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“Marketing is an art.” — Haireya Ahmed, A marketing executive, entrepreneur, business educator, corporate strategist, and Managing Director of CM International Group. From beginning her professional journey as a teacher and working across customer service, sales, and management to leading marketing and commercial operations, Haireya has built more than a decade of experience understanding consumers, building brands, and growing businesses.In this conversation, we explore marketing, brand building, consumer behavior, sales, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. Haireya shares lessons from building and positioning brands in the Ethiopian market, understanding what consumers actually want, connecting marketing to measurable business results, and why marketing should be treated as an investment rather than simply an expense.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Muscle is like having a million birr in the bank.” — Getachew Melese. Our guest for this episode is Getachew Melese, Founder & CEO of Sweatbox APG (Addis Performance Gym) and Founder of the Ethiopian Fighting Championship (ETFC). From starting his journey in Taekwondo and working as a fitness trainer to building Sweatbox and creating a professional platform for combat sports in Ethiopia, Getachew’s journey has been shaped by discipline, risk-taking, continuous learning, and a drive to build something of his own.In this conversation, we explore fitness, entrepreneurship, discipline, CrossFit, building and scaling Sweatbox, and the journey behind ETFC. Getachew shares lessons from his personal and professional journey, his perspective on physical strength and long-term health, the realities of building a fitness business in Ethiopia, and his vision for creating a professional combat-sports ecosystem where Ethiopian fighters, coaches, and other professionals can build sustainable careers.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 Dukamo Coffee CMC: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yPQwHfz4xWNR3k1Z9 Phone No: 0950050607To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters00:00 – Introduction05:40 – Getachew’s Journey11:08 – Building Sweatbox23:01 – Fitness & Business33:06 – Building a Strong Team & Culture44:33 – The Story Behind ETFC51:21 – The Future of Combat Sports in Ethiopia01:14:21 – Entrepreneurship & Taking Risks01:20:31 – Fitness, Health & Discipline01:32:28 – Leadership & Growth01:47:01 – Life Lessons & Final AdviceSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please get in touch with us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Policies must be driven by reality, not just models.” Dr. Tewodros Makonnen GebrewoldeAn Ethiopian economist, researcher, policy advisor, and Country Manager for Ethiopia at the International Growth Centre. He also serves as an External Member of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s Monetary Policy Committee and as a board member of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. From beginning his career as a junior researcher at the National Bank to advising policymakers on Ethiopia’s most pressing economic challenges, Dr. Tewodros has spent more than two decades connecting economic research with real-world policy.In this conversation, we explore Ethiopia’s economy, inflation, monetary and tax policy, economic reform, employment, private-sector growth, and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Tewodros explains how economic decisions affect everyday life, what is driving Ethiopia’s current challenges, and why effective policies must be grounded in evidence, shaped by local realities, and evaluated with patience rather than emotion. Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“You don’t learn business. You’re born for it.” Dr. Mohammed Shikur Our guest for this episode is Dr. Mohammed Shikur, Founder & CEO of Amin General Hospital, physician, gastroenterologist, and Member of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives. From working in rural and underserved communities to building and leading a multidisciplinary private hospital, Dr. Mohammed has built a career at the intersection of medicine, healthcare, business, and public service.In this conversation, we explore healthcare, entrepreneurship, leadership, social intelligence, and building institutions. Dr. Mohammed shares lessons from his journey in medicine, the growth of Amin General Hospital, the importance of communication and relationships in business, and why investing in knowledge and people can create an impact that goes beyond the individual.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“The best leaders know how to listen.” Tekeste GebruOur guest for this episode is Tekeste Gebru, a veteran Ethiopian auditor and Founding Partner of HST, Ethiopia’s first professional services partnership firm. From beginning his career as an auditor to helping build one of the country’s leading professional services firms, Tekeste has spent decades contributing to the growth of Ethiopia’s accounting and auditing profession.In this conversation, we explore leadership, auditing, governance, and the evolution of Ethiopia’s accounting profession. Tekeste shares lessons from building HST, bringing international financial reporting standards to Ethiopia, developing strong professional institutions, and why listening, good governance, and qualified financial expertise are essential for building businesses that last.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

