Explore every episode of the podcast Coffee with Kofi

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 of industry.

Key takeaways:

* Gabe shares his journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to present day, including his career pivots along the way.

* We expand on the importance of humility, continuous learning, and mentorship.

* He shares how witnessing youth unemployment in Nigeria inspired him to found Migasuto to support underfunded black businesses and start-ups.

* We hear how his role as CFO for the Black British Initiative, aligns with his passion for education and development.

* Finally he stresses the importance of intentionality, a "performance first" mindset, and continuous application of knowledge for sustainable success.

Episode resources:

Gabriel Osamor: www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-osamor

Migasuto: www.migasuto.com

Black British Initiative: www.blackbritishinitiative.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 HR professionals wanting to bring the human back to the profession!

Key takeaways:

* Kirsty shares how her redundancy fuelled a passion for continuous learning and eventually led her to found Evolving HR.

* We explore Evolving HR's focuses on coaching HR professionals through programs like SPICE and building a supportive community.

* We discuss the importance of authentic leadership and communication in HR.

* Kirsty highlights her personal journey with an ADHD diagnosis just 2 years ago.

* We laugh at the financial adjustments of entrepreneurship.

Episode resources:

Kirsty Baggs-Morgan: www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-baggs-morgan-hr-rebel-and-super-connector

Evolving HR: https://evolving-hr-app.glide.page

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 initiatives with Encircle Mentoring, the Premier League and many more.

To know Justin is to be proud of human endeavour and the power of a positive mindset.

Key takeaways:

* Justin's path to CIO was marked by strategic career moves, focusing on saturation and growth in each role before progressing.

* Balancing technical skills with people skills is crucial for career advancement in financial services.

* Leadership in large organisations can be isolating; developing strong support systems and self-reliance is essential.

* Embracing diversity of thought and innovative cultures is key to driving better client outcomes in wealth management.

Episode resources:

Justin Onuekusi - www.linkedin.com/in/justinonuekwusi

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 international business education and eventually working in London.

* Melissa's leadership evolution centred on shifting from directive management to co-creation and empowering team members to contribute their perspectives.

* Community involvement and giving back became cornerstone values, enhancing both personal fulfilment and professional network development.

Episode resources:

Melissa St. Clair - www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-st-clair-9212944

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 which reinforced Colin's commitment to living purposefully and exhausting his talents/abilities daily.

* His views that authentic, people-centric leadership focused on serving others as critical for success.

* How continuous learning and collaborative networking with like-minded people have been key tools in Colin's leadership development.

* Colin's faith being an integral part of his identity and work, providing clarity, purpose and strength.

Episode resources:

Pitch Black Magazine - www.pitchblack.online

Colin Tomlin - www.linkedin.com/in/colintomlin

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 industry.

* How she has overcome obstacles and embraced change.

* The importance of maintaining alignment, balance, and peace in your career.

* Her future aspirations to write a book and continue her journey of growth.

Episode resources:

Marie-Laure Humbert - www.linkedin.com/in/marie-laure-humbert-icf-she-her-65562b47

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 company.

They co-host the number 1 coaching podcast - The Coaching Crowd, and have co-authored the Amazon bestselling book, "Deciding to Coach".

Key takeaways:

* The focus on people and conflict resolution have been constant themes in Jo's career.

* Jo started In Good Company to have greater flexibility and control over her work-life balance, whilst demonstrating to her children that they could follow any path they put their minds to.

* Spending time in nature, travelling and trusting her intuition are some of the tools that have supported Jo's development.

Episode resources:

Jo Wheatley: www.linkedin.com/in/joannewheatley

In Good Company: www.igcompany.co.uk

Deciding to Coach: www.igcompany.co.uk/book_launch

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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" Fit Analysis is the way it outlines the potential challenges to an individuals role from the advancements in AI, whilst suggesting alternative career paths.

Key takeaways:

* Lee's entrepreneurial journey stems from a desire to challenge conventional thinking and do things differently.

* Diverse Talent Networks' "Skills & Role" Fit Analysis tool aims to give people more control over their careers through skills analysis and networking tools.

* Lee's key leadership lessons include: recognise team members' diverse strengths, communicate the organisation's mission clearly, and maintain persistence.

Episode resources:

Lee Higgins: www.linkedin.com/in/higginslee

Diverse Talent Networks: www.diversetalentnetworks.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 small businesses through a blend of technology and human expertise.

* Key leadership lessons: focus on elevating others, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and maintain work-life balance.

* Success comes from consistent effort, not luck; "just get up and get on" is Andrew's motto for progress.

Episode resources:

Andrew Finn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewf1

Blnker: www.blnker.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 challenges and variety.

* Transitioning from professional services to in-house roles requires adapting to different work structures and developing new skills.

* Understanding personality types and using tools like coaching can enhance leadership effectiveness.

* Balancing governance with entrepreneurial culture is key in Ellie's current role at Nando's.

Episode resources:

Eleanor Christie: www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-christie-tax

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 as the Head of HR for Wealth EMEA & the UK for a global bank.

Key takeaways:

* Melvina transitioned from a long corporate HR career to founding Metochi Consulting, focusing on helping businesses navigate critical transitions.

* Her approach combines people-centred, context-aware, and evidence-based strategies to unlock organisational potential.

