#33 - ABEL MASILA

05/17/24 • 129 min

Navigating the tech industry can feel like a Herculean task, but Abel Masila's story proves it's a climb worth making. Imagine starting from a mixed primary school in rural Kenya and ascending to the heights of software engineering — that's exactly the odyssey Abel takes us on. We traverse the peaks and valleys of his early education, through the fires (quite literally) of high school, into the self-taught world of tech mastery. Abel's tale is one of unyielding persistence, a flashlight guiding us through the sometimes obscure path of career growth in a burgeoning African tech landscape.
When Abel speaks of transforming from a joker to a top student, the power of personal accountability hits home. His journey embodies the essence of mentorship and the importance of aligning one’s career with passion, not just opportunity. With Abel, we explore the practicalities of job searching, the joy of finally being able to splurge on clothing post-success, and the nuanced realities of life as a developer, including the ones that don't feature in the glossy brochures. His narrative offers a clarion call to current and aspiring software engineers – your background doesn't define your future; your drive does.
We close the chapter on Abel's inspiring story by pondering on the future of African tech talent. His experiences serve as rallying cries for the African tech community to foster a nurturing environment for emerging engineers. From corporate hackathons to international collaborations, Abel's insights paint a future where Africa's unique challenges are met with home-grown, innovative solutions. Join us to uncover the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a Kenyan software engineer who's blazing a trail for the next generation.

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#32 - JESSICA RANDALL

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Join us on a captivating exploration of Southern Africa's tech landscape, as I, Michael Kamathi, and my dynamic co-host Sylvia Jebet, host the remarkable Jessica Randal, Africa's Talking Community Lead and Mathematician. Together, we navigate the diverse terrain of technological innovation and community empowerment that is reshaping the continent. Jessica's journey from a love of numbers to the forefront of tech community development is not just inspiring—it's a beacon for those seeking to merge their passions with their careers.
In this episode, we tackle the buzz around emerging technologies and their ethical implications. Android and Kotlin aficionados will revel in the discussion, while novices gain a roadmap to navigating the complexities of these tools. Jessica opens up about her experience in leading tech communities and imparts valuable wisdom on how to cultivate growth and learning through collaborative networks like Women in Tech and Girl Code. The conversation also ventures into the potential of mathematically-inclined individuals to excel in programming, debunking the myth that you need a traditional tech background to thrive in this rapidly advancing field.
As voices from Cape Town's multicultural tech hub, we spotlight the multifaceted nature of the industry, celebrating its ability to adapt and innovate across various sectors. The episode culminates with an emphasis on the human element, which remains at the heart of technological progress. We warmly invite our audience to continue the dialogue by engaging with us across the digital landscape, at Impact Masters Media and Africa's Talking channel, Retorts. Tune in for an enriching dialogue that promises to enlighten, educate, and inspire.

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#30 - Itumeleng Moagi

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What if you could overcome immense historical inequities and rise to become a leading figure in the tech industry? Join us as we sit down with Tumi Moagi, an influential entrepreneur and community advocate from South Africa, who shares her incredible journey from her roots in Johannesburg to her roles as the co-founder of Invoice and the country head for Africa's Talking in South Africa. Tumi’s experiences growing up in Soweto amidst apartheid, and her reflections on how music and a community-centric upbringing shaped her resilience and cultural identity, offer a captivating backdrop to her story.
As we delve deeper, Tumi opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in poverty, overcoming language barriers, and leveraging education for personal growth and success. Her candid insights reveal the struggles and triumphs of navigating social dynamics during her education and early career in the tech industry. This episode also highlights Tumi's strategic pivots during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she shares the emotional and mental toll of entrepreneurship and the resilience required to adapt and survive in a rapidly changing market landscape.
We wrap up with a powerful discussion on building a borderless African tech ecosystem and the importance of authenticity in contributing to Africa's broader cultural narrative. Tumi emphasizes the need for local solutions crafted by Africans for Africans, and the significance of community support and global partnerships. Tune in to be inspired by Tumi Oryaku’s unwavering dedication to empowering developers and driving innovation, and gain valuable insights into the future of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa.

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