Third Culture Africans

Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ARTS
Third Culture Africans Podcast

Voted the best #1 African career and lifestyle podcast. Dive into a world of diverse narratives, cultural insights, and inspiring conversations. Embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of global cultures. Our podcast is more than just stories; it's a cultural exploration, a celebration of artistry, and a platform for diverse perspectives. Inspiring, motivating, and full of wonder, discover how those who succeed do it. Hear what drives each of our dynamic guests to overcome obstacles and hear stories of their accomplishments. Subscribe for enriching conversations that transcend borders and inspire a global community.

  1. Wealth Creation, Media, and Empowering Women in Africa with Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu

    FEB 20

    Wealth Creation, Media, and Empowering Women in Africa with Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Arese Ugwu and Nkiru Balonwu join Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao to discuss financial literacy, storytelling, and African soft power. Discover the unexpected journey of two powerful African women as they share their stories of frustration, vulnerability, and success. From bestselling books to groundbreaking apps, their fearless pursuit of empowerment will inspire and challenge you. Join us as we unravel the untold chapters of their lives and explore the power of African storytelling. Are you ready to be captivated by their remarkable narratives and gain valuable insights into financial literacy and impactful storytelling? Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation that promises to redefine your perspective on success. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the rich heritage of African storytelling traditions, brought to life in engaging podcasts. Unlock the power of financial literacy, tailored to empower African women and transform their futures. Immerse yourself in uplifting narratives that showcase the positive representation of African culture. Explore the profound impact of African storytelling on driving meaningful change within communities. Experience the empowerment that comes from harnessing the art of African storytelling to inspire and uplift. Arese emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for women, drawing attention to the gender disparity in this area. Nkiru highlights the need for Africans to showcase the positive aspects of their culture and heritage through storytelling, countering prevalent negative narratives about the continent.  The conversation delves into the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perceptions, fostering empathy, and promoting cultural appreciation. Arese and Nkiru's insights underscore the significance of promoting financial literacy, celebrating African culture, and harnessing the power of storytelling to drive meaningful societal impact and empowerment. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the value of embracing vulnerability, seizing opportunities, and fostering collaboration within the African diaspora. This engaging episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring storytellers and advocates for change, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering community empowerment. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introducing Third Culture Africans 00:02:14 - The Goal of Third Culture Africans 00:04:16 - Shailene Quails' Story of Stories 00:11:34 - The Power of Storytelling 00:18:18 - Smart Money Woman on Netflix 00:19:34 - The Power of Financial Literacy 00:27:47 - The Impact of Storytelling 00:28:50 - Celebrating African Culture 00:30:54 - Creating Compelling Characters 00:34:08 - Balancing Storytelling 00:36:04 - The Importance of Balancing African Storytelling 00:39:18 - Beginning Your Storytelling Journey 00:42:18 - Frustration as a Driving Force 00:45:36 - Embracing Vulnerability in Storytelling 00:48:51 - Storytelling from Frustration 00:53:13 - Impact of Nigerian Men on Women Worldwide 00:55:37 - Definition of Success 00:57:31 - Book Recommendations for Storytelling 01:00:02 - Thanking the Audience and Closing Remarks  Check out The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu for practical financial advice and inspiring storytelling. Explore The Richard Different by Susan Howich for a captivating and timeless read that has stood the test of time. Discover So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba for a thought-provoking and impactful story about women's experiences. ----- Join the newsletter community at thirdcultureafricans.com for exclusive content and updates. Check out Quidco, UK's number one cashback platform, to earn cashback on over 5000 brands and get a 15 pound new bonus credit when you join using the provided link. Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts, and vouchers at all your favorite br

    1h 1m
  2. The Making of Mahogany: How Sola Oyebade Created One of Africa's Top Modelling Agencies

    FEB 16

    The Making of Mahogany: How Sola Oyebade Created One of Africa's Top Modelling Agencies

