“We didn’t set out to build something that would be acquired. The plan was just to build what we need. Looking back now, it makes sense, but when we were working on it back then, it was just the regular day. We were just building a product. Like, what can we do to make this better usable for other people”
Rufus Oyemade is a software engineer, content creator, and the co-founder of Disha, a platform that helped creators build digital pages with ease. In 2021, Disha was acquired by Flutterwave, marking a huge milestone in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. But what happened after the acquisition tells a deeper story.
In this episode, Rufus shares the often unseen journey of life after a startup exit: the identity shifts, creative rebirth, and the lessons learned when the metrics no longer matter. From building startups to creating soul-led content, he reflects on legacy, the power of iteration, and why doing less, but doing it well, might be the most important success metric.
If you’ve ever chased big dreams, faced burnout, or wondered what’s next after a “win,” this conversation is for you.
Enjoy 🙂
(00:00) Intro
(02:53) For the Love of Travel
(04:36) Brand Storytelling & Cregital
(05:34) Stepping into Content Creation
(13:32) Creating Beyond Metrics
(15:35) Software Engineering Origins
(17:42) Impact of Environment on Creativity
(21:07) The Story of Disha
(25:35) Being Flexible Enough for Change
(28:49) Storytelling for Influence & Growth
(29:50) Moving from Nigeria to the UK
(35:50) Advice on Relocation
(39:03) Start-up Life Vs Creative Life
(42:11) How GospelLyrics Started
(48:42) Advice on Turning Passion to Profit
(51:10) Figuring Out Purpose & Its Core
(54:10) Thoughts on AI & Its World Impact
(59:35) The Curse & Blessings of Being Creative
(01:03:26) Quick-Fire Questions
(01:05:37) Long-form or Short-form Content
(01:12:24) Common Mistakes Creators Make
(01:17:02) Figuring Life Out & Next Steps
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🔗 CONNECT WITH RUFUS
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💻 Website
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🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
Figuring Life Out Podcast explores life's endless possibilities, delving into topics like growing mindsets, building better habits, and navigating the complexities of existence. Through playful yet probing dialogue with founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders, Dim brings you insights that inspire, motivate, and ultimately help you on your journey to figuring life out.
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