In this Moment of Idea to Empire, we go under the hood with a visionary entrepreneur who’s redefining Nigeria’s automotive industry. From designing sleek sports cars to launching a full-scale manufacturing operation, this is the raw, unfiltered journey of turning passion into a thriving car empire.
We explore how he’s balancing creativity with profitability, building eco-conscious vehicles, training local artisans, and bridging critical skill gaps in Nigeria's auto space. He also shares bold plans for a renewable-energy-powered bus factory and breaks down the government's CKD incentives for local assembly.
This is more than just car talk, it’s a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and turning garage-built dreams into national infrastructure.
Chapters
00:00 – From Passion to Profit: The Car Dream Begins
01:23 – How COVID-19 Impacted Auto Innovation
02:31 – Thinking Bigger: Vision-Driven Manufacturing
04:04 – Building Eco-Friendly Cars in Nigeria
05:13 – Inside the Plans for a Sustainable Factory
10:01 – Training Local Talent for the Auto Industry
11:49 – Fixing the Skills Gap in Nigerian Manufacturing
We highlight moments from the entrepreneurial journey of Aderonke Bamgbade, a leader in hospitality, wine culture, and interior design.
Aderonke shares her strategies for managing work-life balance, raising children, and growing a business simultaneously.
She reflects on her passion for interior design, inspired by her architect father, and discusses the challenges of maintaining staff integrity and mitigating business risks.
This episodic moment is a thorough exploration of balancing multiple roles and navigating the complexities of scaling a business.
00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Success in Hospitality
00:05 Balancing Work and Family Life
00:18 Building an Empire: The Early Days
12:01 Challenges in Hospitality and Business
What does it really take to build a business in Africa?In this special Idea to Empire episode, Bola Yinka-Obebe takes us through the bold journeys of 7 fearless Nigerian founders, from luxury hospitality and fashion to motorsport, food, PR, and media. These are not just success stories… they are blueprints.And now? We’re entering a new chapter, one that unpacks mindset, scaling, legacy, and everything in between.PODCAST LINKS- Watch more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30UFxZNlwCR8GboEQOZSkkw3&si=ozSilBZxKYX1AVaj- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748- Listen on Youtube Podcasts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30X9rz-QDIPT-EZuy21ngTJs&si=hJ6kdjjvVlhWTL88FOLLOW THE HOST:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe | https://www.instagram.com/idea2empirepod/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe- Twitter: https://x.com/bolayinkaobebe- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebeLike, Comment & Subscribe for More Business Insights!
Building a successful culinary brand in Nigeria isn't easy — but Chef Bee made it happen. In this episode, we unpack the hard truths, surprising strategies, and key mindsets that helped her turn passion into profit. From overcoming self-doubt to creating Rent-A-Chef, a premium culinary service, discover the hidden ingredients behind her business success.
Whether you’re a food entrepreneur, creative builder, or just chasing a dream, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to thrive.
Ready to build your empire?
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For partnerships and inquiries: ideat2empirepod@gmail.com
00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt
00:07 The Birth of Rent A Chef
00:50 Chef Bee's Journey
01:12 Inspiration Behind Rent A Chef
03:42 Managing Restaurants to Managing Chefs
04:43 Understanding Rent A Chef
06:13 Navigating Market Needs
11:29 Building a Team with Empathy
18:57 Adapting to Economic Changes
21:48 Reviving the Business with Training
25:37 Residential Chefs and Client Satisfaction
31:22 Ensuring Quality and Consistency
33:41 Incentivizing High Performance
34:48 Challenges in the Culinary Industry
35:57 Balancing Work and Mental Health
37:21 The Power of Social Media Branding
39:52 Embracing Mistakes and Overcoming Self-Doubt
43:22 Leadership and Personal Growth
48:19 Managing Personal and Professional Life
52:18 Future Trends in the Nigerian Food Industry
55:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections
How do you sell bread then build one of Nigeria’s most powerful marketing empires? In this episode of Idea to Empire, Bola Yinka-Obebe sits with Tiwalola Olanubi, the visionary behind Dotts Media House, Trendupp Africa, and Zarafet Loaves.
Discover the untold story of a student influencer who cracked the code to digital marketing success. Tiwalola shares how he built multiple brands across media, food, and tech — and what it really takes to stay ahead in Nigeria’s fast-paced business scene.
From bootstrapping to billboards, this conversation is a masterclass in innovation, influence, and building an empire from the ground up.
