Business Mic: Recent Episodes
Daudi Mugabi
A weekly podcast show comprised of intimate interviews with exciting entrepreneurs and leading industry experts who open up and share their amazing business experiences. This is the best place to find meaningful conversations with industry leaders, insider knowledge and key business resources all for free with a brand new episode published every Monday.
Ken Rapp, CEO and co-founder of Blustream Corporation, discusses the untapped potential in the post-sale product experience and how businesses can dramatically improve customer retention, satisfaction, and lifetime value through personalized, data-driven engagement.
Blustream’s core innovation is its Product Experience AI Engine — a platform designed to bridge the gap between product unboxing and long-term customer delight. While most brands focus on acquisition and pre-sale engagement, Ken explains that the real opportunity lies in what happens after the product reaches the customer’s doorstep. That’s where Blustream comes in: creating automated, personalized dialogues that guide customers through onboarding, usage, care, and ongoing product value.
Ken shares how the platform uses AI to tailor post-purchase journeys through SMS, WhatsApp, and app-based messaging, all dynamically adapting based on how the customer uses the product. Whether it’s running shoes or pet probiotics, Blustream captures zero-party data (willingly shared by users) to adjust communication and support in real-time. The result: fewer support calls, more repeat sales, and stronger brand loyalty.
Beyond functionality, Ken emphasizes the economic impact of post-sale engagement, revealing that over 70% of customers often don't return simply due to lack of ongoing connection. Blustream customers have seen up to 50% increases in repeat sales, 30% boosts in average order value, and measurable reductions in churn, all by turning static ownership into an active, evolving relationship.
For brands with physical products looking to stand out in a crowded, commoditized digital marketplace, this episode is a compelling look at how post-purchase personalization can drive growth, advocacy, and long-term value.
BluStream Website: https://blustream.io/?utm_campaign=14757246-Podcasts%20-%20Business%20Mic&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=earned-media
PXAI Journey Builder: https://blustream.io/products/ai-journey-builder?utm_campaign=13746024-PXAI%20Journey%20Builder&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=earned-media
BluStream LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blustream/?utm_campaign=14879318-BluStream%20LinkedIn%20Traffic&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=earned-media
Filip Sardi, founder of the Client Flow Movement, joined The Business Mic to explore a critical yet often overlooked part of the customer journey, what happens after the sale. Having built a career as a successful launch strategist, Filip shifted his focus from front-end sales to client retention, driven by a deep belief that “when your clients win, your business wins.”
Filip’s approach is centered on rethinking the second half of the customer experience, the delivery, implementation, and post-program engagement that determine whether a customer becomes an advocate or walks away. His proprietary framework focuses on four essential milestones: Activate (onboarding and early excitement), Educate (effective content delivery in a world of short attention spans), Implement (supporting clients through action and progress), and Celebrate (ending the journey on a high note and opening doors to referrals or continued engagement).
Throughout the conversation, Filip emphasizes that in the digital product and online education space, success is not just about conversions, it's about continuity. Many businesses lose momentum because they neglect to engineer the post-purchase experience with the same rigor they apply to marketing. He shares how using tools like journey mapping, emotion-driven surveys, and even personalized thank-you videos can boost retention, increase lifetime value, and transform customers into loyal advocates.
Filip also highlights the importance of engineering community engagement and tracking micro-wins, small but meaningful progress indicators that build momentum and emotional investment in a program. His insights are a reminder that great customer experience is not just about delivering value, it’s about making customers feel seen, supported, and celebrated throughout their journey.
For entrepreneurs and CX professionals in the digital education space, this episode offers a practical and empathetic roadmap for delivering outcomes that lead to stronger retention, deeper loyalty, and long-term business growth.
James Warren, Founder and CEO of Share More Stories discusses how his company is redefining how organizations understand customer and employee experiences through storytelling and AI. At the heart of this innovation is SEEQ — a research platform that stands for Stories to Engage, Explore, and Question. SEEQ helps businesses move beyond surface-level data to uncover the deeper emotional drivers behind human behavior.
While most traditional tools tell you what happened, SEEQ focuses on understanding why it happened. By inviting customers and employees to share written stories about their experiences, SEEQ captures nuanced, emotional insights and transforms them into structured, actionable data. James explains how the platform uses AI to analyze emotions, values, and needs, enabling companies to develop more human-centered engagement strategies.
In the conversation, James emphasizes that great customer experience isn't just about tracking metrics — it's about empathy, connection, and context. He also highlights the power of linking customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX), showing how SEEQ enables organizations to break down internal silos and reveal hidden relationships between internal processes and external perceptions.
James shares why business leaders must elevate CX from a reactive function to a strategic priority — one that drives differentiation, loyalty, and long-term growth. He also offers a glimpse into the future of AI-powered experience management, where insights derived from real human stories become the foundation for intelligent, responsive systems.
For leaders serious about building meaningful experiences and long-term customer relationships, this episode offers both inspiration and a roadmap.
Jennifer Q. Williams, founder and owner of Saint Louis Closet Co., joined The Business Mic podcast to share her entrepreneurial journey and the philosophy behind her thriving custom closet business. Starting the company in her twenties after leaving graduate school, Jennifer transformed a natural passion for organization into a business that helps people simplify and elevate their everyday lives. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, her company designs, manufactures, and installs fully customized storage solutions for homes and businesses.
In the interview, Jennifer spoke about the power of organized living and how it contributes to reduced stress, greater productivity, and improved wellbeing. She reflected on navigating major business challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11, the 2008 housing crisis, and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, surprisingly, led to a boom in demand as people reimagined their home spaces. Jennifer also emphasized the importance of building strong systems, not just for clients but within the business itself, and how having the right team has been critical to long-term growth.
From working with high-profile clients like Grammy-winning artist Nelly to helping firehouses make better use of their limited space, Jennifer highlighted the versatility and impact of her work. She discussed how children and families benefit from structured, decluttered environments and stressed the value of starting small, like organizing a linen closet, as a gateway to broader transformation.
Customer service remains at the heart of her business, and she shared a recent story of a customer who was amazed by their prompt, no-cost repair of a broken shelf, more than a decade after installation. For Jennifer, entrepreneurship is about persistence, adaptability, and never giving up, even when the path gets tough. Her parting advice to fellow business owners: “Bad weeks will come, but the best week of your life might be right around the corner. Keep going.”
In this episode, Eli Portnoy, founder and CEO of Back Engine, joins us to share his entrepreneurial journey and deep passion for customer experience. Eli discusses how Back Engine is revolutionizing the way B2B companies listen to their customers through high-velocity, AI-powered feedback loops. He explains the painful gap he experienced in staying connected with customers as his previous ventures scaled, and how that personal struggle inspired him to build Back Engine.
Eli also shares insights from a benchmark study on customer feedback ownership, highlights the common traps companies fall into, and emphasizes the critical role of caring deeply about customers to drive meaningful business success. Packed with actionable advice for founders, customer experience professionals, and B2B leaders, this episode is a masterclass in building customer-obsessed organizations at scale.
In this episode, Dan Abel Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer at Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier, shares insights into running a family-owned chocolate company with a rich 350-year heritage. He discusses the seasonal peak during Easter, how the team collaboratively creates new products, and how Bissinger’s blends tradition with innovation. The company has embraced both e-commerce and a renewed focus on retail, including partnerships with major chains like Barnes & Noble and World Market.
Dan emphasizes the importance of customer experience, hands-on service, and maintaining quality that meets century-old standards. He shares how customer feedback guides product decisions and how their business model allows quick product testing and adaptation. The success of Bissinger’s as a family business is attributed to clear roles, strong collaboration, and a shared passion for the brand. Dan concludes by inviting listeners to experience their chocolates and highlights their commitment to preserving authenticity while evolving with the times.
In this episode, Palesa Nhlapo, Head of Customer Growth for the Personal Segment at FNB South Africa, explores how real impact in customer experience begins with human understanding. She shares how her team focuses on identifying and responding to pivotal life moments, such as job losses or the passing of a loved one, not merely with products but with compassion and timing that matter. Rather than treating customers as data points, Palesa believes in meeting them where they are and designing solutions that speak to both their needs and emotions.
