Taryn Gill, The Imperfect Path to Success - Telling Stories, Building Brands

What happens when you bet on yourself? In this electrifying episode of Listen to Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe sat down with Dumisani Mahlangu, the founder and visionary behind Chepa Streetwear, to explore the intersection of identity, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Dumisani takes us inside the hustle, heartbreak, and breakthroughs that built his brand. From working corporate jobs to selling at flea markets, Dumisani breaks down:🔹 Why failure is the best teacher🔹 How to transition from a 9-5 to full-time entrepreneurship🔹 The power of learning sales, psychology, and digital marketing🔹 Integrating family, business, and personal growth "If you’re waiting for the ‘perfect time,’ you’ll wait forever. Start now. Learn along the way.” – Dumisani Mahlangu If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or dreamer, this episode will push you to take action, stay resilient, and build something meaningful. It's packed with actionable advice and heartfelt reflections perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and lifelong learners alike. Press play now and let Dumisani's story ignite your passion for growth! Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a review, and join the conversation. 🎙️ You can find the latest from Dumisani on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, or visit the Chepa website for the latest streetwear. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

"Unlock the Secrets to a Life of Impact: Alistair Mokoena’s Blueprint for Leadership, Growth, and Legacy" In this transformative episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Professor Alistair Gaopaleloe Mokoena—a trailblazer in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and academia. From his roots in a family of entrepreneurs to leading Google South Africa and shaping the next generation of leaders, Alistair’s journey is a masterclass in self-mastery, purpose, and intentional living. Discover how Alistair’s philosophy of “Life is the next five minutes” can help you stay present while strategically planning for a future of significance. Learn why he believes in integration over balance and how this mindset can help you harmonize family, career, and personal growth without sacrificing what matters most. Alistair shares actionable insights on: Navigating career transitions with confidence and clarity. The power of deliberate planning to create a life of impact. Leadership lessons from boardrooms to classrooms. Crafting a legacy that transcends titles and wealth. This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a roadmap to living a life that matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, Alistair’s wisdom will inspire you to take action and redefine what success means to you. Don’t miss this extraordinary episode—your future self will thank you. Tune in now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe, and join the conversation. Because the life you’ve always wanted is just one listen away. You can find the latest from Alistair on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X [Formerly Twitter] For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo sits down with Salamina Mosese—a household name in South Africa’s entertainment industry who has seamlessly transitioned from television star to author, producer, and advocate for African stories. Salamina takes us back to her childhood, from her early days in rural Limpopo to her family's relocation to Soweto, schooling in the suburbs, and her unintentional foray into the world of acting at just 14 years old. Salamina shares how navigating fame shaped her identity and taught her the importance of owning her narrative. We dive deep into her decision to pivot into corporate communications, her reflections on balancing career and motherhood, and her passion for writing children’s books that center African representation. “I want my daughters to see themselves in the stories they read,” Salamina explains as she describes the inspiration behind her books and her long-term vision of creating iconic characters for South African children. Join us for an engaging conversation on storytelling, resilience, and the legacy we leave behind. Subscribe and watch/listen now on ⁠Spotify ⁠or wherever you find your podcasts! You can find the latest from Salamina on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠ now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this week’s Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo Baffoe is joined by Taryn Gill, the fearless entrepreneur and founder of The Perfect Hair. Taryn shares her remarkable journey from a thriving media career to building a curl care empire rooted in authenticity and community. Taryn delves into the power of storytelling, a skill she honed in her media days and carried into her entrepreneurial ventures. "Before my products hit the shelves, it was the stories that built the brand," she reflects. Her commitment to celebrating natural beauty and empowering women shines through as she tackles topics like self-confidence, reinvention, and creating meaningful connections with her audience. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Taryn reveals the challenges of stepping away from corporate life to pursue her dreams. "I had to trust my gut and evolve, even when it was terrifying." This candid conversation is packed with insights on branding, resilience, and the transformative power of community. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking personal growth, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiration. Don’t miss Taryn Gill’s journey of wild hair, bold dreams, and fearless reinvention. Subscribe and watch/listen now on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts! You can find the latest from Taryn on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠or check out her linktr.ee for more. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠ to the ⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠ now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