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🤝 For partnerships: idea2empirepod@gmail.com
00:00 Introduction to Tiwalola Olanubi's Journey
01:09 Early Life and Education
02:26 Becoming a Campus Influencer
03:49 The Blackberry Ambassador Experience
12:19 Starting Dotts Media House
24:34 Challenges and Growth
30:54 Expanding Beyond Influencer Marketing
33:29 Transition to a Full Digital Marketing Agency
34:21 Becoming an Advertising Agency
34:56 Launching Trend Up: A Home for Influencers
36:34 Trend Up Awards: Recognizing Influencer Achievements
38:57 The Journey of Influencers and Content Creators
52:24 The Financial Potential of Influencer Marketing
57:57 Diversifying Beyond Media: Food and Real Estate Ventures
01:06:16 Expanding into the Francophone Region
01:09:05 Addressing Problems and Solutions
01:09:30 Breaking Free from Labels
01:10:07 Mantra for Success: Know Thyself
01:10:58 Diversifying Business Ventures
01:11:44 The Importance of Association
01:12:50 Balancing Diversification and Focus
01:14:41 Reviewing and Pausing Business Operations
01:17:14 The Role of Profit in Business
01:17:52 Rapid Fire Questions
01:18:24 Embracing AI in Business
01:19:35 Business Philosophy and Nigerian Slang
01:25:06 Partnerships and Working with a Spouse
01:39:21 Sacrifice and Mental Resilience
01:41:26 Reflecting on Business Decisions
01:44:12 Final Thoughts and Philosophy
What happens when your destiny is chosen for you—but you choose yourself instead?In this powerful episode, we uncover how Ejiro Amos-Tafiri defied expectations to build a globally recognized Afro Cosmopolitan fashion empire. Once set to become a doctor, Ejiro shares how rebellion, resilience, and raw passion led her into the world of fashion—and how a near-collapse in 2017 nearly ended it all.From surviving family pressure to facing office politics, and rebuilding after heartbreak, this episode dives into the pivotal moments that shaped one of Nigeria’s most inspiring fashion voices.Expect lessons on faith, forgiveness, failure, and the fire it takes to build something truly iconic.🎧 Listen now for a masterclass in reinvention and resilience.PODCAST LINKS- Watch more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30UFxZNlwCR8GboEQOZSkkw3&si=ozSilBZxKYX1AVaj- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748- Listen on Youtube Podcasts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30X9rz-QDIPT-EZuy21ngTJs&si=hJ6kdjjvVlhWTL88FOLLOW THE HOST:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe | https://www.instagram.com/idea2empirepod/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe- Twitter: https://x.com/bolayinkaobebe- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebeFOLLOW THE GUEST:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejiroamostafiriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejiro-amos-tafiri-27423993/ShopLike, Comment & Subscribe for More Business Insights!
Many Nigerian creatives struggle to turn their passion into profit. But Kola Oshalusi broke that cycle. From cyber cafes to building a media empire and Africa’s biggest photography conference, his journey is a blueprint for artists, photographers, and entrepreneurs ready to elevate. Learn how he turned hunger into impact — and what it takes to succeed in Nigeria’s creative space.PODCAST LINKS- Watch more on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30UFxZNlwCR8GboEQOZSkkw3&si=ozSilBZxKYX1AVaj- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748- Listen on Youtube Podcasts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbv68HLyt30X9rz-QDIPT-EZuy21ngTJs&si=hJ6kdjjvVlhWTL88FOLLOW THE HOST:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe | https://www.instagram.com/idea2empirepod/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe- Twitter: https://x.com/bolayinkaobebe- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebeLike, Comment & Subscribe for More Business Insights!Chapters00:00 The Power of Education and Photography00:51 Kola Oshalusi's Journey into Photography03:06 Challenges and Determination03:43 From Video Editing to Photography05:33 Building a Photography Business07:42 Mentorship and Growth10:25 Navigating the Photography Industry28:19 International Exposure and Partnerships38:39 Evolution of the Fashion and Entertainment Industry39:25 Choosing Positivity in Media39:41 Celebrating Local Creatives with Bella Naija40:42 The Booming Photography Industry41:33 The Legacy of Jackie Phillips43:34 Challenges and Misconceptions in Photography46:26 The Business of Photography Conference52:26 The Future of Photography in Africa01:00:30 Balancing Art and Client Expectations01:05:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts#KolaOshalusi #CreativeBusiness #PhotographyNigeria #IdeaToEmpire #NigerianEntrepreneurs #BusinessOfPhotography
In this in-depth interview, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi discusses the importance of sustainability in brand management and shares her journey from growing up in a creative family to becoming a renowned brand strategist. Leading YD Company and Fashion Evo, she emphasizes authentic storytelling to bridge cultures and achieve global recognition. Dr. Yetty touches on the challenges faced moving back to Nigeria from the UK, the power of collaboration, and the crucial balance between local and international market focus. She provides valuable insights into mentorship, sustainability, and building successful businesses that resonate globally.
