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34 episodes in this series

Guest Interviews

Conversations with leaders, creatives and changemakers on identity, power and the systems they work inside.

Business, Babies, and What Keeps Us Human

In this episode, Chisom sits with Lexi Montée of Happiest Baby to explore parenting, innovation, and building products around real human needs. They discuss the emotional realities of early parenthood, the balance between accessibility and business, and the responsibility that comes with creating care-centered solutions. The conversation also reflects on resilience, leadership, loss, and becoming more human through the work we build.

Guest Interviews

Radical Justice with Nani Jansen Reventlow

In this episode, Chisom sits with human rights lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow to explore what radical justice truly demands beyond representation. They discuss the limits of working within exclusionary systems, the cost of leadership, and the need for deep self-interrogation. The conversation challenges performative change and calls for structural transformation rooted in clarity and courage.

Guest Interviews

How to Do Meaningful Work Without Losing Yourself

In this episode, Chisom sits with Attia Taylor, founder of Womanly Magazine, to explore how to do meaningful, purpose-driven work without losing yourself. They discuss identity, service, and the emotional weight of building community-centered work while protecting your own wellbeing. The conversation reflects on balancing impact with selfhood and staying grounded in who you are beyond what you create.

Guest Interviews

25 February 2026

Do Less. Lead Better

In this episode, Chisom sits with Cecilia, CEO of Deloitte Norway, to explore leadership under pressure and the limits of doing more. Cecilia reflects on how overworking during uncertainty led to exhaustion, and how shifting inward toward clarity and values transformed her leadership. The conversation highlights the power of reflection, intentional action, and leading with purpose over intensity.

Guest Interviews

18 February 2026

Take Off the Mask and Lead Like Yourself

In this episode, Chisom sits with Thorey Proppe, CEO and founder of Alda, to explore the cost of performing leadership and the journey back to authenticity. Thorey shares how leadership changed her, what it took to rebuild courage, and how to lead without losing yourself. The conversation highlights identity, vulnerability, and leading with integrity in high-pressure environments.

Guest Interviews

11 February 2026

The Wealth Habits That Make You Rich

In this episode, Chisom sits with Ken and Mary Okoroafor to explore what it truly takes to build wealth beyond money. They share how identity, habits, and intentional decisions shaped their journey to financial independence and the creation of The Humble Penny. The conversation highlights wealth as a holistic concept rooted in clarity, alignment, and long-term legacy.

Guest Interviews

4 February 2026

Disrupting Porn with Sex

In this episode, Chisom sits with Cindy Gallop, founder of Make Love Not Porn, to explore identity, power, and challenging societal norms. Cindy shares her journey in advertising and sextech, and how her work confronts shame, redefines consent, and promotes healthier conversations around sex. The conversation highlights bold leadership, cultural change, and the courage to disrupt outdated systems.

Guest Interviews

28 January 2026

Who Are You Without the Title

In this episode, Chisom sits with Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, former Mayor of Reykjavík and Minister of the Interior, to reflect on a leadership journey shaped by courage, integrity, and reinvention. She shares insights on navigating male-dominated systems, building spaces for women leaders, and knowing when to step away with clarity. The conversation highlights leadership as an evolving practice rooted in trust, purpose, and self-awareness.

Guest Interviews

14 January 2026

Focus Your Power. Silence the Noise

In this episode, Chisom sits with actor and author Kubbra Sait to explore identity, healing, and the journey of choosing yourself. Kubbra reflects on moving from trauma and corporate life into storytelling, while unpacking the cost of performance and the power of rewriting your narrative. The conversation centers on self-acceptance, softness as strength, and living with authenticity.

Guest Interviews

17 December 2025

Culture as a Living System

In this episode, Chisom sits with Jonathan Akwue to explore leadership, culture, and the business of creativity. He reflects on his journey into advertising and shares insights on how brands can authentically connect through culture, storytelling, and evolving global influence. The conversation also touches on AI, creator economies, and building legacy through mentorship and responsibility.

Guest Interviews

26 November 2025

Values Driven Leadership

In this episode, Chisom sits with Dr. Poornima Luthra to explore what it truly means to lead with values in an uncertain world. They discuss fear, resistance, and the courage required to act with integrity amid tension between growth, inclusion, and power. The conversation centers on self-leadership, unlearning, and building sustainable practices that align with what truly matters.

Guest Interviews

19 November 2025

Aligned Leadership: The Work Behind the Role

In this episode, Chisom sits with Astrid Sundberg, Executive Director of Operation Smile Norway, to explore the shift from corporate leadership to purpose-driven impact. Drawing on 30+ years of experience, Astrid reflects on self-awareness, boundaries, and leading with clarity and emotional honesty. The conversation highlights sustainable leadership, letting go of people-pleasing, and building organizations that balance impact with integrity.

