Anne Muhia walked away from a cushy CFO post at the height of COVID, opened a neighbourhood butcher shop, and—armed with TikTok and a handful of automation tools—turned chaos into community. Tap any timestamp to jump straight to the insight you need:
00:00 Intro – Why “Unprepared” Wins
01:12 Quitting the CFO Desk
04:25 Startup Heartbreak (3-year sales cycle, 4 M KES price tag)
07:45 Distribution-App Success (Unga Farmcare, Karirana Tea)
11:05 COVID Pivot → Butcher Shop (startup costs & first-week sales)
14:30 Automation Trio (Wave, Zapier & WhatsApp API = 15 hrs saved/wk)
18:00 TikTok → 70 % of Sales funnel
21:30 Early-Intervention Mindset (six therapy sessions/week → business lesson)
24:45 Peer Mentorship Framework (5-person “board” in 24 hrs)
What you’ll learn
Pivot Math: the real costs and break-even timeline behind Anne’s “spreadsheets ➜ steaks” leap
Automation Hacks: tools that slash admin time by 40 %—links in the show notes
Mentorship Made Easy: a peer-group template you can copy this afternoon
Early-Action Advantage: Why moving before you’re “ready” beats waiting for perfect plans
🎧 Follow & rate to help us empower 10,000 African businesses—one unprepared step at a time.
#AfricanEntrepreneurship #InnovationAfrica #BusinessGrowth #CommunityBuilding
Episode Description:
Adelle Onyango doesn’t just tell stories, she disrupts systems. In this powerful episode, she shares how grief, rage, and radical softness shaped her departure from mainstream radio and her journey into building pan-African platforms.
Expect hard truths on tokenism, gender politics, content as currency, and what it means to create from scars, not for claps.
🎙️ Highlights:
Why she left radio despite “success”
How rage and rest coexist in healing work
What African storytelling needs now
🔊 Listen now and join the movement to reclaim our narratives, together.
🎧 Subscribe, Rate & Review on your favorite platform🔗 www.conversationsandplugs.africa📲 Follow us: @ConversationsAndPlugs
One year ago, we hit record — not fully ready, but fully willing.
In this special reflection episode, your hosts Wangu Joy and Clifford Kinyua look back at the stories, guests, and raw moments that shaped Season 2 of Conversations and Plugs.
✨ We talk:
Why small beginnings matter
The guests who changed our mindset — from BBM cake hustles to billion-shilling dreams
What it means to lead with authenticity
How podcasting forced us to grow
Africa’s rising wave of fearless entrepreneurs
🎙️ Featuring reflections on:Mackinlay Mutsembi, Brendah Mwirichia, Esmeralda De-Souza-Obwaka, Maria Nkumba, Zainab Nasser, Dr. Zena Onsongo, Dan Aceda, Moses Kemibaro, and Lynn Ngugi.
This one’s for anyone navigating the messy middle, daring to build, and learning as they go.
💡 What we’ve learned?
You’re not behind. You’re just building.
#ConversationsAndPlugs #Season2Reflections #AfricanEntrepreneurs #PodcastingJourney #BuildAnyway
She didn’t wait for permission from anyone
Full Episode Description:In this powerful episode of Conversations & Plugs, we sit down with media disruptor and digital storyteller Lynn Ngugi. She shares the raw truth of going unpaid for two years, quitting mainstream media, and still showing up to tell the stories that matter.
🎙️ If you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or visionary building without a blueprint — this is your permission slip to keep going.
In this episode:
Why Lynn left traditional media
How she built LNN from scratch
Surviving 2 years without a salary
Staying authentic under pressure
Reclaiming African narratives in the digital age
🎧 Stream now & follow @conversationsandplugs
💬 Favourite quote from the episode: “You don’t need permission to be powerful.”
💡 If this moved you, it will help.
