The Tech Surf Podcast

Many organisations today boast massive stores of customer and transaction data. Yet, only a handful can say their products tangibly improve user experience by leveraging these assets. In this episode, I sit with Adekunle Kadri: a seasoned data and product leader who has steered teams through Africa’s fast-growing data landscape and global enterprises alike. Adekunle’s insights offer a lens into how orchestrating data assets, AI tools, and cross-functional collaboration yields products that genuinely matter.Host: Raymond KlutseGuests: Joseph Simms MensahMusic: Podcast Interview Background Music - lkoliksVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Enjoy the episode.

A young Ghanaian graduate landing their first job often dreams of moving out of their parents’ home to start an independent life. But the reality of finding suitable accommodation can be daunting. Unreliable middlemen, inflated prices, and endless trips across the city to view a single property make the process both stressful and inefficient.In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Simms Mensah, a forward-thinking entrepreneur who identified this gap in the housing market and created OpenProp—a unified platform that connects buyers directly with sellers while transforming the property search experience. With innovative features like secure, high-quality virtual tours, OpenProp allows clients to explore properties from anywhere, ensuring that what they see online truly matches what exists in person.For more about OpenProp, visit https://www.openprop.africa Host: Raymond KlutseGuest: Joseph Simms MensahMusic: Podcast Interview Background Music - lkoliksVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Enjoy the episode.

The rapid expansion of Big Tech companies like FAANG, or FANMAG has reshaped global industries, creating unprecedented opportunities in technology. These firms – with combined valuations rivaling national GDPs – drive innovation in AI, cloud computing, and sustainability solutions, but their rigorous hiring processes often leave aspiring candidates overwhelmed.In this episode, host Raymond Klutse sits down with Chisom Nwokwu, formerly working at Microsoft Software Engineer and author of "A Techie’s Guide into Big Tech Companies". Chisom shares her inspiring journey from a computer science student to a successful engineer in one of the world's leading tech firms. She’s mastered the blueprint for landing roles at top firms , from crafting standout resumes to acing technical interviews,  and shares her tips with us for those hoping to build global careers.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuests : Chisom NwokwuMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Enjoy this episode.Chisom's book : "A Techie's Guide into Big Tech Companies" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Techies-Guide-into-Tech-Companies/dp/9787948258Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Career paths are rarely linear. Some find their calling the moment their fingers touch a keyboard, others transition into tech mid-career, and a few boldly step away to forge entirely new trajectories.In this episode, host @Raymond Klutse sits down with Jonathan Abotiwine Alua, a former computer engineer who transitioned into law as a practicing lawyer and international tax consultant. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey of following his passions and the motivations behind his career change. The conversation explores the challenges he faced while switching careers, highlighting the transferable skills that helped him bridge the gap between engineering and law. Jonathan discusses how his problem-solving mindset and tech skills have translated into effective legal practice, as well as the impact of technology on the legal profession. He offers insights into how engineering principles can be applied to legal problem-solving, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that arise when these two fields intersect.Enjoy this episodeHosts: Raymond KlutseGuests : Jonathan AluaMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Data is the new oil, and our world is  increasingly driven by data. Although the gap in the tech space has been wide for a while, now more than ever the contributions of women in data science are more vital than ever. As the field expands, so too do the opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and inspire.In this episode, we sit down with two remarkable trailblazers: @Aseda Addai-Deseh, a seasoned Data Scientist breaking barriers in the industry, and @Khadija Iddrisu, a PhD Student pushing the boundaries of academic research. From overcoming imposter syndrome to navigating male-dominated spaces, Aseda and Khadija share their triumphs, challenges, and the wisdom they've gained on their journeys to the forefront of the data revolution.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuests : Aseda Addai-Deseh, Khadija IddrisuMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Enjoy this episodeFollow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

In the rapidly evolving landscape of data science, where algorithms and insights drive innovation, the role of effective management has become increasingly crucial. Data science managers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between business objectives and data-driven insights. They are not merely overseers of technical teams but strategic visionaries who align data analysis with organizational goals, driving informed decision-making that can reshape industries and societies.In this episode, I sit with our distinguished guest, Rudolph Adom-Boafo, a Chief Data Science Engineer at bigspark, as we dissect his career trajectory and how others can glean from his experience.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest :  Rudolph Adom-BoafoMusic : Weekends, KeralaVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

In the ever-evolving realm of global tech entrepreneurship, Africa stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by innovative thinkers and dynamic leaders. Although tech has progressively evolved and grown on the continent, there are still gaps especially with emerging tech entrepreneurs. In this episode I sit with Isaac Newton Acquah Tech-Savvy Business Developer and Advisor, as we delve into the intricacies of tech entrepreneurship with the African context in mind, exploring how local insights and global connections can spark innovation and drive sustainable growth.Enjoy today’s episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest :  Isaac Newton (Kobi) AcquahMusic : Weekends, KeralaVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

