What fuels Rachael Akidi Okwir’s leadership journey? A powerful blend of rhythm and resilience. From the bold beats of Azawi, which keep her grounded and energized, to the transformative wisdom of Unbowed by Wangari Maathai, Rachel draws strength from stories and sounds that reflect her purpose. Music to move. Words to lead.

What does it mean to lead with truth, integrity, and unwavering purpose? In this episode of the Power Panel Podcast, we speak with Rachael Akidi Okwir, founder and CEO of Reebo Consult, former Head of Journalism for Africa at BBC, media trainer, mentor, and media consultant.

From the newsroom to the boardroom, Rachel shares hard-won insights on credibility, courage, and the responsibility of African women leaders in shaping narratives that matter.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on leadership that is rooted, real, and resolute.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to be reminded of African women's leadership strength.

This is ECHOES. This is The Power Panel Podcast.

Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi

Researcher: Peggy Kalie

Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao

Administrator: Sombo Olende

Music from Epidemic sounds

Bleaker - Time goes fast (instrumental)

Sture Zutterberg - Waste of my love (instrumental)

Magnus Ringblum - Ambivalent thoughts

Gavin Luke - The sum of all things

Francis Wells - The fields at home

The Power Panel Podcast is the property of Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.© and should not be reproduced in whatever form without permission from Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.

What’s on a perceptive African leader's mind — and in the ears?

In this special feature, Ottilia Anna Maunganidze shares two powerful sources of inspiration: Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo and the bold, genre-bending sounds of Aya Nakamura.

From literature that challenges colonial legacies to music that celebrates modern African identity, discover what fuels Ottilia’s passion, intellect, and leadership.

In this episode of the Power Panel Podcast Echoes, we sit down with Ottilia Anna Maunganidze — a visionary leader in policy and justice — to explore how perceptive leadership can transform systems, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change across Africa.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on strategy, empathy, and the unseen layers of leadership.

Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi

Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao

Administrator: Sombo Olende

Step into the minds of Africa’s leading women with Power Panel Podcast Reflections. Big ideas, bold values, and fearless conversations — all driving change and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Join us for real talk that moves you.

Every leader has a library behind them. Lorna Omondi Ogolla’s top reads? - The Bible (2 Kings 13, Luke 18) - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss & Tahl Raz - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. These titles have shaped her mindset, communication, and faith. Add one to your reading list this week.

What powers our guests? This week, Lorna Ogolla Omondi shares a favorite artist who inspires her: Grace Idowu, with her soulful, deeply African voice. Explore our curated playlist of what we’re listening to—one beat at a time.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Power Panel Podcast.

In our very first episode of ECHOES, we are joined by the brilliant and deeply inspiring Lorna Omondi Ogolla, the Partnership Lead at Google Research Africa.

In this powerful conversation with host Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Lorna opens up about her leadership journey — from her early days in Kenya to her role in one of the world’s most innovative tech ecosystems. She reflects on:

1. The challenges and triumphs of working in tech as a young African woman
2. The mentors and values that shaped her
3. The importance of humility, resilience, and faith Her vision for Africa’s digital future

Lorna’s voice is calm but resolute, reflective yet full of action — the kind of voice that reminds us of the quiet power within us all.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to be reminded of the strength of African women in leadership.

This is ECHOES. This is The Power Panel Podcast.

Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi

Researcher: Peggy Kalie

Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao

Administrator: Sombo Olende

Visit our website www.birdsongafrica.com to find out how to join our community.

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & Tiktok.

Music and sound effects: courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com and www.pond5

The Power Panel Podcast is the property of Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.© and should not be reproduced in whatever form without permission from Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.