She discusses the importance of empowering frontline staff to be brand ambassadors, capable of delivering experiences that resonate beyond the transactional. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity—principles that guide how customer journeys are shaped and how teams are inspired. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone looking to elevate their customer strategy by reconnecting with the human behind the customer.
In this episode, tech and product leader Marcelo Calbucci introduces the PR FAQ framework, a strategic innovation tool developed by Amazon to refine ideas and align teams before execution. The framework—short for "Press Release and Frequently Asked Questions"—encourages organizations to work backward from a vision of success by drafting a press release that outlines the future impact of a product or service, followed by a detailed FAQ section that addresses potential questions. Marcelo emphasizes its value in helping teams deeply understand customer needs, set clear goals, and ensure that ideas are worth pursuing.
Marcelo highlights the framework's relevance across industries, with a special focus on its use in customer experience. He shares practical examples, including Amazon’s product development process and his own use of the PR FAQ to write a book, demonstrating its versatility. Our discussion also emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration, bringing together departments like engineering, marketing, legal, and customer experience to drive innovation. Marcelo’s book on the PR FAQ serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals looking to implement this approach, offering actionable insights to foster strategic clarity and innovation.
Stefan Osthaus is the President of the Customer Institute, a global volunteer organization dedicated to advancing excellence in customer and employee experience management. In this episode, he explains how the Institute certifies tools, methodologies, and organizations to ensure industry best practices. He highlights their new Certified Customer Centricity Expert (CCCX) program, which offers a lifetime certification model designed to be more accessible and relevant for CX professionals worldwide.
Stefan also discusses how the Customer Institute supports consultants and businesses through standardized assessment methods, training certifications, and a thriving global community. He emphasizes the importance of practical, cost-effective, and scalable CX solutions, as well as the role of collaboration in driving industry growth. Additionally, he shares insights on the evolving landscape of customer experience and how organizations can measure and improve their CX maturity.
Borja Cuan is the co-founder of Four15 Digital, a growth marketing agency with offices in California and Mexico. In this episode, he discusses how his agency helps businesses scale through platforms like Google Ads, Microsoft Bing, Meta, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Borja highlights the role of AI in digital marketing, explaining that while it enhances content creation and creative design, human oversight remains essential. Rather than replacing marketers, AI serves as a tool to optimize workflows and improve campaign performance.
Borja shares how Four15 Digital differentiates itself in the highly competitive digital marketing industry. Instead of relying on traditional sales tactics, the agency conducts in-depth audits for potential clients, providing insights and tailored strategies before any contracts are signed. This consultative approach builds trust and demonstrates expertise upfront. He emphasizes that customer experience is the most critical factor in long-term success, as businesses thrive when they prioritize both measurable results and strong client relationships.
Discussing workplace dynamics, Borja explains why Four15 Digital has adopted a hybrid model, with employees working three days in-office and two remotely. He believes in-person collaboration accelerates learning, strengthens communication, and enhances team morale. Wrapping up, Borja underscores that businesses that invest in both their employees and clients will always have a competitive edge.
In this episode, we dive into the world of customer experience and brand strategy with Justine Morgan, Founder and Director of CX Ignite. Justine shares her journey from starting a data analytics company to becoming a marketing strategist and fractional CMO, helping organizations align their brand, customer experience, and business goals. Discover her unique approach to closing perception gaps, crafting authentic marketing strategies, and empowering employees to embody brand values. Learn about the importance of speaking to your customers, aligning marketing with business objectives, and delivering a consistent, authentic experience across all touchpoints.
In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Emmanuel Manyonganise, Customer Experience Strategy Advisor at Bank Albilad, who dives deep into the concept of hyper-personalization, explaining how it revolutionizes customer interactions beyond traditional personalization by leveraging real-time data, individual context, and advanced technology. He shares insightful frameworks, practical examples, and the crucial role of AI, machine learning, and data culture in delivering exceptional customer experiences. The conversation also explores the synergy between human touch and AI, and the potential for hyper-personalization to enhance customer satisfaction at scale.
Vance Morris, a former Walt Disney World leader turned entrepreneur and consultant shares insights on how he leveraged Disney's legendary customer experience strategies to build a thriving carpet cleaning business and now helps businesses create unforgettable customer experiences while commanding premium pricing.
From the power of systems and scripts to crafting unique moments that delight customers, Vance reveals practical tips and transformative strategies that any business can implement.
For more on Vance and his work, visit www.vancemorris.com
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Emmanuel Manyonganise, Customer Experience Strategy Advisor at Bank Albilad, to uncover how crafting the right customer experience (CX) strategy can transform your business. Dr. Manyonganise explains how aligning your CX strategy with your overall business goals is the key to driving real results. He also shares practical tips on how personalizing your approach and understanding your customers through segmentation can help you connect with them in a way that truly resonates, boosting loyalty and growth.
Richard Ssebaggala is a renowned Organization and Leadership Development consultant with a deep passion for Customer Experience. Richard shares his expertise on the often overlooked but critical connection between leadership quality and customer satisfaction. We explore how poor leadership practices can detrimentally impact the customer experience, leading to dissatisfied clients and a tarnished reputation. Richard provides valuable insights and practical advice for leaders looking to enhance their customer service strategies and foster a culture of excellence.
Dr. Wale Akinyemi, an esteemed Organizational Culture Expert and the Chief Transformational Officer of PowerTalks Culture Experts, offers profound insights in this episode. He delves into the significance of fostering a customer-centric organization, emphasizing the necessity of an all-encompassing customer experience ecosystem that extends beyond merely customer-facing staff.
Furthermore, Dr. Akinyemi elaborates on the transformative power of crafting exceptional customer experiences by creating memorable interactions at every touchpoint throughout the customer journey.
https://www.businessmic.com/wale-adinyemi
Andreea is the Customer Experience & Quality Manager at Pluxee. In this episode, she shares valuable insights into the power of data-driven strategies in navigating the complex CX landscape. During our discussion, we explore various aspects, from comprehending customer preferences to refining service delivery, highlighting the utilization of data insights to elevate the customer experience holistically.
https://www.businessmic.com/andreea-coca
Claire Boscq is a keynote speaker and creator of the BizShui™ Method. In this episode, Claire shares invaluable insights on breaking into the world of keynote speaking and finding your niche topic. She also highlights how the BizShui™ Method can revolutionize businesses, offering unparalleled customer experiences by blending Feng Shui principles with modern needs.
https://www.businessmic.com/claire-boscq
Federico Cesconi is the co-founder of Sandsiv, a software-as-a-service solution, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), to help companies around the world to properly measure Customer Experience (CX) and actively manage Customer Journey (CJ).
In this episode, Federico shares his expertise and insights into the profound impact of Customer Experience Management on fostering sustainable business growth. From leveraging AI to understanding the intricacies of CX, this conversation explores the key strategies and approaches that drive businesses toward excellence in customer satisfaction and long-term success.
https://www.businessmic.com/federico-cesconi
Gregorio Uglioni is the Head of Business Transformation at Kantonsspital Winterthur, a seasoned leader in driving impactful business and digital transformations. With a solid track record in delivering measurable results, Gregorio brings a wealth of expertise in business strategy, digital transformation, customer experience, and leadership to the forefront. As the host of The CX Goalkeeper Podcast, Gregorio dives into the realm of CX (Customer Experience) as we explore the pulse of 2023's Trends and Transformations. Join us as we unravel insights, trends, and transformative shifts reshaping the landscape of customer experience in our dynamic discussion. https://www.businessmic.com/gregorio-uglioni
Qaalfa Dibeehi serves as the Managing Partner at Human2outcome (H2O), a firm specializing in behavioral transformation through corporate education, training, and executive coaching. His leadership extends from his previous role as the Dean of the Customer Experience Leadership Institute, overseeing cultural change at Majid Al Futtaim, a global conglomerate spanning retail, hotels, property, luxury, and entertainment sectors. With a substantial background in guiding customer experience consulting initiatives across North America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Qaalfa is deeply committed to fostering leadership transformation.