As the digital landscape continues to reshape how we connect and advance our careers, LinkedIn has solidified its position as the go-to platform for professional networking and growth. Many professionals harbor fears about using LinkedIn, which can hinder their ability to leverage the platform for career advancement.In this conversation, I sit with Maukeni Padiki Ribeiro, a Writer and Brand Strategist, as we aim to demystify these fears and provide practical strategies to overcome them.Enjoy this episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Maukeni Padiki RibeiroMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

In an era where technology and law are increasingly intertwined, the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between legal expertise and digital innovation has never been more critical. In this episode, I sit with Elizabeth Abati, a Strategy Manager in Sustainability at Google, whose unique perspective sits at the intersection of tech, legal frameworks, and sustainable practices. Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Elizabeth AbatiMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

The allure of transforming a brilliant idea into a thriving business, coupled with the prospect of making a meaningful impact on society, is what draws many into the world of startups. The excitement of being a startup founder today is palpable, with the promise of innovation and the potential to disrupt industries fuelling the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs. In this episode, we sit with Sydney Sam, a Ghanaian visionary, who embodies this spirit as he leads Workspace Global, a creative-as-a-service platform that connects thousands of startups to supervised creative teams. The conversation highlights his journey into entrepreneurship, the exhilarating yet challenging path of transforming ideas into sustainable businesses.Enjoy today’s episodeHosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Sydney (Scott) SamMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Education is driven by the language people speak. English, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, dominates almost every new concept, and tech concepts are no exception. Despite the vast number of English speakers, there are still many people in various countries who do not speak it. What happens to them as technology advances and new concepts emerge, some of which are alien to the grammatical structures of their languages?In this episode, our host Raymond Klutse sits with Wuraola Oyewusi, a trained Pharmacist now turned Data Scientist and Tech Instructor whose love for teaching has inspired her to explain tech concepts in her native tongue, Yoruba. As a result, many speakers of this language have learned about ChatGPT, AI, and much more.Enjoy this episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Wuraola OyewusiMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Follow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Venturing beyond the familiar borders of one's homeland into a new terrain is often a thrilling yet daunting experience. This is the story of many students every year, who leave comfort and familiarity behind, to pursue higher education, better jobs, and the hope of a better life. Others go further to venture into entrepreneurship despite the winding paths and many uncertainties.In this episode, we sit with Josh Baah to uncover his journey into entrepreneurship and how he has leveraged technology to accelerate and expand his numerous businesses. Born in the UK, Josh went on to pursue his education in International Development at King's College, which led him into the world of consulting. Although successful in his corporate job, he decided to tread the path of entrepreneurship, together with his friend Hannz, leading to the birth of Joos, a Power Bank Rental Startup. This startup has rapidly spread across the UK, Europe and is now expanding to Canada. He is also the co-founder of Nosh, Joos Solar & TIRAH - where he works with Ghanaian startups. In this conversation, we also talk about the challenges he has faced and how future entrepreneurs can glean from their experience to increase their chances of success.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Josh BaahMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Production Team - David Oyelade, Samuel AndamFollow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Conversations about gender diversity and women being underrepresented in STEM have gone on for years. Many initiatives and organisations have emerged with the aim of encouraging and empowering women to succeed in STEM careers. Although the gender gap is still wide, and there is still more work to be done, these domains are witnessing a rise of exceptional women leaders championing transformative change and redefining the narrative.In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting with Adora Ndwdo, a game changer in the industry whose contributions are widely celebrated and has inspired a lot of women to get into tech and excel. This discussion delves into her multifaceted life as a techie, from her journey into tech to becoming a household name, and the exciting things she's looking forward to working on. We also talk about the challenges she has faced in the space, and how she has handled them. She emphasises the importance of teaching women in STEM not to just ride on the conversation of stereotypes and the hashtags that are springing up in the industry every day, but rather actively seek to be valuable and knowledgeable assets in the field.Enjoy this episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Adora NwodoMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Production Team - David Oyelade, Etornam KokoFollow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

