The Everyday Leader: Recent Episodes
CoffeeChat
Conversations with leaders from across Africa about their experience managing teams and projects throughout their careers.
CoffeeChat is a Future of Work technology startup on a mission to democratize access to executive coaching for the estimated 15 million managers working at companies, organizations, and governments across Africa.
The CoffeeChat platform helps teams accelerate their growth at half the cost of traditional coaching with access to our global pool of coaches who specialize in leadership, strategy, marketing, and careers.
Request access for your team at www.coffeechat.co
Leadership experience vs leadership roles, finding the courage to suggest changes about how your team works, and embracing AI in the HR sector.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evy-nyairo
Connect with Evy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evy-m-nyairo/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Entrusting Team Members To Learn On The Job, Gaining Buy-In From Peer Managers, And Keeping The Company's Mission And Vision At The Forefront Of Strategy Conversations
Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/queen-kaze
Connect with Queen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queen-kaze-612885125/
Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/
Building the business case for HR initiatives within companies, growing his network through CoffeeChat, and practicing an agile mindset as a manager.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ruben-munien
Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-munien-1131b064/
Learn more about CIEL Textile: https://www.cieltextile.com/
Knowing when to shut down a project, leveraging peer coaching, and continuous innovation in the fintech sector.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/adebola-adeniran
Connect with Adebola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adebola-niran/
Learn more about Moni: https://www.moni.africa/
The Role of Consultants, Adapting His Leadership Style, and Knowing When In-Person Dealmaking is Desired
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ivan-mbowa
Connect with Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmbowa/
Learning about leadership in student-run organizations, the importance of including peer support during startup accelerators, and working with a management coach to navigate a promotion.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/audrey-mate
Connect with Audrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khasavuli/
Learn more about Village Capital: https://vilcap.com/
Preparing For A Dynamic Career, Leadership Styles Learned On The Job, and Finding a Business Worth Promoting
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darshani-haria
Connect with Darshani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshaniharia/
Learn more about Rescue.co: https://www.rescue.co/
Becoming An Engineering Manager, Moving to Europe, And Leveraging Mentorship
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hannah-olukoye
Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaholukoye/
Learn more about TaxFix: https://taxfix.de/
The communication, collaboration, and stakeholder influence needed as a product manager.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tai-ajayi
Connect with Tai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiwo-ajayi-4b316a49/
Learn more about Propel: https://withpropel.com/
Learning when to speak up and not taking power skills for granted.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/cassandra-kiereini
Connect with Cassandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandramk/
Learn more about Shortlist: https://shortlist.net/
The Power of Peer Coaching & Fostering Trust Through Remote Work
Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/judy-komen
Connect with Judy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykomen/
Learn more about TryKe: https://www.solar-e-cycles.com/
Leveraging curiosity as a superpower
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/rose-mwende
Connect with Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemwende/
Learn more about Kipawa: https://www.kipawa.io/
Listening to all perspectives, collaborating with others, and crafting logical arguments.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hakeem-akiode
Connect with Hakeem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakeemakiode/
Learn more about Youverify: https://www.youverify.co/
Diving into manager roles early in your career, being proactive and selective when seeking out a mentor, and feeling ownership and pride in the products your company provides.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evans-onyango
Connect with Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evans-onyango-826a0499/
Learn more about Ona: https://ona.io/home/
Moving across different sectors early in your career, finding roles that help you uncover new skills, and taking an active role in translating a global company’s culture
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/james-osho
Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-osho-acca-03520129/
Learn more about IDP Education: https://www.idp.com/
Driving early adoption within the fintech sector, positioning your team strategically within your company, and aiming to be a pull leader.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timothy-mburu
Connect with Timothy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-mburu-a1468116/
Learn more about Madison Group Kenya: https://www.madison.co.ke/
Earning promotions through both performance and trust, setting internal expectations through SOPs, and building a customer council
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/samantha-wambui
Connect with Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-samantha-wambui-b092694a/
Learn more about Raise: https://www.getraise.io/
