Скачать или смотреть Episode 25 is on leveraging collaborations with Dr Inya Lawal the founder of Ascend Studios

From Nollywood to Global Impact: Inya Lawal’s Journey of Passion, Purpose & Power | Women in Business Podcast

In this powerful episode, host Bunmi sits down with the phenomenal Dr. Inya Lawal — serial entrepreneur, creative powerhouse, and Program Director of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), sponsored by the U.S. Consulate. This is not just a conversation; it's a masterclass in resilience, strategic growth, and creating meaningful impact.

🎬 Inya opens up about:

Starting her career in Theatre Arts and transitioning into the global creative industry
Founding Ascend Studios and co-producing the acclaimed film Potato Potato
Managing top-tier African talent from Sweden and scaling her influence in Nollywood
Her transformative experience in the Fortune Most Powerful Women’s Mentoring Program at Goldman Sachs
Signing a $3.5M partnership with USAID to develop Nigeria’s creative industry
Building and leading impactful conferences like Africa Creative Market, Global Tech Africa, and Science of Trade
But that's not all — Inya gets candid about what it really takes to build credibility, navigate complex collaborations, and lead with empathy in a male-dominated industry.

✨ Key Takeaways:

The power of volunteering and showing up before asking for opportunities
How collaboration, not connections, fuels sustainable growth
Building systems and ecosystems that create lasting impact for women and youth
Turning free gigs into multi-million dollar partnerships
📌 Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone navigating social impact and business, this episode will leave you inspired and fired up.

👇🏾 Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
02:30 – Education to Entrepreneurship
08:00 – Breaking into Talent Management & Nollywood
13:00 – Producing “Potato Potato” from Sweden
18:00 – Volunteering Your Way Into Opportunities
25:00 – The Fortune Mentorship Program & Global Mentors
33:00 – Mindset Shifts: Business vs. Ecosystem Impact
42:00 – Running AWE & Building Women's Capacity
46:00 – Leading High-Impact Conferences Across Africa
55:00 – Strategic Collaborations & Building Trust
1:01:00 – Team Culture, Flexibility & Scaling Impact

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations with inspiring leaders!

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