In this episode, Qaalfa intricately explores the methods to sustain a positive customer experience amidst a continually evolving market landscape. Our discussion draws upon extensive experience, offering profound insights that address pivotal queries influencing the trajectory of customer-centric approaches.
https://www.businessmic.com/qaalfa-dibeehi
Shorouk Ali is a dedicated researcher and seasoned CX professional boasting over a decade of expertise across diverse industries such as Banking, F&B, Real Estate, Consulting, and Healthcare.
In this episode, she delves into the crucial role of customer insights and their impact on enhancing the customer experience. Gain valuable insights on leveraging this knowledge to elevate organizational strategies for superior customer satisfaction.
https://www.businessmic.com/shorouk-ali
Micheu Njiru is the Director of Customer Excellence at KCB Bank Group. With a wealth of experience, Micheu is a dedicated advocate for fostering unparalleled customer experiences within business landscapes. He shares invaluable insights, drawing from his expertise in strategically implementing technology and cultivating a culture of excellence.
During our conversation, Micheu unpacks the fundamental principles crucial to fostering a customer-centric culture, offering actionable tips that resonate across industries. Tune in to discover key strategies essential for nurturing a culture centered around exceptional customer experiences.
https://www.businessmic.com/micheu-njiru
Ilenia Vidili, is a dedicated customer-centricity advisor, renowned keynote speaker, and the author behind "Journey to Centricity." Drawing from a rich tapestry of experience spanning over a decade across business-to-consumer and business-to-business companies, Ilenia identified a significant disconnect between organizations and their stakeholders. Recognizing the wide gap, she embarked on a mission to bridge it.
Today, Ilenia guides businesses towards closing these chasms by introducing innovative thinking, dismantling inefficient processes, shifting from product-centric mindsets to prioritizing people, and honing in on enhancing customer focus. Join us for an engaging conversation as Ilenia shares actionable tips and strategies on how organizations can pivot toward becoming more customer-centric.
https://www.businessmic.com/ilenia-vidili
In this episode, we delve into the realm of customer-centricity with Waleed AlHamdan, a seasoned CX professional whose career spans pivotal roles in both local and international organizations. From Vice President and Director to Board member and Strategy consultant, Waleed's expertise shines through various senior management positions and co-founding businesses. His experience as a principal business development expert adds depth to his insights.
As an active member of the CXPA Saudi Chapter, Waleed collaborates with industry experts, ensuring he remains at the forefront of the latest trends and best practices in the field of CX. During our chat, Waleed shared invaluable tips and strategies for building organizations that revolve around the ever-evolving needs of the customer.
https://www.businessmic.com/waleed-alhamdan
Andrew Tsuro is a thrice distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and TEDx coach, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. In this episode, Andrew unpacks the art of structuring a speech or presentation that not only engages the audience but also compels them to take action.
Andrew’s insights reveal the power of effective communication in leadership roles. He discusses the strategies and techniques that leaders can employ to convey their messages with clarity, persuasiveness, and impact.
https://www.businessmic.com/andrew-tsuro
Dr. Lucy Kiruthu is a CX thought leader with a PhD in Strategic Management. As a lead consultant at Evolve CX, she has led over 110 CX projects and trained over 12,000 staff. She is a founding member of ICX-Kenya and a consultant with Stanford Seed Business Transformation program.
In this episode, we discuss the important role that every individual within an organisation plays when delivering exceptional service to customers.
https://www.businessmic.com/dr-lucy-kiruthu/
Pauline is an accomplished Customer Experience Professional, Trainer, Consultant, and Coach with over 15 years of corporate experience in financial services, management consulting, and humanitarian services.
In this episode we discuss the various ways in which businesses can foster a customer-centric culture through employee engagement, aiming to create an environment where team members prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver exceptional service.
https://www.businessmic.com/pauline-kariuki/
Jill is a globally recognized expert, amongst the Top 150 Global Customer Experience Thought Leaders and Influencers, who teaches companies how to Transform Transactions into Interactions™ through her methodology connecting the employee experience (EX) to the customer experience (CX) – EX2CX®.
In this episode, we discuss the relationship between Employee Experience and Customer Experience, and why putting employees first is crucial for the success of any business.
https://www.businessmic.com/jill-raff/
Nicolas is an award-winning Accredited Customer Experience Master (ACXM) and Research Professional with a 21-year track record that spans several years of experience in IT, Financial Services, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Hospitality, Entertainment, Video on Demand, and Pay-TV.
In this episode we discuss the state of Customer Experience now and in the future, the challenge of relying too much on CX matrices, and the best way to present Customer Experience ROI to a board.
https://www.businessmic.com/nicolas-callegari/
Evas is the Customer Experience and Relationship Manager of UMEME Ltd. She is on a mission to create positive customer experiences and build authentic client/stakeholder work relationships.
Businesses frequently make the mistake of centralizing all customer service obligations in a single department.
In reality, the entire organisation contributes to the customer experience. In this episode, we discuss the importance of sensitizing all staff about Customer Experience and how it impacts the business bottom line.
https://www.businessmic.com/evas-bazirakakye-kizza/
Michael is a Customer Experience (CX) Strategist and Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) with many years of experience implementing CX programs in global multicultural organizations. He is also a Founder Member and Ambassador for the DACH region for the European Customer Experience Organization (ECXO)
In this episode, we talked about why customers don't fill out surveys anymore, the dangers of over-relying on NPS, and complementary metrics to measure customer experiences.
https://www.businessmic.com/michael-brandt/
Chantel Botha is the author of "The Customer Journey Mapping Field Guide" and the founder of BrandLove. She helps business leaders to empower their teams to live their brand proudly. Chantel is passionate about closing the gap between what a brand promises and delivers in reality.
In this episode, we discuss the fundamentals of a Journey Map and how best to apply it when trying to deliver a great Customer Experience.
https://www.businessmic.com/chantel-botha/
Rosebella Abok is the Global Head of Customer Experience for ENGIE Energy Access (Africa). Anne Nyachomba Mwangi is the Head of customer for Nexleaf Analytics.
When Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) are managed appropriately, they can provide long-term benefits to an organization. According to studies, 85% of businesses found that increased EX and higher employee engagement led to better CX, higher customer satisfaction, and higher revenues.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of improving Employee Experience as a way to enhance the overall Customer Experience.
https://www.businessmic.com/rosebella-abok-anne-nyachomba-mwangi/
Adwoa Asare – Asamoah is the Lead Consultant for CX Hatchery and Associates Limited, which offers CX advisory services and implementation of Customer Experience Maturity Assessment, Strategy, and Business Process/User Experience Design and Re-engineering.
In this episode, Adwoa Asare provides insight on how businesses can leverage Customer Experience to increase their profits by implementing frameworks that maximize value for both employees and customers.
https://www.businessmic.com/adwoa-asare-asamoah/
Sonia Karamagi Kasagga is the Head of Customer Experience at Stanbic Bank Uganda.
With close to two decades of hands-on management experience in the banking sector, Sonia is dedicated to creating seamless and personalized solutions that exceed customer expectations.
In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to build a winning customer-centric culture.
https://www.businessmic.com/sonia-karamagi-kasagga/
Georges Essama is the Head of Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience at CAMTEL in Cameroon, winner of CXPA's 2022 Emerging Leader Awards, and 2023 chair of CXPA Africa.
During our conversation, Georges shared the state of customer experience on the African continent, and how public sector organisations in Africa can improve their customer experience.
https://www.businessmic.com/georges-essama/
Lynn is the Chief Customer Officer of ClearAction Continuum. She has experience leading company-wide customer experience transformation for many years at Applied Materials and Sonoco Products where her roles included VoC Manager, Customer Satisfaction Improvement Manager, Marketing Director, and Head of Corporate Quality.
Lynn has served on the CXPA Board of Directors, and is featured in numerous lists, including Top 25 Customer Success Influencers and Top 30 Customer Service Professionals.
