What do Zimbabwe’s weather, a mosquito, and avocados have in common? Strategy. Professor Lonnie Strickland, co-author of Crafting & Executing Strategy, joins Batje Chibafa to unpack what entrepreneurs can learn from nature, Africa, and life itself. Thoughtful, funny, and full of timeless lessons on how to think and live strategically.

In this inaugural episode of "Batje's Take," host Batje Chibafa unpacks her three biggest takeaways from a fascinating conversation with The Startup Coach. If you've ever wondered if you're "cut out" to be an entrepreneur, this solo reflection provides the clarity and actionable insights you need. Batje synthesizes the guest's wisdom into three foundational principles: Entrepreneurship is a Learnable Skill: Moving beyond the myth of the "born entrepreneur," Batje reflects on the guest's own high school startup gig. She expands on the idea that entrepreneurship is like a muscle, strengthening with use, and highlights how this skill is now being taught to young people through programs in schools and organizations like Junior Achievement. Mindset is the Determining Factor: Inspired by the guest's journey, Batje explores how redefining success is the first step. She shares a powerful story of a corporate-leaver who found a new definition of success through health and family, and delves into the critical "growth vs. fixed mindset" framework from Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" as the key to unlocking potential. You Cannot Do It Alone: Echoing the startup coach's experience, Batje breaks down the essential roles of a coach (for specific skills) and a mentor (for broader guidance). She gets candid about her own lessons in trying to do everything herself—from DIY website disasters to recognizing her limitations—and why building a support system is non-negotiable for success. Tune in for a focused recap that will help you pause, process, and apply the most critical insights from a master coach directly to your own career journey. Mentioned in this episode: Carol Dweck's "Mindset," Junior Achievement.

What happens when you stop climbing the corporate ladder — and start building your own? In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, host Batje Chibafa sits down with Dennis Mhangami, The Startup Coach of the Year 2023, to explore what it really means to turn experience, purpose, and resilience into a career built on your own terms. With over 25 years in corporate operations, entrepreneurship, and venture-building across Africa, Dennis shares practical wisdom on moving from employment to entrepreneurship, finding purpose in uncertainty, and redefining success beyond titles and job grades. Whether you’re thinking of starting something new, juggling a side hustle, or reimagining your career after transition — this conversation will remind you that success isn’t just about climbing the ladder... sometimes it’s about building one of your own.

Join us for the exciting launch of Season Four of the HUMHR Career Insights podcast! his is the first ever Live episode. In this episode, host Batje explores the evolving landscape of career success, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. Discover insights on career transitions, the impact of AI, and the rise of entrepreneurship as a respected career path. Tune in for engaging discussions, personal stories, and a sneak peek into the live events planned for this season. Subscribe now and redefine what it means to have a successful career! Introduction and Welcome- 0:00 Season Four Announcement- 1:30 Career Transitions Discussion- 3:00 AI and Future of Work Recap- 5:00 Purpose and Success in Careers- 7:00 Entrepreneurship as a Career Path- 10:00 Personal Career Journey- 12:30 Live Events and Engagement- 15:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action- 17:00  

"How can international civil servants not just survive but thrive amid UN reforms, geopolitical shifts, and workplace transformation? In this timely episode, FICSA President Wadzanai Garwe shares actionable strategies for:• Adapting to digital transformation while preserving human-centric service• Leading teams through institutional change with cultural agility• Using radical self-compassion as an anchor in turbulent times “Essential listening for international civil servants steering change in this critical moment.”

"In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, visionary leader Elizabeth Mhangami (Vanavevhu, Ndisu) reveals:• How nonprofit professionals can adapt to donor shifts + digital transformation• Why youth empowerment = the ultimate future-of-work strategy• The leadership mindset that builds resilient teams across continentsA masterclass in staying relevant while driving social impact. #FutureOfWork"

In this episode, we explore SIMba.AI—a groundbreaking AI platform developed between Kenya and the U.S. that’s translating English into local languages and opening up new job pathways. Co-founders Mark Matunga and Randy Falkner share the vision, challenges, and surprising impact of building locally intelligent AI for Africa.

