{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/669b7caefbb02ee946751d7d/69df748cf1a071cd76df2b9f?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"#30 - From Computer Science to GM of Cafe One: Kelechi Nwaozuzu’s Inspiring Journey","description":"<p>From studying Computer Science at Covenant University to becoming the General Manager of Cafe One, Kelechi Nwaozuzu has walked an inspiring and unconventional career path.</p><p>In this honest and insightful conversation, Kelechi opens up about her journey — from battling shyness as a child, switching from programming to storytelling, facing over 500 job rejections in the UK, to making the bold decision to return to Nigeria and rising through the ranks in banking before stepping into her current role at Cafe One.</p><p>She shares valuable lessons on:</p><ul><li>How to stay passionate about your work even after many years</li><li>Navigating office politics while keeping your eyes on the vision</li><li>The power of “dying to self” and putting purpose above ego</li><li>Leading with both empathy and excellence</li><li>Handling rejection, resilience, and staying grounded during rapid growth</li><li>Building community and standardizing operations at scale</li></ul><p>Whether you're a young professional, career switcher, or someone who wants to lead with integrity, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and real-life inspiration.</p><p>This is a Tolu Afilaka conversation.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><p>00:00 - Introduction</p><p>01:28 - The Joy of Being Overwhelmed by the Job You Prayed For</p><p>03:14 - Early Life &amp; Personality</p><p>05:37 - Why She Left Computer Science for Communications</p><p>08:32 - Banking Career &amp; Breaking into Corporate Affairs</p><p>15:55 - The Pain of 500+ Job Rejections</p><p>22:10 - The Faith Decision to Return to Nigeria</p><p>24:56 - Navigating Politics &amp; Putting Vision First</p><p>30:20 - Lessons from Early Business Failures</p><p>32:52 - How She Got the GM Role at Cafe One</p><p>40:38 - Leadership Lessons: Empathy + Excellence</p><p>44:40 - Building &amp; Scaling Cafe One</p><p>58:06 - The Big Vision for Cafe One</p><p>01:05:59 - Covenant University Memories</p><p>01:09:26 - Final Reflections &amp; Picture of Possibilities</p><p>Follow Kelechi Nwaozuzu on Instagram: @kelechi_nwaozuzu</p><p>Host: Tolu Afilaka — @toluafilakaa</p><p>#KelechiNwaozuzu #CafeOne #CareerJourney #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvice #NigerianSuccessStory</p>","author_name":"TOLU AFILAKA"}