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany, shares his remarkable journey from model to founder of Mahogany Productions and Events, one of Africa's largest model agencies. Sola's early interest in the fashion industry began during his secondary school days, where he organized fashion shows as part of literary and debating societies. His entrepreneurial resilience and commitment to diversity in the fashion and events industry are truly inspiring. He faced challenges and overcame societal stigmas to establish businesses that showcase diversity, such as the Mahogany Bridal Show and Mahogany Models. Sola's insights into navigating the fashion industry, empowering models of color, and building successful ventures provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion and events industry. His determination to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the industry's growth makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance in building a diverse and successful fashion business. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mr. Mahogany Zeze introduces the guest, Sola Oyebade, also known as Mr. Mahogany. She highlights his achievements as a multi-award-winning founder in production events and the owner of one of the largest model agencies in Africa. 00:02:30 - Early Journey into Modeling Sola shares his journey into the modeling industry, starting from his time in secondary school to funding his university education through modeling. He discusses the challenges of being a male model in the UK and the lack of opportunities for black models at the time. 00:07:05 - Setting Up Mahogany Sola explains the motivation behind setting up the Mahogany bridal shows and model agency, emphasizing the need to represent people of color in the wedding and modeling industries. He discusses the challenges and initial stages of establishing the business. 00:12:15 - Addressing Racism in the Industry Sola addresses the pushback and accusations of racism he faced for promoting black models. He shares his efforts in educating the media and breaking down the lack of representation in top modeling agencies. Sola highlights the success of the Italian Vogue all-black issue. 00:13:43 - Curating Our Own Stories Zeze and Sola discuss the importance of curating and telling their own stories, challenging the traditional media's narrative. They emphasize the need for empowerment and representation within the black community, and the impact of curating 00:14:40 - Telling Our Own Story Sola Oyebade discusses the importance of telling our own stories and doing things for ourselves, particularly in the UK. He emphasizes the need for businesses to be self-financing and the challenges faced in competing with mainstream agencies. 00:18:45 - Citizens Advice Bureau Sola talks about his role as CEO of the East End Citizens Advice Bureau, a charity that provides legal advice and assistance to those who cannot afford it. He highlights the importance of fundraising for each office and the challenges of managing multiple boroughs. 00:19:48 - Building Infrastructure Sola shares his experience of building infrastructure for his events production business, particularly in the African market. He discusses the challenges of gaining trust from mainstream agencies and the need to build capital and business relationships. 00:24:47 - Demystifying Success Sola reflects on the journey of building his business, emphasizing the importance of hard work, persistence, and consistency. He stresses the value of doing what one loves and providing a service that people want, rather than focusing solely on money. 00:28:55 - Working with Young People Sola discusses the impact of the internet on the current generation of young entrepreneurs and the opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing with young people to he

    1h 0m
  3. Unveiling Success: How Tania Omotayo Navigated Fame, Fashion, and Authorship