📩 Contact: podcast@conversationsandplugs.com
In this episode of Conversations & Plugs, we chat with Dan Aceda—activist, musician, architect, and founder of Semabox. We discuss how activism and business intersect and how his passion for social change influences his entrepreneurial journey. Dan also shares his thoughts on the future of African podcasting, the importance of IP protection for creatives, and the infrastructure needed to nurture Africa’s creative economy.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Dan Aceda’s journey
04:30 - How activism influences business
12:15 - The future of podcasting in Africa
20:45 - Building Africa’s creative economy
29:00 - Why IP protection is key for creatives
🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated with more empowering stories from African entrepreneurs and innovators.
💬 Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on activism in business!
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how activism is shaping African businesses today!
🔔 Follow us for more empowering stories from African entrepreneurs and innovators
Join Moses Kemibaro, founder of Dot Savvy and renowned digital strategist, in this compelling episode as he unveils the keys to mastering content creation and digital innovation for African businesses. Moses dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey, practical strategies to amplify your brand's visibility, and how to successfully pivot amid technological shifts like social media and AI.
Gain actionable insights, learn how to become your own media house, and discover the power of authentic storytelling to elevate your business.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Episode Introduction
[03:15] Moses’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings
[14:42] Building Brands through Content Creation
[27:20] From Traditional Media to Digital Innovation
[39:30] Navigating Digital Challenges and Opportunities
[51:10] AI: The Next Frontier for African Businesses
[58:45] Closing Advice and Key Takeaways
Follow us and join the conversation:
Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads: @conversationsandplugs
X (Twitter): @convosandplugs
Connect with Moses Kemibaro:
🌐 moseskemibaro.com
🌐 dotsavvyafrica.com
🔗 LinkedIn Profile
📧 Pure Digital Passion Newsletter
Subscribe, rate, and share to support and connect African entrepreneurs!
In this episode, we sit down with Brendah Mwirichia, the visionary Founder and CEO of Peak & Dale Group, one of Africa's leading independent tech marketing agencies.
In this insightful conversation, Brendah shares her journey from a tech enthusiast to a pioneering entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of leveraging local talent and crafting solutions tailored for African markets. We delve into:
This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable advice, and deep insights into African entrepreneurship, innovation, and community building.
Join us as we illuminate the journeys of African businesses, highlight opportunities for growth, and foster connections across the continent, ultimately contributing to a globally recognized, interconnected African economy.
Connect with Us:
Connect with Brendah and Peak & Dale Group:
#ConversationsAndPlugs #BrendahMwirichia #PeakAndDale #AfricanEntrepreneurship #LocalSolutions #WomenInTech #AfricanBusiness #BusinessGrowth #TechMarketing #AfricanInnovation
In this episode of Conversations & Plugs, we sit down with Dr Zena Onsongo, one of the three visionary doctors behind Sante Reva, the others are Dr Wambui and Dr Sally, to explore how they’re pioneering a preventive healthcare model in Kenya. Learn why they believe in shifting from reactionary medicine to proactive wellness and how this approach can transform communities, cut long-term costs, and spark innovation in Africa’s healthcare ecosystem.
Tune in to discover:
Follow us for more empowering African business stories.
Conversations & Plugs
0:00 – Intro & Welcome:
The hosts kick off the episode with greetings and a subscription reminder.
1:00 – The Healthcare Spending Gap:
An overview of the challenges with current curative-focused spending in Africa.
4:00 – Introducing Sante Reva:
The founding team—Dr. Z, Dr. Wambui, and Dr. Sally—shares their vision and journey.
7:00 – Personal Stories & Insights:
Founders explain the personal experiences that led them to champion preventive care.
14:00 – Shifting to Preventive Care:
In-depth discussion on why proactive, data-driven preventive care is essential for a healthier future.
20:00 – Impact and Future Outlook:
Final reflections on the benefits of preventive care, measurable outcomes, and a call for community action.
