The Kadara Woman Podcast

In the first of two special reflection episodes mid-season, host Lola Soyebo Harris explores the powerful theme of "Breaking Free from Expected Paths" through insights gained from conversations with three remarkable women featured in Season 2: Ukonwa Ojo, Ayesha Chidolue, and Joy Aboderin. Each left successful corporate careers to pursue entrepreneurial ventures aligned with their deeper purpose.Lola shares her personal reflections on their journeys, highlighting common threads including the persistent call that preceded their pivots, how they moved through fear with preparation, the crucial role of support systems, and finding flow when aligned with purpose. Through these stories and her own insights, Lola explores what it means to become a "Kádàrá Woman" - someone who courageously aligns with her authentic path and purpose.Whether you're contemplating your own pivot or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers wisdom for recognizing and responding to the whispers of your own calling.What We Discuss: 0:00 - Introduction to this special reflection episode on breaking free from expected paths2:04 - Joy Aboderin's story and Lola's reflections on recognizing recurring whispers5:26 - Addressing fear: Joy's perspective and Lola's "crying baby" metaphor7:25 - Lola shares her journey of chasing achievements versus finding true purpose10:15 - Ayesha's personal catalyst and Lola's thoughts on witnessing others' struggles12:40 - Partnership in purpose: Ayesha's support system and Lola's takeaways16:01 - Vision and manifestation: Ayesha's approach and Lola's experience with vision boards19:30 - Ukonwa on "golden handcuffs" and Lola's thoughts on corporate transitions24:23 - The river metaphor: Ukonwa's perspective on destiny and Lola's connection to it25:58 - Legacy reflections: What Ukonwa's insights revealed to Lola about purpose27:52 - Lola identifies four powerful common threads across all three journeys32:12 - Closing questions for listeners to reflect on their own paths🔗 Connect With Lola on:Instagram | LinkedInFollow the Kádàrá  Woman podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Join the Kádàrá  Woman Community -  NewsletterAbout The PodcastThe Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Joy Aboderin shares her purpose-driven journey from a 13-year accounting career to founding Potential U, a successful global styling business. After hearing God's call in 2003, Joy eventually took the leap in 2008, selling her house to start her business. Now celebrating 17 years, Joy reveals how she's transformed her styling consultancy into a global enterprise, pivoted during COVID, and is launching the Potential U Style Academy to mentor the next generation. Her story demonstrates how aligning with your purpose and "feeling the fear but doing it anyway" can lead to a fulfilling life of impact and meaning.You will learn:How to recognize your true calling: Listen for consistent inner prompts and test them with small steps first, as Joy did by taking styling courses while still working in accounting.How to move forward despite fear: Practice "feel the fear and do it anyway" while building your faith muscle through increasingly bigger leaps of confidence.How to pivot during crises: In challenging times, get creative instead of crumbling by adapting your services to new formats, as Joy did by moving her styling business online.How to build an authentic business: Create offerings that align with your deeper values and purpose rather than just following market trends.How to maintain balance as an entrepreneur: Establish regular rest days and be intentional about what you consume mentally while expanding your professional network.What We Discuss:[01:05] - Joy's Nigerian heritage and how it shaped her[04:49] - Childhood dreams and the path to becoming an accountant[06:06] - First exposure to fashion through her stylish mother[12:31] - The divine calling to leave accounting for fashion[15:08] - Joy's first styling client and the emotional transformation[17:38] - Selling her house to start Potential U in 2008[21:05] - Early business challenges and networking lessons[26:39] - Pivoting during COVID to offer virtual styling services[31:17] - Streamlining services and knowing your business worth[33:52] - Understanding clients beyond appearances in styling[37:26] - Balancing timeless wardrobes versus fashion trends[40:11] - Launching the Potential U Style Academy[46:35] - Faith over fear: Building confidence in your purpose[51:52] - Finding balance and rest as an entrepreneur[53:15] - The emotional impact of styling a terminal client[54:26] - Lightning round: Personal mantras and life lessons[59:39] - Destiny and pursuing your purposeConnect with Joy Aboderin Instagram | Potential U | Potential U Academy Resources Mentioned: Rachel Rodgers  - We Should All Be MillionairesFashion She Wore: Heathe 🔗 Connect With Lola on:Instagram | LinkedInFollow the Kadara Woman podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Join the Kádàrá  Woman Community -  NewsletterAbout The PodcastThe Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Lola sits down with Remi Roy, a Nigerian author, entrepreneur, and host of The Driven Introvert podcast. Raised by a single mother after losing her father before birth, Remi shares her remarkable journey from being a painfully shy introvert to becoming a confident public speaker, published author, and founder of ShePact, a platform empowering introverts to find their voice. She opens up about unexpected childhood discoveries, fertility struggles, career pivots from microbiology to creative entrepreneurship, and how faith has anchored her intentional living approach. This conversation delivers practical strategies for overcoming shyness, building confidence in professional settings, and pursuing multiple passions with purpose. Whether you struggle with public speaking anxiety or feel directionless in your career path, Remi's authentic insights offer a roadmap for transformation.You will learn:How to overcome shyness and consistently push yourself to step outside your comfort zone.How to find direction when feeling lost: Pick one thing that interests you, go deep into learning about it, and remain open to where it might lead you.How to build resilience: Acknowledge that difficult times feel chaotic while you're in them, but believe something good can emerge from your challenges.How to live intentionally: Regularly reflect on your actions and goals, ask yourself meaningful questions, and make concrete steps toward improvement.How to pursue multiple passions: Embrace being a "trier" who gives every