Gamers Change Lives Tom Leonard

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Martin Elonge, the director of Mountain Hub, a startup accelerator in Cameroon. They discuss the mission and programs of Mountain Hub, including ecosystem building, capacity building, and venture building. Martin explains the difference between startups and SMEs and emphasizes the importance of business skills for entrepreneurs. He also shares insights into the selection process at Mountain Hub and the role of the Mountain Angel Network in supporting startups. The episode concludes with information on how to connect with Mountain Hub online.
Takeaways
Mountain Hub is a startup accelerator in Cameroon that focuses on ecosystem building, capacity building, and venture building.
Startups have the potential to scale and are often founded on technological advancements, while SMEs may rely more on physical infrastructure.
Entrepreneurs at Mountain Hub receive support in various areas, including business development, mentorship, and investment readiness.
Mountain Hub invests in startups through its Mountain Angel Network.
Venture building encompasses the entire process of building a startup, from ideation to scaling.
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Featured in this episode:
Martin E-M. Elonge: is a Co-founder and Director of Research and Development at Mountain Hub and a Doctoral student in Mass Communications at the University of Buea, Cameroon. He focuses on interdisciplinary research and scholarship that embodies new media, information and communication technologies and the internet of things; society and security; e-governance; non-verbal communication processes; theory and methodology; art form communications, tech policy and entrepreneurship, and sustainable societies.
In 2023, he participated in the Technology, Knowledge & Society Nineteenth International Conference at the University of Malta, Malta. Earlier in 2021, he lectured on Communication and Media Art (with a focus on International Journalism and Cross-Cultural studies) for the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program at Jah Kente International, Washington D.C. He is the project manager for the Cameroon International Tech Summit (CITS).
Martin is passionate about writing, both scientific and literary. He has co-authored three scientific journal articles and a book chapter. As a literary scholar, he has written over 500 poems, and numerous film and drama scripts, with two of his poems published in “Bearing Witness: Poems from a Land in Turmoil” (2020) – a poetry anthology, Spears Books, USA. Through his literary engagements, Martin participated in the ‘Literary Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa: Commons, Publics and Networks of Practice’ project with the University of Bristol, UK, for Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. Martin is a Gold Medalist with the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards, UK – Cameroon, a certified Reuters Digital Journalist, and a certified policy analyst with Innovation for Policy Foundation on Entrepreneurship Policy in partnership with ECOSYSTEM BUILD, German Cooperation, and GIZ.
Email: mailto:martin@mountainhub.africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinelonge/
Website: https://www.mountainhub.africa/
Podcast: https://riverside.fm/dashboard/studios/martins-studio-lmF5L/recordings?share-token=099aae3985471ce485a7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartinElonge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinelonge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinEMElonge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainhubb
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChan

In this episode, Tom Leonard interviews Mai Phan, the founder of Propel, a startup that builds job simulations to better train nurses. Mai shares her journey from Vietnam to Norway and explains how she started Propel. She discusses the challenges nurses face in the healthcare industry and how Propel's simulations aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Mai also talks about her experience participating in incubator and accelerator programs and offers advice on how to get the most out of these programs. She emphasizes the importance of showing up, utilizing resources, and building a network. Finally, Mai discusses the future plans for Charge and the value of understanding different languages and cultures in the startup ecosystem.
Takeaways
Job simulations can be a valuable tool for training professionals in various industries, including healthcare.
Participating in incubator and accelerator programs can provide valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for startups.
It is important for entrepreneurs to do thorough research and select programs that align with their goals and provide relevant content.
Showing up and actively engaging in program activities is crucial for getting the most out of incubator and accelerator programs.
Understanding different languages and cultures is essential for effective communication and collaboration in the startup ecosystem.
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Featured in this episode:
Mai Phan is the founder of PropL, an early-stage B2B HR tech startup in Oslo, Norway. She is also the Program Manager for Charge, an incubator for immigrant founders who want to start their businesses in Norway.
Originally from Vietnam, she took her bachelor’s in business administration in the U.S and Master's in Finance in the UK. Mai has lived and worked in Norway in the past 12 years. Her experience ranges from research and analysis in the power and gas sector, teaching young children and adults dance and fitness to entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. Mai is passionate about social impact and sustainability.
Email: mailto:mai@charge.no
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiphan/
Website: https://www.charge.no/
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Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Executive Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Mirko Minenza, the Business Strategy Manager at Antal and a gaming enthusiast. They discuss Mirko's background in gaming and his journey into the gaming industry. They also explore the challenges and opportunities in the gaming industry, including the impact of the pandemic and the differences between European and US game development companies. Mirko shares advice for those interested in starting a career in gaming and emphasizes the importance of community in the gaming world. The episode concludes with a discussion about Mirko's interest in starting a podcast.
Takeaways:
The gaming industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, but it also faces challenges, such as layoffs and studio closures.
Eastern Europe is emerging as a hub for game development, with countries like Poland and the Czech Republic experiencing rapid growth in the industry.
Universities play a crucial role in promoting game development by offering specialized courses and creating a talent pool of skilled developers.
Networking and building connections within the gaming community are essential for career development in the industry.
Passion for gaming and a willingness to learn and adapt are highly valued traits in the hiring process for gaming companies.
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Featured in this episode:
Mirko Minenza, Business Strategy Manager @Antal | Gaming Recruitment Solutions, EMEA & Americas | Esports Passionate | Ex Overwatch Top 500 EU
Avid Gamer, EX Tekken Tag team Tournament 2 and Overwatch professional player (old gold times, sigh), I love to talk about the gaming world both personally and professionally. Get in touch with some nerdy pick-up line and you will 100% get me!
Formally I'm a Lead Recruiter who helps PC/mobile companies operating in #gamedev and #esports to hire the best talents worldwide.
 
