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What does it really take to build a career, a reputation and relationships that last?In this episode of IN THE ROOM, Desh sits down with Mota Mota, Corporate Communications Lead for Nestlé’s Zone Asia, Oceania & Africa, for a conversation about the role communication plays in business, reputation and personal growth.With experience leading communications and public affairs across multiple African markets, Mota has worked closely with senior leaders to navigate complex business environments, manage reputation, build stakeholder trust and connect communications to wider business priorities.But this conversation goes beyond corporate communications. Mota shares the lessons that have shaped his own career and the mindset he believes matters when you're trying to keep growing.We talk about:• Why the relationship between marketing and communications matters more than ever• The role of communications in building and protecting organisational reputation• Why reputation isn't just a communications responsibility, but a business responsibility• How to set goals that create real progress in your career and personal life• The importance of staying curious and continuously learning• Why being comfortable saying “I don't know” can actually help you grow• Building meaningful relationships across functions, teams and organisations• What it takes to keep learning when your career keeps evolvingMota's perspective is a reminder that great communication isn't just about telling a good story. It's about understanding people, asking better questions, building trust and knowing how your work connects to the bigger picture.IN THE ROOM brings you the conversations behind business, culture and what’s next in emerging markets. We’re not building a podcast. We’re building an archive of the conversations shaping emerging markets.Welcome IN THE ROOM.🎙️ Guest: Mota Mota🎤 Host: Desh🌍 Africa × GlobalFollow Desh:Instagram: @thatdeshTikTok: @thatdesh

What does it really take to build a global career without losing yourself along the way?In the first episode of IN THE ROOM, Desh sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML for an honest conversation about ambition, conviction, culture, relationships and the realities behind success. Known globally for hits including “Peru” with Ed Sheeran, Fireboy has become one of the artists helping take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. The Ed Sheeran collaboration reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and became a defining moment in Fireboy’s international rise.But this conversation goes beyond the music.Fireboy talks about growing up in Nigeria, discovering poetry before music, making the decision to leave university and pursue his dreams in Lagos, and the conviction that kept him moving when there was no Plan B.We talk about:• Staying grounded while living a very public life• Why solitude, family and Nigerian food keep him connected to home• The importance of treating people with respect and building genuine relationships• How the Ed Sheeran collaboration came together and what a co-sign can mean for an artist and a culture• Why “going international” shouldn't mean leaving Africa behind• The difference between passion, conviction and strong will• Work ethic and what Fireboy learned from the people around him• Imposter syndrome and having those “pinch me” moments• The responsibility — and pressure — of opening doors for the next generation• Why pushing culture forward starts with simply doing your job wellFireboy's story is bigger than music. It's a conversation about what happens when talent meets conviction, relationships, opportunity and relentless work.IN THE ROOM exists to bring more people into the conversations that shape culture, business and emerging markets.We’re not building a podcast.We’re building an archive of the conversations shaping emerging markets.Welcome IN THE ROOM.🎙️ Guest: Fireboy DML🎤 Host: Desh🇳🇬 Nigeria × 🇿🇦 South AfricaFollow Desh:Instagram: @thatdeshTikTok: @thatdesh