Diaspora Reflections: The Podcast

Who says you're too (insert downplayed adjective) to make an impact in government? That's the question that drives our guest, Jake Obeng-Bediako, to continue his work in the President's Office in Ghana, serving in various capacities to strengthen the link between the Government, society, and the millions of Diaspora Ghanaian's. Jake is a fluid interlocutor, and so the conversation is always open, vulnerable, and authentic, as he shares his early career experiences, his fortuitous route into Government, the highs and lows of his job, and his reasons for remaining committed to the task of fulfilling his purpose through public service.

In this episode, Dr. Udeme Ekong lets us in on his life journey to live out multiple passions and realise his goals on the African continent - while living and working in the Diaspora.  Dr. Udeme is a driven individual with multiple interests (football being prime), a keen interest in technology (particularly AI and Machine Learning), and a devoted Arsenal fan (forever testing his patience). After completing his PhD in computer science, he began working on a range of software projects in the UK, while founding his businesses back in Nigeria. He lets us in on the unique challenges of founding and driving a start-up in Africa, the importance of trust and staff empowerment, and the rewards of thinking big and taking advantage of opportunity regardless of location.

In the first episode we speak to and share poetry written by Ehae Longe, a keen writer who also works in the NGO space.  She shares her creative journey and process with us, detailing her battles with putting her work 'out there' and successful methods for overcoming writer's block and anxieties. Podcast Music Credits: Lessazo: "Tié ba té djigui"

In this pilot episode, we explore swimming through different currents of life with a great poet, writer, literary buff, and full-time corporate woman, Binta Ijeoma Balogun, as she reads and discusses poems that served as a creative outlet while she navigated tricky issues around accomplishment, expectations, and asserting oneself. Podcast Music Credits: Lessazo: "Tié ba té djigui"