* Key leadership attributes she values are allowing people to be their authentic selves and genuinely caring about employees beyond just KPIs.

Episode resources:

Melvina Metochi - www.linkedin.com/in/melvina-metochi

Metochi Consulting - www.linkedin.com/company/metochi-consulting-ltd

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 leadership experience. Over coffee we cover we explore his career journey, leadership approach, and insights on coaching and how it supports personal development.

Key takeaways:

* Martin's career trajectory led him from high profile international corporate roles to founding MS Impact, driven by a desire to focus on transformative conversations and coaching.

* Continuous learning and self-improvement form part of his core values. He was inspired by his Mother's influence and curiosity about different cultures.

* Some of his key leadership lessons include creating conditions for followership, servant leadership, and ensuring people feel genuinely cared for beyond just words.

* His coaching often addresses themes like imposter syndrome and helps executives in high pressure roles find a greater sense of balance.

Episode resources:

Martin Sealy: www.linkedin.com/in/msealy

MS Impact Group: www.msimpactgroup.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 awesome!

Over coffee we cover:

* How her businesses have placed 750+ people into work with an impressive 92% 6-month retention rate!

* Her key leadership traits including connecting through storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity.

* The power of LinkedIn which has been a crucial tool for building her network, fundraising, and driving impact.

Episode resources:

Chan's story (A radical being #radical): www.youtu.be/R6kUYJrYASo

Radical Recruit: www.radicalrecruit.co.uk

B-Radical: www.b-radical.co.uk

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 takeaways:

* Marina's career pivoted from accounting to compliance, demonstrating the value of transferable skills and opportunistic career moves.

* Balancing a demanding career with family life remains an ongoing challenge, requiring flexibility and self-compassion.

* Marina's involvement in mentoring initiatives like EnCircle and Bridging Barriers stems from a desire to give back and create opportunities for others in the Financial Services industry.

* Authentic leadership and relationship-building are crucial for career progression and making an impact.

Episode resources:

Marina Ebrubrah: www.linkedin.com/in/marina-ebrubah-60b49b21EnCircle: www.encirclementoring.comBridging Barriers: www.bridgingbarriers.co.ukChay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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, and career support for Black Women in Asset Management globally.

* That despite DE&I rollbacks, the need for BWAM's work is greater than ever as Black women face job losses and career challenges.

* The importance of valuing one's worth, not discounting rates/services, and building a strong team when starting a business plus so many more gems from her experiences.

Episode resources:

Jacqueline James: www.linkedin.com/in/jacqjames

Black Women in Asset Management: www.bwam.network

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 "Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement" (ICE) while staying calm under pressure.

* A deeper understanding of the vital services Age UK Croydon provides to support older people's independence and wellbeing.

* The future strategy of the organisation which centres around improving data intelligence and embedding client voices to shape future services.

Episode resources:

AGE UK Croydon: www.ageuk.org.uk/croydon

Donate to AGE UK Croydon's vital services: www.justgiving.com/ageukcroydon

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 the importance of authenticity while understanding corporate "norms".

* His views on leadership and the requirement for flexibility, empathy, and the ability to make tough decisions while supporting team members' growth and sense of belonging.

* How building a strong internal network and seeking mentorship/coaching are crucial for career progression and leadership development.

Episode resources:

Sylvester Oppong: www.linkedin.com/in/sylvester-oppong-44275720

Ernst and Young: www.ey.com/en_uk

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 and desired lifestyle.

* The exciting news that Helen is launching XFS Coaching Solutions to expand her impact by assembling a team of qualified coaches to support Financial Services professionals.

* Her mission to promote the transformative power of coaching to create happier, more fulfilled professionals in Financial Services.

Episode resources:

XFS Coaching Solutions: www.xfscoachingsolutions.com

Helen Schoeb Coaching: www.helenschoebcoaching.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 actively, continuous learning, recognising your value, maintaining work-life balance, and not being defined solely by your work.

* Explore his tools for success including: intentional time management, an effective morning routines devoid of distractions, and regular self-care practices like yoga... he is a yoga teacher himself as if he was not busy enough!

* With a favourable tail wind and his continued evolution his desired legacy will see him continue building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating positive ripple effects through mentorship and impactful work.

Episode resources:

Nexus Creative: www.nexuscreativehq.com

Cellar Door Group: www.cellardoorgroup.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 function.

* His key success factors as an entrepreneur including: building the right team, maintaining work-life balance, embracing optimism, and being adaptable to change.

All things continuing to go well the company aims to become the FIRST digital treatment for Alzheimer's, potentially "adding life to years" to millions of people.

Episode resources:

Five Lives Health: www.fivelives.health

Five Lives App: www.fivelives.sng.link/Ar7ov/790o/7117

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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 management.

* Future goals including: expanding into new markets/geographies and related financial sectors (e.g., Private Equity, Hedge Funds).

* His emphasis on leveraging technology and fostering collaboration to drive business growth.

Episode resources:

Sang Zarrin - www.sangzarrin.co.uk

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

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, new job) required intense focus, presence, and a clear purpose.

* Finding one's purpose involves leaning into natural strengths and focusing on impact within one's circle of influence.

Episode resources:

Ade Ahmadu: www.linkedin.com/in/adeahmadu

Cerculate: www.cerculate.com

Memo Mondays: www.substack.com/@memomonday

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com