Yawe's Hard Talk: Recent Episodes
Aqute Media
Yawe's HardTalk is a tech and ICT related podcast. It explores the challenges in the sector and offers perspective on how the industry should be steered. Hosted by Robert Yawe an ICT Practitioner with over 30 years experience, the podcast is witty and has the extensive experience offered by Robert.
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of wedding customs in Kenya, particularly the tradition of gifting newlyweds a lavish new bed. Join us as we unravel the origins of this practice, tracing it back to its roots in the bride’s mother providing bedding—symbolizing her daughter’s new life.
But how did this evolve into the expectation of extravagant king-size beds that often don’t fit in newlyweds’ small homes? We explore the historical context, including the impactful hut census led by Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, which shifted living arrangements and created financial pressures on families.
As we discuss the pressures of adhering to cultural norms, we invite listeners to consider the practical implications of such traditions in modern life. Should wedding gifts be about grandeur or practicality? Join us for a lively conversation that encourages a fresh perspective on how we celebrate love while staying grounded in reality. Tune in and share your thoughts on how we can honor tradition while embracing change!
Episode based on Robert Yawe's article Taxation and the birth of the double bed.
In 2020, Aqute Media conducted an in-depth exploration of the state of KCC. As a result, they produced a five-episode season that examined the evolution of dairy products from the pre-independence era to the present day, with a specific focus on KCC.
In the final episode, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Timothy Gatimu, the host of Kenya's Blueprint. This conversation is what is being featured in this episode of Yawe's Hard Talk.
To listen to the rest of the episodes of Kenya's Blueprint, please visit: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tLzcxNDE3ZmE0LTgyNmQtNGM5MC04YzhmLTM3OWVjYzgxM2JjYw
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host: https://twitter.com/coachyawe
The phone has gone through a lot of developments over the years. From queuing to access a phone booth to having pocket-size devices. But with all these developments has our mannerism gotten better. Are we taking advantage of the shrunk phone to do meaningful activities?
How have you gained from carrying around a shrunk-down phone booth in your pockets?
Read more of his articles here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertyawe/recent-activity/posts/
Connect with the host: https://twitter.com/coachyawe.
A school principal has to deal with a very diverse set of interests and all kinds of demands. Their ability to deal with all these is something to envy and if some of our corporates had the same level of skill available to them they would have easily waded through some of the crises that have either crippled some or destroyed others.
This audio article looks at school principals and why we might just be overlooking a group of people with brilliant managerial skills.
Read more of his articles here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertyawe/recent-activity/posts/
Connect with the host: https://twitter.com/coachyawe.
A number of factors in our childhood lives have influenced how we live in our adult lives. In materialistic things, we have advanced past what we had and used. For some, they have just maintained what they had. There are others who unfortunately fell behind. This is somewhat a measure of growth. The world keeps changing and so should you.
Therefore ask yourself this: what in your life is still anchored with that of your parents? Are you still using similar appliances that were in your parent's house or have you advanced?
Read more of his articles here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertyawe/recent-activity/posts/
Connect with the host: https://twitter.com/coachyawe.
Fathers should provide in numerous ways and not only financially. Bringing home the bacon is about remaining present and relative in your family's lives and not just being the wallet. Listen to this second edition of latest Yawe's audio article which looks at the purpose of the man in the family.
Read more of his articles here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertyawe/recent-activity/posts/
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe.
Did you know that the main reason you are sharing a bed with your spouse is because of the taxman? Find out how this all came along in this first edition of this miniseries of Articles written by Robert Yawe.
Read more of his articles here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertyawe/recent-activity/posts/
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe.
NOMOPHOBIA is a psychological condition where people have a fear of being detached from their mobile phones. In this day and age, most of us depend on our devices for information and connection but have we taken it far.
You are in a meeting but you are constantly checking your phone, you are driving and checking your messages once you hear that ding notification.
In this episode, Yawe gives his opinion on best phone practices and takes us back to his experiences during the landline days and why we ought to be doing better.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
At times there is a misstep in our planning processes. We have succeeded in the execution of mobile money transfers. But what of the logistics in instances where delivery of goods is required. Are our roads of good quality or do we have enough vehicles? This is a misstep. It is building the house starting with the roof.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
This episode just like the previous one will be a recap of an event. The event was The Africa SaccoTech Forum organized by CIO East Africa. We engaged in a panel discussion on the topic of Saccos vs Banks. With this, we looked at whether Saccos are winning thanks to technology.
Panelist
James Kagotho - Country Manager Periculum.io
Winnie Sergon - Head of ICT Boresha Sacco.
Gerrard Kosgei- Netcompany-Intrasoft
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
This episode is a slightly different one. This features a live discussion I had with a panel at the 7th annual Cloud & Security Summit. We looked at what the future looks like for cloud solutions.
Panelist
Amritpal Singh - Service Business Manager Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Bernard Kotonya - Formerly Manager Data Centre & Network, SBM Bank Kenya.
Phares Kariuki - Pure Infrastructure.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
Most times when systems are working just fine we sometimes do not have regular checkups or look into improving the systems. They say if it is not broken don't fix it.
Well, complacency comes with repercussions. The worst part is we realize that we are in trouble a late. In this 16th episode, Yawe goes back to when google destabilized him and how late he came to this realization.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
This episode is slightly different. It starts with a trip back to when I started my career in ICT. With 30 years of experience, I look at how we approach technology now in areas like the banking sector and reflect back to the initial days and see what progress has been made. Most importantly what more can be done?
The journey most definitely continues and in years to come, we will look back and assess what more was done to build on the structure that we have presently.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
Since we are just a few months away from a general election let us look at our political systems and the efforts made toward implementing technological processes in governance. Undoubtedly little has been done and deliberate or not the fact remains that we can do more. So is it a lack of willingness, lack of infrastructure, or both?
Well, listen to this 14th episode and find out why Yawe believes there is more that we can do, how we can do it, and why we need to do it.
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host:https://twitter.com/coachyawe
At times we find ourselves meddling with fully automated systems. Call it itchy fingers or we are just used to doing some things manually hence it is hard to accept that systems can work perfectly without our manual input. Automated comes from the Greek word automatos, meaning “acting of oneself.
So the next time you meddle with digital data ask your self are you allowing the system to act by itself as it is supposed to?
Produced By Aqute Media.
There are a number of reasons for techies to ascend the corporate ladder. It might be time to step in into managerial positions while others take up the positions to help other employees or departments with tasks and projects.
This episode covers a situation where the organization does not seem to come up with any other way to reward the techies other than a pay grade through the ascension of an employee to higher ranks. Also, the common concern by individuals of how long is too long to stay in one position in a company is also a factor to consider.
Yes, employee promotion comes with an increase in salary, responsibilities, benefits, a better parking spot, you name it. This is good but the questions that this episode seeks to answer is:
- Can all these upgrades or benefits still be implemented without adulterating the core function of a techie?
- Also, is it time to restructure some departments as some functions are provisional?
Production is done by Aqute Media.
Connect with the host: https://twitter.com/coachyawe
The guards at the entrances of almost all our buildings in the major towns heightened their searches after terrorist attacks. So much attention is put on what is coming into the building and forgetting about what might be taken out. It is commendable but the nuts need to be tightened further.
The same situation is seen in our organization's effort to protect data. Listen to this episode and get to know where to keep your focus and how a false sense of security is detrimental to your organization.
Production - Aqute Media.
In organizations, which department holds the crown jewels. This first episode of Yawe's Hard Talk questions the role of ICT in an organization.