TribesAndHistory: What is your name?
Adrian: My name is Adrian.
TribesAndHistory: Where are you from?
Adrian: My parents are from Ghana, but I’m based in London, UK.
TribesAndHistory: What do you do?
Adrian: I’m a podcaster, consultant, and mentor.
TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to start your business?
Adrian: In terms of pursuing podcasting, I’ve now got two podcasts, but what led to the first one was spotting an opportunity in an area that wasn’t really tapped into by many Ghanaians. There was a lack of representation in the business landscape within the Ghanaian podcasting industry. Additionally, I noticed a gap in professional networking among the diaspora connected to Ghana. So, I decided to set up a platform that would allow me to network with people worldwide while showcasing Ghanaian excellence to the world.
TribesAndHistory: What’s the name of your podcast?
Adrian: It’s called The Sound of Accra Podcast. It spotlights Ghanaian entrepreneurs, creators, and founders—both those native to Ghana and those in the diaspora. It also features individuals who might not necessarily be Ghanaian but have a strong connection to Ghana, such as running businesses or serving Ghanaian audiences. We’ve been running this podcast for five years now.
TribesAndHistory: Can you share a pivotal moment in your business career that significantly shaped the leader you are today?
Adrian: Back in 2017, I was working in an e-commerce agency. My role required me to wear many hats—digital marketing manager, business development manager, and product manager—all while creating and launching digital platforms and apps for the e-commerce marketplace almost weekly. It was an intense job, but it gave me invaluable experience.
One pivotal moment came when the CEO called me into his office and said, “Adrian, you’re doing a good job, but your efforts aren’t translating into enough revenue. You need to turn it around.” That was a wake-up call. I focused on improving my results, and soon after, I was invited to speak at one of the biggest e-commerce events in the UK. Sharing the stage with the ex-Managing Director of Amazon UK and C-suite executives of eBay was life-changing. That job taught me the mindset, skills, and tools I needed to transition into entrepreneurship.
TribesAndHistory: That’s incredibly inspiring. It’s evidence of the importance of resilience and recognizing opportunities. Have you had other moments like this?
Adrian: Yes, a few years later, during COVID, I was working with a company called UX Academy as the Head of Growth and Partnerships. The company’s in-person classes couldn’t run due to the pandemic, and the business was on the brink of collapse. I proposed shifting to webinars and offering courses online. Within a month, we generated £15,000 to £20,000 in revenue, turning the company’s finances from red to green. Saving that business during such a challenging time is one of my proudest achievements.
TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage shaped your business journey?
Adrian: Growing up in an African household instilled values like respect, hard work, and gratitude. These qualities have deeply influenced how I approach my business. For instance, I don’t take opportunities for granted, and I’m intentional about creating meaningful and impactful work. My heritage also motivates me to represent Ghana and Africa positively on global platforms.
TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?
Adrian: I want to put Africa on the map. My goal is to create a podcast network, and I’m already in talks to expand The Sound of Accra Podcast to South Africa.
TribesAndHistory: What about your heritage makes you proud?
Adrian: Being Ghanaian makes me incredibly proud. Ghanaians have achieved so much, both at home and abroad. Figures like Kwame Nkrumah inspire me with their contributions to Ghana and Africa. Ghana’s rich culture and history, combined with its global impact, are sources of pride for me. I’ve always been proud to be Ghanaian, and it’s been a superpower in many ways, including giving me the advantage to launch my podcast.
TribesAndHistory: Any last words of wisdom?
Adrian: Don’t let a day go by without doing something that moves you closer to your dream or goal. Stay obsessed with what you want to achieve and constantly ask yourself, “What’s the next step I can take?” Progress, no matter how small, is key to success.
