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Podcast Topic: Entrepreneurship

Chinwe sits down with Nigerian HR executive and leadership advisor Yemi Faseun to explore what risk really means in the context of careers, leadership and personal growth. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience across banking, consulting, telecommunications and entrepreneurship, Yemi shares why he repeatedly left prestigious organisations for unknown opportunities, why he believes "life itself is a risk," and how embracing change has shaped his journey. The conversation moves beyond traditional ideas of risk to examine readiness, change and the future of work. From managing your career like a business and recognising the signals of change before they become crises, to building talent, developing leaders and navigating multi-generational workplaces, Yemi offers practical wisdom for professionals, founders and leaders alike. If you've ever wondered whether to stay where you're comfortable or step into something new, this episode provides a thoughtful framework for taking risks with purpose, preparation and faith. ***** He refers to three books during the interview: First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr Spencer Johnson Our Iceberg Is Melting by by John Kotter and Holger Rathberger The quote "His love, in time past, Forbids me to think. He'll leave me at last. In trouble to sink." comes from the classic Christian hymn Begone, unbelief

In this episode, Chinwe Okpala sits down with Nissi Ekpott for a rich, thought-provoking conversation on how culture shapes the perception of risk across different African contexts. From navigating cross-border business deals in the early 2000s (often involving literal bags of cash) to building purpose-driven enterprises in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, Nissi shares firsthand stories that bring the reality of risk into sharp focus. But beyond the stories, they also explore the real, on-the-ground risks entrepreneurs face in West Africa – from currency volatility to human capital challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about doing business in Africa, this episode will deepen your understanding of how risk is perceived, navigated, and lived across the continent.

In this episode, Ashton Fourie and Andrew Jansen unpack the tension between risk and reward – and why what often looks like “luck” is, in fact, the intersection of preparation and opportunity. The conversation also dives into the practical side of risk management. Andrew outlines the importance of disciplined planning and the foundational elements that underpin resilient businesses – strong systems, clear processes, the right people, and a shared philosophy. These are the often unseen structures that make it possible to take bold decisions with confidence. At its core, this episode reframes risk as something that can be prepared for long before the moment of decision. It’s about building the integrity and clarity needed to recognise opportunity – and to step into it with wisdom.

Ashton Fourie is joined by social entrepreneur and business leader Shawn Theunissen to explore how risk is shaped by perceptions – long before any decisions are made. Drawing on Shawn’s journey from a gang-ridden township in Johannesburg to leading enterprise development initiatives across South Africa, the conversation unpacks how bias and background influence who is seen as “risky” – and who is not. Shawn then explains how using his Three R’s framework (Risk, Reputation and Relationship) has tangibly reshaped risk profiles, unlocked market access, and enabled measurable growth for the entrepreneurs he has worked with. This compelling episode challenges faith-driven investors and decision-makers to reconsider how they assess risk, to examine their own biases, and to intentionally use their influence to unlock opportunities for others to create long-term value.

In this episode of Ziwani’s RISK series, host Doreen Zaki interviews Elizabeth Ntege, CEO of NFT Consult – a highly regarded HR firm that has grown over the past 20 years to offer specialist recruitment and skills training services across 12 African countries. Elizabeth shares how NFT’s journey has been shaped by taking meaningful risks, from moving across industries to expanding into new markets. How do you build a business rooted in integrity when corruption is widespread? How do you scale operations sustainably across borders while safeguarding culture and values? And how do you turn risk into resilience, ensuring not just jobs, but livelihoods across the continent?   Tune in for practical lessons and fresh inspiration on how wise risk-taking can grow not just a business, but a legacy of sustainable impact.

In this episode of Ziwani’s RISK series, host Doreen Zaki interviews entrepreneur Joram Mwinamo, founder of SNDBX – which since 2007 has successfully expanded from Kenya to the US, the UK, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Joram shares unique insights into scaling up from Africa to the rest of the world. How do you identify the right customer? How do you navigate cultural differences? How do you resist corruption when this causes you to lose out on big deals? How do you build systems that enable rapid responses to new opportunities ánd protect long-term growth? Tune in to hear Joram’s practical lessons on building a business that scales with integrity, resilience, and Kingdom-minded purpose. Let his experience inspire you to rethink risk, embrace bold ideas, and finally take your business beyond borders.

In this third episode of Ziwani’s RISK series, Kerryne Krause and Lerato Thekiso reflect on the importance of prudently counting the cost of risk as business leaders. From taking that first step as an entrepreneur to confronting corruption – they agree that good intentions must be matched with wisdom, governance and grit.   As an example, Kerryne shares a sobering story of a well-intentioned but hasty decision to comply with new legislation – one that cost her company millions and nearly shut it down. So whether you're navigating regulatory complexity, ethical grey areas, or high-pressure leadership moments, this episode will challenge you to see risk not as something to avoid, but as something to ReFrame – through courage and a Kingdom lens.

Why would you leave the promise of career success and return to the slums you came from – on purpose? In this second episode of Ziwani’s new RISK series, Kerryne Krause interviews Emmanuel Trinity, a remarkable Ugandan entrepreneur who went from unwilling gang member to leading a thriving group of social enterprises that have created over 3,000 jobs for youth in some of the toughest communities in Kampala.  He shares the counter-intuitive decisions that have defined his journey so far – like quitting a dream job at Coca-Cola to return to the slums, shifting from primarily US and UK outsourcing clients to focusing on African markets, and launching a microfinance bank to help break the cycle of poverty. Be inspired by his story of radical faith, redemptive entrepreneurship, and the courage to ReFrame risk through a Kingdom lens.

In this first episode of Ziwani’s new RISK series, Kerryne Krause and Rorisang Tshabalala dive into the high-stakes world of business decision-making. A blend of personal reflection, leadership principles, and business strategy – their candid conversation offers fresh insights on how to navigate those life-changing moments when opportunity, fear, risk and ambition collide. As they unpack the rewarding yet often uncomfortable journey of playing to win when the outcome is uncertain, find out how to: (1) Identify the right risks worth taking (2) Shift from fear-based to opportunity-based leadership (3) Take Gospel-inspired action that leads to the breakthroughs you’ve been waiting for. Tune in, and let’s explore what it means to ReFrame RISK through a Kingdom lens.

Medical technology innovator Dineo Lioma joins host Jonathan Wilson in Episode 6 of the Big Change series. They consider different approaches to solving the systemic issue of enabling equal access to quality healthcare, in a country where millions of people have extremely limited options. Their thought-provoking discussion ranges far and wide – from building a start-up, to the historical fight against the slave trade, to South Africa's proposed NHI.

Sylvia Kithinji, a legal professional and head of corporate and commercial law at Ashitiva Associates in Kenya, shares her insights on empowering women in the African marketplace. She highlights the need for consciousness and awareness of the unique barriers women face, such as systemic corruption, stereotypes, and biased career choices.

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