How does African storytelling and community-driven play shape our future leaders? In this Conversations & Plugs episode, we chat with Zainab Nasser, founder of Play Academy, about why early childhood development might be Africa’s best-kept secret for sparking innovation. From debunking myths about “kids just being kids” to showing how caregivers can champion local narratives, Zainab reveals how play can transform a child’s worldview and fuel the entire continent’s next wave of entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Tune in to discover how parents, educators, entrepreneurs, and communities can unite to uplift the next generation—building a globally recognized, interconnected African economy one sandbox at a time. Whether you’re a caregiver or a business leader, this conversation offers actionable insights on the power of representation, the importance of inclusive support systems, and the balance between passion and practicality.
00:00 – Intro & the Miracle of Early Childhood 00:20 – Meet Zayne & Her Journey to Play Academy 05:44 – Adults Need Play Too: Rediscovering Creativity 10:15 – Local Storytelling: African Narratives in Kids’ Books 17:40 – Empowering Caregivers, Empowering Communities 24:40 – You Can’t Eat Passion, But You Need It: Balancing Purpose & Profit 31:12 – Q&A: How Do We Scale Community Hubs? 40:20 – Zainab’s Vision: Shaping Africa’s Future Through Early Learning 50:30 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts on Building a Child-Centric Africa Subscribe for more authentic African business stories and join our mission to empower 10,000 African ventures by 2030.
Share this episode if you believe in the power of play to transform Africa’s future.
Connect with us on social media @conversationsandplugs
Write us at podcast@conversationsandplugs.com
In this episode of Conversations and Plugs, Maria Nkumba shares her journey of resilience, purpose, and growth. From her humble beginnings to breaking barriers, Maria opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the passions that drive her.
If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a story that resonates, this conversation is for you.!
Episode Highlights & Timestamps:
Close your eyes and picture a vibrant Kenyan buffet: fresh chapatis, fragrant pilau, and artfully arranged desserts, each dish telling a story. Now meet the storyteller, Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka, the force behind Spez, a business born from a single home kitchen experiment and grown into a culinary brand delivering magic to corporate boardrooms and beyond.
In this episode, we uncover how Esmeralda learned the art of building a dream team through competence and character, why focusing on profit over vanity metrics changed her game, and how a pandemic pause helped her return stronger, wiser, and ready to conquer new frontiers.
Whether you’re hungry for entrepreneurial insights, curious about scaling a niche food business, or just love hearing how creativity and resilience come together, this conversation invites you into the heart of what makes food experiences truly unforgettable.
Tune in for a blend of inspiration, hard-earned lessons, and the gentle rustle of chapatis being rolled out in the background (at least, in your imagination).
IG: https://www.instagram.com/spezcatering?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Website: https://spez.co.ke/
00:00 – Meet the Founder
A brief introduction to Esmeralda and how the host first got to know her journey.
02:20 – Early Experiments in the Kitchen
From baking cakes at home to discovering the first hints of a bigger culinary vision.
05:00 – The First Big Catering Challenge
An unexpected opportunity pushes Esmeralda beyond cakes and into full-service catering, with her family stepping in to help.
07:10 – Finding the Right Name and Niche
How “Customized Catering Services” evolved into “Spez,” and the importance of focusing on a specific type of client.
10:00 – People and Principles: Competence, Consistency, Character
Esmeralda’s hard-won lessons on building a team that can uphold her standards and vision.
11:30 – More Than Just Revenue
Realizing that profit matters more than big logos on the client list, and learning to track the numbers that really count.
14:00 – Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Turning ordinary catering into experiences that clients actually look forward to—on-time service, beautiful presentations, and memorable food setups.
19:30 – Setting a Vision, Finding a Mission
The role of continuous learning, reading, and mentorship in refining the company’s direction and identity.
21:30 – Beyond Events: Cafeterias and Daily Dining
Offering consistent value through corporate cafeterias, thematic food days, and imaginative menus.
24:00 – Crafting a Supply Chain Strategy
Working with seasonal ingredients, small-scale farmers, and trusted suppliers to keep quality and creativity high.
27:30 – Governance, Advisors, and Scaling the Business
Putting structures in place, seeking out mentors, and preparing the company to thrive—no matter who’s at the helm.
