HUMHR Career Insights

In this episode of Batje’s Take, I reflect on my powerful conversation with Wani Joana Kahasha , a story rooted in resilience, exposure, and growth in fragile contexts. Wani’s journey reminds us that a dream can turn into a plan, and a plan into a product but also that entrepreneurship and career paths are rarely linear. We talk about the importance of being “heavy on the roads,” and how physical movement and exposure open our minds, shape our confidence, and shift our mindset. This reflection also acknowledges a difficult truth: sometimes businesses fail not because of poor decisions or lack of effort but because of forces beyond our control, such as conflict and instability. Resilience, in those moments, is not about denial, but about rebuilding with courage and clarity. From hard lessons about entrepreneurship to the belief that you really can be anything; this episode is a reminder that growth often comes from discomfort and that open roads can lead to open minds. We didn’t share a listener story this week, but please keep sending in your stories of growth-mindset leaders you’d like us to celebrate.

In the middle of Season 4 of HUMHR Career Insights Entrepreneurship as a Career Choice we pause for a special bonus episode that takes us back to a foundational theme of the podcast: The Power of Storytelling. This episode is a throwback to Season 2, where we explored the human stories behind careers, the decisions, pivots, risks, and moments of reckoning that shape professional lives. And fittingly, Season 4 has quietly become a season of reconnections. In this deeply reflective conversation, I reconnect with an old friend whose remarkable career journey began in finance, working in global markets, before taking a bold and unconventional turn into humanitarian leadership and advocacy. From Wall Street to Asia, and later into some of the world’s most complex humanitarian contexts, her story is one of courage, reinvention, and purpose-driven work. We talk about career pivots, identity shifts, influence without profit, leadership in high-pressure environments, and what it really means to redefine success over time. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, questioning a path that looks “right on paper,” or simply drawn to powerful human stories this episode is for you

In this episode of Batje’s Take, Batje reflects on her recent conversation with JD Wetherspoon and shares personal insights on resilience building, intentional reset, and creating communities that last. Recorded during a season of pause and reflection, this episode explores the power of unplugging from our devices, what true resilience looks like especially for young people and why purpose must always come before profit. Batje also shares her own perspective on goal-setting, career momentum, and why personal and professional growth doesn’t have to follow the calendar year. The episode closes with a timely and light-hearted listener story that highlights the importance of preparation, especially when navigating interviews with mission-driven and faith-based organizations. This is a reflective, grounding episode for anyone navigating career transitions, leadership growth, or simply seeking clarity and alignment in their work. Key themes include: Resilience building in practice The impact of intentional digital detox Purpose-driven careers and leadership Rethinking New Year’s goals and timelines Career preparation and interview readiness Stay inspired.

In this episode, Batje sits down with J.D. Weatherspoon., a globally minded civic architect whose work spans continents, communities, and causes. From youth mentoring and HIV research with Harvard’s Forgotten Epidemic project to co-founding Mastermind Connect and designing resilience hubs at Peregrine Consultants, J.D. has built a career centered on systems that hold people together when things fall apart. We explore entrepreneurship through a new lens, civic architecture and unpack how continuity, culture, and community trust shape ventures that last. J.D. also shares his insights on Africa Rising, the power of diaspora-driven innovation, and where he sees the next frontier for purpose-led entrepreneurs across the Global South. If you’re an entrepreneur, development professional, or builder at heart, this conversation will expand how you think about impact, equity, and legacy.

In this episode of Batje’s Take, I reflect on my recent conversation with Dennis Mambure and the unexpected journey behind how the episode was released. What was scheduled didn’t get published and a backup episode stepped in and taught me a powerful lesson on preparedness, flexibility, and the realities of podcasting. I also share a thoughtful listener summary that beautifully captured the essence of this conversation, including key takeaways such as: Personal branding rooted in corporate experience and exposure The 3 Es: Education, Experience & Exposure The need to unlearn, relearn, and keep learning How AI should complement, not replace, your expertise Why every business is ultimately in the business of people Passion. Purpose. People. And the courage to start early, fail, correct, and restart I close with a celebration of a growth mindset leader, inspired by a listener response to last week’s call for stories. This week, we honour a leader, whose mentorship, foresight, and old-school thoroughness shaped a generation of professionals. This reflection is about brand, leadership, resilience — and the people who shape who we become. 🎧 Listen in and share your own growth mindset leader story for a future Batje’s Take.

