Coffee with Kofi

Today’s friend of Coffee with Kofi, is Manuel Heichlinger, known for leading the delivery and research function for EMEA at Audeliss. They are a global search firm working with amazing global brands and emerging start up companies to find the best talent whilst providing market leading insights. Prior to this role at Audeliss, Manuel had a stellar international career in talent acquisition working...

I am incredibly excited to introduce Gabriel Osamor, who combines style with substance and is an advocate for growth within business and society! As Co-Founder and CEO for his rapidly expanding consultancy, Migasuto and recently appointed CFO for the Black British Initiative charity I can not wait to expand our knowledge of the man many within the community know to be a supportive and humble giant...

I am delighted to reconnect with the Human Resources (HR) revolutionary, daughter, sister, confidante to the many and certified spicy wonder woman that is Kirsty Baggs-Morgan!! With a career spanning over 30 years in the heartbeat of organisations, Kirsty rose up the corporate ladder to become Chief People Officer before branching off onto the road less travelled to start Evolving HR, the home of...

Fiercely bright yet humble, Justin is a leading light for many, having risen to become a Chief Investment Officer of a leading Financial Services institution. In this inspiring episode he shares the importance of family and friends in his journey to the top of the investment profession. Alongside his high profile role he makes time to give back, leading and supporting socially impactful initiative...

In this wonderful episode we get insights into Melissa's career journey, leadership approach, and philosophy on diversity and inclusion. Key takeaways: * Melissa's career success stemmed from strategically "saying yes" to opportunities, enabling her progression from investor relations to leadership in DE&I. * Her global perspective was cultivated early through family travel, leading to interna...

Tune in for a varied and vibrant conversation with Colin aka my fellow "Avenger of Authenticity and Abundance" covering: * How his career evolved organically from consulting, to supporting his church, to education, before finally moving into publishing. We explore how his career trajectory has been driven by a desire to serve and make an impact. * The significant personal losses in 2023...

In this episode ML and I discuss her remarkable career journey, which has seen her transition from basketball to Financial Services. To add a further string to her bow she has includes Executive coaching in her work. Over a coffee we cover: * ML's career highlights and the importance of finding the right cultural environment to deploy your talent. * Her guiding principles for longevity in any...

Jo's journey is a fascinating one. From law graduate to HR leader before starting the highly impactful In Good Company Coaching training provider. We uncover how Jo came to heed the call to follow her own path, alongside her business partner Zoe Hawkins. The path has not always been smooth but by staying true to their intuition they have built a fantastic community alongside a remarkable compa...

Lee and I delve into his passion for showcasing rich and diverse talent that can often be overlooked in traditional employment searches. We discuss how he came to be where his is today and how he now brings individuals insights into their unique talents, and development areas blending technology with decades of experience. One of the things I love about the Diverse Talent "Skills & Role&q...

After 14 years, Andrew and I delve into his journey from school drop out to CEO! An incredibly inspirational story highlighting that where we start never has to be where we arrive. Key takeaways: * Andrew's path from school dropout to psychology graduate to CEO showcases the value of perseverance and continuous learning. * Blinker, Andrew's current venture, aims to simplify hiring for smal...

Over coffee we discuss Ellie's career journey and leadership insights. 12 years on from our first meeting and supporting her move in-house, it is fair to say she has been on a remarkable journey whilst still making time to enjoy the ride! Key takeaways: * Ellie's career progression from a "Big 4" professional services firm to in-house roles demonstrates the value of seeking new c...

Over coffee we catch up about her career journey and new consulting business, Metochi Consulting which is dedicated putting people at the centre of business transformations. Melvina's dedication to continuous learning and finding people-led solutions is a thread that weaves through her academics (Masters, MBA, PhD, FCIPD) AND throughout a stellar career that saw her leave the corporate world a...

In this episode I catch up with Martin Sealy, Executive Coach and Managing Director of MS Impact Group. Martin is a rare gem of a man. The transformational power of his presence is evident in his ability to hold space for others and then ask questions with an intentionality to elevate thinking exceptionally. He holds an MBA and numerous coaching qualifications alongside a wealth of global leadersh...

In this episode I catch up with Emma Freivogel, Founder & CEO of Radical Recruit and Co- Founder of Be Radical. Her incredible organisations bridge gaps in employment for marginalised individuals often invisible and unsupported in society. This was one of my favourite episodes as Emma keeps it REAL and had so many uplifting stories to share about the power we have to make the world more awesom...

In this episode I catch up with Marina Ebrubah, Global Head of KYC (Know Your Client compliance), at Man Group. Marina plays a key as a mentor with EnCircle Mentoring as well as Bridging Barriers. Over coffee we cover we discussing her career journey, leadership insights, and involvement in various impactful diversity initiatives whilst being the mother of 3 lucky children and a partner! Key takea...

In this episode I chop it up with Jackie on her journey from graduate, to high-level corporate law career, and now founder of the incredibly impactful Black Women in Asset Management network (BWAM). Driven by her desire for greater impact and fulfilment she has reached incredible heights, and there is so much more to come! Over coffee we cover: * How BWAM provides crucial community, networking, an...

In this episode I catch up with Sanjay Gulati to hear how he made the unlikely pivot from a career in IT to elderly care provision leadership as CEO of AGE UK Croydon. Over coffee we cover: * His transition from an IT corporate career to the charity sector that saw him eventually become CEO of Age UK Croydon after roles in Canada and Ireland! * Sanjay's leadership approach which focuses on &qu...

In this episode I catch up with Sylvester Oppong to hear how he has progressed professionally to become a Partner at one of the "Big 4" Global Professional Services companies. Over coffee we cover: * Sylvester's 24-year career journey post Cambridge University (Classics) graduate, to Ernst and Young Partner. * Life as a Black leader in predominantly White spaces and his emphasis on t...

In this episode I catch up with Helen Schoeb to hear her career journey including the launch of her own successful businesses. Over coffee we cover: * How Helen transitioned from a 20+ year career in Financial Services to become an executive coach, leveraging her industry expertise. * Her emphasis on the importance of self-awareness, intentionality, and making choices aligned with one's values...

In this episode I catch up with Mark Sarfo-Kantanka to hear about his leadership journey and call to pivot towards work that has deep meaning to him. Over coffee we cover: * Mark's pivot from corporate banking to entrepreneurship in 2012, co-founding multiple businesses including Cellar Door Group (immersive events) and Nexus (innovation hub). * His key leadership lessons including: listening...

In this episode I catch up with Xavier Louis to hear about his leadership journey and his pivot to a truly meaningful mission. Over a coffee we cover: * Xavier's pivot from a successful career in video game development to healthcare, driven by personal experiences and a desire for impact. * Explore how Five Lives two apps: a prevention-focused vs therapeutic, support brain health and cognitive...

In this episode I catch up with Abdul Yoki to discuss his leadership journey and creation of Sang Zarrin. Over a coffee we cover: * Abdul's pivot from working in recruitment companies to founding Sang Zarrin, a niche private wealth management recruitment firm, during COVID-19. * Key leadership lessons including: building resilience, maintaining positivity, and balancing transparency with team...

Over coffee we explore Ade's career journey, philosophy, and insights on personal development and impact! Jam packed with practical tips if you find nothing to inspire you then your money back!! Key takeaways: * Ade's diverse career across finance, pharma, and tech led to a focus on customer-centric transformation and coaching. * Overcoming significant challenges (critical illness, MBA, ne...