Giving enough time to your team members, team collaboration at tech startups, and putting in the effort to upskill yourself
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/benedict-oghenede
Connect with Benedict: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedict-oghenede-b70955b0/
Learn more about Trove Finance: https://www.troveapp.co/
Leveraging team members for peer learning, separating personal and project check-ins and embracing the world of data.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tricia-govindasamy
Connect with Tricia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-govindasamy/
Learn more about the Code For Africa: https://codeforafrica.org/
Leadership through influence, learning and relearning leadership lessons, and digital transformation within African governments
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/esther-ndagire
Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-ndagire/
Learn more about the African Union: https://au.int/
Being firm on outcomes and flexible on strategy, staying agile to grow quickly, and using coaching sessions to expand your perspective.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/gabriel-gab-umoden
Connect with Gabriel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielgabumoden/
Learn more about The African Talent Company: https://www.tatcafrica.com/
Building a team from scratch, maintaining continuity in the face of staff turnover and being comfortable with your team’s motivations
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ann-kitare
Connect with Ann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-kitare-6806374a/
Learn more about Fuzu: https://www.fuzu.com/
Managing others the way you would want to be managed, identifying your values before setting a vision, and the many sides of community management
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kelly-ng-lun
Connect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynl/
Learn more about MCB: https://mcb.mu/
Finding win-win roles for team members, building a culture of trust within a fast-moving startup team, and translating your personal superpower into a business advantage.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ifedolapo-ogunjubee
Connect with Ife: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifedolapo-ogunjubee/
Learn more about Termii: https://termii.com/
Shifting from individual contributor to people manager, building win-win relationships with franchise owners, and empowering local leaders to adapt business models.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darlington-kabatende
Connect with Darlington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlington-kabatende-511b6024/
Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/
Dealing with stress, using mentors to manage ups and downs, and the importance of contextualizing leadership and business advice.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ben-shaw
Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-shaw-24480835/
Learn more about EXEO Capital: https://www.exeocapital.com/
Confronting insecurities by speaking about them, balancing strategy with execution, and how great leaders can step in and succeed with almost any team.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/maggy-mushira
Connect with Maggy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggymushiraagweyu/
Learn more about Shortlist: https://www.shortlist.net/
The challenges of managing staff who are friends, the importance of making teams know that they have been heard, and why leaders need to understand enough about each part of their business.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chilekwa-banda
Connect with Chilekwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chilekwabanda/
Learn more about Post Dot Net Zambia: http://www.postdotnet.co.zm/
Being a manger inside a civil service organization and the types of responsibilities that don't show up on a job description.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/benny-ayerite
Connect with Benny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedicta-ayerite-9176b98b/
Learn more about NSITF: https://www.nsitf.gov.ng/
Being mindful of setting the right pace of work for a team, enabling a customized work experience for staff and identifying a problem you are passionate about.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/syakaa-william
Connect with Syakaa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syakaa-william-54917455/
Learn more about Dalberg: https://dalberg.com/
How entrepreneurship experience can make you a better manager, the best practices of open communication with clients, and why leaders need to regularly adapt their style.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/yekeen-ajeigbe
Connect with Yekeen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekeenajeigbe/
Learn more about Deimos: https://deimos.io/
Creating space for making mistakes, the importance of establishing your credibility, and being more mindful of time management during remote work.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/dinah-njuguna
Connect with Dinah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinah-n-5b877964/
Learn more about Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/
The difference between a boss and a leader, staying resilient during times of rapid sector transformation and being proactive about continuous professional development.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/collins-lumumba
Connect with Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collins-lumumba-mcim-63a052b0/
Learn more about Metropolitan National Sacco: https://www.metrosacco.co.ke/
Making a career pivot within a company, how best to approach your side gig, and how media influences how we show up as leaders.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/temitayo-samson-grace
Connect with Temi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temitayosg/
Learn more about Big Cabal Media: https://www.bigcabal.com/