The landscape of medicine is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation. It’s no longer science fiction, it’s here. Whilst debates about AI replacing some professions keep making waves, others are using the opportunity to creating an intersection of both fields.In this episode, we sit with Dr. Paulina Mensah, a doctor who also doubles as an AI practitioner, and how she was able to carve this career path for herself. This conversation explores that way AI is transforming diagnoses, treatments, and even the doctor-patient relationship. We discuss specific applications, ethical considerations, and the future potential of this powerful intersection. We also delve into the importance of understanding the local context, such as infrastructure, cultural beliefs, and existing healthcare systems when deploying these emerging technologies .Enjoy this episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest : Dr. Paulina MensahMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Production Team - Samuel Andam, Etornam Koko, Reginald TettehFollow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Technology can empower people with disabilities, but only if it's accessible. Social enterprise, Tech Era, led by Derick Omari, tackles this by providing individuals with the tools and training to thrive in the digital world. They go beyond basic skills, fostering independence and entrepreneurship through business creation assistance. Tech Era even offers innovative programs, like enabling visually impaired individuals to become graphic designers, showcasing the transformative power of accessible technology. Join me as I sit with Derick to explore advancements in accessible technology, its empowering potential, and the impactful work of Tech Era, which has transformed over 5,000 lives through digital skills training. Enjoy today’s episode.Hosts: Raymond KlutseGuest :  Derick OmariMusic : Soft Beat - ComaStudioVoice Over - Raymond KlutseProducer - Raymond Klutse Production Team - Reginald Tetteh, David OyeladeFollow our socials to stay up to date: https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse

Africa's tech scene is brimming with brilliant minds, and The Tech Surf Podcast is diving deep into their stories. Season 2, dubbed "The Afro Tech Series," features inspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, and tech enthusiasts who are harnessing technology to create positive change, not only across the continent but also globally. This season promises to be both entertaining and informative, offering valuable insights and perspectives on how technology is shaping the future of Africa and beyond. Conversations range from discussing the intersection of tech with fields like disability, design, law, and medicine, to exploring the world of data and the future ahead. I also get the chance to sit down with entrepreneurs to explore interesting business models like building a rent-a-power-bank business, digital business cards, and a remote-first creative business connecting clients with a talented pool of pre-vetted designers and developers across Africa. Episode 1 drops this Thursday, and I'm excited to share it with you! Are you ready? Stay tuned and subscribe to the podcast on all your streaming and social media platforms. Links : https://linktr.ee/raymondklutse  Music Appreciation - Capcut

Embark on a compelling exploration of Ebi-Yaa Kwaw's remarkable journey as a woman in the tech industry on The Tech Surf Podcast. Join the discussion as she unveils key milestones and triumphs, sharing insights into her transition from marketing to UX/UI design and how her marketing background uniquely influences her design approach. The conversation covers thought-provoking conversations on the importance of UX/UI design, challenges of stereotypes, and how women can thrive in this space. Enjoy today’s episode. Hosts: Raymond Klutse Guest :  Ebi-Yaa Kwaw Music : Weekends, Kerala Voice Over - Raymond Klutse Producer - Raymond Klutse  Production Team - Samuel Andam, Etornam Koko, Reginald Tetteh

Data is by far one of the most discussed resources in our world today. As we become more connected thanks to the advancement of technology, we in turn generate more data which now needs to be processed to give value to its owners.  Data, however, is mostly not perfect and requires a series of processes to make it ready for us, one of which is data labeling. In this episode we sit with Ahmed Rashad, the CEO and Founder of SapienAI. He is also an MIT alum with a rich background in technology and consulting at Amazon, McKinsey & Company, and Scale AI. Ahmed takes us on a journey through the world of data, explaining how this innovative approach is reshaping our understanding of problem-solving in the tech industry. Enjoy today's episode. Hosts: Raymond Klutse Guest :  Ahmed Rashad Music : Weekends Voice Over - Raymond Klutse Producer - Raymond Klutse  Production Team - David Oyelade, Samuel Andam

The journey through school is filled with laborious learning, overwhelming workloads, and grades showing the fruits of one's efforts. While some graduates leave with friends for life or business partners from school, graduation is rarely easy. With AI's rise, could technology make acquiring knowledge more exciting regardless of location or language?  In this episode, our host Raymond Ewoenam Klutse interviewed entrepreneurs Samit Khalsa and Kamyar Hosseini, whose friendship led them to found edtech startup Penseum. It leverages AI to spark learning and reduce student anxiety.  Enjoy today’s episode Host: Raymond Klutse Guests: Samit Khalsa, Kamyar Hosseini Music : Weekends, Kerala Voice Over - Raymond Klutse Producer - Raymond Klutse  Production Team - Reginald Tetteh, Samuel Andam

Data is often described as the new oil. Just like mining oil, mining data requires some core skills and mindset. Although many tools are available in the industry for Data Engineering, the core element of the role and how people who want to explore a career down this path is not often spoken of.  In this episode, we sit with Shaine Ismail, a principal Engineer and co-founder of BigSpark, as he walks us through his journey and what he believes the next generation of engineers should be looking out for in the data space.   Hosts: Raymond Klutse, Maclean Arhin Guest : Shaine Ismail Music : Weekends, Kerala Voice Over - Raymond Klutse Producer - Raymond Klutse  Production Team - Etornam Koko, Reginald Tetteh