In this episode, we discuss the impact of business silos on Customer Experience; a topic Lynn has written about on her blog here: https://clearaction.com/10-business-silos-impact-customer-experience/
https://www.businessmic.com/lynn-hunsaker/
Rebekah is the Customer Experience Manager of the National Social Security Fund, a quasi-government agency responsible for the collection, safekeeping, responsible investment, and distribution of retirement funds from employees of the private sector in Uganda who are not covered by the Government Retirement Scheme.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of putting customers at the centre of any business strategy.
Rebekah is also a poet whose work can be found here: https://medium.com/@kabugo.becky
https://www.businessmic.com/rebekah-kabugo-mugisha/
Victor is a Customer Experience Professional passionate about leveraging information systems as a tool for achieving strategic and operational excellence. He has over 10 years working experience in business-focused IT environments covering transportation and logistics, mining and financial services.
Victor has served as the Head of Customer Experience for Capricon Investment Holdings, Bank Windhoek, and Multichoice Namibia. In this episode, Victor shares his views on how to transform Customer Experience using Business Process Management.
https://www.businessmic.com/victor-songa-musiwa/
Craig is the Director of CX Services at Partnerhero. He has worked closely with Support, Services, Success, Development, and Marketing teams on topics like: CX Processes, Scaling Global Teams, Software Engineering, IT Service Management, and Requirements Gathering.
In this episode, Craig and I discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Customer Experience.
https://www.businessmic.com/craig-stoss/
Amanda is a customer experience (CX) consultant and coach with over 10 years of experience in the customer service industry. Her background and experience include Customer Experience and Digital Marketing Strategy Design, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation and development of customized training and coaching programs.
In this episode, we discuss the strides African businesses have made in implementing Customer Experience as well as the challenges faced when adopting a customer-centric culture.
https://www.businessmic.com/amanda-akushie/
Rob leads client engagement at Customer Direct and Happitu, a software division of Customer Direct. In this episode, we discuss how businesses can enhance their Customer Experience through Contact Centers. Rob also hosts the Next in Queue podcast, a show about people in the Contact Center and CX industries.
https://www.businessmic.com/rob-dwyer/
Jonathan is the co-founder of CX-Brussels and the Director of CX-Centric.
After over a decade of managing large IT and Organisational Transformations programmes Jonathan realised that we were missing something. He began to deliver using Agile methodologies which was a big step forward. But for various reasons, his team kept coming into work with the aim of impressing colleagues, managers and themselves. They lost our focus on the customer. For this reason he dedicates his time co-creating, training and coaching organisations and leaders, giving practical tips on becoming customer-centric. Jonathan wants to share his learning journey, so you too can leverage Customer Experience for your organisation.
In this episode, we discuss the State of Customer Centricity report that Jonathan and his team put together after surveying several organisations about their Customer Experience Management.
Connect with Jonathan:
www.cx-brussels.be www.cx-centric.com www.daniels-solutions.com
Nicholas is the Customer Insights Manager at Movit Uganda. He has over a decade of experience in marketing, sales, and customer insights across FMCG, Consumer tech, and Startups. He is also a member of the Uganda Marketers Society where he serves as the Director - Training and Consultancy.
In this episode, we discuss the role of customer insights in gaining a competitive advantage for long-term business sustainability.
https://www.businessmic.com/nicholas-hirya/
Oluwatobi is a Hospitality professional with experience in diverse industries. She has worked in multi-national companies, with a track record of improving customer satisfaction, resolving problems, and driving overall business productivity. She has a passion for educating and enlightening employers in all fields to exhibit such service.
In today's episode, we discuss the state of Customer Experience on the African continent as well as how her initiative CX Community Africa can help business owners and professionals improve the overall state of Customer Experience on the continent.
You can connect with Oluwatobi here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwatobi-kola-sodipo - LinkedIn https://instagram.com/tobi_ksho?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= -Personal Instagram https://instagram.com/p31experience?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Company Instagram https://bit.ly/fullaccessmonthlyplan - CX Community Africa cxcommunityafrica@gmail.com - email
Ashley is the CEO of True North Retirement Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm managing $230 million in client assets, and located just outside of Portland, Oregon.
Ashley specializes in designing, building, and implementing custom-designed exit plans to help her business owner clients secure their final and most important business decision – the exit from their business.
Valerie is an expert in community and organizational development with a mission to strengthen the capacity of organizations to make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Valerie recently launched Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. which is a community of emerging nonprofit leaders that provides a safe environment in which members can innovate, speak candidly about the issues and concerns they face daily, and share ideas and resources.
Sujit is the Founder of Inspiration Unlimited(Global Inspirational Media). He is the author of Life Simplified! which is a simple coffee-table read solving complex problems of life for youngsters (14-28 years of age). He was awarded the Connecting The World Award at 1LifeFullyLived Conference organized in November 2015 in Sacramento, California. He was a Speaker at One Young World Conference 2012 in Pittsburgh and has been a returning Ambassador for One Young World since 8 years.
Kim is the President and Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching™ which works with executives, entrepreneurs, leaders, business owners and other highly driven people to help them reach new levels of accomplishment and to live outstandingly successful lives. Whether for business success or personal transformation, the foundation of Frame of Mind Coaching™ is that a person’s thinking has a greater impact on their outcomes than any other contributing factor.
Sarah is the founder of Leonista, the first 100% Karoo agave spirit in South Africa made the traditional way. The production process follows an age-old recipe used in Mexico to make agave spirits like Mezcal. It requires smoke and fire, hence Leonista’s delicious smokey flavour, similar to that of a Mezcal. In this episode, Sarah shares her inspiration for starting the business as well as the lessons she's learned along the way.
In January 2018 Charlie launched a training and education business that helps business owners and consultants win more business and grow the value of their brand using LinkedIn and strategic networking. In this episode Charlie reveals some of the ways in which LinkedIn as a platform can grow your business and generate leads in the least expected ways.
Zamaswazi is the Executive Creative Director of IndiLang. IndiLang serves to bridge the gap and create a platform through which indigenous information across the African continent is shared. They see the value of African elders as a rich source of indigenous knowledge. Indilang collects, presents, stores and publishes this knowledge through their platform. In this episode, Zamaswazi and her mother share their journey and future plans for IndiLang.
Stephan is the President and Creative Director of ICVM Group; an organisation that provides consulting, creative design, web development and hosting services to a diverse array of prominent national and international firms and organizations. In this episode Stephan talks about the importance of having a brand strategy and the steps you need to take in order to implement it.
Zoe is the founder of Zoe Zulu Productions. Her company offers authentic African cultural activities and complimentary spin-off themes such as Zulu Dialect coaching, regalia and dress demonstrations, cultural music and dancing workshops, ethnic African arts & crafts presentations, all of which augment our existing range of tutorials and lectures. In this episode, Zoe shares the path she took when starting her business along with the lessons she learned along the way.
Stacy is the CEO and founder of Hollywood Branded, a Los Angeles influencer marketing, branded content and product placement agency established in 2007, and host of the podcast Marketing Mistakes (& How To Avoid Them). Stacy has over twenty-three years of leadership experience building global entertainment branding campaigns for top Fortune 500 companies and hundreds of brands, including BlackBerry, Bumble, Canadian Club, Lacoste and Pilot Pen.
Thembi Bheka is the founder of "She Breaks Thru", and believes in helping entrepreneurs reignite their passion, gain more clarity and reconnect with their bigger purpose. Thembi is heavily involved in empowering women in Africa, as a result, she trains young women on opportunities of creating income online working as virtual assistants.
Amy is the CEO of the renewable energy startup muGrid Analytics. Her company solves problems at the edge of energy technology and economics using math and modeling, and is dedicated to creating a sustainable energy future for the planet, one project at a time. As a young, female executive in the tech world, she puts her theories about disruptive innovation and bringing your whole self to work into practice every single day. In this episode Amy shares her experience as a renewable energy expert and its impact on the energy industry in general.
