You can work in tech without writing a single line of code.

In this episode, we are with Barbra Okafor, a media strategist, content creator, and digital leader whose career spans TikTok, BBC, Trace, and now the Isle of Wight Council. With Master's degree in media and communications from the London School of Economics, Barbra has carved a niche at the intersection of tech and storytelling.

We talk about her journey from creating documentaries at Trace to leading content strategy at BBC and managing digital storytelling at TikTok. Barbra breaks down what it means to build a meaningful career in tech without coding, the importance of content strategy, and the value of inclusivity and human connection in digital products.

She also emphasizes the importance of building in public and growing your network. This conversation gives clarity on defining your niche in tech and growing with intention. Tune in now to learn practical steps to define your niche and thrive in non-technical roles.

Host: Ebelechukwu Monye

Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji

Guest: Barbra Okafor

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Some people are born teachers.

At just 25, Chisom Paula Ogamba stepped into a classroom at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, as a lecturer in English and Linguistics. In this episode, she walks us through her unique journey, from a curious undergrad who loved simplifying complex topics for her peers to a sociolinguist and PhD researcher passionate about critical narrative analysis.

Chisom had no plan to be a lecturer. In fact, she just wanted to finish school and move on. But during her NYSC year, she found herself drawn to teaching, and that changed everything. We discussed her journey to academia, the highs and lows, and the challenges young lecturers face, from poor pay to limited access to resources, and what needs to change to create a thriving academic system in Nigeria.

This conversation is honest, insightful, and full of vision, especi ally for those who dare to dream. Tune in now to hear how Chisom is carving out her place in academia and why this episode is nothing short of a linguistics masterclass.

Host: Ebelechukwu Monye

Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji

Guest: Chisom Paula Ogamba

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In this episode, we connect with Chike Ivor Onyekwelu, a seasoned product designer with expertise in Figma illustration and brand identity design. Now pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology with Project Management in the UK, Chike opens up about his first few weeks as an international graduate student. He shares candid reflections on how reality compares to his expectations, the early challenges of adjusting to a new academic system, and how he’s managing to balance coursework with his creative passions.

We also dive into his experiences with culture shifts, making new connections, and finding community in a new country. Whether you're a designer curious about graduate school or a prospective student wondering what those first few weeks abroad might look like, this episode is packed with honest insights and relatable takeaways.

Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on growth, creativity, and navigating change.

Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji

Guest: Chike Onyekwelu

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In the first episode of Season Four, we talk with Dani, a senior external affairs officer specializing in human development, to explore the role of communication in global development.

Dani shares her journey from studying history to international relations, her transformative experience at Johns Hopkins, and how storytelling shapes her work in Global Development. She highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of making information accessible, and the fulfillment that comes from mission-driven work.

She also offers advice to young professionals, encouraging them to stay curious, work hard, and stay committed to making an impact. Listen to Dani's story and discover how effective communication and storytelling drive global impact.

Hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji

Guest: Dani Clark

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In this episode, Dr. Ashley Ruba, founder of AfterAcademia, shares her journey from a successful career in academia to roles in UX research at companies like Meta and Arthrex. Despite her academic accomplishments, including publishing multiple papers and winning prestigious awards, she realized the traditional academic path wasn't aligned with her expectations.

Dr Ruba opens up about the emotional and professional challenges she faced while leaving academia, including redefining her identity outside of the academic world. She emphasizes the importance of networking, exploring options beyond academia, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

To support others through similar challenges, she founded AfterAcademia, where she helps academics break free from the constraints of academia and build fulfilling careers.

Tune in to hear Dr Ruba's story and learn how to make bold career moves and find fulfillment beyond academia.

Host: Ebelechukwu Monye

Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji

Guest: Dr. Ashley Ruba

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Today’s conversation features Obinna Nwabueze, a dynamic academic and sports enthusiast whose professional journey blends the worlds of academics, football, and languages.

Obinna’s passion for governance and societal issues inspired his decision to study Political Science at the University of Nigeria. At Nsukka, he held several leadership positions and won numerous football trophies for his class and faculty while maintaining a good academic performance.

As an undergrad, inspired by his many multilingual mentors and a consistent zeal to learn and improve his life chances, he enrolled in French classes at the Alliance Francaise Enugu. This decision set things in motion for his move to France years later.

Tune in to learn about Obinna’s experiences as a teaching assistant in French schools and colleges, how these experiences prepared him for his master's in digital humanities, his emerging interest in social robotics, and his ambitious plans to explore its psychological and political implications as part of his PhD research.

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Host: Ebelechukwu Monye
Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji
Guest: Obinna Nwabueze

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Are you considering grad school as the next step for your creative career? Then this episode is for you! We are joined by Xorlali Plange, a Ghanaian fashion and costume designer, and Ernest Nweke, a Nigerian writer and multimedia storyteller.

Ernest, who is looking to apply to graduate school, moderates this session as Xorlali, a Master of Fine Arts candidate majoring in costume design at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of Arts, shares his insights about the application and acceptance process, as well as the value of graduate school in advancing careers of creatives.

If you enjoyed this episode, turn on notifications to stay updated with more graduate school resources.

Host: Ebelechukwu Monye
Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji
Guest: Xorlali Plange
Moderator: Ernest Nweke

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to carve out a successful career in policy despite its complexities?

In today's conversation with Priya Alagarraj and Ruchika Bhatia, co-founders of Policy Career Central (PCC), we discuss their experience in the public policy profession.

Policy Career Central is a community-driven platform that provides valuable resources, opportunities, and practical advice for potential and current policy experts. By addressing the information gap, it aims to make the path smoother for public policy professionals.

Creating an initiative like PCC does not happen by chance. Priya and Ruchika shared how the idea was born from the shared struggles of graduate school and the journey that followed. Tune in to learn why this duo is building the PCC community and how initiatives like theirs can help you enhance your career trajectory.

Host: Ebelechukwu Monye
Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji
Guests: Priya Alagarraj and Ruchika Bhatia

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