30:00 – The COVID Reset
How the pandemic forced a pause, leading to tough decisions, a leaner team, and a more focused plan for the future.
33:00 – Returning with Purpose and High Standards
Esmeralda’s comeback to Kenya and the “no-nonsense” approach to hiring and improving operations.
35:00 – Decoupling Identity from the Business
Realizing that Spez can and should exist beyond its founder, setting the stage for a lasting legacy.
39:00 – Expanding the Horizon
Dreams of taking Spez beyond Kenya, delivering intimate and creative food experiences across Africa.
44:00 – Key Takeaways and Entrepreneurial Wisdom
Reflecting on trust, competence, profit, and resilience—lessons any founder can learn from.
50:00 – Closing Thoughts
Parting reflections, gratitude, and an invitation to keep exploring how good food, strong values, and thoughtful leadership build lasting success.
In our premiere episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Brendah Mwirichia, the CEO of Peak & Dale Group, one of Africa's leading independent tech marketing agencies.
Brendah shares her remarkable journey from being a tech enthusiast to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur. We delve into:
This episode is packed with actionable advice, deep insights, and inspiration for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone passionate about Africa's economic empowerment and innovation.
Tune in to learn how local solutions and authentic storytelling are transforming the African business landscape.
Connect with Us:
Connect with Brendah and Peak & Dale Group:
#ConversationsAndPlugs #BrendahMwirichia #PeakAndDale #AfricanEntrepreneurship #LocalSolutions #WomenInTech #BusinessGrowth #TechMarketing #AfricanInnovation
In this special episode of Conversations & Plugs, hosts Cliff and Wangu sit down to reflect on the powerful lessons and themes from our first season. Join us as we dive deep into discussions about how purpose fuels resilience, drawing inspiration from guests like Kevin Mutiso, who emphasized anchoring your entrepreneurial journey with a clear vision.
Discover the importance of community as your safety net and growth catalyst, and hear stories about how sharing challenges led to unexpected solutions. Embrace the idea that failure is part of the journey, not the end, with personal insights from guests like Martin and Ted Josiah, who turned setbacks into comebacks.
We also explore the necessity of adaptability to stay relevant in changing times, highlighting entrepreneurs like Wanjiru and Peter, who successfully pivoted their businesses during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Delve into how upbringing and heritage influence building legacies, and why participating in policy and leadership is crucial for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Africa.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your journey.
Tune in to be part of this enlightening conversation and join the movement to redefine African entrepreneurship.
Connect with Us:
In this episode of Conversations & Plugs, we sit down with Peter Nduati, a serial entrepreneur who has built nine businesses across five sectors. From overcoming the challenges of four political regimes to navigating the devastating impacts of COVID, Peter’s story is one of resilience, pivoting, and purpose.
We dive into his philosophy on building politically agnostic businesses, finding purpose beyond profits, and why entrepreneurship is not just a career, it’s a calling.
Tune in for invaluable insights on leadership, business strategy, and how to build a legacy that lasts. Peter Nduati shares his wisdom on how to not only survive but thrive in a volatile African business landscape.
Follow and subscribe for more inspiring entrepreneurial stories!
https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationsandPlugs
Hashtags: #Entrepreneurship #PeterNduati #BusinessLeadership #Resilience #BusinessStrategy #PurposeDriven #AfricanBusiness #Pivoting #SerialEntrepreneur #BusinessPodcast #InspiringLeaders #LeadershipLessons #BusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurLife
Ever wondered how a deep love for music can transform into a groundbreaking business that reshapes an entire industry? Meet Mackinlay Mutsembi, the mastermind behind the Nairobi Horns Project, as he takes us on a journey from the vibrant streets of Mombasa to the global stage. On this episode of Conversations & Plugs, Mackinlay opens up about the passion, grit, and innovation that turned his musical dream into a thriving brand.
