In this episode of OnPeople, we sit with Mayowa Alabi — the self-taught, multidisciplinary visual artist better known as Shutterbug. From photography and painting to animation, design, and fashion, Mayowa’s creative journey is as layered as his art.
He talks about growing up in Lagos, discovering his artistic gift as a child, and building a career that’s taken him from CcHub to BBC, with collaborations spanning Meta, Balmain, Uber, and more. We also discuss the deeper side of creativity, structure versus freedom, the need to constantly evolve, and what it means to build a life where art and purpose align.
From his 10 Days of Shutterbug exhibition in London to his philosophy of being a “vessel for the work,” this episode is a 40+ minute masterclass in curiosity, discipline, and creative growth.
If you’re a creative, dreamer, or builder at heart, Mayowa’s story will remind you that real art is evolution. Tune in!
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On this episode of OnPeople, we do something different, we host two guests for the very first time. Meet Deborah and Elias Awili, a powerhouse couple shaping Africa’s product, fintech, and design spaces.
Deborah is a Product & Operations Lead driving digital banking and payments growth at Moniepoint, while Elias is a Product Design Leader, Educator, and Founding Partner at Cora, mentoring the next wave of creative talent. Together, they share sharp insights on career transitions, leadership, curiosity, seasons of growth, and how they balance ambition with family life.
From how they met in a male-dominated tech space to leading teams that design for impact, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and lessons on love, purpose, and leadership in Africa’s evolving tech scene.
If you’re building a career, leading a team, or figuring out how to thrive in work and life, this one’s for you. Tune in!
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It’s the first episode of a new season. Here we sit with Francis Sani, ecosystem builder, venture strategist, and current Technical Advisor to Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, where he leads the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Initiative.
We discuss Francis's unconventional leadership philosophy, conducting "therapy slash philosophy sessions" that shaped lives, to leading global partnerships at CcHub, Helium Health, and Magic Fund. Francis shares with us how philosophy, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his journey. We explore his reflections on leadership, trust-building, Nigeria’s tech future, and why he believes the country will be the success story of the 21st century.
If you’ve wondered or are wondering, what it takes to build systems that empower people and scale innovation, this conversation will leave you inspired, challenged, and hopeful about Africa’s future of work.
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Season 2 of On People is here! 🎉 After an exciting first season that reached listeners in 26 countries, we’re back with more conversations that matter.
This season, expect candid, unfiltered stories from leaders and changemakers in the creative, public service, and tech spaces people who embody courage, resilience, and authenticity. From their biggest wins to their toughest lessons, our guests are holding nothing back.
Hosted by Toun and Aniema, On People dives deep into the human side of work, culture, and leadership. Buckle up and enjoy the ride — Season 2 starts now! 🚀
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For the season finale, our hosts Toun and Aniema reflect on their learnings on the last 10 episodes. From career journeys to leadership lessons, every episode brought valuable nuggets for professionals and leaders alike.
We are so thankful to all the amazing guests who shared their stories, insights, and experiences, making this season so impactful. A big thank you to all our listeners, for being part of this journey and to the creatives behind this project as well.
Stay tuned, Season 2 is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to bring you even more inspiring stories. Tune in to this final episode and celebrate the wrap-up of an amazing first season!
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For the final guest of Season One, Toun and Aniema sit with Ife Ojobanikan, the Chief of Staff at Wakanow, a leading African travel-tech company. In her role, Ife drives strategic initiatives and operations.
This episode’s conversation goes into her career journey highlighting how it is a testament to determination, adaptability, and growth. She mentions how mentorships and putting herself out there opened doors to new opportunities. However, she firmly believes that while opportunities may come through favor, it's competence that keeps you.
She shares practical advice on how to inspire and guide teams effectively. She also reflects on the evolving workplace culture, offering insights into striking a balance between remote work and interpersonal connections.
If you’re an aspiring professional or a seasoned leader, Ife’s lessons on leadership, resilience, and navigating career challenges are sure to resonate. Tune in to be inspired by her story and learn how to grow both personally and professionally.
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In this episode of OnPeople, hosts Toun and Aniema chat with Dele Balogun, Managing Director of Celebrations, a 35 year old business that offers bespoke gifting services. Dele talks about the dynamics of managing an already existing business as a young leader and the importance of structure and empathy in creating a successful business.
He speaks on how he successfully fulfilled his mission to bring structure to Nigeria's gifting industry and how resilience, discipline, and unwavering quality has kept Celebrations thriving across generations.
This episode is packed with valuable lessons on the importance of respect, a great work culture and delivering excellence. If you're looking to build a legacy or understand what it takes to lead an established company, this episode is the one for you.
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In Episode 8 of OnPeople, Toun and Aniema chat with Elaine Shobanjo, CEO of ShoMya, a successful beauty line offering professional beauty services. Elaine’s journey took a major turn from her beginnings as an Investment Analyst and Advisor in England, to becoming a beauty mogul.
In this episode, Elaine shares key lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, She also shares how skills from her corporate experience transcends into her current career, helping her build a successful business.
She gives tips on how to create a loyal team by understanding their needs right from the hiring stage. Working with different age groups, she talks on how work ethic is more about personality than generational differences.
If you're an entrepreneur or an aspiring business owner, Elaine’s insights on leadership, time management, and building a brand will leave you inspired. Tune in!
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In this episode of OnPeople, hosts Toun and Aniema sit with Dotun Olowoporoko, the Managing Partner at Ventures Platform, a Pan-African venture capital firm. Dotun has previously worked as the Chief Commercial Officer at Moniepoint and as a Principal at Novastar Ventures. He hosts the Building the Future Podcast, on conversations with people who are shaping the African future.
