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.

Episodes

  1. 2h ago

    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

    49 min

  2. Jun 5

    I Left Nigeria After The Last Election | Building a Tech Career in the UK

    What makes someone leave a successful career behind and start over in a new country? In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Annabel Okuomose, a Power Platform Technical Specialist based in the UK, to discuss her journey from studying Computer Science in Nigeria to building a successful career in tech and eventually relocating to the United Kingdom. Annabel shares how she accidentally found her way into tech, the role LinkedIn and networking played in opening doors, how she discovered Microsoft Power Platform, and why she decided to leave Nigeria after the last election despite having an established career. We also discuss: ✅ Breaking into tech without a clear roadmap ✅ Building a career in Power Platform and Automation ✅ Relocating to the UK as a tech professional ✅ Navigating the UK job market ✅ Why community and visibility matter ✅ Tailoring your CV for success ✅ Confidence, resilience, and career growth Whether you're considering relocating, trying to break into tech, or looking to grow your career abroad, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections. ───────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Introduction 1:16 – Annabel introduces herself 1:45 – Studying computer science in Nigeria (not by choice) 3:47 – Graduating with no plan — the blank slate moment 4:46 – COVID, one year at home, and reaching out on LinkedIn 6:05 – How community and friendship shaped her early career 10:46 – What is Microsoft Power Platform? A plain-English breakdown 12:00 – How she discovered Power Platform through an internship 14:11 – Why she left Nigeria despite warnings about the UK job market 16:27 – The decision to pursue a master's in project management 19:50 – How she found her unique selling point in the UK market 22:20 – What makes candidates stand out (and what keeps people stuck) 24:36 – The CV strategy most applicants are missing 26:41 – Final reflections and takeaways ───────────────────────────── 082MFLECL039KK1T 🎙️ Winning Across Borders Podcast A podcast sharing the real stories of Africans navigating careers, opportunities, and life abroad. Subscribe for more conversations on relocation, careers, visas, academia, and building a successful life across borders. Connect with Annabel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-okuomose-076a011a1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/ #PowerPlatform #TechCareer #NigerianInUK #AfricanAbroad #UKJobs #CareerAdvice #MicrosoftPowerPlatform #Relocation #TechJobsUK #Immigration #UK #Nigeria #Relocation #AfricanAbroad #WinningAcrossBorders #TechCareers #CareerGrowth #NigeriansInTech #AfricansInTech #LinkedInTips #TechPodcast

    30 min

  3. May 22

    What next after my MPH (Masters of Publich Health)

    What happens after your MPH? For many international students and public health graduates, this is one of the biggest questions they face after studying in the UK. In this episode of Winning Across Borders, I sit down with Adaeze Ogoh — an Epidemiology and Information Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency — to break down the realities of building a public health career in the UK. Adaeze shares practical insights, honest experiences, and actionable advice for aspiring public health professionals. We discuss: What to do after your MPHPublic health career pathways in the UKJob titles people should actually search forUK visa sponsorship opportunities in public healthNetworking and LinkedIn strategiesSkills that matter in public healthUKHSA, councils, NHS and other organizations to targetHow to gain experience while studyingHow to stay motivated through rejection If you’re studying Public Health, Global Health, Healthcare Management, Epidemiology, or planning a career in the UK healthcare/public health system, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations helping Africans build careers and opportunities abroad. #PublicHealth #MPH #UKJobs #PublicHealthCareers #InternationalStudents #UKHealthSecurityAgency #WinningAcrossBorders #HealthcareCareers #Epidemiology #AfricansInTheUK Connect with Adaeze Ogoh https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-ogoh-public-health-professional/ Winning Accross Borders  https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/

    39 min

  4. May 8

    My Journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP

    What does it actually take to move from Nigeria to the UK and reach the top of the tech ladder? In this powerful episode of Winner Across Borders, we sit down with Kayode Ajayi, a Microsoft MVP and Power Platform Solution Architect, to deconstruct his journey from a computer science graduate to an AI expert based in the UK. Kayode shares the "uncensored" truth about his relocation, why he didn't originally plan to be a Power Platform developer, and the pivotal role his wife played in their move abroad. Whether you are a beginner trying to break into tech or a professional looking to land 100k+ roles in the UK, this conversation covers the blueprint for visibility, networking, and career longevity. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Power Platform 101: What it is and why enterprises are ditching pro-code for low-code solutions.The "Mountain Climbing" Journey: How Kayode stumbled into tech through 3D animation.The UK Job Market Reality: Why Kayode’s applications failed but recruiters kept calling him.AI & Longevity: Why you must master the "fundamentals" even in the age of ChatGPT.Visibility Hacks: How to brand your LinkedIn profile and why you should post even if "the experts" have already covered the topic.Immigration & Mindset: Reframing "settlement" around employability and financial backing rather than just paperwork. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kayode Ajayi 01:45 - What is a Microsoft MVP? 04:15 - Understanding the Power Platform & Low-Code 06:11 - The Animation Detour: How Kayode started 10:32 - The "Main Ginger": Why he moved to the UK 13:39 - Navigating the UK job market as a student 17:17 - Will AI take your tech job? (The 2+2 Principle) 22:49 - LinkedIn and Visibility: Overcoming the fear of posting 28:04 - The Truth about UK Immigration & Sponsorship 32:23 - Common mistakes immigrants make in job hunting 35:58 - Final Encouragement & The "God Factor" If you're trying to break into tech, grow your career, or move abroad, this episode will give you the clarity you need. 🎧 Listen, learn, and take action. 📌 Connect with Kayode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naijatechmentor/ 📌 Follow Winning Across Borders: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winning-across-borders-podcast/ #winningacrossborders #techcareers #africansintech #ukjobs #powerplatform #microsoftmvp #careergrowth #relocation

