Founder Voices (Episode 12): Poverty, Theodicy, and Social Injustice in Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive
In this thought-provoking episode of Founder Voices, we explore the themes of poverty, theodicy, and social injustice through the lens of Being Poor Is Expensive—a powerful creative work by Ashley “Bashy” Thomas, hosted by Sacred Cyphers and sponsored by Christian Aid and the Centre for Black Theology at the Queen’s Foundation.
This live conversation brings together artists, theologians, and community voices to unpack how faith, creativity, and lived experience intersect in the struggle against inequality. From the theology of suffering to the economics of marginalisation, this dialogue challenges conventional narratives about poverty and power—while spotlighting art as a force for social change.
Recorded during the Being Poor Is Expensive event, Episode 12 captures the energy and honesty of a movement reclaiming stories too often silenced.
Founder Voices (Episode 11): Entrepreneurship, Interoperability, and Impact with Daniel Harris
In this insightful episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Daniel Harris—founder of Kendraio, an open-source, no-code platform empowering creators to connect, control, and share data seamlessly across the web. Daniel is a visionary technologist and community builder whose work bridges technology, creativity, and social good.
With a background spanning digital media innovation and software development, Daniel founded Kendraio to challenge the status quo of data ownership—putting people, not platforms, at the centre of the digital economy. Through initiatives like the Kendraio App and the Kendraio Imagine Challenge, he champions open technology, interoperability, and user empowerment as vital ingredients for a fairer digital future.
This conversation, recorded on 16 September 2025, explores Daniel’s journey from idea to impact, the philosophy behind open data, and the role of community in shaping the next era of creative innovation. Together, we unpack how Kendraio is helping individuals and organisations imagine a world where data flows freely, ethically, and for the benefit of all
Founder Voices (Episode 10): Dr Sanchia Alasia – Empowering Organisations Through EDI
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Dr. Sanchia Alasia—multi-award-winning global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, public speaker, and community change-maker. Over the past 20 years, Sanchia has worked across the public sector, helping organisations create cultures where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
She currently serves as Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Transport for London and Managing Director of Sanchia Consulting Ltd, where she advises organisations on embedding equitable and inclusive practices. Her influence extends beyond her professional roles—she has been a councillor in Barking and Dagenham, the borough’s first Caribbean female civic mayor, and twice stood for the European Parliament elections.
Sanchia’s remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including being named one of the UK’s fifty most inspirational Black women, winning Outstanding Public Sector Figure at the Precious Awards, and receiving an honorary doctorate in Christian Business and Leadership. She is also a trustee of Endometriosis UK, where she advocates passionately for better resources and research into women’s health.
This conversation, recorded on Saturday, 23 August 2025, explores Sanchia’s journey of leadership,
Founder Voices (Episode 9): Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi – Building Equity Through Social Impact
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Jasmine Connon-Ikurusi—a dynamic leader, strategist, and advocate for equity and social impact. As the Founder & CEO of The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy, Jasmine has spearheaded initiatives across the UK, Africa, and beyond, empowering over 12,000 people through employability training, mental health support, and community development.
Her work spans policy leadership, diversity and inclusion, youth and women’s empowerment, and international advocacy. From advising charities such as the Stephen Lawrence Trust and the Mayor of London Fund to speaking at UN conferences and global summits, Jasmine demonstrates how vision and action can create systemic change for marginalized communities.
This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 8): Cristina Cruz – Pioneering Sustainable Tourism for People and Planet
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Cristina Cruz—sustainable tourism pioneer and founder of Off U Go!. Cristina has led groundbreaking hospitality projects, from Portugal’s first sustainable hotel, Inspira Liberdade (2010), to the award-winning Belo Monte eco-lodge in SĂŁo TomĂ© e PrĂncipe. Her work blends environmental stewardship with community empowerment, proving that tourism can be both profitable and purposeful.
Now based in London, Cristina advises hospitality businesses on embedding sustainability into their strategy while connecting travellers to experiences that positively impact local communities and protect cultural heritage.
This conversation was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Selected as a Sundance Collab Community Leader for the UK: August 2025 to August 2026
Excited to serve as a Sundance Collab Community Leader, supporting global storytellers in 2025–26.
