The Grinders Table

Uwem Uwemakpan

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The Grinders Table

The Grinders Table Podcast is your opportunity to sit at the table with entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who are shaking things up in their industry. Each week Uwem will interview these amazing thought-leaders to uncover how they've done it and learn something new in the process. Join me on the regular to hear how they dared to defy the odds and live their own success story... or epic failure!

JUL 2

From high performance sports to retail success, our chat with Amber Penney (Co-founder, Faro)

Amber Penny, co-founder of Faro, a sustainable fashion brand, joined the podcast to share her journey and insights. She discussed her background in high-performance sports, the challenges of managing a startup, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Amber highlighted the value of vulnerability in leadership and the impact of creating a supportive work environment. She emphasized the significance of balance, pleasure, and financial motivation in her career, prioritizing these over power and fame. Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into building a successful business while maintaining a focus on people and culture.

36 min
JUN 6

Balancing Passion and Business: Lara Dendy Young's Story with Conservio

In this episode, I interview Lara Dendy Young, the co-founder of Conservio. Lara shares her background as a South African with a passion for nature conservation and wildlife. She discusses her experience in water polo and how it has shaped her work ethic and teamwork skills. Lara talks about the journey of founding Conservio with her business partner, Justin, during the challenging times of COVID-19. Throughout the conversation, Lara emphasizes the importance of impact and relevance in her work. She defines success as building a relevant platform for nature-based travel and making a meaningful impact in conservation. Lara also reflects on the balance between work and personal life, highlighting the significance of routines and maintaining a healthy mindset. Overall, Lara's journey and insights showcase her dedication to conservation and building a successful business while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

33 min
MAY 20

The Operator's Edge: A conversation with Seni Sulyman (Founder, Talstack)

In our latest podcast episode, we had an enriching conversation with Seni Sulyman. We explore Seni's journey from a hands-on operator who helps scale one of Africa's unicorns (Andela) to a visionary founder. He shares invaluable insights on problem-solving, crafting processes, and strategic execution - the backbone of any prosperous company. Seni emphasizes the power of empathy and adaptability in leadership. His stories serve as a masterclass in engaging and inspiring teams, highlighting the importance of resonant communication and turning challenges into opportunities. He also provides a rare look into the personal life of a public figure, discussing the balance between visibility and privacy and his deliberate choice to prioritize personal values and meaningful work over the attraction of fame. This episode is more than just a conversation. It's a catalyst for self-reflection on the motivations behind our quest for success, fulfilment, and impact.

37 min
MAY 6

Navigating Success with Oyin Solebo

We had Oyin Selebo, MD of Techstars Lagos on the Grinders Table in the episode. Oyin shares insights on succeeding in the startup ecosystem as a founder and investor, offering her unique perspective from experiences in wealth management, strategy consulting, and startup mentorship. Join us as we discuss the traits of successful startup leaders, the art of networking, the balance of power and fame, and the complexities of co-founder dynamics. This episode is a deep dive into Oyin's career and an exploration of broader themes critical to those looking to make a mark in the world.

37 min
MAY 1

Repost: Clive Butkow's guide to navigating success in Business

This episode is a repost from Season 1 of our podcast. Clive Butkow shared his extensive journey from his early entrepreneurial ventures to his impressive tenure at Accenture, and his eventual founding of Kaylon Venture Partners after a brief retirement. This episode was not just a deep dive into the mechanics of venture capital but also a masterclass in leadership and entrepreneurial mindset. Clive's passion and expertise were truly inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in venture capital, entrepreneurship, or business leadership.

18 min
APR 15

Investing in Africa's Future: Kola Aina's Path to Ventures Platform

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kola Aina, a Nigerian entrepreneur turned Venture Capitalist, who shared his journey from starting a technology business to becoming a key player in the African investment landscape. Kola began his career in corporate finance before venturing into entrepreneurship with his company, Emerging Platforms, which focused on enterprise software for governments and corporations. He later transitioned into angel investing and now leads the Pan-African Early-Stage Fund Ventures Platform. We touched on the challenges Kola faced while raising funds for his first tech business and how these experiences shaped his approach to investing. We also discussed the evolution of the African tech ecosystem, noting the significant growth in venture capital and the need for more local participation and liquidity in local markets. It was an insightful conversation with Kola Aina, filled with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, investment, and the art of maintaining balance in life.

35 min
APR 8

Building an effective company culture with Jem HR's Caroline van der Merwe

Join Caroline van der Merwe, co-founder of Jem HR, in a candid conversation with Uwem on the Grinders Table Podcast. Caroline shares insights on her journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of values in leadership, and the power of having difficult conversations. Discover how Caroline navigates the challenges of startup life, the significance of building a strong support system, and self-discovery.

33 min
MAR 25

The African startup landscape, a conversation with Oo Nwoye (Part 2)

In the second part of my conversation with Oo Nwoye on The Grinders Table, we shift our focus to venture capital, innovation, and the global tech landscape. Oo shares his insights on how venture capital can effectively support startups, the importance of domain expertise in angel investing, and the risks of providing too much capital too early. We also discuss the evolution of startup funding and the ethical considerations for founders in managing investor relationships.

35 min

TRAILER

Coming soon: The Grinders Table Season 1

Tune in to The Grinders Table with Uwem every week to hear from Entrepreneurs, Innovators and C-suite leaders on how they've succeeded in their business or career, failed, pivoted and why they are on the brink of breaking the mold and achieving success. This podcast is for anyone who wants to learn how to grow their business and career, whether you are just starting on the journey or have experience. You'll get inspired and you might even find some new tools and tricks that might help you reach your own goals. To recommend guests, email me at uwem.uwem@outlook.com

01/06/2022

•

1 min

Podcast

05/08/2023

J. Kelleyi

I've learned so much from this podcast about business leadership and management.

The Grinders Table Podcast is your opportunity to sit at the table with entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who are shaking things up in their industry. Each week Uwem will interview these amazing thought-leaders to uncover how they've done it and learn something new in the process. Join me on the regular to hear how they dared to defy the odds and live their own success story... or epic failure!

Creator

Uwem Uwemakpan
Years Active

2022 - 2024
Episodes

62
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Uwem Uwemakpan
Show Website

The Grinders Table