    FEB 5

    Unveiling Success: How Tania Omotayo Navigated Fame, Fashion, and Authorship

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, host Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao delves into a captivating conversation with Tania Omotayo, an influential figure known for her multifaceted journey through TV, entrepreneurship, and authorship. Tania's unique blend of Austrian and Nigerian heritage, along with her experiences of culture shock and navigating different societies, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with multicultural backgrounds. Through her rebellious nature and determination to carve her own path, Tania emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. Her success as an author, entrepreneur, and reality TV star serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and aspiring reality TV personalities, showcasing the power of embracing one's unique identity. Prominently featured on The Real Housewives of Lagos, Tania Omotayo cleverly harnessed her fame to enhance her brand visibility. Despite the reality show's unpredictable nature, Tania utilized it as an international platform to give her brand, Ziva, great exposure. She learned to handle the drama and the spotlight, underlining that even negative publicity can boost a brand if handled smartly. Tania's journey highlights the necessity for empathy and understanding in a diverse world and provides a compelling narrative that encourages personal growth and brand success. If you're seeking inspiration and insights into navigating multiple cultures while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-listen. KEY MOMENTS  00:00:00 - Introduction and Background 00:06:03 - Transition to America 00:12:26 - Public Relationship with Wizkid 00:15:52 - Handling Public Attention 00:16:33 - Starting Ziva and Overcoming Challenges 00:21:17 - Expansion to Kids' Clothing and Toys 00:22:43 - Writing "Sarai", Identity, and Racism 00:23:25 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Identity 00:31:04 - Joining Real Housewives of Lagos 00:31:47 - Embracing a New Challenge 00:35:27 - Leveraging an International Platform 00:37:33 - Realities of Reality TV 00:40:21 - Leveraging Publicity for Business 00:42:59 - Managing Fame and Public Perception 00:46:34 - Embracing Self-Confidence 00:47:17 - Pursue Your Happiness 00:48:10 - Misconceptions About Success 00:49:03 - Overcoming Challenges 00:51:23 - Closing Remarks  ----- Join the newsletter community at thirdcultureafricans.com for exclusive content and updates. Check out Quidco, UK's number one cashback platform, to earn cashback on over 5000 brands and get a 15 pound new bonus credit when you join using the provided link. Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts, and vouchers at all your favorite brands. Visit Ziva for stylish clothing and kids' toys, and explore the unique pieces that are available. Watch the Real Housewives of Lagos to see Ziva pieces worn by the cast and get inspired by the fashion showcased on the show.   Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation.  Your support means the world to us! Facebook  Youtube  LinkedIn  ----- Unlock Extra Savings with Quidco - Your Ultimate Cashback Platform! Welcome to the world of extra rewards every time you shop online! We're thrilled to introduce our show sponsor, Quidco, the UK's leading cashback platform. Why Quidco? Discover the simplicity of earning cashback on over 5,000 popular brands. Whether it's fashion, tech, gifts, DIY, beauty, or more, Quidco has you covered. How it Works: Browse & Search: Explore Quidco for unbeatable cashback rates, massive discounts, and exclusive vouchers from your favourite brands. Earn Big: Make your usual shopping more rewarding than ever by earning cashback on your online purchases

    52 min
  4. The Business of Fashion: Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Nigerian Designer with Banke Kuku

    JAN 30

    The Business of Fashion: Navigating Entrepreneurship as a Nigerian Designer with Banke Kuku

    In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, Banke Kuku, a renowned fashion designer and founder of the brand Bankรฉ Cuku, shares her journey in the fashion industry, discussing challenges, growth strategies, and the future of Nigerian fashion. Banke's experience working with the Designers Guild and her focus on sustainability and collaboration provide valuable insights for fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She emphasizes the importance of industry experience, scalability, and adapting to local markets. From her reflections on the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability, Banke's story offers inspiration and practical advice for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands in Nigeria's fashion industry. Her optimism and determination to create a sustainable and thriving industry make this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian fashion landscape.,In this episode of the Third Culture Africans podcast, renowned fashion designer Banke Kuku, founder of the brand Bankรฉ Cuku, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian fashion industry. With a wealth of experience, including her work with the Designers Guild, Banke discusses the importance of industry experience, scalability, and sustainability. She shares her journey, from navigating the challenges of the lockdown period to her commitment to maintaining high standards and sustainability in her brand. Her optimism and determination to create a thriving industry make this episode essential listening for fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs seeking to navigate and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian fashion landscape. Banke's practical advice and inspirational journey provide valuable takeaways for those looking to make their mark in the industry. โ€ข Follow Banke Kuku on Instagram at @bankekukuliving for updates on the new collection and store expansion. โ€ข Visit Banke Kuku's store in Lagos, Nigeria to shop the new collection and experience the expanded space. โ€ข Stay tuned for the grand opening of the expanded store to explore the new offerings and shop for Christmas. โ€ข Check out Banke Kuku's website for more information on the brand, collections, and upcoming events. โ€ข Keep an eye out for the latest designs and products from Banke Kuku, available for purchase in-store and online. Subscribe to Third Culture Africans for more inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on African success and culture. Join our community and stay connected. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and be part of the conversation. Your support means the world to us!  Explore our Website and Join the community   Unlock Extra Savings with Quidco - Your Ultimate Cashback Platform! Welcome to the world of extra rewards every time you shop online! We're thrilled to introduce our show sponsor, Quidco, the UK's leading cashback platform. Why Quidco? Discover the simplicity of earning cashback on over 5,000 popular brands. Whether it's fashion, tech, gifts, DIY, beauty, or more, Quidco has you covered. How it Works: Browse & Search: Explore Quidco for unbeatable cashback rates, massive discounts, and exclusive vouchers from your favourite brands. Earn Big: Make your usual shopping more rewarding than ever by earning cashback on your online purchases. Get a ยฃ15 Bonus: Join Quidco now and enjoy an exclusive ยฃ15 bonus when you sign up. Why Wait? Start Earning Today! Quidco makes earning cashback on your online shopping easier than ever. Don't miss out on extra savings โ€“ join now and make every purchase count! Join Quidco Today for Extra Cashback and Exclusive Bonuses! *Terms and conditions apply.

