Set Your 2026 Theme Word and Transform the Year Ahead

In this episode, host Hauwa Otori shares the 2026 theme word! After six years of setting theme words instead of resolutions, Hauwa explains the origin of this practice and the impact of her theme words from past years. She also invites listeners to share their own theme words for 2026. This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards. Recorded in January 2026. You can follow FIN on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

How do you stop negotiating with yourself when life forces you to walk away from what you're building? In this episode, we meet Ghanaian entrepreneur and creative professional Yaa Boateng, who takes us through her journey from graphic designer to creative director and eventually a creative entrepreneur as the co-founder of The Storytellers. Yaa opens up about navigating career pivots in the midst of grief, building resilience, and the importance of mentorship and global representation of the African creative industry. She also shares why she is committed to giving back through SIBI Africa, an initiative empowering the next generation of African creatives. If you're interested in applying for the 2026 SIBI program, applications are open now. The deadline is December 5, 2025.  This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards. You can follow Founders International Network on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

How much does your environment shape who you become? In this episode, we explore the journeys of two women from very different cities in the 2025 Cannes Lions See It Be It cohort. Creative Director Tuere Kareem and Creative Copywriter Érika Moreira share how identity and resilience have shaped the paths they are on today. Tuere's story is rooted in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, a Caribbean hub driven by the oil and gas industry, and in a family tragedy that deepened her connection to self and community. Érika's journey traces back to 1958 Brazil, and her path to identity reflects the city's complex history. Tune in to hear how Tuere and Érika navigate their communities and gain actionable insights on building groundedness, resilience, and creating opportunities in advertising and beyond. This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed and sound design by Kevin Edwards.  You can follow Founders International Network on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

What happens when you break into spaces you once thought were out of reach? In this episode, Nicky Lorenzo and Estefania "Nia" López, alumni tutors for the 2025 Cannes Lions See It Be It (SIBI) program, share their personal journeys through this prestigious accelerator in the creative and advertising industries. They discuss the transformative impact of the program on their personal lives, careers, and how they're now supporting this year's SIBI cohort. Focusing on resilience and self-discovery, they explore the importance of rewriting personal narratives, building strong support networks, and the lasting value of the SIBI experience. Tune in for compelling accounts and actionable insights on building inclusive, impactful careers in advertising, marketing, creative industries, and beyond.  This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards.  You can follow Founders International Network on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.  

In this episode, we unpack the many layers of confidence - how it's built, lost, and regained.  We're joined by Art Director Anastasia Simone and creative entrepreneur and illustrator Joy Richu, both proud See It Be It alums from the Cannes Lions Festival. Anastasia and Joy take us on a journey through their creative paths - spanning places like Hong Kong and Nairobi - as they reflect on how their early environments sparked their passions, how they've cultivated confidence, and how they continue showing up fully in their creative careers.  It is a reminder that confidence isn't just an inside job. It's deeply influenced by our community, environment, and the courage to keep going. This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards. Thank you to Carl Robinson, Jr. for his contribution. You can follow Founders International Network on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

What began as taking different life paths for both Laura Brown and Frank Starling has evolved into a shared mission: building inclusive spaces in the advertising industry. At just 21, Laura was made redundant with no savings, before she started temping as a receptionist at Cannes Lions. What seemed like a setback became a launchpad. Today, she is Cannes Lion's Head of Advancing Equitable Access and leads its See It Be It program — which builds inclusive spaces to help elevate women and nonbinary people's careers in advertising.  For Frank, entering the work force early with a passion for improving his community in East London forged a relentless drive to make workplaces more inclusive. Now as LION's Chief DEI Officer, he's using his platform to build belonging across the advertising and communication industries. Together, they unpack how See It Be It advances careers, focuses on retention just as much as recruitment, and how supporting regional communities play a vital role in sustaining inclusion efforts. The Cannes Lions festival will take place from June 16 through June 20, 2025. Founders International Network is the official media partner for Cannes Lions' See It Be It Program. This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori with help from Osheiza Otori. Music composed by Kevin Edwards. You can follow FIN on LinkedIn and BBP on Instagram.

In this episode, we introduce a new segment called Founder Tips!  Meet Cameron Van, the founder and CEO of Couro, a subscription-based platform aiming to democratize athletics. Cameron shares his journey from Olympic hopeful to entrepreneur, offering invaluable advice on mental wellness and building community for aspiring and active founders alike.   Don't miss his tips and tricks for sustaining your entrepreneurial spirit. Follow us on IG @buildingblackpodcast and let us know how you apply his advice! 00:00 Introduction to Founder Tips 00:34 Olympic Obsession 01:40 Meet Cameron (Cam) Van 02:00 Cam's Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:45 Couro's Mission and Launch 02:51 Cam's Advice on Mental Health 03:15 Engage with Us 03:25 Closing Remarks  

The new year is a time for fresh starts, renewal, and boundless hope. Each year, we select a theme word to set the tone and guide our journey.  In this episode, we'll reflect on the highlights of 2024 and share our vision and intentions for the year ahead.  Join us as we embrace the possibilities of what's to come! And, don't forget to keep up with us at www.foundersintlnetwork.org.  

Growing up in the vibrant, evolving neighborhood of South London, Ete Davies discovered his love for the arts and creativity, embarking on a journey that took him down a non-linear path. Meanwhile, in the lush, rugged landscapes of Galicia, Spain, nestled just north of Portugal, a young Kika Douglas cultivated her own creative passion through music, books, and writing. Their stories, shaped by two distinct cultures, highlight how a shared interest in understanding people and culture led them to build successful careers in the creative industry. Today, as accomplished executives, Ete and Kika serve as Jury Presidents for Eurobest 2024, celebrating Europe's most groundbreaking creativity.  

In this episode, we are joined by Lara Adekoya, the inspiring CEO and founder of Fleurs et Sel Bakery, as we revisit our live show in honor of National Black Business Month. Lara shares her remarkable journey of transforming her baking hobby into a thriving business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is one of transformation, community-building, and customer dedication. She opens up about the challenges she faced, from securing funding and navigating investor dynamics to balancing mental health as an entrepreneur. Listeners will gain insight into the intricate business side of the $42.2 billion bakery product industry, as well as practical advice on building strong personal connections with customers and overcoming logistical hurdles.  Lara's journey leaves aspiring entrepreneurs with powerful motivation to take charge of their ventures, empowering them to turn their passion into a successful business. In addition to Lara sharing her story, we were honored to spotlight other local LA businesses including: Crop Swap LA, Alta Adams, and Jackson McCrea Whiskey.  This episode was produced by Hauwa Otori and Osheiza Otori with music by Kevin Edwards. Special thanks to Rome Shaw of Visibooth and Jonathan Strickland of ILL Sounds.  You can follow us on Instagram (@buildingblackpodcast) and sign up for our free newsletter at www.foundersintlnetwork.org.