We sit down with a seasoned executive who has scaled companies to $200M+ across AI, Web3, and healthcare. Discover how she navigates cultural complexities in global teams, identifies emerging market opportunities, and develops resilient leadership strategies for the tech-driven future of work. Essential listening for professionals aiming to thrive in high-growth industries.

As AI reshapes customer service, how can humans stay indispensable? Hannah, a mental fitness coach and CX expert, argues it’s not about competing with bots—but mastering what they can’t: empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Learn how her '5 Pillars Method' prepares teams for the future of work, why most companies get training wrong, and how to turn complaints into loyalty.

AI is revolutionizing the workplace – but how can you harness it to future-proof your career? In this episode, Ahmet Acar (who's helped teams at Google, SAP and Mercedes-Benz transform their workflows) reveals how professionals can strategically use automation to eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on high-value work. Discover practical frameworks to identify what to automate, and why mastering "AI collaboration" will be the career superpower of tomorrow. If you're ready to work smarter (not harder) in the AI era, this conversation is your roadmap

In this episode, we sit down with Mellany Msengezi, an award-winning marketer and tech education leader, to explore how AI and digital skills are shaping the future of work. From career adaptability to the evolving tech landscape, Mellany shares expert insights on staying relevant, upskilling strategically, and thriving in an increasingly digital world.

Take a sneak peek into what we have in store for Season 3 - "The Future of Work - How to survive and thrive" In this mind-bending episode, I sit down with two expert "AI voices "to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, creativity, and the very idea of ‘work’ itself. Will automation unlock human potential—or erase careers as we know them? 

Comfort Mbofana shares his journey in media, shaped by the influence of his father and grandfather, both trailblazing media personalities. From championing integrity to driving innovation, he reflects on his legacy of transforming Zimbabwean media into a serious and sustainable profession.

This episode follows the inspiring career story of a senior ICT leader who discovered his passion early and built a successful humanitarian career through leadership, networking, and innovation. Hear how his first laptop ignited a lifelong love for ICT and his thoughts on AI's transformative power in the workplace.

In this episode, we sit down with a distinguished leader in global health, food security, and humanitarian assistance. Guided by a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, he embodies the principle that "to whom much is given, much is expected." With faith as his foundation and a steadfast commitment to family and friends, he shares insights from his remarkable career dedicated to service and giving back.

In this episode, I sit down with a guest whose journey began in the world of finance and led to a thriving career in politics. We explore how their financial background shaped their political ambitions, the challenges of transitioning between these fields, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with a seasoned Relief and Development professional who dedicated over 40 years to leading emergency responses across the globe. Now retired, he reflects on a lifetime of service in the humanitarian field, sharing the triumphs, challenges, and profound lessons he learned along the way. From navigating complex crises to building resilient teams, his wealth of experience is a treasure trove of insights for both seasoned professionals and those just starting their journey in the humanitarian sector. Tune in for practical tips, timeless wisdom, and a candid look at what it takes to make a lasting impact in the world of humanitarian work.

"Episode 10 Celebration! 🎉 We’ve hit a milestone—10 episodes of the HUMHR Career Insights Podcast! To celebrate, we’re bringing you a bonus episode packed with highlights from our last two inspiring guest interviews. From navigating bold career pivots (lab coats to marketing!) to championing change as a disability activist, these stories have left us with powerful lessons. Tune in as your host shares her top 5 takeaways, offering fresh insights and actionable tips for your own career journey. Don’t miss this special celebratory recap!"  

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with a dynamic development practitioner whose career journey took her from teaching in the classroom to making a profound impact in community development. Now the Programs Director for Wizear Trust, she is a multi-award-winning disability activist, inspirational speaker, and trainer dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities. She shares the personal and professional milestones that led her to this role, how her passion for advocacy grew, and the rewarding challenges of her work in disability rights and development. Listen in to hear how her dedication evolved into a lifelong mission to empower others and make a difference in the world.

In Episode 2 of The Power of Storytelling: Stories That Shape Us, we dive into an inspiring journey of career flexibility and growth. Our guest shares her remarkable transition from data analysis and lab work to a thriving role in Business Development and Marketing. Originally aspiring to be a doctor, she reveals the twists and turns of her career path, the lessons she’s learned, and the choices that shaped her success in an entirely different field. Tune in to hear how she embraced change and found her true calling.