Speaking at Being Poor Is Expensive Conference – Roundhouse, London
I’ll be speaking at the “Being Poor Is Expensive” Conference at London’s Roundhouse, exploring faith, justice, and inequality through Bashy’s powerful album. Join the conversation on 5 October 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 7): Special Edition for Black Tech Day with Dexter Simms (founder, Black Tech Day)
In this compelling conversation, Dexter shares practical lessons from building community-rooted ventures, demystifies what it means to lead with authenticity, and explores how tech, fashion, and culture can drive real social impact—not just trends. From mentoring young people to launching Black Tech Day, his perspective challenges conventional thinking and highlights the value of representation, creativity, and purpose in shaping the future.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 6): Patrick Dunne OBE — Leading with Purpose and Global Impact
In this compelling conversation, he shares practical lessons from years in boardrooms, demystifies governance and leadership, and explores how boards can be a force for impact—not just oversight. From startup advisory to scaling social good, Patrick’s perspective challenges conventional thinking and highlights the value of clarity, curiosity, and courage in decision-making.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 5): Cristina Ruiz, sustainability strategist and humanitarian consultant
In this thought-provoking and globally focused conversation, Cristina Ruiz shares her journey across the worlds of international development, social innovation, and systems change. Drawing on her deep experience in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Cristina unpacks the realities of driving impact across borders—and why centring equity, collaboration, and local voice is essential.
We explore what it means to challenge traditional power structures, design for inclusion, and reimagine global value chains through a feminist and decolonial lens. Cristina reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her work, the lessons she's still learning, and the role of connection in creating lasting change.
This episode was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025
Founder Voices (Episode 4): Micah Elechi, Founder and CEO of Macklemore Solutions and AfrikLink
In Episode 4, Clement Akran sits down with Micah Elechi—the Nigerian‑born, Canada‑based founder & CEO of Macklemore Solutions and AfrikLink. A Forbes‑recognised, award‑winning entrepreneur, Micah is on a mission to bridge the gap between Africa’s skilled talent and global opportunities through innovative digital platforms and strategic empowerment initiatives
In this inspiring and globally minded conversation, Micah Elechi shares his journey from Nigeria to Canada, and how his dual perspective fuels his mission to empower Africa’s talent and entrepreneurs. We unpack the challenges of navigating international business, building scalable tech solutions for impact, and why diaspora founders play a critical role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
From launching two ventures to gaining international recognition, Micah reflects on lessons learned, the importance of staying rooted in purpose, and how he’s using platforms like AfrikLink to connect potential across borders.
The podcast was recorded on Saturday, 15 June 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 3): Leading at 21 with Miracle Nwankwo of Veefin Nigeria
In Episode 3, Clement Akran sits down with Miracle Nwankwo, the 21-year-old CEO of Veefin Nigeria, the local arm of a global fintech company working to digitise lending and unlock access to finance across Africa.
In this energising and future-facing conversation, Miracle opens up about the pressures and possibilities of leadership at a young age, what it takes to build credibility in the fintech space, and why youth-led innovation is essential to Africa’s economic growth.
From early career pivots to building trust with banks and investors, we explore how Miracle is redefining what’s possible for Gen Z founders on the continent.
The podcast was recorded on Saturday, 1 June 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 1): Shared Strengths, Collective Solutions with Ola Ogunyemi of Shepherd Food Ministries
In this episode of Founder Voices, Clement Akran speaks with Ola Ogunyemi, founder of Shepherd Food Ministries, a grassroots organisation pioneering shared operational services for charities and social ventures.
Their conversation delves into how collaboration, faith-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to community are reshaping the way local organisations sustain their mission and impact.
Listen in for powerful reflections on starting from scratch, building systems that serve others, and why collective solutions are the key to long-term change in the third sector.
Founder Voices (Episode 2): Global Vision, Local Action with the Founders of Pakufi
In this episode of Founder Voices, Clement Akran speaks with the founders of Pakufi, an ethical tech agency dedicated to creating solutions that are both globally impactful and locally rooted.
Their conversation explores how purpose-driven innovation, strong community ties, and ethical leadership are shaping the future of technology.
Listen in for real-world insights, lessons from the start-up journey, and practical advice for founders building with heart and vision.