Konnected Minds Podcast

Segment: Stop Waiting for Africa to Look Good - Own Your Story or Watch Others Write It

Host: Derrick Abaitey
Date: January 11, 2026

Overview

In this insightful episode of the Konnected Minds Podcast, host Derrick Abaitey leads a transformative discussion around the power of storytelling in shaping Africa’s global narrative, the importance of owning one’s story, and practical advice for young Africans pursuing wealth and success. The episode dives into the role of media portrayals, personal mindset shifts, the necessity of reading and continuous learning, and adapting to technological advances like AI in the African context.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Narrative and Media Portrayal

• Contrast in Storytelling Techniques

  • Hollywood’s depiction of Africa and other regions often uses visual cues (e.g., “brownish” screen filters) to subconsciously paint them as dangerous or undesirable compared to the luxurious portrayals of Western cities.
  • Quote (A, 00:00):
    “When they want to show… the military… go into somewhere in Africa… the HD resolution of the screen comes down, it becomes brownish in color. Psychologically, it’s telling us that it's not a place to go to.”

• Implications for Self-Image and External Perception

  • The way African stories are told is often controlled by non-African entities, furthering stereotypes. There’s a need for Africans to reclaim the narrative and highlight their continent’s beauty and development.

• Joint Responsibility: Government and Citizens

  • Positive storytelling isn’t solely the responsibility of individuals; governments must create environments worth showcasing.
  • Quote (A, 01:22):
    “It’s a joint effort. The government provides the basic needs… and the society will tell the story.”

• Unique Opportunity in the Digital Age

  • With media creation democratized by platforms like YouTube, Africans now have low barriers to tell authentic stories, but often default to negative or outdated narratives.
  • Quote (A, 03:38):
    “We need to own our stories. We need to own companies that tell our stories better… If creation is democratized, why are we still telling stories that are outdated?”
  • Memorable Moment: Discussion of major African media outlets being acquired by foreign entities, raising concerns about narrative control.

2. Advice for Young Africans: Pathways to Wealth

• Study Success and Mindset

  • The best way for new graduates to progress is by studying those who have already achieved success; emulate their mindset and habits.
  • Quote (A, 04:11):
    “First thing I would say, study the people that have built… If you are here and want to get there, the best thing is to study the people that have gotten there successfully and stayed there.”

• The Importance of Reading and Learning

  • Consuming books and learning from others disrupts limiting beliefs and creates new patterns of thinking, opening doors to wisdom and wealth.
  • Quote (A, 04:51):
    “Learning something new… begins to break away patterns of old thinking… you would definitely see something different from how you've been thinking.”

• Move Beyond Step-by-Step Formulas

  • The emphasis is on internalizing lessons rather than ticking off predefined steps; true transformation comes from absorbing and applying knowledge.

3. Personal Growth: From Non-Reader to Reader

• Host’s Personal Journey

  • The host candidly shares a dislike for reading during youth but credits a pivotal speech and exposure to influential leaders for changing this attitude.
  • Inspiration from Nigerian church leader Bishop Oyedepo, who champions reading as fundamental to leadership and notes his greatest investment is his library.

• Transformative Books

  • "Ego is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday as the gateway book that catalyzed personal change.
  • "The Psychology of Money" helped reframe thoughts about wealth, focusing on behavioral patterns over tactics.
  • Quote (A, 05:53):
    “Leaders are readers… The most valuable investment is his library. The amount of money he’s spent… is books.”
  • Quote (A, 07:10): “‘Ego is the Enemy’… did so many things to my mind… The moment I picked up that book, I realized everything that was wrong with what I was doing… The people that are wealthy are wise. That’s the difference.”

4. AI and the Future of Wealth in Africa

• AI's Imminent and Unavoidable Impact

  • AI is fundamentally changing education, employment, and wealth creation, with deep effects on Africa as on the rest of the world.
  • Africans must be proactive in learning and applying AI, as formal education systems will lag behind current developments.
  • Quote (A, 08:28):
    “It doesn’t really matter how fast we want to develop in Africa… we are dependent on the Western world… AI is going to disrupt learning… job creation… democratize wealth creation.”

• AI Will Not Replace People, But People Who Don’t Use AI

  • Quote (A, 09:12):
    “AI is not going to replace humans… but it will replace people who don’t know how to use AI. So your job is not at risk. Your job is just at risk if you don’t know how to use AI.”

• Practical Example:

  • Logo design: Instead of waiting for a designer with lengthy processes, AI enabled immediate creation.
  • Quote (A, 09:53):
    “Everything that was inside my mind, I put it inside AI and it generated a logo for me.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Media Barriers & the African Narrative (01:10):
  • “It’s not only on us as citizens... It’s also on the government... It’s difficult to say something nice about a country that hasn’t really done much to help you.” — Speaker A
• On Ownership over African Stories (03:38):
  • “We need to own our stories. We need to own companies that tell our stories better.” — Speaker A
• On Learning from Success (04:11):
  • “Study the people who have built. Well, that’s the first thing I would say.” — Speaker A
• On AI’s Role (09:12):
  • “AI is not going to replace humans... but it will replace people who don’t know how to use AI.” — Speaker A

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:50 — How films shape perceptions of Africa, storytelling bias
• 01:51–03:55 — Who’s responsible for Africa’s image? Role of government, citizens, media
• 03:56–05:42 — Wealth-building advice for young Africans, lifelong learning
• 05:43–07:58 — Host’s journey to reading, recommended transformative books
• 08:04–10:16 — The rise of AI, future of work, and advice for Africans to adapt and thrive

Conclusion

This episode is a clarion call for Africans—and indeed all listeners—to intentionally seize control of their narratives, invest in their own learning and mindset, and remain agile in a rapidly changing world. Through personal stories, actionable insights, and empowering quotes, Derrick Abaitey crafts a compelling vision for proactive success and transformation.