In today’s episode of Startup HalfHour on XL106.9FM, we dive into the world of soft skills—the essential, non-technical abilities that shape careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our guest, Rose Akai (Rozay), shares insights on how communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving can give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, business owner, or job seeker, this conversation will help you understand why employers value soft skills as much as technical expertise—and how you can start developing yours today.
Tune in and learn how to excel in your career and business by mastering the skills that truly matter.
The Tech You Already Use – But Not to Its Full Potential
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, Francis Onuk — co-founder of The Roothub and your tech-and-business guide for the past 6 years on the radio — dives into a truth every entrepreneur needs to hear: you’re probably sitting on powerful tech tools but only using a fraction of their potential.
From WhatsApp to Instagram, Canva to your smartphone, Francis breaks down practical, no-cost ways to unlock the hidden features of the tools you already have — so you can save time, grow your business, and work smarter, not harder.
Whether you run a side hustle, a startup, or an established brand, this episode will open your eyes to opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Plus: Learn how to join The Roothub community and access free Google AI Essentials and Prompt Engineering courses as a scholarship.
Sign up at www.wearetheroothub.com.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, we bring AI down to campus level — literally.
Francis Onuk sits with two university students who aren’t waiting to graduate before launching their hustle. One is a freelancer using AI to land gigs faster and deliver better work. The other runs a food business, using tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social media automation to grow his customer base — all while attending lectures.
They talk about:
How they discovered AI tools
The exact apps helping them save time and money
Balancing business with school life
And how YOU can start too — with zero capital
Whether you're in school, freelancing, or just starting out, this episode shows that the AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here.
ther one for the books!
We dug into how African entrepreneurs are putting AI to work — not in theory, but in real businesses, right here, right now.
As someone who co-founded @TheRoothub, my journey in tech started over a decade ago with one mission: to create, engage, and deploy ideas.
6 years ago, I took that passion to the airwaves — and every Friday since, I’ve been sharing how technology can help you do business better.
Whether you're a tailor, tutor, tech bro, or food vendor… AI is no longer a luxury. It’s a tool — and it’s now in your hands.
If you missed today’s episode, you can stream it on Spotify or Google Podcasts — just search Startup HalfHour.
Also, if you're in the startup scene, building something exciting, or running a business and want to share your story — DM me. Let’s get you on the show.
Together, let’s keep building the future.
#StartupHalfHour #FrancisOnAir #TheRoothub #AIForBusiness #AfricanFounders #6YearsOnRadio #BuildWithTech #BusinessTools #StartupStories #XL1069FM
Startup HalfHour Alert!
We’re in the AGE OF AI — but what does that mean for YOU as an African entrepreneur?
Is AI a threat… or your biggest growth opportunity?
Join Francis Onuk this Friday as he breaks it all down:
✔️ What AI really is (no tech jargon!)
✔️ Simple ways to use it in your hustle
✔️ Tools you can start using TODAY — even with zero coding experience!
This week on Startup HalfHour...
How do we raise young CEOs?
We’re diving into the power of starting early in entrepreneurship! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, this episode gives you real tips to prepare kids and teens for the business world.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, we’re joined by Uduak Brownson, founder of a thriving coconut-based brand, as she shares the inspiring journey of building a business from one of nature’s most versatile gifts — the coconut.
From sourcing raw materials to product innovation and building a loyal customer base, Uduak walks us through the hustle, hacks, and heart behind cracking the coconut business in Nigeria.
Tune in to learn:
How she got started with coconut products
Challenges in food processing and manufacturing
Marketing strategies that worked for her brand
What it takes to grow a sustainable agro-based business today
Listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts,
In this inspiring episode of Startup HalfHour, host Francis Onuk sits down with environmental entrepreneur Utonne Ekefre to explore the booming world of sustainable business. Discover how Utonne is creatively transforming waste materials into valuable products, building a profitable venture while making a positive impact on the environment.
From the challenges of starting a recycling-based business in Nigeria to the innovative strategies that drive growth in the green economy, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, eco-warriors, and changemakers.
What’s cooking in the world of healthy food?
This Friday on Startup HalfHour, i sit with Itoro Ebreso, founder of a thriving healthy food brand, to explore Trends & Opportunities in the Healthy Food Space
From turning local ingredients into gold to navigating the Nigerian food market, Itoro shares her journey, challenges, and vision for a healthier future.
You’ve got a passion… but can it pay the bills?
On this week’s episode of Startup Half-Hour, Francis Onuk breaks it all down in a powerful solo session:
"From Passion to Profit: Turning What You Love Into a Business."
✅ How to identify a skill worth monetizing
✅ Why people don’t pay for passion — they pay for solutions
✅ Steps to package and position what you do
✅ Real talk on pricing, branding & showing up with confidence
If you’ve ever said, “I love doing this, but I don’t know where to start,” this one’s for you.