This episode’s conversation explores the unique mindset it takes to be an entrepreneur and how managing this gift becomes crucial for navigating the challenges of leadership.
Dotun also tackles the ongoing challenge of talent acquisition and retention, breaking down the struggle into three key categories. The conversation sheds light on the thought process of investors and the need for entrepreneurs seeking investment to align their business goals with investors' expectations.
Tune in for a fresh take on entrepreneurship, talent, and growth strategies.
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In this episode of OnPeople, hosts Toun and Aniema sit down with Ivie Temitayo Ibitoye, an HR professional with over 10 years of experience in employee retention, experience, development, and management. Ivie currently serves as the Head of Employee Experience at Sahara Group and is the Founder Work in Nigeria and Elite Hunters.
Despite not always knowing what she wanted to pursue, Ivie was clear on what she did not want. This clarity, combined with her resourcefulness, guided her path. Through the episode, Ivie offers practical advice on career growth and development, stressing the value of marketing one's own skills, staying open to new opportunities, maintaining balance and self-care, and listening to your team.
Whether you are navigating your career or leading a team, Ivie's insights will inspire you to take charge of your growth and prioritize what truly matters. Tune in to learn from her journey.
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In this episode of OnPeople, Toun and Aniema chat with Bolaji Shote, an HR expert with over 16 years of experience spanning Technology, Consulting, and Financial Services.
As the Founder and HR Consultant at Ingenuity HR Solutions, Bolaji highlights the importance of staying relevant through constant upskilling and understanding the intricate dynamics of laws, cultures, people, and data that shape HR practices.
The conversation dives into the critical role of HR in stakeholder management, the value of experience over knowledge, and the challenge of bridging generational gaps in the workplace.
Bolaji also shares practical tips on acing interviews, managing toxic employees, and dealing with the complexities of the "Japa Syndrome." If you're passionate about personal growth, professional development, and making an impact, this episode is a must-listen.
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In this episode of OnPeople, hosts Toun and Aniema chat with Bimpe Femi-Oyewo, a passionate advocate for education and mental health in Africa. As the founder of Edward Consulting and co-founder of the NGO, Kinnect, Bimpe shares her thoughts on the power of showing up for yourself, being intentional with personal and professional growth, and seizing opportunities even when it’s daunting. She emphasizes the importance of visibility and consistency in building credibility, noting, "People bold enough to make the loudest noise are recognized more." The conversation also explores the realities of migration and how to turn those experiences into opportunities.
Packed with practical advice, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on self-investment and the drive to make a difference.
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In this episode of OnPeople, hosts Toun and Aniema sit with Dr. Ikpeme Neto, a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and health economist with over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector. He is the founder of Wellahealth, a micro health insurance company for high-occurrence diseases in Africa. With a diverse knowledge on entrepreneurship, health and leadership Dr. Neto brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.
He discusses the impact of isolation, revealing data from his early research that states over 60% of African entrepreneurs show signs of clinical depression. Dr. Neto also highlights how urbanization, decreased community participation, and remote work contribute to social isolation. He offers practical advice on maintaining social connections, managing stress, and finding balance.
Tune in to listen in on Dr. Neto’s thoughts on building oneself as a better mentee and how passion has been a drive for his leadership journey.
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In this episode of OnPeople, we’re excited to have Irene Nwaukwa, a trailblazer in the healthcare sector. With experience at Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi, and 54gene, Irene is now leading Infinity Health Africa, driving healthcare innovation across Africa. We explore her early ambition, love for independence, and how a supportive tribe shaped her career. Irene shares her approach to transitioning between industries, her commitment to giving 120% in everything she does, and how she spots opportunities by being fully immersed in the system.
Irene also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, from unpaid roles to near-death experiences, and the importance of honest conversations about money. With her unmatched humour and candour, this episode offers a deep dive into the mindset of a determined leader who is reshaping healthcare in Africa. Tune in for an immersive conversation that promises to be very real, offering insights and inspiration for those navigating their paths in the professional world.
Infinity Health Africa leverages technology to help innovators bring quality healthcare products to African markets. Their flagship product is ONBOARD - a regulatory tech solution that helps healthcare businesses connect and comply with country-specific regulatory requirements in 5 simple steps.
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In our premiere episode, hosts Toun and Aniema sit down with Babajide Duroshola, a passionate leader dedicated to helping founders build long-lasting, technology-enabled companies across Africa. With a diverse background in tech, banking, and consulting, Babajide has built a career around scaling companies to success. As the General Manager of M-Kopa Nigeria, he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the discussion.
Babajide shares his insights on critical topics such as ownership, optimizing for growth and value, and the importance of delayed gratification. He discusses how opportunities meet preparation, the power of transferrable skills, and his journey through various roles to his current position. He also opens up about defining moments in his career, the concept of "ownership as a hack," and why treating things like your own can only get you so far.
In this episode, Babajide reveals what he looks for when hiring, why he avoids having "mini Babajides" in the workplace, and his approach to benching team members who don’t fit. He also shares why he turned down a 66% salary increase and emphasizes the benefits of optimizing for value addition over comfort. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical insights and candid reflections on leadership and growth.
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All aspects of people management, from hiring and onboarding, training, promotions, culture and exit.
Where You Can Find Us:
Website: www.thepeoplepractice.io/
X: https://x.com/ThePeoplePract
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-people-practice-africa.