dream a chance, and don't be afraid to pivot when something isn't working.What We Discuss:[00:00] - Introduction to Remi Roy and the episode overview[01:24] - Nigerian heritage and the impact of growing up without a father[04:22] - The pivotal moment: discovering her father's obituary as a child[06:53] - Educational journey: from aspiring doctor to finding her creative voice[10:54] - Becoming a "self-proclaimed trier" and embracing multiple passions[18:19] - Finding direction: practical advice for when you feel lost[21:02] - Writing career: how Remi published her first books[24:42] - Creating ShePact and The Driven Introvert podcast[27:56] - Public speaking strategies for introverts[36:35] - Building resilience through life's difficult challenges[39:21] - Living intentionally: practical steps for purposeful living[43:54] - Book recommendation and overcoming creative resistance[47:40] - Lightning round: personal philosophies and turning points[55:43] - Reflections on destiny and pursuing purposeConnect with Remi RoyInstagram | Podcast | ShepactResources Mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield🔗 Connect With Lola on:Instagram | LinkedInFollow the Kádàrá Woman podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Join the Kádàrá  Woman Community -  NewsletterAbout The PodcastThe Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Ayesha Chidolue's journey from corporate attorney to founder of a Top 10 law firm on the Inc. 5000 list is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Born in Texas but raised in Nigeria until age 17, she credits her Nigerian upbringing for instilling the grit and ambition that propelled her success. After years in corporate law and even a stint as a wedding photographer, Ayesha found her calling in immigration law where she could create a meaningful impact while building a business that now employs 52 people.You will learn:How to identify your purpose: Look for areas where you can make direct impact on people's lives, as Ayesha did when transitioning from corporate law to immigration practice.How to build a business with your spouse: Create clear boundaries between work and home, respect each other's opinions, and align on the common goal of success.How to implement business systems from day one: Start with organized processes even when small, focus on quality client experiences, and regularly review data to improve.How to balance faith and business: Incorporate prayer and spirituality as business tools, especially during challenging periods of growth and decision-making.How to maintain work-life balance: Create strict boundaries between work and personal time, be laser-focused during working hours, and prioritize family time.What We Discuss:[00:00:36] - Introduction to Ayesha Chidolue and Her Journey[00:02:05] - Nigerian Heritage and How It Shaped Her Mindset[00:04:02] - Childhood Dream of Becoming a Lawyer[00:05:48] - Transition from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship[00:08:23] - Navigating Career and Motherhood Through Multiple Moves[00:11:43] - Taking the Bar Exam While Raising Young Children[00:14:14] - Starting a Law Practice and Finding Her Purpose[00:17:14] - Personal Connection to Immigration Law and Its Impact[00:20:11] - Building a Firm with Strong Core Values and Systems[00:23:38] - Working Successfully with Her Husband as COO[00:27:37] - The Role of Faith in Business Growth and Decision-Making[00:32:02] - Being Recognized on the Inc. 5000 List as a Top 10 Law Firm[00:35:34] - Celebrating Client Victories in Immigration Cases[00:37:58] - Maintaining Work-Life Balance as a Business Owner[00:41:56] - Navigating Challenges in Immigration Law Practice[00:47:56] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: The Power of Laser Focus[00:50:12] - The Power of Manifestation and Setting Clear Goals[00:53:46] - Building a Legacy Beyond Personal SuccessConnect with Ayesha Chidolue:  Ayesha IG | The Chidolue Law Firm🔗 Connect With Lola on:Instagram | LinkedInFollow the Kadara Woman podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Join the Kádàrá  Woman Community -  NewsletterAbout The PodcastThe Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Irish-Ghanaian boxing champion Lesley Sackey shares her remarkable journey from avoiding PE class to winning EU gold medals, and ultimately founding Fight Forward and Pillow.AI. After surviving a seven-year abusive relationship, Lesley transformed her trauma into purpose, creating innovative organizations that use boxing as a therapeutic tool for domestic abuse survivors. She details how physical movement releases "calcified energy" stored in the body, helping women reclaim their power and voice. As a mother of three and a social entrepreneur, Lesley discusses balancing motherhood with her mission to help 10,000 women fight forward. Her story exemplifies how African women are pioneering trauma-informed approaches to healing and demonstrates that our greatest challenges can become our most meaningful contributions to the world.You will learn:How to harness physical movement as a healing tool: Boxing can help process trauma by shifting "calcified energy" stored in the body through intentional physical activity.How to build a supportive community for healing: Creating safe spaces where women can be heard without judgment is essential for recovery after abuse.How to reclaim your power after trauma: Setting challenging goals that push your boundaries can help rebuild confidence and self-trust.How to maintain mental well-being through movement: Regular physical activity serves as a foundation for mental wellness and can help process emotions that might otherwise remain trapped.How to transform personal pain into purpose: By sharing your journey authentically, you can create pathways for others to heal while continuing your own healing processWhat We Discuss:[01:27] - Irish-Ghanaian Heritage and Cultural Identity[08:57] - From Theatre Kid to Unexpected Athlete[14:21] - Finding Her Boxing Community[19:43] - Winning Gold: The European Championships[26:30] - Life's Unexpected Plot Twist[30:12] - The Kadara Moment: Birth of Fight Forward[36:03] - Boxing as Trauma Healing Medicine[42:07] - Pillow: Tech Solution for Survivors[47:10] - Success Habits of a Champion[52:52] - Life Lessons from the Boxing RingConnect with Lesley SackeyLesley IG | Fight Forward IGFight Forward Website |Pillow.AI Website🔗 Connect With Lola on:Instagram | LinkedInFollow the Kadara Woman podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Join the Kádàrá  Woman Community -  NewsletterAbout The PodcastThe Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.