Whether you're curious about how I can help your company growth or simply willing to discuss our favorite top 5 games ever released, don't hesitate to connect :)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirko-minenza/
Website: https://antal.cz/
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Executive Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Daniel Kwaku Merki, the founder of Boxplay Ventures, a venture builder and startup consultant in Africa. They discuss the role of Boxplay Ventures in supporting early-stage financing for startups and SMEs, as well as providing operational support and strategic guidance. Daniel shares his background in investment banking and how it influenced his decision to focus on supporting entrepreneurs in Ghana. They also explore the importance of mentorship and the challenges founders face in finding funding for their ventures.
In this conversation, Daniel Kwaku Merki discusses various aspects of entrepreneurship in Africa. He highlights the role of grant funding in inhibiting creativity for entrepreneurs, but also acknowledges its importance in the African market. He emphasizes the value of storytelling and leveraging limited funds to attract investors. Daniel also discusses the significance of alumni networks and the support provided by governments and universities to entrepreneurs. He identifies the most challenging problems in Africa as access to basic necessities and the need for solutions that align with the market behavior. Finally, Daniel talks about the Change Africa podcast and its mission to showcase diverse stories of African change makers.
Takeaways
Boxplay Ventures is a venture builder and startup consultant that supports early-stage financing for startups and SMEs in Africa.
They provide operational support, strategic guidance, and help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building a successful business.
Daniel Kwaku Merki emphasizes the importance of humility and curiosity in founders, as well as the need to seek mentorship and gather insights to solve problems.
Finding funding for startups can be challenging, and founders should explore various sources such as bootstrapping, friends and family, angel investors, and other funding opportunities. Grant funding can be both an inhibitor and a reality of the African market. Entrepreneurs can strategically position non-core aspects of their business to align with grant opportunities and use them to finance operations or proof of concepts.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to attract investors. By showcasing what they have achieved with limited funds, entrepreneurs can demonstrate their potential for growth and secure additional funding.
Alumni networks are valuable resources for entrepreneurs, providing access to a pool of people who have gone through similar experiences and can offer insights and support. Building relationships within these networks can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
Government and university support for entrepreneurs in Africa is evolving, with initiatives aimed at creating an entrepreneurial culture and providing resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, there is a need to change the perception of entrepreneurship as a first-choice career path.
The most challenging problems in Africa are often related to access, such as transportation, water, and healthcare. Solving these problems requires a deep understanding of informal markets and the ability to create business models that align with market behavior.
There are differences between female and male founders, with female founders often exhibiting a higher degree of de-risking and experimentation, while male founders may display more confidence and entitlement. Building diverse teams that leverage a mix of characteristics is ideal for entrepreneurship.
The Change Africa podcast aims to showcase diverse and unique stories of African change makers, giving them a platform to share their experiences and insights. The podcast contributes to creating a new African narrative and highlighting the determination and resilience of African entrepreneurs.
Some notable episodes of the Change Africa podcast include interviews with a Ghanaian neurosurgeon who highlights the challenges of returning to Ghana to serve, and an investi

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Andreas Johansson, CEO of SSE Business Lab, a startup incubator, and accelerator based in Stockholm. They discuss the difference between incubators and accelerators, the selection criteria for participants, and the importance of founders in startup success. Andreas also shares insights on networking, coaching, and mentoring in the startup ecosystem. He emphasizes the value of community and collaboration among entrepreneurs and the role of universities in supporting entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Startup Syndrome podcast, which aims to share knowledge and insights from the startup world.
In this conversation, Tom Leonard and Andreas Johansson discuss various topics related to entrepreneurship and running a startup. They talk about the benefits of using videos for training and mentoring, as well as the importance of not repeating oneself. Andreas shares information about the Startup Syndrome podcast, which covers different topics related to entrepreneurship and running a startup. They also discuss the importance of spreading awareness about entrepreneurship programs and the challenges of sweat equity in startups. The conversation concludes with closing remarks and an invitation to engage with the Gamers Change Lives podcast.
Takeaways
Incubators and accelerators provide resources, support, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The selection criteria for incubators and accelerators often include the team's coachability and the potential for scalability.
Founders play a crucial role in the success of a startup, and their ability to execute and adapt is highly valued.
Networking and community engagement are important for entrepreneurs to gain support and learn from others in the ecosystem.
Incubators and accelerators can contribute to job creation and strengthen a country's competitiveness in the global market.
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Featured in this episode:
Andreas Johansson, CEO at SSE Business Lab. SSE Business Lab is the startup incubator of the Stockholm School of Economics and the most successful unicorn-creating business accelerator in the Nordics.
He is also a host on the podcast: Startup Syndrome.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-johansson-396785161/
Website: https://www.hhs.se/en/outreach/sse-initiatives/sse-business-lab/
Podcast: Startup Syndrome
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Executive Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!

In this episode, Tom Leonard talks with Glenn Gillis and Bella Rogerson from Sea Monster and Games for Change Africa. They discuss the power of games to create social impact and drive change. They also talk about the role of storytelling in games and the importance of collaboration within the gaming industry. The conversation highlights the work of Games for Change Africa in promoting impactful games and supporting game developers in Africa. Overall, the episode emphasizes the potential of games to change lives and the need for a global community to share knowledge and resources.
The conversation explores the impact of AI on storytelling and the creative process. It discusses the potential of AI to disrupt the means of production and make creative content creation more efficient. However, it emphasizes that AI is unlikely to replace the human ability to empathize and understand the emotional journey of users. The conversation also highlights the importance of human struggle in creativity and the unique value that humans bring to the artistic process. It concludes with a call to engage with the gaming community and use games as a platform for positive social impact.
Takeaways
Games have the power to create social impact and drive change.
Storytelling is a crucial element in games and can help engage players and convey meaningful messages.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the gaming industry are essential for growth and innovation.
Awards and recognition can provide credibility and visibility to game developers and their impactful projects. AI has the potential to disrupt the means of production and make creative content creation more efficient.
While AI can enhance certain aspects of storytelling, it is unlikely to replace the human ability to empathize and understand the emotional journey of users.
The human struggle and reflection in the creative process are essential for creating truly unique and resonant experiences.
Independent games have a unique ability to bring social impact and incorporate diverse perspectives into the gaming industry.
Africa represents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
A positive outlook and a strong sense of community are crucial for driving change and making a difference in the gaming industry.
 
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Featured in this episode:
Glenn Gillis:
Glenn is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25 years of experience as a senior executive and consultant in the creative industries. He is an expert on the role that technology plays in storytelling and a thought-leader on how impact games and immersive technologies (AR & VR) can be used to build brands and drive effective learning outcomes in Africa and beyond. Prior to Sea Monster, Glenn served as the General Manager at two of South Africa’s leading film and animation companies: Moonlighting Film Services and Clockwork Zoo - Africa’s largest animation studio at the time.
Email: mailto: glenn@seamonster.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillisglenn/
Website: https://www.seamonster.co.za
Bella Rogerson:
Equipped with a Master’s Degree in film from the University of Cape Town, Bella Rogerson leads the marketing department of Sea Monster with a keen understanding of the local creative industries and a passion for storytelling. With her skills in strategic planning and a deep love for research, Bella plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the marketing and brand building initiatives of Sea Monster.
Email: mailto: bella@seamonster.co.za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arabella-rogerson-252613193/
Website: https://www.seamonster.co.za
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Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for o