Cindy has worked as a photographer for 6 years. In that time she has garnered an understanding on the sort of influence photographers have on society. In this episode Cindy shares the common misconceptions about photographers and the industry in general, plus what it takes to make it as a top professional.
Tommy is a Featured Keynote Speaker, Published Author and Business & Mindset Coach. He guides his clients and audiences to discover a life of significance, while building a lasting legacy. The tools he shares show them how to work in their zone of brilliance, obtain financial freedom, and live with meaning and balance.
Andrena is the founder of PERK Consulting, an advisory firm that is equipped to bridge the gap from concepts and ideas to solutions that enable their clients' goals become reality. Their services include nonprofit and small business registration, grant writing, marketing and fundraising support, strategic planning, and capacity building workshops for small businesses and nonprofits. In this episode, Andrena discusses in detail the basic challenges small businesses have and how she helps them.
Steve is the founder of Nerd Rage News, a vertically Integrated company that focuses on creating and distributing first class content and intellectual property across multiple platforms. Nerd Rage News is comprised of an extremely devoted group of nerds with and intense love of the written word and visual media. Their mission is to entertain and inspire all generations of Nerd Culture. In this episode, Steve discusses the rise of nerd culture in the mainstream media.
Sharika is the founder of My Cotton Tree, a fashion brand that creates comfortable, stylish clothing for children that allows them to move freely and fearlessly to explore a world of delightful possibilities. In this episode, Sharika shares tips on how she built her brand using strategic partnerships from highly skilled Africans from across the continent.
Polish Management was formed by Nthabiseng in 2014 after identifying a gap in enterprises that independently run their own HR and Payroll functions with little understanding of regularities around the employment practices within the industries they operate in, leaving them vulnerable to high penalties and interests accumulated due to lack of knowledge. In this episode, Nthabiseng shares her journey in founding the business and lessons learned along the way.
Polish Management was formed by Nthabiseng in 2014 after identifying a gap in enterprises that independently run their own HR and Payroll functions with little understanding of regularities around the employment practices within the industries they operate in, leaving them vulnerable to high penalties and interests accumulated due to lack of knowledge. In this episode, Nthabiseng shares her journey in founding the business and lessons learned along the way.
Paul is the founder of Wellings Capital; an income and growth-focused commercial real estate investment firm centered on providing stable, yield-producing investments to our clients. Paul also co-hosts a wealth-building podcast called How to Lose Money. In this episode, Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey including how he got into debt and gave money away in order to become free from it.
Ntsoaki is the founder of Tsoabelo, a 100% black woman and youth owned security company that specialises in security guarding services, the installation of access control biometric systems and CCTV surveillance systems. In this episode, Ntsoaki talks about her journey from being a receptionist to starting her own security company that has found its own place in the market.
Donna is an Amazon #1 best-selling author who helps entrepreneurs, consultants, speakers, coaches and professionals stop the
client chase by leveraging their knowledge to gain authority status in their industry. Using her proven Become Business Famous signature seven-step system, she works together with her clients to build powerful personal brands and grow their businesses through speaking, publishing and publicity. In this episode, Donna discusses;
- The benefits of publishing a book as a local business owner and how it can position you as an authority in your industry.
- What type of content to publish in order to convert readers into clients.
- Case studies of successful local business owners who've had incredible success from publishing a book.
- How she got started with her consultancy.
- Where to download her new book MAKE THEM CHOOSE YOU.
Colin is a podcaster, a speaker and a PhD in digital education. He and his team at ThePodcastHost.com create podcasts on everything from mountain biking to space exploration. They teach how it’s done in the Podcast Host Academy and provide the tools to do it with Alitu, the Podcast Maker. In this episode, Colin shares tips on how to get started with podcasting and how to leverage the medium for business marketing.
Jesse is a former professional soccer goalkeeper (played in Zimbabwe, Africa and Aberdeen, Scotland), radio host, podcaster, author, and speaker. In this episode, Jesse discusses his soccer journey and how that experience taught him about discipline and leadership. He also highlights the benefit of sports in shaping future leaders.
Damon is the founder of SEO National a successful search engine optimization agency. In the past decade+ in running his internet marketing agency, he has spoken at conferences, been featured on BuzzFeed, USA Weekly, and has optimized websites for INC5000 companies, NBA teams, and businesses featured on Shark Tank.In this episode, Damon discusses the most effective ways to leverage Search Engine Optimization.
Lisa is the founder of Affordable Real Estate Investments which turns Black professionals into rental property owners, and helps them achieve financial freedom by creating:
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A passive income rental portfolio
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Real generational wealth
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The freedom to connect to their higher calling
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Empowered investors that make the world a better place
In this episode, Lisa shares some amazing tips on how to successfully run a rental property business.
Thor is an Entrepreneur, Profitability Consultant and host of his daily podcast, Peak Performers Podcast. The first company Thor created was a global risk management consulting firm that served the private equity community. His top 15 clients had a combined revenue of $12.7 billion USD and operated in over 100 countries worldwide. His background, in risk management, served him well when he lost 1/3 of his team, in the World Trade Center attacks, on 9/11. Since that time, he has started, bought and sold several multi-million dollar businesses making him a sought after, cross-industrial resource for entrepreneurs and executives in all stages of business. In this episode, Thor shares some helpful tips on how to become an efficient entrepreneur.
DeShuna is the founder of Kweli TV, an interactive streaming platform that celebrates the African Diaspora experience, community and culture through dope, undiscovered documentaries, films, web shows, children’s programming, news and more. In this episode DeShuna talks about how Kweli TV came to be, it's importance and significance to the African community, and the process they go through to make sure their subscribers get the best quality content.
Julia is the Founder of Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group, LLC. She has been practicing financial planning for more than 20 years and specializes in helping people who are either retired or close to retirement. Julia is recognized as being especially knowledgeable on topics relating to tax strategies for retirement and distribution planning. In this episode, Julia discusses the 7 steps in her book "Fit Money" giving real-life examples in an approachable style to explain how these steps help take the fear out of finances, empower listeners to act, and inspire them to pursue financial freedom.
Lisle is the co-founder of Element Applications. A South African based all-woman team. Their first app is called LILA. It was designed with an ultimate goal of seeing small business owners gain access to technology usually reserved for large corporations with massive budgets and to enable them to use that technology to grow and expand their lives to their full capacity. In this episode, Lisle shares the ups and downs of building a business by bootstrapping and all the lessons she's learned along the way.
Drew is the founder and president of Southern Web, an award-winning digital agency specializing in web development and digital marketing solutions. He is also the author of “The Buyer’s Guide to Websites,” which was written to empower business owners who are in the process of working with a digital agency to build a website. In this episode Drew discusses the fundamental decisions every business owner needs to make before, during and after their website design. He also breaks down how search engine optimization works and the types of content you need to have on your website in order to stand out.
Don started his career in technology hardware, working at Arche Technologies which offered IBM PC compatible hardware. He transitioned from hardware to software and worked at Seagate, Borland, and Oracle. He is now the Head of Revenue at Mixmax, a company that offers a dynamic tool to provide powerful analytics, automation, and enhancements for your outbound communications to make you a sales pro. In this episode Don shares the different ways business owners can boost their sales, tips to avoid having your sent emails end up in the recipient's spam folder, what to consider when speaking to a potential customer plus the benefits of sales automation software.
Thembe is one of Zimbabwe’s leading voices when it comes to brand-building, business growth and personal development. She is the founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder, a brand strategy firm helping entrepreneurial leaders and SMEs achieve visibility and growth through comprehensive brand strategy, creative execution and social media content strategies. In this episode we discuss all things branding including, why your brand matters more than you think, maintaining a uniform voice on all communication platforms and the impact of social media on corporate branding.
Sharifah is the CEO of X ROADS TV. She is a business consultant, radio host, and influencer. With over twenty five years of business experience, Sharifah has positioned herself to be one of the top executives in entertainment and has been able to harness the power of the Internet to build successful businesses, while simultaneously reducing costs since the 90s. Her innovative style brings fresh ideas to the ever-changing landscape of business, technology, entertainment, media, marketing and advertising. In this episode Sharifah discusses the top things to look out for on your website plus the thought process that drives her to success.