Guest Interviews

12 November 2025

The Power of Authentic Leadership

In this episode, Chisom sits with leadership strategist Thandi Dyani to explore what it means to lead in a complex, rapidly changing world. They discuss self-awareness, unlearning outdated frameworks, and building human-centered systems across cultures and organizations. The conversation highlights vulnerability, failure, and the importance of aligning personal purpose with collective impact.

Guest Interviews

29 October 2025

Radical Responsibility as Courage

In this episode, Chisom Udeze and Sayantani Saha reflect on the realities of organizing the Diversify Summit—the largest equity-focused gathering in the Nordics—amid financial strain and limited support. They speak candidly about burnout, unmet expectations, and the resilience required to lead purpose-driven work with scarce resources. The conversation is an honest look at leadership, boundaries, and choosing joy even in the face of disappointment.

Guest Interviews

22 October 2025

Unboxable: On Art, Permission and Joy

In this episode, Chisom sits with filmmaker and writer Shruti Ganguly to explore grief, identity, and building a purpose-driven creative career. She reflects on leaving banking for film after a personal loss and on using storytelling to challenge dominant narratives. The conversation highlights courage, conviction, and the discipline of creating meaningful work on your own terms.

Guest Interviews

15 October 2025

Beauty Is Political

In this episode, Chisom sits with cultural critic and scholar Dr. Yaba Blay to explore identity, Blackness, and beauty through history and lived experience. They discuss colonial legacies, colorism, and how beauty standards shape power, belonging, and self-perception. The conversation reflects on Blackness as a political and cultural identity, and the importance of questioning systems that define value and visibility.

Guest Interviews

Produce. Protect. Restore. Reduce

In this episode, Chisom sits with environmental leader Wanjira Mathai to discuss climate resilience, restoration, and Africa’s role in shaping global solutions. As Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute and daughter of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, she reflects on leadership, legacy, and advancing sustainable development across the continent. The conversation highlights Africa’s potential to lead a bold, inclusive green future.

Guest Interviews

24 September 2025

How Religion Is Failing Nigerian Politics

In this episode, Chisom sits with Prince (Ifeanyi “Ify”) to unpack the realities shaping Nigeria’s political future. They discuss how religion, ethnicity, and political apathy continue to influence leadership and governance in Africa’s most populous nation. The conversation explores accountability, civic education, and what citizens must demand to reshape Nigeria’s future.

Guest Interviews

17 September 2025

Duty, Accountability and a Million-Dollar No

In this episode, Chisom sits with Nigerian lawyer Dayo Okusami, partner at TEMPLARS, to explore integrity, leadership, and Nigeria’s future. He reflects on returning to Nigeria to help shape its institutions, navigating complex international deals, and the importance of principled decision-making—even when it comes at personal cost. The conversation also touches on governance, diaspora responsibility, and the long-term work of building stronger systems.

Guest Interviews

9 September 2025

How to Be Brave in a Burning World

In this live episode from the Nobel Peace Center, Chisom Udeze and Sayantani Saha reflect on what courageous leadership means in a fractured world. They explore global challenges—from governance and war to AI and shifting power dynamics—while questioning who carries the burden of speaking up. The conversation calls on individuals and communities alike to confront apathy and actively shape a more just future.

Guest Interviews

3 September 2025

Why Decolonizing the Mind Is Africa’s Greatest Revolution

In this episode, Chisom sits with Kenyan writer and activist DJ Bwakali to discuss sovereignty, civic power, and Africa’s future. He shares his vision for a self-determined continent built through food sovereignty, visa-free movement, decolonized education, and citizen-led democracy. The conversation explores how ordinary Africans can reclaim power and shape systems that truly serve them.

Guest Interviews

The Art of Audacity and Breaking Boundaries

In this episode, Chisom sits with Nigerian-American baritone Babatunde Akinboboye, creator of Hip Hopera — a bold fusion of opera and hip hop. He reflects on identity, authenticity, and the viral moment that introduced his sound to the world. Together, they explore cultural intersection, artistic freedom, and using music to challenge elitism and expand what art can be.

Guest Interviews

Music as Medicine

In this episode, Chisom sits with South Sudanese artist Lujang De’Nyangos, whose music is shaped by grief, displacement, and cultural fusion across Africa and the Middle East. He reflects on discovering music as a form of healing after the loss of his father and on the responsibility of using art to speak truth while navigating fragile contexts. Together, they explore vulnerability, community, and the deeper purpose of music as a tool for healing and legacy.

Guest Interviews

Art, Boundaries, and Emotional Freedom

In this episode, Chisom sits with singer, songwriter, and producer Thaïs Sala, whose music blends electronic rhythms with soulful introspection. Raised between Marrakech and the UK and later shaped by Montreal’s creative scene, Thaïs reflects on identity, emotion, and the power of art as both expression and healing. Together, they explore creativity, empathy, and the courage to show up fully as yourself.