“Don’t copy the world. Adapt it to Ethiopia.” — Kiffle Yohannes Abebe, CEO & Co-Founder of Komari Beverage, the company behind Arada Hard Seltzer. From nearly two decades at Toyota and Diageo to building one of Ethiopia’s fastest-growing beverage manufacturers, Kiffle brings a global manufacturing perspective shaped by local realities.In this conversation, we explore manufacturing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Kiffle shares lessons from Toyota’s discipline and continuous improvement, the journey of creating Ethiopia’s first hard seltzer, and why building in Ethiopia requires adapting global best practices rather than simply copying them.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:30 - Life at Toyota 00:23:33 - Return to Ethiopia 00:31:13 - Building Komari 00:50:22 - Marketing Arada 01:06:13 - Becoming CEO 01:21:48 - Future Plans 01:46:52 - Final Advice Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

Attitude matters more than degrees.— Wim VanhelleputteOur guest for this episode is Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia. From nuclear engineering to leading telecom businesses across Africa, Wim has spent nearly three decades learning, adapting, and leading across diverse markets.In this conversation, we explore leadership, adaptability, decision-making, and the lessons Wim learned building businesses across Africa. He shares why leaders must listen before they act, why Ethiopia requires its own approach, and why humility, empathy, and attitude can matter more than qualifications in building a successful career.Abyssinia Remit: https://mcnpkmnf81rz7s-0mxl8ql8p6yz8.pub.sfmc-content.com/wvki4fcnklo?src=Meri&cmp=rmtAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69; Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00 – Intro03:38 – Origin Story: From Nuclear Plants to African Telecom14:15 – Leadership Philosophy: "Don't Fix What Isn't Broken"30:37 – Joining Safaricom Ethiopia39:05 – Early Mistakes & Managing Expectations56:27 – Safaricom Today: Growth, Network & Data Strategy1:19:02 – Building Local Talent1:34:00 – M-Pesa, Pricing & Competition1:56:36 – The Future: Satellites & Connectivity2:07:52 – Culture, Leading in Ethiopia & Personal Leadership Growth2:53:20 – Rapid-Fire & Closing ThoughtsSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

AI is not technology; it's leadership. - Kemal M. Rashid. Our guest for this episode is Kemal M. Rashid, Founder & CEO of Axonova Consulting. With over two decades of experience helping organizations navigate leadership, strategy, and digital transformation, Kemal has worked with executives and businesses across Africa and the Middle East to prepare for a rapidly changing world.In this conversation, we explore AI, leadership, organizational transformation, and the future of work. Kemal shares why AI is ultimately a leadership challenge, how organizations can adopt it without losing their human edge, and what today's leaders must do to remain relevant in an AI-driven economy. BoA:Visit the Bank of Abyssinia Official Website: https://www.bankofabyssinia.com/ GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

