We are all indeed multi-faced people. Isn’t it strange that sometimes we spend a lifetime defining ourself and people as this and that – when in actual fact we are all capable of so much more than just this and thats. Loved talking to Bongani who has so many passions and is what I call the creative visionary. His writings are pieces of art. Yet when he enters the domains of the wide web and technology sphere – he can be a beast tech junkie. It is true – we can be all the things we wish to be without ever feeling like we have to lose the other.

Meet Bongani Ncube, not that one , the Bongani cube , because there are many

This talk on how the startup Awesomity in Rwanda is equipping their future young programmers melted my heart! Pure Passion, Determination coupled with a country doing everything to ensure its youth are winning – Rwanda definitely takes a nomination as one model nation. Talking with Co-Founder Yves Honore ( Lead UX & UI Designer ) was honestly an honor – Loved hearing and sharing this story. In the full talk you will also learn of three things that will ensure you are on your way to success as a startup. Meet Awesome plus Creativity = Awesomity.  This talk was first featured on Engineering Pioneers which features stories of STEM entrepreneurs or pioneers engaged in the STEM field.

What is #Rwanda known for ? The last week we had a sneak peak into how this country is developing into the model African Country when it comes to cultivating a good foundation for its young people to succeed in engaging in partaking in the economic landscape with high focus on Processes and policies that empower Technology companies to succeed — particularly startups formed by young people. Find out more later on regarding some insights on Rwanda and its young people.

Below 3 things that are making Rwanda a hub for tech startups by young people:

• Starting a company spares you bureaucracy. Check out how to start a business in rwanda here and here
• A mindset shift for youth through programs like He He that equip students to learn and solve problems by being relevant — an African silicon Valley is being built right now in Rwanda.
• Eco system conditions that support young people to be creative and positioned ( e.g when it comes to getting funding, paying taxes and their first choice as partners to do business with )- find out more on this from our podcast edition with Awesomity Co-Founder Yves.

By the way as Bonus : Rwanda — Kigali is one the most cleanest City ever on the African soil !!!

See more on Rwanda on this lovely blog post from Elizabeth.

Meet Takudzwa Enthusia – His major goal is to help people plan their financial future for generations to come

He became a professional Networker, An International Consultant and his biggest statement to date is

“It has been said that the greatest sources of illness in the world is an empty wallet! If you want to decrease number of people suffering just give them a chance to earn an honest living!”

He is an example of what it takes beyond formal education to grow and continue learning.

I absolutely loved talking with Obakeng and am honoured to have had the privilege to tell his story. From learning about his name to discovering how he has shaped his life - rising from poverty through fighting his way through the systems and questioning.

He walked me through his self actualisation journey as a professional and revealed his powerful journey as he got diaognised with stage III colon cancer - absolutely loved his story! We spoke about purpose and how he found his place in a world that challenged his very existence.

We spoke about being born as humans that need to drive our own learning journey. What we do about that is truly in our hands - listen to his journey and learning journey - particularly a journey to learning about who he is as Obakeng.

By the way he is the first person I know who dropped out of creche ( kindergarten ) and made it :) -> he paved his way early on after an experience he had at kindergarten which led him to build a habit to thrive.

From navigating the fields at a young age with clear vision, to driving hard work and widening perspective through international experience, Vuyo lets us in on his current expat experience as a black South African living and working in Germany at the pinnacle of action.

We also spoke about his venture vestdinterest which works with SMEs to advice and counsel and assists them on how to get capital. Hope you enjoy the session.

I am Clare Rudo , I created this space to share powerful stories by Africa for Africans who are bold in the way they fill up spaces they navigate in and authentic about who they are and what makes them keep going. It is a space to inspire other young Africans across the globe by sharing universal teachings , experiences and showing that we have what it takes and Black is excellence. For so long Africas stories are told by others - tune in to hear more and also engage to share your story.

In this episode I spoke to Blessing Mau Maunze - who is paving his way in the legal ecosystem and putting his bet on hard work and finding balance. I have no doubt that hard work will continue to take him far. We also spoke of reflections of corona - which was interesting to hear Blessings reflections on work life balance. We went into long term visions and then Mau went into his narrative of Zimbabwe and how he feels.

At that point part 2 was birthed - despite the frustration you might feel in this part 1 - in Part 2 we focus on solutions and give insights on how a young person in Zimbabwe can push forward. Particularly right now where there is a lot of disappointment and lost hope given the status of the country. It is something I could not push aside because I could sense the anguish of young people particularly because the conditions in the country are quite harsh to its youth.

Where would you place your bet on ? Hard work or smart work?

Lerato is a multi-faceted artist with extensive experience in Radio presenting, television content producing, scriptwriting as well as acting. With 8 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Lerato has had the pleasure of working with some prestigious media companies locally and internationally.  This all-round creative  graduated with a B.A in Live Performance at ADFA, specialising in Acting and Producing.

Lerato started her career as a Programs manager at Imbokodo FM community radio station. She then went on to become a Radio personailty and copy writer at Gagasis FM and soon after was nominated for best night time radio at the Liberty Radio awards for her show 'The Lift Off' at Vuma FM. she them joined Afternoon Express on SABC3 as a content producer and script writer and then became an account manager at the Expresso show on SABC 3. She loves art, music and film.

From shocking truths to sweet moments find out more on the Diary for young professionals. 

Meet Ben- "I am pharmacist and I specialised in drug design in an International Masters Degree in Drug Design that helped me sharpen my analytical and problem solving skills. I have extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry having worked for Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim and Bayer. I am currently working at Novo Nordisk as a Business Analyst"

I strongly believe , there is no better topic to open up the podcast than with something that encompasses mindset and touches on a part of what drives us - our brains and heart to a very large extent.

Find out as we speak to public health doctorate - Rebekkah Frimpong. We dive into the topic that are reverent to a page in the diary for young professionals.

How do you keep your brain healthy?

**while at it here is a recipe for your podcast snacking- lets power that brain check Cliorlarni.com for all snacking inspiration.