    54 min

  5. 10/02/2023

    Empowering Africa's Future in STEM and AI with Adora Nwodo

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a conversation with Adora Nwodo, a dynamic woman in the tech world. Her career seamlessly blends the corporate nine-to-five routine with entrepreneurial pursuits, driven by her passion for engineering, STEM, and the captivating world of software development. This episode kicks off by diving into the essential realms of STEM and AI. Unfamiliar with STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathโ€”encompassing diverse fields like mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, and medicine. Now, let's delve into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on STEM careers. AI, a pivotal part of technology, relies on and empowers STEM professionals. These careers extend beyond AI development, involving customising and utilising AI in various domains like health tech, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace engineering. While STEM skills are highly valued, AI's rise sparks both job redundancy concerns and new opportunitiesโ€”a conversation you can't miss! Zeze and Adora explore Adoraโ€™s journey into tech, strategies for breaking barriers for women in tech and how to connect individuals with opportunities while providing technical guidance. They also discuss exciting trends in the African tech industry.  Nwodo's tech passion ignited in Nigeria at the age of six, guided by her older brothers. She embarked on a lifelong love affair with technology, eventually earning a First-Class Honors degree in computer science from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Marked by her determination to forge her path and exceed her family's expectations, Adora began a career in the tech industry. During her university years, she took on a role as a software intern at an advertising company, a position she continued even after completing her NYSC service. This phase played a pivotal role in her journey, exposing her to diversity, broadening her perspective, and requiring her to balance multiple responsibilities, including being a working student, managing her shoe brand, and actively participating in tech communities. In her current role, Adora plays a pivotal role in NexaScale, a community group dedicated to facilitating valuable work experience for individuals through a range of projects and programs. When it comes to empowering women in tech, support systems are crucial. It is a cause close to her heart, clearly demonstrated by her active participation in NexaScale for women. Here, she conducts sessions on financial literacy and personal branding, with the aim of uplifting and educating aspiring female tech professionals. Regarding the future of the tech industry in Africa, Adora highlights the immense potential of young Africans, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are making significant contributions to the global tech landscape. Africa is emerging as an attractive market, with its young creators and engineers gaining recognition worldwide. The creator economy is thriving in Africa, with young content creators dominating platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Additionally, Africa's growing remote workforce is playing a pivotal role in the industry's development. Tune in, this is a MUST-listen! For all those interested in tech careers, especially young Africans aspiring to make their mark in the industry, this is a MUST-listen! You will learn about the thrilling synergy of STEM, AI, and African tech and gain valuable insights into shaping your own tech journey. About Adora Nwodo: Adora Nwodo is a multi-award-winning Software Engineer who currently works at Microsoft building Mixed Reality on the Cloud.  She is also the Vice President of the Nigerian chapter for VRAR Association, a Digital Creator, Founder of NexaScale, has courses online that teaches people about Infrastructure automation, author of a popular book "Cloud Engineering for Beginners" and multiple articles on Software Engineering, Productivity & Career Growth on her blog