Max is the founder of theblindblogger.net and The Midway Marketplace, a website that helps people sell new and used amusement, concession, and confection equipment all over the world. He has written three books and is also a speaker. In this episode Max talks about how he overcame his fear and achieved his dreams of becoming a writer, blogger, podcaster, speaker among other things.
Gerald is a veteran, consultant, and coach who has spent his life leading teams and empowering people. He specializes in helping business owners free themselves from self-employment and become the CEOs of DOPE businesses. He is also the host of the Buy Black Podcast which provides free marketing for black businesses, education for budding entrepreneurs, and a reliable place for consumers to find and spend money in Black-Owned Businesses. In this episode Gerald explains the (DOPE) four-piece framework your business needs to stand and grow on its own foundation.
Scott is a real estate investor and asset protection attorney in Austin, TX. He founded Royal Legal Solutions to offer tax, business, and legal strategies to real estate investors. He has spent the past 8 years of his career diving through case law, reading the ever-changing tax code, and analyzing real estate investment so that you don’t have to. In this episode we discuss the difference between copywrite, trademark and patents, plus why all of your operations should be through a completely separate shell operating company that doesn’t own anything, but manages all of your affairs.
Dane is the CEO & co-founder of Inplaze; a sales collaboration platform for all direct sellers and buyers created with direct selling lifestyle in mind. Its revolutionary matchmaking software super=boosts the sales of products, services, and opportunities for all independent distributors and their companies. In this episode Dane shares his inspiration for starting the company and also how Artificial Intelligence may change the landscape of so many business industries.
Eric is the founder of Dillinger Brewing Company; a microbrewery located in Tucson, Arizona founded by University of Arizona alumni. Dillinger Brewing Company strives to make clean, consistent brews and serve them in a comfortable speakeasy-esque taproom. In this episode Eric discusses his inspiration for starting this business, the pros and cons of the industry plus vital processes needed for any entrepreneur to have a good foundation for their business.
Danny is the CTO & Head of Toy Division at Young Engineers e2, and Co-Founder of Algobrix. e2 Young Engineers develops a selection of different programs for students from pre-school through high school. Algobrix is a new way for teaching girls and boys the basic of programming using physical bricks and cool, fun robots. In this episode, Danny shares his inspiration for children's edutainment as well as the opportunities and challenges this industry has to offer.
Scott is the lead Content Master for the Social Media Lab at Agorapulse. In this episode, Scott talks about some social media myths that are completely false and the different experiments he has ran at Social Media Lab. We also discuss the potential of Twitch as a growing social Media option for both individuals and businesses.
Enrico is a basketball coach with the PSK Lions in Germany. He is also the founder of IVT Basketball where he trains professional basketball players in the off-season and helps them work on their individual skills. In this episode, Enrico talks about what it takes to become a top athlete, what separates a winning team from the competition and how to sustain success as a team in business or sports.
Naomi is a writer, improviser, actress and comedian, best known for her regular television role as Bobbi in Mr. D and her appearance as Nina in Saw 3D. She is also the host of a podcast called Firecracker Department in which she interviews the brightest minds and most charismatic women in entertainment. In this episode, we discuss her career and life lessons she's learnt from comedy.
Connie is the co-founder of Flywheel Associates. With 20 years of experience working in start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, B2C and B2B businesses, Connie understands how to propel organizations forward by not only developing their business and marketing strategies, but also ensuring the successful execution of those efforts. In this episode, she talks about Agile Marketing and its benefits for any business.
Bame is the founder of Amara Consulting, a one stop-shop for Virtual Assistance Service that takes care of client's admin and everyday tasks. Her business works closely with its clients from design right through to Implementation to provide the right results that fit into their business process. In this episode, Bame tells her story and inspiration for starting the business and shares some advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
Thabiso is the founder of BlackBird books, a ground-breaking move in the South African literary landscape and looks forward to continue pioneering and establishing a framework for new South African narratives. In this episode, she talks about the book industry in South Africa and how her business is changing the landscape one book at a time.
Jeff started his own company at the age of 7 buying and reselling candy at school to support his family. He's been featured in over 100 podcasts, radio shows and blog interviews. In this episode, Jeff talks about the advantages of optimizing your website for search and how best to do it.
Afia & Belinda run Studentshubgh, a registered non-profit youth organization in Ghana. Using digital technology and literacy tools we aim to empower the youth of Africa through Youth Mentorship, Youth Magazine and Scholarships for deprived students. In this episode, they share their inspiration for starting this initiative as well as the lessons they've learnt from running the organisation.
Terry is the renowned owner and Lead Business Coach of Ogburns Business Solutions. His proprietary coaching system and personal devotion to the development of others has contributed to the success of hundreds of small to large business ventures. In this episode, Terry discusses the various mistakes entrepreneurs make and shares tips on how to grow a business successfully.
Chika is a researcher, teacher, non-fiction and fiction writer, and a public intellectual, Chika holds a Ph.D. in African Development and Policy Studies from Howard University in Washington D.C. In this episode, we discuss the various traditional African knowledge that has been ignored which can help transform the continent.
Jonathan is a professional mind reader and author. As a mentalist he's been on America’s Got Talent, entertained United States troops stationed overseas, performed on Vegas main stages and cruise ships. In this episode, Jonathan discusses the benefits of thinking like a mind reader and how we can use this "mind reader" approach in our day to day lives.
Yejide is the founder of Eres Bella, affordable African Black Soap, Essential Oils & Shea Butter based Products. In this episode, Yejide talks about her experience of quitting a job and jumping head first into entrepreneurship. She also shares lessons learnt along the way plus tips for those planning to start the journey.
Fred began acting in grade-school plays and once appeared in a TV commercial for Incredible Edibles, and can be heard on Joey Forman's comedy album The Mashuganishi Yogi. He continued performing in drama classes at Walter Reed Junior High School, Interlochen Arts Academy, Hollywood High School, and North Hollywood High School. At the same time, he also directed several plays while producing and directing his own movies, and performing for the Shakespeare Society of America. In this episode, Fred shares his experience in the Voice Over industry and how it has evolved over the years.
Nathan is an eCommerce, Amazon, Customer Service and outsourcing/online remote hiring expert. He started selling online in 2009 and have sold over $30 million all with the help of remote freelancers. He has spent the last 8+ years developing great systems for hiring remote workers. Now he helps thousands of other businesses do the same thing with FreeeUp. FreeeUp interviews hundreds of freelancers every week, then puts them through our own unique testing to make sure that they will be reliable. In this episode, Nathan shares lessons he's learnt along his entrepreneurial journey and his future pans for FreeeUp.
Linda is an award-winning author/artist. In 2010, Linda founded a company, Artist Mentors Online, LLC. This company provided business and art skills mentoring via the Internet to artists around the world. Linda took part in the 2011 AMO ProDJ yearlong study program which resulted in some wonderful influence and remarkable progress in her work. In this episode, we discuss various topics on writing and creativity including how to self publish a book as well as the creativity parallels between writing and painting.
Deborah teaches scholars and students money literacy so that they become financially fit adults. She also helps women who are or have been victims of domestic violence where money has been a contributing factor build wealth with or without money. In this episode we discuss the importance of talking to children about money and what impact it has on their adult lives.
Kimberli J. Lewis has over 20 years’ C level management experience across multiple industries and has lived in or worked in over 18 countries. She has 25 years’ cross-cultural executive management experience in Europe, Russia, USA, and the Middle East. Kimberli has over 29 International awards in marketing and leadership in her pocket, along with degrees from Webster, George Washington University and Harvard. Kimberli is the author of “Ponytale Talk, It’s All About You! Winning career strategies for Women”.
Sheila Sutherland is a Certified Life and Relationship Mastery Coach, Professional Educator, Speaker, Podcaster, Best Selling Author and is the ONLY licensed Oh, Shift® Facilitator in Canada. Sheila knows what it feels like to hit ‘rock bottom’. She has lived it, survived it and had the strength to rise above it. Sheila empowers people to effectively manage their emotions through shifting their mindset, behaviours and communication, so they can live a more authentic, connected and vibrant life.