In this exciting episode of Startup Half-Hour, Dominic Essien dives into the world where sports meets technology — spotlighting Mfoniso, a fast-growing social media platform designed exclusively for sports lovers, fans, athletes, and teams with the host Francis Onuk
Discover:
Why Mfoniso was created and the gap it fills in Africa’s sports ecosystem
How it's connecting grassroots talents, fans, and professionals in one space
The startup’s journey, from idea to product launch
The unique features that make it different from other platforms
Challenges of building a sports-tech product in Nigeria — and how the founders are navigating them
Whether you're a tech founder, a sports enthusiast, or someone curious about niche social platforms — this episode will inspire you to think boldly.
We’ve had an enlightening conversation with our guest Mary Ikoku a powerhouse PR executive and inspiring mompreneur — diving deep into “The Power of Public Relations for Startups.”
Here are some key takeaways from the show:
✅ PR isn’t just a luxury for big brands — it’s a strategic tool for every startup.
✅ Crafting a compelling brand story is about authenticity, clarity, and connection.
✅ Even with a limited budget, you can take PR into your own hands — start small, stay consistent, and build relationships.
Remember, your startup’s story deserves to be heard — but how you tell it can make all the difference.
Ever wondered how someone turns bedsheets into a booming business? This Friday on #StartupHalfHour, Francis Onuk, our Co-Founder, sits with a special guest who runs a thriving bedding store—and trust me, her journey is full of lessons! From sourcing and sales to packaging and pricing, we’re talking real strategies for growing a product-based hustle in Nigeria. Tune in. Let’s help you turn your small idea into something big and beautiful. #wearetheroothub
Your startup is growing. You're innovating. But here's the big question — do you have the right team for the next stage?
In this episode of Startup HalfHour on XL106.9FM, Francis Onuk breaks down what it takes to find, build, and keep the right people as your business evolves.
We talk:
✅ When to restructure your team
✅ How to hire for mindset, not just skill
✅ Why loyalty alone isn’t enough
✅ Real startup stories and lessons from the field
Whether you're building your first team or scaling fast, this episode is packed with insights every founder needs.
Listen, reflect, and share!
Powered by @theroothub
I sit down with someone whose story caught the attention of the internet — Idorenyin Brown.
After exiting his role at Rwazi, his LinkedIn post went viral and boom — over 100 remote job offers landed in his inbox!
We’re talking real, actionable HACKS to land remote jobs — not fluff. How he built a profile that stood out, told his story authentically, and positioned himself for global opportunities.
If you’ve been dreaming of working from anywhere in the world, you don’t want to miss this. #wearetheroothub
You’ve started the hustle… now it’s time to grow it!” This Friday on Startup HalfHour, your host Francis Onuk sits down with Otty's Complete Kitchen — entrepreneur, strategist, and growth coach — to unpack practical tips to level up your hustle and build something sustainable. How do you stay consistent when life gets in the way? Where do you find customers without a big budget? What small shifts bring BIG results? If you’re a freelancer, side hustler, or early-stage founder, this is your don’t-miss moment!
Think your idea isn’t big enough to matter? Think again.
On this week’s episode of #StartupHalfHour, Francis Onuk breaks down a powerful truth:
Your idea doesn’t need to be BIG. It just needs to WORK.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a creative, or a future founder, this one’s for YOU.
Startup Half-Hour: 6th Anniversary Special!
In this milestone episode, host Francis Onuk shares 6 powerful tips every business and startup should know — drawn from 6 years of hosting inspiring conversations, learning from real entrepreneurs, and staying consistent through the highs and lows.
From starting smart to building communities, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt reflections, and a sneak peek into the future of Startup Half-Hour.
Plus, anniversary giveaways and goodies for our loyal listeners!
Tune in, take notes, and celebrate with us.
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, host Francis Onuk sits down with Unyime Ebong to discuss the unsaid things about doing business—the hidden struggles, unspoken challenges, and real-life lessons that entrepreneurs rarely talk about. This episode uncovers the raw truths behind the entrepreneurial journey, from navigating partnerships to handling difficult clients, managing cash flow, and staying resilient.
Is passion enough to build a successful business, or should you chase profit first?
In this episode of Startup HalfHour, we explore one of the biggest dilemmas every entrepreneur faces: Passion vs. Profit. Should you follow your heart and trust the money will come? Or should you focus on making money first and finding passion later?
What You’ll Learn:
- The pros and cons of passion-driven vs. profit-driven businesses
- Real-life case studies of successful entrepreneurs who found the balance
- How to turn your passion into a profitable business
- The "Passion-Profit Matrix" to help you find your sweet spot
Whether you’re starting or struggling with a passion project or trying to make your business more fulfilling, this episode will give you insights into building a business that pays and excites you!
