✨ What no one tells you about being a founder… until it’s too late.
In this episode of NEXUS Talks, Adaora Oramah — CEO & Founder of Amaka Studio — gets brutally honest about the reality of building a startup in the creative industry. From the tears and near-burnout moments to redefining what success actually means, Adaora shares the lessons that most founders only learn the hard way.
🚀 You’ll hear:
* Why being *obsessed with the problem* is the secret to scaling
* The hidden struggles African creatives face in the global creator economy
* What “success” really looks like when you’re in the trenches
* The one founder skill no one prepares you for (but makes or breaks your business)
This isn’t your typical glossy founder story. It’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with insights that could save you months — or even years — on your own journey.
🎧 Don’t miss this one. Founders are already talking about it.
Got it — since Spotify doesn’t have teasers at the beginning, we’ll start the timestamps from **00:00**. Here’s a clean, **Spotify-friendly timestamp list** that listeners can use to jump into key parts of the episode:
00:00 – Welcome Adaora Oramah
Introduction to the Founder & CEO of Amaka Studio.
00:59 – From Singer to Startup Founder
Adaora’s creative journey and why she built Amaka.
02:58 – The Problem with Representation**
How African creatives are misrepresented in global media.
05:00 – From Tears to Triumph**
The struggles, pivots, and lessons behind building Amaka Studio.
07:02 – The Advice Every Founder Needs**
Why being obsessed with the problem matters more than anything.
11:53 – Barriers African Creators Face**
The payment and access challenges — and how Amaka solves them.
14:23 – A Proud Founder Moment**
Helping a young creator get closer to her dreams.
16:23 – Founder Burnout Is Real**
Learning the hard way to take breaks.
18:55 – Redefining Success**
Why Adaora doesn’t feel “successful” yet — and what that really means.
23:42 – The Lesson No One Prepares Founders For**
Why business is all about people management.
26:01 – You Can’t Be Everything for Everyone**
How to stay focused when representing a whole continent.
28:31 – The Power of Mentors**
Why mentorship has been key to Adaora’s journey.
30:25 – Overcoming Self-Doubt**
The mindset shift that keeps her moving forward.
33:46 – What’s Next for Amaka Studio**
New features and campaigns on the horizon.
35:09 – Staying Authentic as a Founder**
How Adaora stays grounded in her mission.
36:47 – Final Message to Founders**
Adaptability, persistence, and being obsessed with the problem.