Discover how he blended creativity with entrepreneurship, building a brand that not only elevates his own career but also paves the way for the next generation of African musicians. This episode isn't just about the notes and rhythms; it's about the vision to see beyond the music, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the courage to redefine an industry.
Whether you're chasing your own artistic ambitions or steering a business toward success, Mackinlay's journey offers a powerful dose of inspiration.
Tune in to hear how Mackinlay is redefining the business of music:
#MusicBusiness #MackinlaysMutsembi #AfricanEntrepreneurship #CreativeInnovation #NairobiHornsProject #ConvosNPlugs #CNPConnects
In this deeply moving episode of "Conversations and Plugs," we sit down with Ted Josiah, a trailblazer in Kenya's music scene and the creative force behind the brand JokaJok. Ted shares his profound journey of turning pain into purpose, revealing how he navigated the immense challenges of loss, single parenthood, and starting over. This isn’t just a story of entrepreneurship; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Ted’s insights on life, love, and legacy will inspire you to find strength in your struggles and create beauty from adversity. Listen in to experience the heart and soul behind one of Africa's most inspiring creatives.
#ConvosnPlugs #CNPConnects #TedJosiahSpeaks
Dive into an enlightening conversation with Wanjiru Mambo, a visionary driving change in Africa’s agricultural sector. In this episode of “Conversations and Plugs,” Wanjiru discusses her groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, aiming to make Africa self-sufficient in food production. Discover how innovative farming techniques and local empowerment are key to transforming the continent’s food systems.
Listen in as Wanjiru shares her passionate journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of fostering economic growth and community resilience through agriculture. This episode isn’t just about food, it’s about shaping the future of an entire continent.
Tune in now to get inspired and learn how you too can contribute to a sustainable and prosperous African future.
Join us in this profound episode of “Conversations and Plugs” as we sit down with Martin Kiarie, a trailblazer in Africa’s digital landscape. Martin shares his unique insights into the entrepreneurship journey, from personal tribulations to professional triumphs, and addresses the often-overlooked challenges of being placed on a societal pedestal.
Key Highlights:
Journey Through Adversity: Explore how Martin’s personal experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.
The Entrepreneurial Pedestal: Martin discusses the cultural misconceptions and pressures faced by entrepreneurs, urging a reevaluation of what it truly means to innovate and lead.
Impact Beyond Business: Discover how Martin’s work is making a meaningful difference in the African business ecosystem.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the entrepreneurial facade and find inspiration in Martin’s resilience and strategic vision.
Listen, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts on this episode in the comments!
Reach us at: podcast@vonversationsandplugs.com
Website: https://conversationsandplugs.com/
#ConversationsAndPlugs #CNPConnects#BusinessInsights #AfricanEntrepreneurs
Dive into the compelling world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Kevin Mutiso on this episode of "Conversations and Plugs." Kevin, a pioneer in digital lending, discusses how he has integrated his passion for societal improvement into a successful business model. This episode, titled "The Power of Purpose," offers invaluable insights into the synergy between entrepreneurial drive and societal impact.
What You’ll Discover:
Join us for an enlightening conversation that illuminates the transformative power of aligning business goals with a deeper mission. Kevin’s journey is not just inspiring—it's a roadmap for anyone eager to make a tangible impact through their work.
Tune in now on Spotify to explore how you can harness the power of purpose in your entrepreneurial pursuits. Don’t forget to follow us for more episodes that connect, inspire, and educate.
#ConvosNPlugs #CNPConnects #KevinSpeaks #Entrepreneurship#TheFutureIsHere
Dive into the real, relatable journey of Wandia Gichuru, the powerhouse behind Vivo Fashion Group, on this episode of ‘Conversations and Plugs’. From the initial spark of an idea to building a brand that champions African women, Wandia shares her personal and professional ups and downs. Discover her unique approach to blending passion with fashion, and how she’s making a tangible impact on the continent. Tune in to feel inspired by Wandia’s dedication to growth and empowerment perfect for anyone looking to ignite their own entrepreneurial spirit. Hit subscribe and join our community for more stories that move and motivate!”