In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, I sit down with Dennis Mambure, a purpose-driven brand builder and the creative mind behind multiple African entrepreneurial brands. Together, we unpack what it truly takes to build a brand that stands out not just in the marketplace, but in the hearts and minds of the people you serve. Dennis shares his refreshing perspective on branding as a journey of clarity and authenticity, not perfection. We talk about: Why your brand begins long before you pick colours, logos, or taglines The role of identity, story, and values in brand building How entrepreneurs can build trust in crowded, competitive markets The importance of consistency and courage in nurturing a brand over time Practical steps for founders and creators to strengthen their brand presence today Whether you’re launching a business, building a personal brand, or refreshing your organization’s identity, this episode offers grounded insights, actionable wisdom, and a reminder that branding is ultimately about connecting with people. Tune in and let’s build with purpose. Listen now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this week’s Batje’s Take, I reflect on my conversation with Chinwe Onyeagoro, CEO and co-founder of PocketSuite  an all-in-one platform helping service-based entrepreneurs run and scale their businesses. Chinwe’s story is full of wisdom, grit, and clarity of purpose, and today I’m breaking down three powerful takeaways that will speak to entrepreneurs, leaders, dreamers, and anyone navigating their own career path. Takeaway #1 — Start Early From babysitting to lemonade stands, Chinwe showed how early exposure to roles, money, and responsibility builds an entrepreneurial mindset. We talk about the importance of starting young, developing financial literacy, and sharpening your skills intentionally. Takeaway #2 — Africa as the Rising Continent We revisit the data and insights from key global institutions the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the UN, McKinsey, and Google-IFC , all pointing to Africa’s demographic power, digital innovation, and economic potential. Takeaway #3 — Great Leaders Find and Grow Talent Chinwe’s philosophy of leadership reminded me of Carol Dweck’s book Mindset. We explore the difference between growth mindset leaders and fixed mindset leaders, and why the leaders who believe in us often change the entire trajectory of our lives. I also share a personal story of the growth-mindset leaders who shaped me. I Want Your Stories In my coaching programs, I hear so many stories about terrible bosses… and far fewer about the great ones. So, this week, I’m celebrating with the leaders who got it right and I want to hear from you. Send me your stories of growth mindset leaders (include their names if you’re comfortable) by emailing batje@humhr.org or commenting on any platform. I’ll read some of them on the next Batje’s Take episode. Join me for this inspiring reflection on building early, rising boldly, and leading well.

In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, Batje sits down with Chinwe Onyeagoro, Co-founder and CEO of PocketSuite, an all-in-one business operating system empowering service professionals and small business owners to manage bookings, payments, and growth from one simple app. A Harvard-trained economist, former McKinsey consultant, and Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow, Chinwe has spent her career helping entrepreneurs turn passion into profit and redefining what success looks like in the new economy. In this powerful conversation, Batje and Chinwe explore what it means to build with purpose: The moment she decided to leave corporate consulting to serve small business owners. How PocketSuite has delivered over $1 billion in income and revolutionized solo entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship in Africa The mindset shifts that entrepreneurs need to sustain purpose, impact, and freedom. Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to think differently about work, wealth, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

In this week’s “Batje’s Take,” I reflect on my conversation with Professor Lonnie Strickland whom I first met over 20 years ago. I share three powerful insights from our discussion: the importance of evolving your strategy, the idea that true wealth comes from giving, and the critical role of support systems in our careers. If you haven’t listened to the full conversation yet, catch up on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments section.

In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, host Batje Chibafa reconnects with Professor A.J. “Lonnie” Strickland, one of the world’s most respected educators in strategic management and co-author of the global classic Crafting & Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage. More than a decade after hosting him at a live strategic management seminar, Batje sits down once again, this time through the power of technology, to explore timeless insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and strategy in a changing world. With his trademark humor and deep wisdom, Professor Strickland reflects on his time in Zimbabwe, where he says that “if we could bottle Zimbabwe’s weather and sell it, we’d all be rich!”   He draws powerful lessons from nature (even a mosquito has strategy), talks about avocados and entrepreneurship, and explores what it means to build a life of impact, generosity, and purpose. Tune in for a masterclass in storytelling and strategy from a professor who has inspired thousands of leaders across five decades. Subscribe to HUMHR Career Insights on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to get notified when new episodes drop. #HUMHRPodcast #CareerInsights #Entrepreneurship #Strategy #Leadership #LonnieStrickland #Zimbabwe #AfricaRising #FutureOfWork #Innovation #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BatjeChibafa

