a degree TK’s story is a roadmap for anyone fighting self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or financial hardship while chasing a dream. 🎧 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 🗣 Share with someone who needs the motivation

    1h 7m

  4. FEB 25

    Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 23 | How I Mastered Coding with ChatGPT w/ Clinton Olayiwola

    What do you get when you mix a love-hate relationship with Java, hours of YouTube University, and late-night convos with ChatGPT? You get Clinton Olayiwola’s wild ride into tech! 🚀 In this episode, Clinton breaks down how he went from almost failing his first Java class (yeah… writing code on paper 💀) to building real-world apps and surviving tutorial hell. We get into: ⚡ How ChatGPT became his personal tech mentor ⚡ Escaping tutorial hell & building solo ⚡ Spring Boot analogies and why Java still kinda sucks ⚡ Learning at an HBCU & doing it the hard way ⚡ Why thinking before coding will change your life ⚡ The real truth about being okay when stuff just doesn’t work 😤 If you’ve ever hit a wall learning to code, this one’s for you. Clinton’s story is honest, hilarious, and hella relatable. Whether you're bootcamp, self-taught, or stuck in CS class with no idea what’s going on… you'll feel this one. 💯 🎧 Hit that subscribe for more fire tech convos from Africans in Tech.

    1h 11m

  5. FEB 25

    Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 24 | Growing a Tech Academy with Real Impact w/ Justice Collier

    What does it really take to go from making $75K to managing a tech team, running your own academy, and pulling six figures across multiple income streams? In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic tech founder who breaks down her journey from early government contracts to launching the Techreneurship Academy — a program dedicated to helping both newcomers and seasoned pros navigate the world of tech with clarity and confidence. We talk: ✅ Net 30 contracts and delayed checks ✅ Freelancing vs corp-to-corp ✅ Delegating labor while scaling a business ✅ What makes Techreneurship Academy different ✅ Setting yourself up for work/life freedom ✅ The future of certs, NDAs, and mentorship in tech ✅ The value of building real networks — not just followers She doesn’t sugarcoat a thing — and that’s exactly what makes her story powerful. 🔥 Whether you’re a tech newbie, career switcher, or young Black woman in STEM—this episode is packed with real talk and valuable gems. Follow Jai- https://beacons.ai/justicetaughtme

    42 min
  6. Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 21 | Code & Clearance: Life in Defense Tech w/ Tech Key

    11/20/2025

    Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 21 | Code & Clearance: Life in Defense Tech w/ Tech Key

    In this episode of Africans in Tech, we sit down with a software engineer, Reginald Billups, working in the defense sector, to discuss the realities of working for a major contractor like Lockheed Martin. From building software for aircraft to navigating the moral gray areas of defense tech, we talk about what it means to have a security clearance, how it impacts your lifestyle, and the career and financial opportunities it opens up. We also dive into: Balancing ethics and income in defense tech Security clearances: what they cost and how they affect your life Personal convictions vs. professional opportunities Building side projects as a young engineer Dating in tech and long-term goals in life and career How to break into cleared roles and negotiate better pay Whether you're in tech, interested in government contracting, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of defense software engineering, this one's for you.

    41 min
  7. Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 22 | Crushing Code & Cultural Expectations w Rubena Uyeh

    11/20/2025

    Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 22 | Crushing Code & Cultural Expectations w Rubena Uyeh

    In this inspiring episode of Africans in Tech, host S. Lebbie sits down with Rubena “Ruby,” a rising star in the cybersecurity world. Ruby shares her journey from earning over $170,000 in scholarships (graduating debt-free!) to entering the tech industry with confidence and ambition. We talk about: Breaking into tech without coding Salary expectations and growth as a non-technical professional The grind behind success and what it really takes Balancing Nigerian family expectations with personal goals Long-term visions in entrepreneurship, AI legislation, and cybersecurity Tips for winning scholarships and building generational wealth Ruby’s passion for mentorship and community uplift 🔒 Ruby is researching Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture in collaboration with Harvard’s Cybersecurity Institute and planning her next steps into a master’s program focused on AI.

    48 min
  8. Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 20 | From Zero To Tech Hero w/ Djelika Bah

    11/20/2025

    Africans In Tech Podcast Episode 20 | From Zero To Tech Hero w/ Djelika Bah

    In this episode of Africans in Tech, Host Sahr Lebbie sits down with Djelika Bah, an inspiring entrepreneur, technologist, and student originally from Guinea , now based in Atlanta. Djelika Bah shares her journey from childhood dreams of fixing electricity in Guinea to becoming a computer engineering major and landing competitive internships — including one in Silicon Valley. We talk about: Growing up in Guinea Switching from Electrical to Computer Engineering 💻 Learning through YouTube & visual repetition 🎓 Landing her first internship as a sophomore ✨ How a mentor helped shift her mindset 💡 The Silicon Valley internship that changed her life 🚀 Building business acumen & presentation skills 💼 Getting certified (CCNA & CCNP) and breaking into the tech world 📈 Why hands-on experience always beats theory 🔧 Sacrifices, side hustles, and staying resilient 💪🏾 This episode is packed with practical gems for students, early-career professionals, and anyone navigating their way into tech from unconventional paths.

    52 min
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About

Welcome to Africans In Tech, a podcast where inspiring journeys in the world of technology are explored. Hosted by Sahr Lebbie, join us for candid interviews with tech professionals sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you're new to tech or a seasoned veteran, valuable insights and mentorship opportunities await. Let's demystify tech together and drive positive change in the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Sahr
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Africans In Tech
  • Show Website
    Africans In Tech