Stepping into a leadership role by necessity, parallel learning through managing multiple businesses, and the risks of aiming for a perfect outcome.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/matthew-henshall
Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhenshall/
Learn more about Lessonspace: https://www.thelessonspace.com/
Learn more about Code4Kids: https://www.getcode4kids.com/
On building alongside founders as a Product Manager, using Twitter to learn on the job and conduct market research, and building in public to establish trust and confidence with early adopters.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timi-omotoso
Connect with Timi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omotoso-oluwatimilehin-158968121/
Learn more about Dojah: https://www.dojah.io/
Building authentic relationships with business partners, the shift from time-based to outcome-based work, and how the process of hiring a team can lead to valuable reflection.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/neha-kumar
Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehakumar2/
Learn more about Stitch: https://stitch.money/
Developing self-awareness as a leader, building a reputation for getting things done, and transitioning to leading through influence.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/nelly-agyemang-gyamfi
Connect with Nelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellyagyemanggyamfi/
Learn more about Moringa School: https://moringaschool.com/
The power of telling your brand’s story, seeking opportunities to stay grounded as a leader, and designing your workspace with your team in mind.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kevine-kagirimpundu
Connect with Kevine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevine-kagirimpundu
Learn more about UZURI K&Y: https://uzuriky.com
Different ways software engineers can pursue leadership roles, understanding the context of the problems you are solving, and finding the right balance between product velocity and technical debt.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/sitati-kituyi
Connect with Sitati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitati-kituyi
Learn more about Hodi: https://www.hodi.co/
Screening your potential new employers for values fit, understanding the demographics of your team and how leaders have been emboldened to become more creative.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chipo-phiri
Connect with Chipo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipo-emmanuella/
Learn more about UpEnergy: https://www.upenergygroup.com/
Stepping up into roles where you have been appointed, influencing upwards within a leadership team, and setting clear expectations around performance with your team.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/phoebe-khagame
Connect with Phoebe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-khagame/
Learn more about M-Shule: https://mshule.com/
Aligning on working styles with new teams, leaning on your strengths during challenges, and being intentional about making the most of hybrid work.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krista-davidson
Connect with Krista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristaroberto/
Learn more about Injini: https://injini.africa/
Managing a network of 10,000 freelancers, keeping your startup team focused, and identifying self-limiting beliefs with an executive coach to unlock business growth.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/joseph-rutakangwa
Connect with Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/
Learn more about Rwazi: https://www.rwazi.com/
Creating collective ownership by setting strategy through OKRs, leveraging internal expertise at larger organizations, and playing the roles of supervisor and mentor for team members.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/mumbi-annstella
Connect with Mumbi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mumbi-annstella-543b0969/
Learn more about Tala: https://tala.co/
Balancing the benefits and blindspots of international experience, embracing a culture of ownership, and staying connected to the team and mission while working remotely.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krishna-ramesh
Connect with Krishna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnajramesh/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Finding what you can be the best at, making time to pause during transitions, and the power of working with a professional coach.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/luizer-makena
Connect with Luizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizer-m-73924072/
Learn more about SeamlessHR: https://seamlesshr.com/
Working with coaches during career transitions, leveraging company culture as a pillar for growth, and adapting to the future of work.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/persis-ashers
Connect with Persis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/persis-m-ashers/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Shaping your story to mobilize, finding ways to identify blindspots, and future-proofing your career by developing a mix of soft skills and industry expertise.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/catherine-njeri
Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-njeri-3278a4130/
Learn more about Cellulant: https://cellulant.io/
Discovering your favorite type of work, understanding the why of your company, and adjusting your 1:1 check-in rhythm over time.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/wairimu-njoki
Connect with Wairimu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wairimunjoki/
Learn more about Micro Insurance Company: https://microinsurance.com/
Identifying what stage of a business’s growth you thrive in, developing a sense of ownership in a role, and distinguishing your friendship style from your leadership style.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chris-rumenda
Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rumenda-83363853/
Learn more about Shega: https://shega.com/
Selecting leaders to work for, learning when to step up and step down, and developing a leadership style as an introvert.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/rushika-pattni
Connect with Rushika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushika-pattni-ab613aa3/
Learn more about Ramani: https://www.ramani.io/
Launching a career in sales, returning to a former employer, and remembering to have fun at work.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/caroline-afedoe
Connect with Caroline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-afedoe-9a7b6735/
Learn more about Turaco: https://www.turaco.insure/
Hitting the ground running at a startup, building culture across large field teams, and finding ways to pursue social initiatives within your business model.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/cynthia-makunganya
Connect with Cynthia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-makunganya-9aa87961/
Learn more about Yellow: https://www.yellow.africa/
Leading with questions, overcoming operational constraints, and making data-driven decisions at scale.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/martin-gathuru
Connect with Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-gathuru-46154826/
Learn more about Bridge: https://bridgeinternationalacademies.com/
Collaborating globally across remote teams, building a strong culture at tech companies, and reporting to two managers.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/seun-olafusi
Connect with Seun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seun-olafusi-shrm-scp-1ab43a48/
Learn more about Branch: https://branch.co/
Building confidence early, aligning one's personal and company vision, and transitioning from startups to corporates.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/penina-kimani
Connect with Penina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peninakimani/
Learn more about Longhorn Publishers: https://longhornpublishers.com/
Getting started in the entrepreneurship space, using the workplace as a source of learning, and using open communication to navigate uncertainty.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/charles-elioth
Connect with Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anon-charles-w-elioth-8181bb88/
Learn more about AMI: https://www.africanmanagers.org/
Learning how to slow down, transitioning from HR to general management, and designing your own job description.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/doris-muigei
Connect with Doris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorismuigei/
Learn more about Yusudi: https://www.yusudi.co/
Building a dream team, applying sports lessons to the professional world, and the power of networking and community design.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/maurice-otieno
Connect with Maurice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurice-otieno-68023634/
Learn more about Baraza Media Lab: https://barazalab.com/
The journey from intern to manager, knowing when to hand over responsibilities to your team, and avoiding career growth stagnation.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/delice-fatiro
Connect with Délice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d%C3%A9lice-fatiro-3a4412134/
Learn more about Resonate: https://resonateworkshops.org/
Embracing being a generalist and knowing when to pivot from your default team engagement strategy.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hussein-kiarie
Connect with Hussein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussein-kiarie-97197385/
Learn more about Pula Advisors: https://www.pula-advisors.com/
Identifying leadership "bad habits", intentionally learning from other leaders, and defaulting to transparency.
Conversation summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/mercy-ojwang-kinyua
Connect with Mercy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercyo-k/
Learn more about OkHi Smart Addressing: https://www.okhi.com/
Scaling up field teams, running call centers, and putting yourself in your team’s shoes.
Conversation summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hillary-sang
Connect with Hillary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sang-hillary-39679a6a/
Learn more about Apollo Agriculture: https://www.apolloagriculture.com/
Managing communication flows, the benefits of serving as an Executive Assistant early in your career, and work-life balance at startups.
Conversation summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/thatcher-mweu
Connect with Thatcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmweu/
Learn more about Sendy: https://www.sendyit.com/
Getting the timing right during career transitions, managing pan-African scale-ups, and building a personal brand online.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/wiza-jalakasi
Connect with Wiza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizaj/
Learn more about Chipper Cash: https://chippercash.com/
Combining creator and operator roles, seeing your own leadership challenges in others, and selecting a team-wide OKR tool.
Show summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/asha-mweru
Connect with Asha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asha-mweru-mbowa-44b57952/
Learn more about African Management Institute: https://www.africanmanagers.org/
Stepping up to fill team gaps, partnering with existing teams to roll out new products, and the power of approachability.
Conversation summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/babatunde-ogundeko
Connect with Babatunde on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatunde-ogundeko-ifedapo/
Learn more about Helium Health: https://heliumhealth.com/
The Everyday Leader is a new podcast where we hear from inspiring individuals building and leading teams across Africa.