"Cash flow is more important than profit." — Mukemil BedruOur guest for this episode is Mukemil Bedru, Founder & Managing Partner of Valcrest Capital, and Co-Founder of Hijra Bank. From helping establish Ethiopia's first generation of investment banking institutions to advising businesses through one of the country's biggest economic transitions, Mukemil brings a front-row perspective on the future of Ethiopian finance.In this conversation, we unpack Ethiopia's changing capital markets, foreign banks, startup financing, investment banking, and the policy shifts reshaping the economy. Mukemil also shares why cash flow matters more than profit, how he hires and builds teams, and why entrepreneurs must build institutions—not just businesses.Shik Cleaning Service: You can reach their Service Via: 0940270521 / 0997298286 https://www.shikcleaning.com/Visit the Bank of Abyssinia Official Website: https://www.bankofabyssinia.com/ GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties: You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected]:00 - Teaser & Episode Highlights00:01:36 - Sponsor Announcement00:02:36 - Introduction & Guest Welcome00:05:50 - Launching Prime Capital Investment Bank00:06:43 - Commercial Banking vs. Investment Banking Explained00:11:13 - The State of Ethiopia's Emerging Capital Market00:14:10 - Debt vs. Equity Financing for Businesses00:19:55 - Floating the Birr: Foreign Exchange Reforms Update00:28:13 - NBE Policy Updates: Credit Cap Removal & Exporter FX Retention00:34:13 - Special Economic Zones & Free Trade Zone Benefits00:40:07 - Franco Valuta Regime: Black Market Impact & Tighter Rules00:49:21 - Opening Ethiopia's Banking Sector to Foreign Banks00:51:38 - Founder Mindset: Building in Silence vs. Seeking Publicity00:56:44 - Ethiopian Domestic Banks vs. Entering Foreign Banks01:04:14 - Ethiopia’s Startup Ecosystem & The New Startup Proclamation01:16:32 - "Pitch-preneurs" vs. Real Business Execution01:25:12 - Profit vs. Cash Flow: Why Profitable Companies Fail01:33:02 - Financial Discipline & Managing Working Capital01:41:48 - Raising Capital & Financial Readiness for Ethiopian Businesses01:52:05 - Ease of Doing Business & Collateral Registration Issues01:56:35 - High-Growth Sectors to Watch in the Current Economy02:00:40 - How Mukemil Bedru Would Start a Business from Scratch Today02:04:15 - Talent Acquisition: Hiring for Character over Competence02:16:44 - Adapting to Rapid Policy Changes & Final Thoughts02:21:46 - Team Spotlight: Former Staff Launching "Shek Cleaning Service"Social Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

"The market doesn't care about your feelings it either pays for your solution or it doesn't." — Bisrat Solomon DegefaOur guest for this episode is Bisrat Solomon Degefa, Co-Founder and CEO of TruBuild. From his roots in Ethiopia to leading global engineering and AI-driven construction innovation, Bisrat has built an inspiring career focused on solving real-world problems through technology.In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, fundraising, and the future of construction technology. Bisrat shares practical lessons on resilience, innovation, and the development of meaningful solutions—making this an insightful discussion for entrepreneurs, engineers, and anyone passionate about building the future.GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfAmibara Properties : You can reach their sales and corporate consulting teams via the following contact lines:-Line 1: +251 901 69 69 69 Line 2: +251 969 36 36 36 To advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction00:03:43 Entrepreneurial Journey00:29:02 Exploring Startup Life00:49:07 Fundraising01:26:11 Leadership 01:36:47 AI01:39:32 The Future of Work 01:47:55 Digital TransformationSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

"We haven't truly introduced Ethiopia to the world." Meet Samrawit Moges Beyene, one of Ethiopia's most influential entrepreneurs and a true pioneer in tourism and agribusiness. As CEO of Travel Ethiopia — one of the country's leading destination management companies — and Co-Founder of Samore Flower Farm, she has spent over three decades building industries, creating jobs, and championing sustainable, community-driven business across Ethiopia.In this episode, Samrawit opens up about leaving a secure government job to found Travel Ethiopia in 1994, surviving war, COVID, and industry setbacks, empowering women through Rotary and female tour guides, and the hard-won lessons on leadership, trust, and resilience behind three decades in business.GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfTo advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Chapters 00:00 – Introduction05:15 – Early Life09:15 – Tourism Career19:15 – Building Travel Ethiopia36:15 – Women & Leadership41:15 – Tourism & COVID-1950:00 – Leadership & Culture01:02:15 – Samore Flower Farm01:13:15 – Partnerships & Business01:25:00 – Final Advice & ClosingSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

Zenebe Ferew is the Founder and Chairman of Zenebe Ferew Business Group, one of Ethiopia’s leading entrepreneurs and industrialists, known for building a diversified business empire across manufacturing, real estate, construction materials, hospitality, and tourism. From humble beginnings in Mercato, his journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a long-term vision for creating sustainable businesses.In this episode of Meri Podcast, he shares powerful insights on entrepreneurship, money management, saving, reinvesting, leadership, and lifelong learning. This conversation highlights the mindset behind building wealth, creating jobs, and contributing to Ethiopia’s economic growth.GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfTo advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected]:00 Introduction02:47 Meet the Guest03:40 Early Life12:40 Entrepreneurial Journey21:21 Manufacturing Business33:58 Real Estate Ventures40:22 Leadership & Management49:48 Hospitality Business58:47 Business Expansion01:00:29 Entrepreneurship Mindset01:01:45 Work Ethic01:04:22 Work-Life Balance01:07:04 Final ThoughtsSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

