Shows
Doers Defined PodcastRooted in Purpose, Driven by People: A Conversation with Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer.How do you find yourself at the center of not one, but two of the most iconic IPOs in recent history — Uber and the biggest global tech listing of 2024, Talabat? You lead with vision, build culture from the ground up, and never lose sight of the people who make it all possible.In this episode of Doers Defined, I sit down with Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer — a powerhouse in global communications, leadership, and innovation.Susanne has been at the helm of some of the world’s most influential tech companies — from her trailblazing role as Uber’s fi...
2025-05-0644 min
Doers Defined PodcastLighting Possibility: Carol Koech on Purpose, Power & Pushing Past Limits.In her own words, Carol Koech is a dreamer, an executor, and an enabler—and in this deeply inspiring episode, she lives up to every one of those titles.Born in rural Kenya without access to electricity, Carol’s childhood was marked by challenges that could have easily defined her limits. Instead, they ignited a fire within her. Today, she’s dedicating her life to solving the very problem she once lived—energy access. Her rise to top executive roles at global giants like Schneider Electric, GE, and Unilever is not just a corporate...
2025-04-2236 min
Doers Defined PodcastDiplomacy Reimagined. The Power of Technology.How often do you think about innovation in government services?In this powerful episode on Doers Defined, we sit down with Alexia Hefti — a Swiss-Canadian lawyer, digital governance pioneer, and global strategist based in the UAE — who is radically reimagining how governments serve people in the 21st century.From growing up in Hong Kong to advising heads of state across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Alexia’s journey is anything but typical. She co-founded Deloitte Canada’s Blockchain Tax practice, served on the board of a Nasdaq-listed blockchain firm, and now leads eGo...
2025-04-0950 min
Doers Defined PodcastWanjira Mathai: A Global Sustainability PowerhouseIn this unmissable episode of Doers Defined, we sit down with Wanjira Mathai—a global sustainability powerhouse, TIME 100 honoree, and Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at WRI.Wanjira opens up about growing up with the legend—her mother, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai—and whether she felt pressure to carry on the legacy or forge her own path. She shares a raw and deeply personal take on leadership, influence, and the responsibility that comes with being a voice for change...
2025-03-1848 min
Doers Defined PodcastFinancial Powerhouse and Global Change Maker: The Perry Boyle Story.In this episode of the Doers Defined Podcast, we sit down with Perry Boyle, an extraordinary leader whose journey spans decades of influence in finance, philanthropy, and social impact. A financial powerhouse who personally raised $3 billion to launch the U.S. hedge fund Point72, working alongside the legendary Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets. Perry has left a remarkable legacy in investment banking, hedge funds, and as the founder of MITS Capital, an international defense venture capital firm and accelerator.But Perry’s story is about more than just financial success. As Chairman of The BO...
2024-12-171h 12
Doers Defined PodcastMore than Money: The Art of Managing Wealth for the World's Richest Families.In this episode of Doers Defined, we’re joined by Rosanne Whalley, CEO of AHL Ventures and a trailblazer in African private equity and venture capital. With over 15 years of experience, Rosanne shares her journey leading one of Africa’s most impactful family offices, driving investments that tackle social and environmental challenges at scale. The conversation delves into the intricacies of family office management, showcasing how AHL Ventures, founded by the Adolf H. Lundin Charitable Foundation, has evolved into an evergreen fund with over USD $100 million in assets under management. 🌍 Highlights from the conversat...
2024-12-031h 16
Doers Defined PodcastA Trailblazer’s Journey in Venture Philanthropy and Impact Investing.In this episode, we sit with Kanini Mutooni, a powerhouse in the world of venture philanthropy and impact investing. As Regional Managing Director, Africa, at Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Kanini has been a driving force behind empowering early-stage entrepreneurs creating meaningful global impact.With leadership roles spanning organizations like Vodacom Tanzania, FSD Africa, Mastercard Foundation Growth Fund, Global Innovation Fund, Toniic and more, Kanini brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on Africa’s immense investment potential.In this episode, Kanini dives into:✅ The art of fundraising in chal...
2024-11-1952 min
Doers Defined PodcastGame-Changing Tips From Top Climate Venture Capitalist.In this episode, we sit down with Romain Diaz, founder and general partner at Satgana, a venture capital firm dedicated to sustainable and climate-driven innovation. Romain discusses Satgana's mission to show that investing in the planet can deliver both financial and social gains. Building Satgana’s €8 million fund was a challenging journey that required a strong team and unwavering commitment, but Romain emphasizes the importance of trust and integrity, reflecting his philosophy: “Do what you say, say what you do.”Romain shares insights into the specific challenges faced by African founders, Satgana’s unique approach to sourcing investment...