    54 min

  6. 09/18/2023

    Challenging Established Paradigms in The World of Museology with Seun Oduwole

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Seun Oduwole, the Principal Architect at SI.SA. (Studio Imagine Simple Architecture), renowned for their innovative architectural designs. Together, they explore Seun's inspiring journey and his transformative project, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which transcends conventional architecture to celebrate the rich influences shaping Yoruba culture. This ongoing urban regeneration initiative in Onikan, Lagos, plays a pivotal role in transforming the Marina and Onikan region into a vibrant tourism destination, honouring Yoruba culture throughout history. The architectural design skillfully translates Yoruba values, paying homage to its historical significance. This episode showcases the evolution of a simple concept into a profound cultural landmark challenging museological paradigms โ€“ a must-listen!   ๐ŸŒ Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ ๐Ÿ“ฒ Get in touch with Zeze: ๐Ÿ’ฌ - https://www.zezeonline.com/ ๐Ÿ™ Thank you Malรฉe Natural Science for the support: ๐ŸŒฟ - https://maleeonline.com/

    1h 8m

  7. 09/11/2023

    Ayo Akinwolere Exclusive: Reshaping the Narrative Around Black Representation in British Media

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a deep conversation with Ayo Akinwolere, a prominent figure in the UK's media landscape, touching on his versatile career, personal journey, and cultural perspectives on success. They explore the Nigerian concept of achievement, driven by a higher power, in contrast to societies valuing individual effort. Ayo's late realization of self-celebration, his transformative role as the first black Blue Peter presenter, and his two world records exemplify his unique journey. The conversation extends to Milk First Productions' mission to address police brutality and racism, offering insights into financial realities and concluding with Ayo's evolving definition of success, centered on equilibrium and self-worth. This episode is a captivating journey through Ayo Akinwolere's multifaceted career and cultural exploration.   ๐ŸŒ Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ ๐Ÿ“ฒ Get in touch with Zeze: ๐Ÿ’ฌ - https://www.zezeonline.com/ ๐Ÿ™ Thank you Malรฉe Natural Science for the support: ๐ŸŒฟ - https://maleeonline.com/

    1h 24m

  8. 09/04/2023

    Navigating Identity, Entrepreneurship, and UN Advocacy as a Third Culture African: Ikena Carreira

    In this episode of Third Culture Africans, Zeze engages in a captivating conversation with Ikena Carreira, a social entrepreneur whose remarkable journey encompasses entrepreneurship, UN collaborations, television roles, and transformative career shifts. Ikena's narrative unveils her family's history rooted in Angola's struggle for independence, providing profound insights into the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped her perspective on identity. The dialogue delves into the podcast's mission, emphasising the nuanced nature of African identity and the power of cultural bridges. It explores Ikena's career journey from academia to media and her founding of StandSeven, a platform championing African craftsmanship and luxury. The conversation also probes the challenges of sustainability-focused entrepreneurship and the complexities of maintaining authenticity in a shifting African business landscape. Ikena shares her transition from entrepreneurship to the UN and imparts valuable insights on fundraising, motherhood, and the profound impact of self-belief. Discover Ikena's inspiring initiative, Train Clinic, and explore diverse experiences woven with themes of innovation, identity, and service. ๐ŸŒ Available now at https://thirdcultureafricans.com/ ๐Ÿ“ฒ Get in touch with Zeze: ๐Ÿ’ฌ - https://www.zezeonline.com/ ๐Ÿ™ Thank you Malรฉe Natural Science for the support: ๐ŸŒฟ - https://maleeonline.com/

    1h 17m
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About

Voted the best #1 African career and lifestyle podcast. Dive into a world of diverse narratives, cultural insights, and inspiring conversations. Embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of global cultures. Our podcast is more than just stories; it's a cultural exploration, a celebration of artistry, and a platform for diverse perspectives. Inspiring, motivating, and full of wonder, discover how those who succeed do it. Hear what drives each of our dynamic guests to overcome obstacles and hear stories of their accomplishments. Subscribe for enriching conversations that transcend borders and inspire a global community.

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