Rita Tsehai is one of Africa’s leading business and marketing executives, with more than two decades of experience building brands, leading commercial transformation, and driving growth across Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and other African markets. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the world's most recognized companies, helping shape iconic brands and navigate highly competitive consumer markets.In this episode of Meri Podcast, Rita shares the lessons behind her remarkable journey, from building brands that became household names to leading large-scale business transformations. We discuss the rise of Walia Beer, the evolution of consumer behavior across Africa, leadership in challenging environments, innovation, corporate culture, and what it takes to build sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing world. Packed with practical insights and real-world experience, this conversation is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, marketers, professionals, and aspiring leaders.Books mentioned in the episode:All Marketers Are Liars: by Seth Godin (later republished as All Marketers Tell Stories) Purple Cow : by Seth Godin GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfTo advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected]:00:00 — Introduction & Guest Profile00:02:31 — Career Journey & Core Values00:10:26 — Brand Innovation & Case Studies00:23:37 — Marketing at Multinational Corporations00:46:29 — African Consumer Trends01:11:12 — Executive Leadership & Team Management01:17:12 — The Ethiopian Market & FMCG Challenges01:46:41 — Advice for Marketers & Final ReflectionsSocial Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

From waiting hours for internet as a teenager in Addis Ababa to building one of Ethiopia's most powerful fintech companies — meet Nael Hailemariam, Co-Founder & CEO of Chapa Financial Technologies.Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Nael's journey began with a deep curiosity for technology. From those early days of limited internet access to studying computer science, engineering, and data science at some of Asia's leading universities, he developed a passion for solving complex problems through innovation.In this conversation, we explore his remarkable path from Cathedral School to international hackathons, startup competitions, and China's booming technology ecosystem. Nael shares lessons from Shenzhen's rise as a global innovation hub, the mindset behind entrepreneurship, and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and nation-building.We also dive into the creation of Chapa, the challenges of building a fintech company in Ethiopia, digital payments, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and the future of AI-driven businesses. Nael opens up about navigating uncertainty, raising capital, building high-performing teams, and staying committed to a long-term vision despite setbacks.GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfTo advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.

Join us for this episode with Heleanna Georgalis, President of Moplaco Trading PLC and Founder of Galani Coffee. Heleanna is a visionary business leader who transitions seamlessly across the worlds of corporate finance, international specialty trade, and sustainable agriculture. In this conversation: Heleanna’s global journey from Dire Dawa to Europe, her corporate finance background, and returning home to spearhead Moplaco after her father’s passing. She discusses her debt-conscious, people-first management style, the rich history of Ethiopia's Greek community, and building Galani Coffee into a globally recognized brand. We also explore her strategic diversification into pharmaceuticals and real estate, and her vision for unlocking Ethiopia's true coffee potential through high-end specialty value addition.Books mentioned in the episode:Outliers by Malcolm Gladwel : a book about what makes high achievers successful.Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönbergern (https://www.amazon.com/Viktor-Mayer-Sch%C3%B6nberger/e/B001HOKNG4/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1), Kenneth Cukier (https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Cukier/e/B00C47ZFSY/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_2) : A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and ThinkThe Snowball by Warren Buffett: (or any book by Warren Buffett) — Elena says "you can read anything from Warren Buffett" for insights on finance and business. The Snowball (a biography of Buffett) was specifically suggested.More from our partners:GIZ:https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2023-en-private-sector-development-in-ethiopia.pdfTo advertise on Meri:https://meri.et/[email protected] Linkshttps://t.me/MERI_PODCASThttps://twitter.com/MERI_Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKNuQ80qNSpt2x-7dsazJghttps://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1https://youtube.com/@mericlipset?si=wwa0KeQ_Nv2aPy9lhttps://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/meriethiopian/Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast:All rights reserved.The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited.For permission to use our content, please contact us at [email protected] you for respecting our copyright.