The Tech Surf Podcast

Many organisations today boast massive stores of customer and transaction data. Yet, only a handful can say their products tangibly improve user experience by leveraging these assets.  In this episode, I sit with Adekunle Kadri: a seasoned data and product leader who has steered teams through Africa’s fast-growing data landscape and global enterprises alike. Adekunle’s insights offer a lens into h...

A young Ghanaian graduate landing their first job often dreams of moving out of their parents’ home to start an independent life. But the reality of finding suitable accommodation can be daunting. Unreliable middlemen, inflated prices, and endless trips across the city to view a single property make the process both stressful and inefficient. In this episode, I sit down with Joseph Simms Mensah, a...

The rapid expansion of Big Tech companies like FAANG, or FANMAG has reshaped global industries, creating unprecedented opportunities in technology. These firms – with combined valuations rivaling national GDPs – drive innovation in AI, cloud computing, and sustainability solutions, but their rigorous hiring processes often leave aspiring candidates overwhelmed. In this episode, host Raymond Klutse...

Career paths are rarely linear. Some find their calling the moment their fingers touch a keyboard, others transition into tech mid-career, and a few boldly step away to forge entirely new trajectories. In this episode, host @Raymond Klutse sits down with Jonathan Abotiwine Alua, a former computer engineer who transitioned into law as a practicing lawyer and international tax consultant. Jonathan s...

Data is the new oil, and our world is  increasingly driven by data. Although the gap in the tech space has been wide for a while, now more than ever the contributions of women in data science are more vital than ever. As the field expands, so too do the opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and inspire. In this episode, we sit down with two remarkable trailblazers: @Aseda Addai-Deseh, a seaso...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of data science, where algorithms and insights drive innovation, the role of effective management has become increasingly crucial. Data science managers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between business objectives and data-driven insights. They are not merely overseers of technical teams but strategic visionaries who align data analysis with organizational...

In the ever-evolving realm of global tech entrepreneurship, Africa stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by innovative thinkers and dynamic leaders. Although tech has progressively evolved and grown on the continent, there are still gaps especially with emerging tech entrepreneurs. In this episode I sit with Isaac Newton Acquah Tech-Savvy Business Developer and Advisor, as we delve i...

As the digital landscape continues to reshape how we connect and advance our careers, LinkedIn has solidified its position as the go-to platform for professional networking and growth. Many professionals harbor fears about using LinkedIn, which can hinder their ability to leverage the platform for career advancement. In this conversation, I sit with Maukeni Padiki Ribeiro, a Writer and Brand Strat...

In an era where technology and law are increasingly intertwined, the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between legal expertise and digital innovation has never been more critical.  In this episode, I sit with Elizabeth Abati, a Strategy Manager in Sustainability at Google, whose unique perspective sits at the intersection of tech, legal frameworks, and sustainable practices.  Hosts: Ra...

The allure of transforming a brilliant idea into a thriving business, coupled with the prospect of making a meaningful impact on society, is what draws many into the world of startups. The excitement of being a startup founder today is palpable, with the promise of innovation and the potential to disrupt industries fuelling the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs.  In this episode, we sit with Sydney...

The fintech landscape in Africa is evolving rapidly. Over the years, many fintech products have emerged on the continent, each presenting its own unique offerings and challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to make an impact in this space. In this episode, our host Raymond Klutse sits with Philip Twum, a seasoned finance professional, to delve into the intricacies of...

Education is driven by the language people speak. English, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, dominates almost every new concept, and tech concepts are no exception. Despite the vast number of English speakers, there are still many people in various countries who do not speak it. What happens to them as technology advances and new concepts emerge, some of which are alien to the...

While tutorial videos serve as excellent starting points, providing step-by-step guidance and visual aids, they often present oversimplified scenarios that fail to capture the true complexities of real-world projects. Many techies find themselves in a comfortable space, relying heavily on tutorials and inadvertently hindering their ability to apply acquired skills to solve unique and interesting c...

Venturing beyond the familiar borders of one's homeland into a new terrain is often a thrilling yet daunting experience. This is the story of many students every year, who leave comfort and familiarity behind, to pursue higher education, better jobs, and the hope of a better life. Others go further to venture into entrepreneurship despite the winding paths and many uncertainties. In this episo...

Conversations about gender diversity and women being underrepresented in STEM have gone on for years. Many initiatives and organisations have emerged with the aim of encouraging and empowering women to succeed in STEM careers. Although the gender gap is still wide, and there is still more work to be done, these domains are witnessing a rise of exceptional women leaders championing transformative c...

The landscape of medicine is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation. It’s no longer science fiction, it’s here. Whilst debates about AI replacing some professions keep making waves, others are using the opportunity to creating an intersection of both fields. In this episode, we sit with Dr. Paulina Mensah, a doctor who also doubles as an AI pr...

Technology can empower people with disabilities, but only if it's accessible. Social enterprise, Tech Era, led by Derick Omari, tackles this by providing individuals with the tools and training to thrive in the digital world.  They go beyond basic skills, fostering independence and entrepreneurship through business creation assistance. Tech Era even offers innovative programs, like enabling vi...

Africa's tech scene is brimming with brilliant minds, and The Tech Surf Podcast is diving deep into their stories. Season 2, dubbed "The Afro Tech Series," features inspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, and tech enthusiasts who are harnessing technology to create positive change, not only across the continent but also globally. This season promises to be both entertaining and informati...

Embark on a compelling exploration of Ebi-Yaa Kwaw's remarkable journey as a woman in the tech industry on The Tech Surf Podcast. Join the discussion as she unveils key milestones and triumphs, sharing insights into her transition from marketing to UX/UI design and how her marketing background uniquely influences her design approach. The conversation covers thought-provoking conversations on t...

Data is by far one of the most discussed resources in our world today. As we become more connected thanks to the advancement of technology, we in turn generate more data which now needs to be processed to give value to its owners.  Data, however, is mostly not perfect and requires a series of processes to make it ready for us, one of which is data labeling. In this episode we sit with Ahmed Rashad...

The journey through school is filled with laborious learning, overwhelming workloads, and grades showing the fruits of one's efforts. While some graduates leave with friends for life or business partners from school, graduation is rarely easy. With AI's rise, could technology make acquiring knowledge more exciting regardless of location or language?  In this episode, our host Raymond Ewoen...

Data is often described as the new oil. Just like mining oil, mining data requires some core skills and mindset. Although many tools are available in the industry for Data Engineering, the core element of the role and how people who want to explore a career down this path is not often spoken of.  In this episode, we sit with Shaine Ismail, a principal Engineer and co-founder of BigSpark, as he wal...

Transitioning careers can be daunting, but for those with psychology backgrounds, moving into user experience (UX) research may be a natural fit. With their skills in understanding human behavior and conducting scientific research, psychologists have a strong foundation to build upon for a UX role. In this episode, we speak with Cyhana Williams, a UX Researcher at Microsoft who also doubles as a G...

A passion for diplomacy fuels one's decision to read Political Science. As we grow, our passions change and evolve, and we need to put the necessary structures in place to prepare ourselves for the phase we want to enter into. In this episode we sit with Nana Adjoa Anim, a product manager who has a background in Political Science, and has also had experience working in the cloud. She walks us...

The university experience offers you a plethora of opportunities, but the path people take for life is seldom linked to the courses they took or their initial plan when they were freshmen. In this episode, we delve into the captivating story of Wesley Ablordeppey aka Phish, who made the daring leap from being a techie to becoming a Travel Experience Designer with the extraordinary MoooveAfrica sto...