In this inaugural episode of "Batje's Take," host Batje Chibafa unpacks her three biggest takeaways from a fascinating conversation with The Startup Coach. If you've ever wondered if you're "cut out" to be an entrepreneur, this solo reflection provides the clarity and actionable insights you need. Batje synthesizes the guest's wisdom into three foundational principles: Entrepreneurship is a Learnable Skill: Moving beyond the myth of the "born entrepreneur," Batje reflects on the guest's own high school startup gig. She expands on the idea that entrepreneurship is like a muscle, strengthening with use, and highlights how this skill is now being taught to young people through programs in schools and organizations like Junior Achievement. Mindset is the Determining Factor: Inspired by the guest's journey, Batje explores how redefining success is the first step. She shares a powerful story of a corporate-leaver who found a new definition of success through health and family, and delves into the critical "growth vs. fixed mindset" framework from Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" as the key to unlocking potential. You Cannot Do It Alone: Echoing the startup coach's experience, Batje breaks down the essential roles of a coach (for specific skills) and a mentor (for broader guidance). She gets candid about her own lessons in trying to do everything herself—from DIY website disasters to recognizing her limitations—and why building a support system is non-negotiable for success. Tune in for a focused recap that will help you pause, process, and apply the most critical insights from a master coach directly to your own career journey. Mentioned in this episode: Carol Dweck's "Mindset," Junior Achievement.

What happens when you stop climbing the corporate ladder — and start building your own? In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, host Batje Chibafa sits down with Dennis Mhangami, The Startup Coach of the Year 2023, to explore what it really means to turn experience, purpose, and resilience into a career built on your own terms. With over 25 years in corporate operations, entrepreneurship, and venture-building across Africa, Dennis shares practical wisdom on moving from employment to entrepreneurship, finding purpose in uncertainty, and redefining success beyond titles and job grades. Whether you’re thinking of starting something new, juggling a side hustle, or reimagining your career after transition — this conversation will remind you that success isn’t just about climbing the ladder... sometimes it’s about building one of your own.

Join us for the exciting launch of Season Four of the HUMHR Career Insights podcast! his is the first ever Live episode. In this episode, host Batje explores the evolving landscape of career success, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. Discover insights on career transitions, the impact of AI, and the rise of entrepreneurship as a respected career path. Tune in for engaging discussions, personal stories, and a sneak peek into the live events planned for this season. Subscribe now and redefine what it means to have a successful career! Introduction and Welcome- 0:00 Season Four Announcement- 1:30 Career Transitions Discussion- 3:00 AI and Future of Work Recap- 5:00 Purpose and Success in Careers- 7:00 Entrepreneurship as a Career Path- 10:00 Personal Career Journey- 12:30 Live Events and Engagement- 15:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action- 17:00  

"How can international civil servants not just survive but thrive amid UN reforms, geopolitical shifts, and workplace transformation? In this timely episode, FICSA President Wadzanai Garwe shares actionable strategies for: • Adapting to digital transformation while preserving human-centric service • Leading teams through institutional change with cultural agility • Using radical self-compassion as an anchor in turbulent times “Essential listening for international civil servants steering change in this critical moment.”

"In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, visionary leader Elizabeth Mhangami (Vanavevhu, Ndisu) reveals: • How nonprofit professionals can adapt to donor shifts + digital transformation • Why youth empowerment = the ultimate future-of-work strategy • The leadership mindset that builds resilient teams across continents A masterclass in staying relevant while driving social impact. #FutureOfWork"

In this episode, we explore SIMba.AI—a groundbreaking AI platform developed between Kenya and the U.S. that’s translating English into local languages and opening up new job pathways. Co-founders Mark Matunga and Randy Falkner share the vision, challenges, and surprising impact of building locally intelligent AI for Africa.

We sit down with a seasoned executive who has scaled companies to $200M+ across AI, Web3, and healthcare. Discover how she navigates cultural complexities in global teams, identifies emerging market opportunities, and develops resilient leadership strategies for the tech-driven future of work. Essential listening for professionals aiming to thrive in high-growth industries.

AI is revolutionizing the workplace – but how can you harness it to future-proof your career? In this episode, Ahmet Acar (who's helped teams at Google, SAP and Mercedes-Benz transform their workflows) reveals how professionals can strategically use automation to eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on high-value work. Discover practical frameworks to identify what to automate, and why mastering "AI collaboration" will be the career superpower of tomorrow. If you're ready to work smarter (not harder) in the AI era, this conversation is your roadmap

In this episode, we sit down with Mellany Msengezi, an award-winning marketer and tech education leader, to explore how AI and digital skills are shaping the future of work. From career adaptability to the evolving tech landscape, Mellany shares expert insights on staying relevant, upskilling strategically, and thriving in an increasingly digital world.

Take a sneak peek into what we have in store for Season 3 - "The Future of Work - How to survive and thrive" In this mind-bending episode, I sit down with two expert "AI voices "to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, creativity, and the very idea of ‘work’ itself. Will automation unlock human potential—or erase careers as we know them?