    38 min

  5. Apr 24

    Getting into CyberSecurity

    In this episode of Winning Across Borders, we sit down with Femi, a cybersecurity engineer in the UK, who shares his journey from Nigeria to working in one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies. We dive deep into: Breaking into cybersecurity as an immigrantThe reality of relocating to the UKWhy networking is more powerful than certificationsThe truth about the UK job market in 2026How to stand out in tech without experienceIf you're navigating expat experiences, aiming to become a high achiever, or building your own cross border success story, this episode is packed with real, practical insights. We also discuss the relocation challenges most people don’t talk about — from job struggles to financial realities. 🎯 Whether you're: Planning to move abroadTrying to break into techOr already in the UK struggling with job applicationsThis episode is for you. 👇🏾 Don’t forget to: Like 👍🏾 | Comment 💬 | Subscribe 🔔

    47 min

  6. Apr 3

    I Was Ashamed to Be a Support Worker in the UK… but It Led Me to Canada PR 🇨🇦

    In this episode of Winning Across Borders, we sit down with Bolu, who shares her powerful journey from Nigeria to the UK and eventually to Canada. After working in banking back home, she moved to the UK in 2022 and had to start over — taking a job as a support worker, something she initially struggled to accept, but that decision would go on to change everything. From working in the care sector to gaining healthcare experience, her journey eventually opened the door for her to move to Canada and secure her permanent residence. Today, she is not only building her life in Canada but also helping others navigate their relocation journeys as an immigration educator. In this episode, we discuss: The reality of starting over in the UKFrom banking to support work — mindset shiftHow UK experience can help you move to CanadaExpress Entry and PR pathwaysUK vs Canada — honest comparisonAdvice for immigrants facing uncertaintyIf you're currently in the UK or planning to relocate abroad, this episode is packed with real insights you don’t want to miss. 📌 Connect with Bolu (Immigration Educator): https://www.instagram.com/_bolutife/ 📌 Subscribe for more stories: https://www.youtube.com/@thewabpod

    23 min

  7. Mar 20

    2 Sides of Security: From Securing Spaces to Securing IT Systems

    In this episode of the Winner Cross Borders Podcast, we sit down with Mr. Moshood to discuss his powerful journey of relocating to the UK and building a career from scratch. Like many immigrants, his journey did not start with a dream job. He worked survival jobs — waiting tables, working as a stadium steward, and doing night security — while studying for his master's degree. But through persistence, networking, and continuous learning, he transitioned into managing critical IT infrastructure for one of the top institutions in the UK and is now building a career in IT security. This episode is a real and honest conversation about what it truly takes to start over in a new country. If you are: • Planning to relocate abroad • Currently studying in the UK • Working survival jobs while chasing your career • Trying to transition into the tech industry Then this episode is for you. 🎯 Key Lessons From This Episode: The reality of relocating to the UK as a studentWhy your first job abroad might not match your qualificationsThe power of consistency when facing rejectionHow networking can accelerate your careerBuilding the right community while abroadTurning survival jobs into stepping stones💡 One powerful message from this episode: "Consistency in the right direction will get you somewhere." If this story inspired you, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more immigrant success stories Winner Cross Borders Podcast shares real stories from Africans in the diaspora who are building careers, businesses, and new lives abroad. #UKImmigrantStory #CareerPivot #TechCareer #DiasporaStories #JapaStories #AfricanDiaspora

    18 min

  8. Mar 6

    How I Moved From Teaching to Hair Studio Owner in the UK

    The World Only Rewards Boldness, Not Ideas: How I Moved From School Teacher to Hair Studio Owner in the UK | Winning Across Borders Relocating abroad often forces people to rethink everything — their career, identity, and long-term plans. For many Africans in the diaspora, the path to success is rarely straightforward. In this episode of Winning Across Borders, we sit down with a guest who made a bold career pivot after relocating to the UK — moving from being a school teacher to owning a hair studio business. We talk about: • Life before relocating • The challenges of starting over in a new country • Why bold decisions matter more than just having good ideas • The reality of building a business in the diaspora • Lessons for anyone thinking about pivoting careers abroad This is an honest conversation about risk, reinvention, and what it really takes to win across borders. If you're navigating life in the diaspora, considering a career pivot, or building something from scratch, this episode is for you. 🎧 Watch the full episode here: [Insert YouTube link] 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation: • Like the video • Subscribe to Winning Across Borders • Share with someone navigating life abroad

    25 min

  9. Feb 20

    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 UK Winning 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 academia The reality of relocating as an African professional Working support jobs despite holding a PhD How to secure sponsorship and navigate the UK system The difference between African and UK academic cultures Why networking, mentorship, and upskilling are critical The mindset shift needed to succeed abroad Dr. 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 UK Interested in academia or lecturing Struggling to find sponsorship Trying to pivot from survival jobs into your career This 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

  10. 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

  11. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Welcome to the Winning Across Borders pod

    The podcast explores the challenges of relocating and excelling in a new career, featuring real conversations and success stories from Africans who have mastered the move and excelled in their career paths. Takeaways Relocating and excelling in a new career can be challengingReal conversations and success stories are shared on the podcast Chapters 00:00 Mastering the Move and Excelling in Career Paths

    1 min

Trailer

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.

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