Josh is a serial entrepreneur whose main focus in life is helping private business owners create extraordinary value with their businesses and lives. He helps create great outcomes using life experiences he’s had during his almost forty years of running and being around my favorite people, private business owners. In this episode, Josh discusses the main themes in his book Sustainable: A Fable About Creating a Personally and Economically Sustainable Business.
Christine and Gilbert are the founders of 1620 Footsteps, a Ugandan based design firm that makes uniquely African products through incorporating African fabric in all its products. In this episode we discuss their humble beginnings and the challenges they had to overcome in order to grow their business.
David and Zach are the co-founders of Viral Ideas Marketing, a video production company that creates emotional videos inspired by traditional film making. In this episode we discuss various topic including;
- Their inspiration for creating Viral Ideas Marketing
- How they keep coming up with fresh ideas
- What makes a video Viral
- Their thoughts on sticking to your vision as an entrepreneur vs changing it over time
- The Facebook Video Algorithm and how it's going to change the way we use the platform
Mariana is the founder of House of Agness, a floral design company inspired by modern, minimalistic aesthetics but with a classic touch. Their products and services include deliveries of our signature boxes, bouquets and gift boxes and onsite floral services. Prime flowers include roses, orchids, hydrangeas and peonies (seasonal). In this episode, Mariana shares the story of what inspired her to start House of Agness, the challenges she faced and lessons learned along the way.
Chika is the founder of Greymate Care, an online platform that connects the elderly, weak, disabled and convalescent to a caregiver right in the comfort of their homes. Greymate Care provides professional assistants to offer 24/7 companionship and assistance where it is required. In this episode, Chika shares the story of what inspired her to start Greymate Care, the challenges she faced along the way and lessons learned that can help entrepreneurs on a similar path.
Daniel is a stand-up comedian, actor and TV host. He came to fame after playing the character Odoch in The Hostel Series. In this episode we discuss his personal journey as a comedian and how that has impacted his life. Daniel also shares tips for aspiring stand-up comedians and what challenges they should be ready to overcome.
John is an International Business & Sales Expert who has trained thousands of people across 10 countries in business and sales principles. On September 24, 2010, John was featured as the center page spotlight business for the Sacramento Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies list, primary because he built a company from $0 to $1 Million in annual sales during the largest economic crash since the Great Depression (2006-2009). In this episode John shares tips on what key things every business owner should understand about their business, how to grow your business through referrals and the importance of having a mentor.
Founded by Chule Gobodo, Mukundi Lambani and Kutlwano Makgalemele,Brainbow is the only youth, female black owned boutique creative story agency in South Africa. Brainbow are not just a film and television production company, they are story tellers on a mission is to create organic, positive stories, that drive conversation and spread positivity through film. In this episode, we discuss their favorite failures, how to find your true calling as a business and some tips on how to stand out as a brand.
Andrew is the founder of Octagon Consulting, a business management consulting firm offering training, business consultancy and accounting services. Octagon Consulting company serves the training, accounting and financial needs of businesses and individuals to enable them to realize their financial goals. In this episode Andrew shares some of the basic accounting principles every business owner should know, common mistakes made by entrepreneurs when utilizing their cash and tips on how to pitch to potential investors.
Yolie is the founder of GloryBaby, a South African company that designs African Print baby clothing manufactured locally. Their chosen fabrics are 80% southern African prints as they want to show the rest of the continent and the world at large the South African indigenous fabric prints. In this episode, Yolie shares her entrepreneurial journey from quitting her job to focusing on her two businesses; GloryBaby and an events management business.
Larry is the co-founder ofFixate, a team of passionate designers and developers, with a focus on delivering world class products to their clients. Fixate combines intuitive UX design with state-of-the-art development, whilst keeping the client’s needs at the heart of every idea they have. In this episode Larry and I discuss the key features that can help a business website become more effective.
Having a good logo is about more than just making a good first impression. It can have a lasting impact on your company. An effective, memorable logo can inspire customers to do business with you or remember you when the time is right. In this episode I chat with two graphic designers; Andrew & Luthando, who help me break down the different types of logos a business can opt to have, which colours would best suit them and how to complement the logo with an appropriate brand guide.
Mimi is the co-founder and Managing Director of Africommunications Group, a public relations and communications agency based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is also the director of communications for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), a pan-African network of centres of excellence in mathematical sciences. In this episode, Mimi shares insight from her book "Talking to Africa" on how to effectively communicate to various African countries and some of the things to look out for when crafting a message for different African cultures. We also discuss the challenges on building a pan African Communications company.
Rosemary Chola Sibisi is an entrepreneur, creative director and executive Producer of the StylewithRosesS Talkshow. An excellent communicator and public speaker, she is well positioned to articulate and relate to the different experiences the Talkshow’s guests will share on screen. Her own personal journey and as a entrepreneur drives the passion with which she attacks the barriers that keep individuals from realising the lives they were meant to live. In this episode, Rose share's what it takes to build a successful TV show and the challenges involved in the early stages.
Abaas is the founder of the Media Challenge Initiative, a youth-driven non-profit, building the next generation of journalists in Africa through training, mentorship and experiential peer-to-peer learning. In this episode, I chat with Abaas about how the MCI is helping upcoming journalists hone their skills by learning the practical skills required for the job. We also discuss what it means to put in place systems and structures for a business to grow.
Hope is the founder of Frotextured, a Ugandan brand which promotes natural & organic living via African pride in hair & skin. Frotextured educates black women on how to care for their hair naturally & healthily. In this episode, we discuss the challenges involved in building a Hair Care brand from scratch as well as tips on how to effectively market and differentiate your brand.
Faith is a Ugandan Author, Illustrator & Concept Developer. Her most recent book is The Soup Monster which she recently published on Amazon. In this episode, Faith and I chat about the process of writing & publishing children's books; how to use your imagination as a child vs an adult, what partners you need when promoting and editing your book, what it takes to get your book published on Amazon as well as the challenges involved (especially in Uganda).
Robin Malinga & Raymond Malinga are the founders of Creatures Animation, a 3D animation company based in Kampala Uganda. Their popularity has grown due to the release of their upcoming animated short; A Kalabanda ate my Homework. In part two of this interview, we discuss the importance of having good team work and organisational culture. We also look at the ways in which the success of A Kalabanda ate my Homework might create a knock on effect that would empower and strengthen various industries in Uganda that are currently underutilized.
Robin Malinga & Raymond Malinga are the founders of Creatures Animation, a 3D animation company based in Kampala Uganda. Their popularity has grown due to the release of their upcoming animated short; A Kalabanda ate my Homework. In part one of this interview, we discuss the origin of Creatures Animation and some of the hurdles the industry has to overcome. We also look at the key aspects involved in making an animated film from scratch as well as the fundamentals to consider when drafting a story.
Nyaradzo is the founder of Avodah Consultants; one of the most successful people development organisations in Southern Africa. Avodah develops, delivers and distributes products that transform people and organisations enabling them to unleash their greatness and increase market share. In this episode, I chat with Nyaradzo about what inspired her to start Avodah as well as what keeps her motivated during tough times. She also shares a few helpful tips on how to build a sustainable business.
Alex is the founder of alextwino.com a website that hosts multiple companies that provide various services such as providing solutions for immigration matters, promoting and selling African literature, tour and travel services, among others. In this episode, we talk about why Alex decided to start all these companies, what his experience has been thus far (both good and bad) as well as what aspiring entrepreneurs need to know before they start a business.
Royal Maids is a residential and commercial cleaning company in Kenya that offers weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one time cleanings. They supply cleaning services to a mix of commercial clients, from daily cleaning for large corporates to smaller businesses requiring less frequent cleaning. In this episode, I speak to the two co-founders about some of the challenges they have had to overcome as a startup as well as recommendations to any entrepreneurs starting out on their business journey.