2024-11-0552 min
Doers Defined PodcastGame-Changing Tips from a Top Climate Venture Capitalist.In this episode, we sit down with Romain Diaz, founder and general partner at Satgana, a venture capital firm dedicated to sustainable and climate-driven innovation. Romain discusses Satgana's mission to show that investing in the planet can deliver both financial and social gains. Building Satgana’s €8 million fund was a challenging journey that required a strong team and unwavering commitment, but Romain emphasizes the importance of trust and integrity, reflecting his philosophy: “Do what you say, say what you do.”Romain shares insights into the specific challenges faced by African founders, Satgana’s unique approach to sourcing investment...
2024-11-0552 min
Doers Defined PodcastLeading the Charge: A Visionary Capital Allocator's Commitment to African Women's Success.Jo Opot is a visionary capital allocator and founding director of Gather Ventures, a gender and climate smart fund focused on investing in ventures that both create climate resilience and drive asset creation for women and girls in Africa. She is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of investment by empowering women and fostering gender equity in business. With a steadfast commitment to uplifting female entrepreneurs, Jo channels her expertise and resources into ventures that elevate women's voices, promote diversity, and drive inclusive growth. She is passionate about breaking down the barriers women face in accessing capital, believing t...
2024-10-2158 min
Doers Defined PodcastThe Dynamic Force behind the Pan African Fintech Giant Cellulant and Boutique Invesment Firm PANI.In this episode, Ken Njoroge, the dynamic force behind Cellulant and founder of boutique investment firm PANI, unlocks the secrets of his success in the tech world. His brainchild, Cellulant, has evolved into a global payments powerhouse, reshaping digital transactions across 35 countries in Africa. In this episode of the Doers Defined Podcast, Elsie Mbugua speaks with Ken about his inspiring journey as an entrepreneur, the critical elements of success in fundraising, his style of leadership in moments of crisis, his advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to build a sustainable and leading business in Africa and the importance o...
2024-10-081h 18
Doers Defined PodcastPrivate Equity Executive Navigating the Challenges of Manufacturing in NigeriaIn this episode, our guest is Nana Afoah Appiah-Korang who is one of the top female capital allocators on the African Continent. She has been a senior private equity executive in Africa for more than two decades and ran the Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) business in Nigeria for almost a decade. She has executed and exited transactions with a total value of USD ~500 million in agribusiness, financial services (insurance and banks), oil and gas primarily in West Africa. She is also the co-founder of a Nigeria based ready to eat manufacturing business, Amayi Foods.Nana shares insights...
2024-09-241h 02
Doers Defined PodcastAfrican Woman Who Grew Up In Apartheid South Africa Becomes Top Energy Entrepreneur.On this episode, @doersdefinedpodcast features Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, an advocate for women, and the founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources Group (Pty) Ltd.We explore how a black woman who grew up in apartheid South Africa becomes an energy entrepreneur and goes on to own one of Africa’s largest wind farms. We share ideas on what it takes to lead and build teams. We discuss the scarcity of early-stage capital for renewable energy. We highlight the need to safeguard our resources on the African Continent, so the world does no...
2024-09-0951 min
Kenyan WallstreetElsie Mbugua on Boosting Sustainable Investments in the Energy SectorIn this episode, Leadwood Energy Founder and Managing Director, Elsie Mbugua explains the shift in the energy trading industry over her 15 year career spanning stints in Goldman Sachs, J.P Morgan and in different continents from US to London and now Africa. She further talks about the shift in investments from fossil fuels to renewable energy and the increasing need for environmental, social and corporate governance in companies. We then wrap up the discussion with some of the innovations to look forward to in the energy sector in Kenya and Africa at large.
This episode features:
2021-05-2142 min
SammsyExploring with ElsieA deep conversation about race, Hershey, and a little bit of beef with the one and only Elsie Mbugua!
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2020-05-0545 min
AfracanahEpisode 37: keep that same energy famElsie Mbugua talks her journey back home, Kenya’s energy future, breaking barriers, and why you should use your newfound free time to become an energy trader.
Spoiler alert: this is one of our favorite episodes!
0:29 - Elsie’s bio (she’s accomplished, it’s long, sorry not sorry)
3:08 - Elsie on oil politics/economics, imposter syndrome, and self-care
1:04:35 - by force and by fire!
Are you an African woman, or a white dude, who wants to get into the energy sector? Reach out to Elsie at elsie.mbugua@gmail.com.
Branding: Victor Murithi
Editing: @mrJazzani
Intro music composed and performe...
2020-04-2500 min