This week on the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo Baffoe sits down with Fortune Masina, a celebrated figure in South African hip-hop and an advocate for authenticity in music and life. Fortune reflects on his journey, from his early days in music production to his evolving role as a father, mentor, and cultural observer. Fortune shares candidly about finding joy in personal growth, balancing family with creativity, and the enduring lessons hip-hop has taught him. "Hip-hop is more than music—it’s a mindset," he says. His thoughts on crafting meaningful art, embracing change, and creating space for future generations to thrive will captivate listeners. Join us for a conversation that blends wisdom, humour, and inspiration, offering a unique look into Fortune Masina's life and work. Subscribe and listen now on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts! You can find the latest from Fortune ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces LinkedIn, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram, X [formerly Twitter], Facebook, Spotify. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Zebra Culture Newsletter now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this week’s episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps Podcast, Mongezi Mtati, a digital strategy pioneer and cultural storyteller, shares his inspiring journey from Vosloorus to the forefront of South Africa’s digital evolution. Mongezi reflects on his childhood dreams of being a rapper and entrepreneur, describing how he “imagined worlds outside” his reality to craft his future. He discusses his career highlights, including launching South Africa’s first blog for Brand South Africa and his love for uncovering unseen stories that shape culture. “I’m obsessed with the people behind the ideas—those who unknowingly create movements,” Mongezi shares. Through candid reflections on creativity, perseverance, and being an early adopter, Mongezi reminds us that “you can only connect the dots looking backwards.” Join us as we explore his insights into leadership, innovation, and the importance of trusting the process. Subscribe, listen, and leave a review! 🌍🎧 You can find the latest from Mongezi ⁠⁠⁠on https://www.mongezimtati.co.za/ ⁠⁠⁠or any of these social spaces LinkedIn, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram, YouTube⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠⁠, Facebook, The Lead Creative Podcast ⁠⁠⁠. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: Jason Rademeyer Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Music: Kweku Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this week’s episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Lwazi Hlophe shares his incredible journey from crafting wire cars in Katlehong to becoming a renowned visual artist. Lwazi takes us through his discovery of photography, describing his first experience developing film as “magic.” He reflects on the systemic challenges he faced as a student, his escape into the world of light and emotion, and how his family inspires his art. “I trust the process, and I trust my family’s wisdom,” Lwazi says, offering a glimpse into the profound influence of his loved ones on his creative journey. Join us as Lwazi opens up about his process, from using found objects to creating striking mixed-media art pieces that tell stories of resilience, freedom, and identity. For more insights and inspiration, don’t miss this episode! You can find the latest from Lwazi ⁠⁠⁠here: LinkedIn: Lwazi Hlophe and Lwazi Hlophe Art ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠: @afterthebangbang Facebook: Lwazi.Hlophe ArtworkArchive: Lwazi Hlophe For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Producer: Ayob Vania Editor: Jason Rademeyer Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

In this episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Michelle Atagana, Head of Communications and PR for Spotify Africa, takes us on an inspiring journey through her life and career. Michelle shares the moments that defined her path from her childhood in Nigeria to shaping global narratives in the music industry. Reflecting on her days as a tech journalist and her transition into the corporate world, Michelle highlights the importance of storytelling, curiosity, and embracing change. “I’m happiest when I’m learning,” she reveals, offering a glimpse into her creative pursuits, including a fantasy novel she’s working on. Michelle’s candid discussion touches on her blue-haired confidence, the challenges of leadership, and the transformative power of music and technology. She talks about her current role, highlighting the importance of amplifying African voices in the global music industry, saying, “It’s about helping African creators be heard.” She also reflects on her evolving career, from journalism to tech, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a storyteller, a dreamer, or just curious, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. So join Michelle and Kojo as they discuss her journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and using technology to bring African talent to the world stage. You can find the latest from Michelle ⁠⁠⁠on LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠or any of these social spaces⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠⁠,  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. Listen to The Book Corner with Michelle Atangana For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Editor: Jason Rademeyer Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this week’s episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe speaks with Bianca Sibiya, founder of The Fixer Coalition and former Head of Africa Operations at TikTok. Bianca takes us through her incredible journey, from her early days on Bassiq—a groundbreaking show in African street culture—to leading high-impact digital strategies for brands across Africa. Bianca reflects on how her psychology studies shaped her approach to brand-building and shares insights into the importance of community-driven storytelling. With experience spanning MTV Africa, Viacom, and the startup world, Bianca’s perspective is both powerful and inspiring. She emphasises the importance of “showing up” as Africans in global media spaces and navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced digital environment. Press Play now to hear Bianca’s story, her unique insights on brand and community building, and her passion for crafting authentic African narratives in the digital age. You can find the latest from Bianca Sibiya on ⁠his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Editor: Jason Rademeyer Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania

In this compelling episode, we’re joined by Munyaradzi Chanetsa, a trailblazing marketer and music industry executive. With a career dedicated to elevating voices and capturing the essence of African culture, Munyaradzi shares his journey from a passionate creator to a respected figure in the African Music landscape. Known for his fearless approach, Munyaradzi takes us through the pivotal moments that led him to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge conventional views. Through this conversation, he offers insight into becoming a "Man Of The Industry" and establishing Masters Of The Industry as a movement to champion excellence, empower musicians and build legacy, reminding us that we can all drive real change. Join us as we dive into the art of breaking barriers, going with the flow and bringing communities together. This episode promises to leave you inspired, with a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape who we are. You can find the latest from Munya Chanetsa on ⁠his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠and ⁠Facebook⁠. You can learn more about MOTI ⁠here⁠. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Editor: Jason Rademeyer Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Show Music: Kweku Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania