Stories and Wisdom Podcast

The Stories and Wisdom Company

Honest stories. Tough calls. Unexpected laughs. On Stories and Wisdom, host Pradeep U.N., CEO of The Stories and Wisdom Company, sits down with leaders and thinkers to unpack the moments that shaped them. Segments like Memoir Moments, Decision Do Over, Vision Venture, Puzzle Point, and a fun This or That round make each episode personal, playful, and packed with insight. If you like your wisdom with a side of story (and a splash of mischief), hit play.

  1. S02E12: Unlocking Innovation & Wisdom from Microsoft Garage

    Mar 9

    S02E12: Unlocking Innovation & Wisdom from Microsoft Garage

    Summary In this episode of the Stories and Wisdom podcast, Ed Essey, Senior Director of Business Value at Microsoft Garage, shares insights on innovation, cultural transformation, and his journey within Microsoft. He discusses the Garage Growth Framework, which helps employees bring their ideas to life, and reflects on his personal growth and resilience through challenges. Ed also talks about his new book, 'The Inside Job,' and his aspirations to create an impact investing firm to empower underrepresented individuals. Takeaways Ed Essey emphasizes the importance of empowering passionate people to make meaningful change.The Garage Growth Framework was developed to help more projects move forward within Microsoft.Cultural transformation at Microsoft has evolved significantly over the years.Ed's journey reflects resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.The concept of 'intrapreneurship' is crucial for fostering innovation within large organizations.Ed's book, 'The Inside Job,' aims to share insights on navigating corporate innovation.He believes in the power of frameworks to guide innovation and business value.Ed's future aspirations include creating an impact investing firm to support underrepresented entrepreneurs.The importance of personal growth and learning from experiences is a recurring theme in Ed's narrative.Ed's approach to innovation combines elements of design thinking, agile, and business principles.

    40 min
  2. S02E07: Unlocking Africa's Potential

    Feb 2

    S02E07: Unlocking Africa's Potential

    Summary In this episode of the Stories and Wisdom podcast, Luni Libes shares his journey as an entrepreneur and investor focused on impact in Africa. He discusses his unique approach to business, emphasizing first principles thinking and the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. Luni highlights the challenges and opportunities within the African market, particularly in the food and agriculture sector, and outlines his vision for Africa Eats, a company dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through innovative investment strategies. The conversation delves into the lessons learned from past experiences, the significance of decision-making, and the potential for Africa to emerge as a significant player in the global economy. Takeaways Luni identifies as a self-identified entrepreneur.He emphasizes the importance of first principles thinking in business.Most startups fail because they stick with plan A without alternatives.Africa has unique opportunities that are often overlooked by investors.Impact investing can successfully reduce poverty while generating returns.The business ecosystem in the U.S. is saturated with ideas, unlike in Africa.Luni's experience shows that adaptability is key in entrepreneurship.The future of Africa's economy is promising, with potential for significant growth.Creating a flywheel effect in investment can attract more capital to Africa.Luni believes that Africa will follow the path of economic growth seen in China and India.

    28 min

About

Honest stories. Tough calls. Unexpected laughs. On Stories and Wisdom, host Pradeep U.N., CEO of The Stories and Wisdom Company, sits down with leaders and thinkers to unpack the moments that shaped them. Segments like Memoir Moments, Decision Do Over, Vision Venture, Puzzle Point, and a fun This or That round make each episode personal, playful, and packed with insight. If you like your wisdom with a side of story (and a splash of mischief), hit play.