Frankly Business Podcast

Samson Esemuede, CFA, is one of Africa’s most respected investment minds. He began his career at CitiBank and Deutsche Bank, rising to the position of Vice President, before becoming a founding partner at Zrosk Investment Management, a firm now managing north of $100+ million AUM. In this exclusive 130-minute conversation, Samson and Frank dive into: Topics Covered • The real state of the Nigerian economy • Why investors are betting billions on African startups • China’s economic slowdown and its implications • The secrets behind successful venture capital • The psychology of wealth and the habits of elite investors • What determines “luck” — and how to increase your oppor...

Some companies do everything right — and still fail. Why? In this episode of the Frankly Business Podcast, Africa’s foremost leadership strategist Niyi Adesanya explains why vision, talent, and execution are not enough without strong systems, culture, and leadership design. Drawing from real-world examples like Nokia and Kodak, Niyi breaks down the hidden factors that cause organizations — and even nations — to collapse despite having smart people and big ideas. In this conversation, we explore: • Why “doing everything right” can still lead to failure • How systems defeat vision without structure • Culture vs strategy: what truly drives performance • The ambidextrous organization: how to explore and explo...

Why are flights so expensive in Africa — especially during Christmas and peak travel season? In this explosive conversation, Bayo Adedeji (CEO of Wakanow) breaks down the real economics behind African flight prices… and the journey that took Wakanow from near-collapse to a $50M global travel empire operating in 30+ countries. From Walmart to Wakanow, from selling shoes and fries, to leaving a $300,000 Amazon job, Bayo shares the brutal truth about: ✈️ Why African flights cost a premium How travel companies survive in tough markets ️ What it REALLY means to build in Africa Why “projecting poverty” kills investment deals Entrepreneurship vs intrapreneurship (and why both matte...

In a continent where innovation meets necessity, one leader sits at the center of Africa’s fintech revolution. Dr. Stanley Jacob — President of the Fintech Association of Nigeria and CEO of Zest Payment (Stanbic IBTC subsidiary) — joins Frankly Business for a deep dive into the truth behind Africa’s $4.6bn fintech boom. From the North of Nigeria to the top of Africa’s payment infrastructure, Dr. Stanley breaks down: How Opay and Moniepoint built lightning-fast transaction engines Why Zest is building the rails powering the next era of digital payments The ₦100 million licensing hurdle nobody talks about The orchestration model shaping the...

What if we told you that ₦3 million could be within your reach — legally and smartly? In this episode of Frankly Business, we break down practical, proven ways to access business funding in Nigeria. From grants and accelerator programs to pitching tips and hidden opportunities most entrepreneurs miss — this is your roadmap to getting funded. Our guest shares insider tips, real success stories, and the common mistakes that make founders lose out on free money. If you’re serious about growing your business, this episode could change your story.

How does someone go from a small village background to building a billion-naira fintech company? In this inspiring episode of Frankly Business, we sit down with a visionary founder who turned humble beginnings into a global success story. From early struggles to groundbreaking innovation, he shares the mindset, mistakes, and miracles behind his journey to raising billions in funding and transforming Africa’s digital finance space. Proof that where you start doesn’t define how far you can go — this one’s pure motivation and masterclass combined.

Tired of motivational talk with no real results? In this power-packed episode of Frankly Business, we reveal tested and proven business strategies that actually make money — not just in theory, but in the real Nigerian market. From pricing hacks and customer retention secrets to digital marketing moves that drive serious profit, our guest breaks down what it really takes to scale from thousands to millions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, side hustler, or SME owner, this episode gives you the playbook for lasting success — no fluff, just facts.

Let’s be honest — not every startup failure is innocent. In this no-holds-barred episode of Frankly Business Speaking, we dive into the dark side of entrepreneurship: fraud, exploitation, and the toxic “fake it till you make it” culture that’s ruining trust in the startup ecosystem. From misused investor funds to unpaid staff and deceptive marketing, we ask the hard question — should some founders actually face jail time? It’s bold, it’s controversial, and it’s the conversation the business world has been avoiding for too long.

What if you could learn a skill today and start earning big in just two weeks? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, we uncover high-demand, fast-monetising skills that Nigerians are using to make millions — even with little or no capital. From digital services to creative freelancing and AI-powered tools, our guest reveals the exact skills, platforms, and strategies that can turn your hustle into real income — fast. This isn’t a get-rich-quick gimmick — it’s a roadmap for smart, skill-based success.

Why do small businesses struggle to survive while big brands keep getting bigger? In this explosive episode of Frankly Speaking, we expose the strategies — and sometimes the silent wars — that big corporations use to dominate markets, edge out competitors, and control consumer choices. From pricing power and marketing muscle to government influence and supply chain control, we unpack the harsh realities behind Nigeria’s business landscape. Whether you’re a small business owner or a curious observer, this episode will open your eyes to the real rules of the game.

Getting business funding in Nigeria isn’t easy — but what if you could learn directly from someone who’s cracked the code 11 times? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, we break down the real steps, strategies, and mindset that helped our guest secure 11 business grants worth millions of naira. From crafting irresistible proposals to standing out in competitive applications, this episode gives you the blueprint to win — no connections required. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this is your ultimate grant-winning guide.

Behind every booming estate and luxury apartment in Nigeria lies a secret few people talk about — the unconventional strategies, silent partnerships, and local dynamics that truly drive property sales. In this episode, we uncover how agents, developers, and even influencers are reshaping the real estate game. From off-market deals to the psychology behind buyer decisions, we break down what really sells homes in Nigeria — and why it’s not always what you think. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a curious homeowner, or simply fascinated by the business side of real estate, this episode reveals the untold truths of Nigeria’s property...