BUA is an online space which allows consumers in Botswana to report on their customer service experiences with suppliers, based on the principle of Botho, which is a social contract by which Batswana live. Botho is based on having mutual respect for each other and earning respect by first giving it. In this episode, I chat with Thusang Baraedi (Sales Manager of BUA) about the evolution of the company, how it has helped improve the service delivery in Botswana, and how they plan to expand their brand.
Ana is the founder of MIOMBO, which was founded in to elevate the standard for luxury skincare combining wild harvested ingredients and skilled craftsmanship in Mozambique. MIOMBO is built on the principle that the resources of Mozambique, both natural and human, should be conserved. In this epsiode Ana and I discuss the importance of having a business that makes the most of natural resources without depleting them, as well as the challenges involved in such an entrepreneurial venture.
Fatuma is the founder of Akiki Dolls, which was born out of her need as a mother to empower her daughter. The Akiki doll is a channel for her and other girls to embrace their diversity, appreciating their differences and develop a sense of self-worth. Her childlike figure resembles a girl, this reduces the pressure on a perpetuated physical appearance, which allows girls to be girls. In this episode, we talk about how Akiki Dolls is playing a key role in empowering young African girls, along with what it takes to create a product for children and the thought process behind making sure they embrace it.
Lizl is the founder of Lilly Loompa a furniture design company which centres on telling a story through each piece of furniture they design and craft. Their “Rubbish range” is made from discarded material and re-purposed into usable items. Thus most of their designs are unique and once-off items. In this episode, Lizl shares some insight on what has kept her committed to her business even after a decade. We also discuss the impact of technology on the design and crafts industry plus a few tips on how to make it in this type of business.
Tariro is the founder of Twenty47 Virtual Assistant; an online Virtual Assistant business based in Zimbabwe. Twenty47 Virtual Assistant provides social media strategy and email management, among other services to clients both within and out of Zimbabwe. In this episode, Tariro explains how Virtual Assistants can help small businesses grow, plus the impact of technology on the future of Virtual Assistants in Africa as well as what key roles virtual assistants can help small businesses owners take of.
Kudakwashe Kamupira & Barbara Njau are the co-founders of Bahati Books; an e-book publishing company that aims to bring to global readers captivating and well-written African literature by African authors. In this episode, we discuss the role of Bahati Books in helping African authors publish their books, plus business tips like why it's important to have an alternate source of income as you build your business, and which African books deserve to be turned into movies.
Bella is the founder and Chief Everything Officer of Envirizanacho; a Ugandan based Hair & Beauty shop in Kampala. In this episode, Bella shares her inspiration for starting Envirizanacho as well as helpful tips for entrepreneurs aspiring to create skin & hair product lines. We also discuss the shift in consumer mindset as customers have now started embracing locally manufactured hair products, and how this trend can be improved even further.
Kemiyondo is a Ugandan actress, writer, producer and director. She wrote her first one woman play “Jabulile!” in 2008 and went on to take the play to Grahamstown National Festival in South Africa. She later got a scholarship to Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, USA where she continued to pursue her writing. In this episode, we discuss the various dynamics involved in the entertainment industry as well as what mindset one should have before venturing into it, and we also talk about A Ka Dope, and its role in promoting local Ugandan artists.
Alex is a Nigerian Actress, Writer, TV Personality, Talk Radio Host, Speaker, Author, Podcaster & Self-help Mentor with over 10 years of professional experience as a Media Personality, Content Creator & Creative Entrepreneur. Alex is also an Advocate for EXPRESSION, a Personal Reinvention Activist & a Multi Platform Ambassador for Self Empowerment & Transformation who spends her days, promoting expression, building her purpose and empowering people globally.
Sarah is a self-taught Contemporary Ghanaian Artist that paints the majority of her work in a distorted fashion. She has jointly exhibited with other Artists including the talented Jade Delecia and has participated in exhibitions such as the Other Art Fair through Creative Debut. In this episode, Sarah talks about the moment she decided to share her paintings publicly as well as her motivation for painting, and helpful tips to help upcoming artists make it in the industry.
Stephanie is an established online marketer from Lagos, Nigeria. Her website Stephanieobi.com offers online courses to entrepreneurs helping them market their businesses as well as create profitable courses of their own. In this episode, Stephanie shares her journey right from selling ankara accessories all the way to becoming her nation's leading online courses expert. She also shares tips on how to position your business in order to attract the right customers willing to pay for your product or service.
Ehime is the founder and CEO of Sweet Kiwi; a Nigerian based self and soft serve frozen yoghurt bar which sells premium frozen yoghurt in over 100 flavors. The frozen yoghurt concept is popular because it gives the customers complete creative control of their dessert. In this episode, Ehime shares her inspiration for starting a frozen yoghurt business in Nigeria, the challenges involved in running a franchise, and tips on how to avoid common mistakes made by start-up entrepreneurs.
Mary is the founder and CEO of Glass House PR which helps clients communicate, engage and build relationships with their stakeholders. In this episode, Mary shares some of the ways in which different businesses can market and brand themselves in order to get more exposure. She also highlights the various ways in which Glass House PR helps it's clients, and how she managed to build the company from scratch, to one that has been contacted by Facebook and Google for their services.
Diane is the founder and CEO of Amooti; an online Market place that provides easy access to African inspired Art, Culture, Fashion and other products. Amooti aims to change the lives of gifted and inspired people by giving them a platform to share their talents and culture, while creating a source of income for them. In this episode, Diane shares how she created a business by trying to solve a problem she experienced as well as the hurdles involved and how to overcome them.
Irene is the founder and Managing Director of the African Secrets Magazine. A bi annual magazine show-casing the hidden gems and cultures from the African continent. In this episode, Irene and Lynette share the pros and cons of running a magazine, including tips on how to get sponsors while starting out, and the best ways to keep your magazine relevant in order to grow your audience.
Emma is the founder and CEO of Outspoken Edge which provides intuitive digital media management for entrepreneurs and corporate institutions across Africa. They also offer full-service online marketing solutions for virtually every business need, including online marketing, website design, search engine optimization, pay-per-click campaigns, content creation and other services. In this episode, Emma shares the importance of having an online presence as a business plus ways in which you can leverage social media in order to enhance your brand.
Belema is the founder and CEO of Britts Foods, a stop-shop for healthy and delicious food. Founded in 2015, Britts Foods pride themselves in using locally-sourced ingredients not just because it supports their communities, but because their fresh, healthy ingredients straight from the farms taste great. In this episode, Belema shares a few lessons she's learnt as an entrepreneur including what's required before starting a business and the importance of hiring the right people.
Allan is the founder and CEO of Intelworld; a Ugandan tech company that aggregates payments and commerce into a single platform that enables businesses to transact with their customers on any mobile device. In this episode, Allan shares his experience in the Ugandan Fintech sector and sheds some light on the challenges in the industry as well as how to stand out and grow as a software company.
Vanessa is the founder and CEO of ProInterns. She is very passionate about up-skilling youth and talent development in Uganda, holding the belief that every graduate and student has the potential to thrive and deserves the opportunity to better their chances of being gainfully employed. ProInterns aims to help empower graduates and students to become better informed about opportunities available, gone are the days where you have to walk around the city to look for internships. In this episode Vanessa shares some of the ways her company is helping graduates secure internships.
Kola Studios is a mobile game development company based in the pearl of Africa, Uganda that focuses on developing popular local games for mobile. Their most popular game MATATU is a two player card game based on a local cards game in Uganda of the same name. The goal of the game is to play all your cards before your opponent. In this episode, I chat with Daniel Okalany (Founder & Programmer) and Sharon Rwakatungu (Operations Manager) about the mobile gaming industry in Africa as well as what it takes to make a game successful and financially viable.
http://www.businessmic.com/melaniehawken/
Melanie is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Lioness of Africa. Lionesses of Africa is an online community, passionate about women’s entrepreneurship in Africa, and raising the profile of women entrepreneurs and their businesses across the African continent and globally. In this episode, Melanie shares her inspiration for starting Lioness of Africa as well as the exciting opportunities for women entrepreneurs on the African continent.