00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Sustaining Success
00:24 Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi: A Journey in Brand Management
01:13 Early Influences: Growing Up in an Artistic Family
02:20 Boarding School and the Intersection of Art and Science
03:53 Discovering a Passion for Creativity and Business
07:06 From Fashion Brand to PR: The Evolution of Dr. Yetty's Career
15:43 Navigating Challenges: Transitioning from the UK to Nigeria
25:28 Building a Global Brand: The Importance of International Recognition
29:09 The Power of Collaboration and Strategic PR
32:40 The Importance of Strategic PR
33:11 Sustaining Success Beyond the Hype
34:03 Key Elements for Effective PR
36:39 The Role of Passion in PR
38:59 The YD Foundation and Giving Back
40:11 Mentorship and Supporting the Youth
43:37 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
44:33 Impactful PR Campaigns
49:58 Changing the Narrative of Nigeria
59:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections
PODCAST LINKS- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT- Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5zj4FLPvF6M
FOLLOW THE HOST:- Instagram: @bolayinkaobebe | @idea2empirepod- TikTok: @bolayinkaobebe- Twitter: @bolayinkaobebe- LinkedIn: Bola Yinka-Obebe
CONNECT WITH DR. YETTY OGUNNUBI:- Instagram: @yettyd | @theydcompany | @fashionevostyle- LinkedIn: Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi
Like, Comment & Subscribe for More Business Insights!
Building a successful auto business in Nigeria is no small feat — but starting a sports car company from scratch? That’s next level. In this episode, Oluseun Olawore shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he turned his passion for cars into a thriving auto empire — and eventually founded a groundbreaking sports car company in Nigeria. From overcoming industry challenges to training skilled technicians, Oluseun reveals the hard lessons and key strategies that shaped his success.
Oluseun Olawore is the founder of Olawore Motor Company, Nigeria’s pioneering sports car manufacturer, and Rich Lustre Colours, a luxury auto detailing brand. His journey from customizing high-end cars to producing locally designed sports cars is nothing short of groundbreaking. Oluseun is known for his innovative approach to automotive engineering and his commitment to elevating Nigeria’s auto industry. Through his work, he’s proving that African ingenuity can compete on a global scale.
In this conversation, Oluseun and Bola dive deep into topics like:
Why mechanics are undervalued in Nigeria — and how to change that.
The key to training skilled auto technicians who understand modern cars.
How using local language and clear standards could elevate the entire industry.
The hard lessons that shaped his business philosophy.
How Oluseun’s vision is reshaping Nigeria’s automotive future.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: A Passion for Cars
01:26 Early Influences and Inspirations
04:15 University Challenges and Realizations
06:49 Starting the Automotive Journey
08:19 Building the First Workshop
10:49 Expanding and Relocating the Business
17:15 Creating the First Prototype
26:09 Launching OMC and Future Plans
29:54 University Struggles and Social Life
31:48 Funding the Lifestyle
34:03 Realization and Transition to Work
37:01 Early Career Challenges
40:36 Building a Manufacturing Company
43:57 Factory Visits and Inspirations
51:40 Balancing Passion and Profitability
01:01:50 Training and Skill Development
01:06:42 Understanding Impurities in Metalwork
01:06:55 The Importance of Proper Techniques in Painting and Mechanics
01:07:55 Bridging the Gap in Artisan Skills
01:10:06 Challenges in Training and Refining Artisans
01:11:57 Common Misconceptions in Vehicle Repairs and Manufacturing
01:15:27 The Need for Proper Training and Standards
01:19:15 Overcoming Infrastructural Barriers in Nigeria
01:28:06 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
PODCAST LINKS
- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jxKJw0iFz7WgkEYI34qPT
- Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idea-to-empire-with-byo/id1802606748
-Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/gKlX4tOkc9w
FOLLOW THE HOST:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe, https://www.instagram.com/idea2empirepod
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bolayinkaobebe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebe
CONNECT WITH OLUSEUN OLAWORE:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oluseunolawore, https://www.instagram.com/richlustrecolours, https://www.instagram.com/olaworemotorcompany
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluseun-olawore
Scaling a business is tough — especially in Nigeria’s competitive hospitality industry. In this episode, Aderonke Bamgbade (Ronke Spronks) shares the unfiltered truth about how she grew her business from a single wine bar to a thriving chain of three. From hiring the right people to managing rapid growth, Ronke opens up about the hard lessons and key strategies that shaped her success.
Aderonke Bamgbade is the Managing Director and CEO of Spronks Creations Ltd, the parent company of Liquid Hub, a chain of wine bars and restaurants in Lagos and Abuja. She's also the founder of LH Privé, an exclusive lifestyle club in both cities.
A certified sommelier, Ronke has completed extensive wine and spirit courses worldwide and toured major wine regions, which has enhanced the distinctive offerings at her establishments. Beyond hospitality, she’s the creative mind behind Alexander Nathaniel Living, a Lagos-based furniture and interior design company known for its innovative and sustainable approach.
A dedicated mother of two, Ronke is widely respected for her leadership, discipline, and business acumen. Under her guidance, many of her team members have launched successful ventures of their own or found global success.
In this conversation Ronke and Bola discuss topics such as
PODCAST LINKS
Listen on Apple Podcast:
Watch on YouTube:
Watch on Television: Popcentral, DSTV 189 on Sundays @ 6pm
FOLLOW THE HOST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolayinkaobebe
Twitter (X): https://www.twitter.com/bolayinkaobebe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bolayinkaobebe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolayinkaobebe/
CONNECT WITH ADERONKE BAMGBADE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aderonke_spronks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aderonke-bamgbade