Guest Interviews

Savoring Heritage the Rise of Zimbabwean Cuisine

In this episode, Chisom sits with Zimbabwean chef and Kandiro founder Chef Kuda, who uses food as a medium for storytelling and cultural reclamation. He shares his journey from a rebellious childhood to becoming an international chef, shaped by resilience and the influence of the women who raised him. Together, they explore African cuisine, mentorship, and his mission to bring Zimbabwean flavors to the global stage.

Guest Interviews

Lessons on Identity, Motherhood, and Purpose

In this episode of Overnight Wisdom, Chisom sits with educator and content creator Joy Mbakwe to explore truth, visibility, and the emotional weight of motherhood and teaching as a Black woman in the UK. Joy reflects on identity, the resilience shaped by her Nigerian heritage, and the responsibility of advocating for Black children while raising her own. The conversation offers an honest look at parenting, legacy, and the courage it takes to show up authentically while navigating systems not built with you in mind.

Guest Interviews

This Is Not Your Typical Wellness Story

In this episode of Overnight Wisdom, Chisom sits with Tendai Angela Rokkones, Zimbabwe’s first Black certified female yoga teacher, to explore healing, self-discovery, and spiritual reclamation. Tendai shares her journey from studying law to building a wellness practice rooted in yoga, community, and resistance, while reflecting on motherhood, softness, and leadership. Together, they discuss reclaiming wellness spaces and the radical power of healing, joy, and intentional living.

Guest Interviews

Reinvention & Resilience with Lord Lamba

Lord Lamba, born Kelvin Anagbogu, is a Nigerian digital storyteller known for viral comedy skits that reflect the chaos and charm of everyday life. With over 13 million followers, he has built a powerful platform by turning scarcity into creativity and humour into cultural commentary. Behind the laughter is a creator using comedy to reflect society, explore identity, and share deeper truths about faith, resilience, and possibility.

Guest Interviews

They Fired and Jailed Her

In this episode, Chisom sits with Zimbabwean political activist and founder of the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party, Linda T. Masarira. From labour rights advocacy and working as a train driver to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most outspoken political voices, Linda reflects on a journey shaped by injustice, resistance, and purpose. After multiple arrests and time in solitary confinement, she emerged with a deeper clarity about leadership and liberation. Together, they explore labour rights, pan-African sovereignty, feminism in African politics, and her vision for a united Africa grounded in dignity, agency, and self-determination.

Guest Interviews

Rejection as Fuel for Success

In the next episode of Overnight Wisdom, we sit with Ghanaian creative duo TwinsDntBeg—Samuel and Emmanuel Appiah Gyan—whose photography captures the vibrant pulse of African identity, from everyday elegance to global influence. From rejected music demos to photographing presidents and cultural icons, their journey is one of reinvention, purpose, and telling African stories through African lenses. This episode is a powerful reminder that when creativity is anchored in belief and hard work, it becomes legacy.

Guest Interviews

Hope Is Not a Strategy

Today’s guest is Jameson Timba, a Zimbabwean democracy advocate whose name has become synonymous with courage and conviction. A former Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and a leader within the Citizens Coalition for Change, he has stood firmly at the intersection of policy and principle. After spending over five months in detention for standing by his beliefs, his voice for freedom has only grown stronger.

Guest Interviews

Redrawing Medicine

Today’s guest is Chidiebere Ibe, a medical student and trailblazing medical illustrator advocating for representation in healthcare. Known for his now-iconic illustration of a Black fetus that sparked global conversation, his work highlights both anatomy and humanity. In this episode, we explore the intersection of medicine, art, and social justice—and the faith and purpose behind drawing what the world has long overlooked.

Guest Interviews

The Audacity to Be

Today’s guest is Lola Akinmade, a Nigerian-born, U.S.-raised and Sweden-based author, photographer, and storyteller whose work spans continents and cultures. Through bestselling novels like In Every Mirror She’s Black, Everything Is Not Enough, and Bitter Honey, along with her work as a National Geographic Explorer, Lola uses storytelling to explore identity, belonging, and the quiet courage of living truthfully across borders. Her work invites us to see each other more clearly—and to reclaim our voice, joy, and place in the world.

Guest Interviews

On Grief Art and Finding Light Again

Today’s guest is Michael Aboya, a self-taught Ghanaian photographer whose work captures not just images, but truth. Through deeply emotional and dignified portraits, he has become one of Africa’s most celebrated visual storytellers, reframing how the world sees Black life and beauty. After losing his father in 2016, Michael committed fully to photography, creating powerful work—from Songs of Freedom to intimate portraits of everyday Ghanaians—that feels both timeless and deeply human.

Guest Interviews