Doers Defined Podcast

Championing and amplifying the incredible work of emerging markets heroes to inspire positive change. Episodes released bi-weekly.

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

🔌 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity.
You’ve probably heard this number before — but why isn’t it improving?

On the @DoersDefined Podcast, Carol Koech offered a powerful perspective:
“We’re electrifying, yes — but the population is growing as fast as we are energizing.”

She emphasizes that without strong public sector leadership and funding, progress will remain painfully slow.

This conversation comes as the The World Bank, African Development Bank Group, and others pledge $35 billion to expand electricity access across the African continent. Half of that will go toward solar minigrids — community-level solutions with transformative potential.

Importantly, the funding comes with below-market interest rates — a critical shift in a region where lending costs are often prohibitively high.

⚡️ The message is clear: if we want to close Africa’s energy gap, we need smart financing, scalable solutions, and bold public-private collaboration.

🎧 Tune in to Carol’s insights and join the conversation on how we power a more inclusive future 👉 https://t.co/Ndk4HYEuxh

#doersdefined #podcast #carolkoech #energyaccess #energytransition

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

✨ To maintain a thriving culture, leaders must 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭.

A bold truth from Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer - سوزان ستوليما��ر on the Doers Defined Podcast — and one that stuck with me.

🚀 In fast-scaling environments, culture can either be your biggest asset or your fastest downfall.

And as Susanne puts it, "The cost of a bad hire isn’t just performance — it’s trust, momentum, and morale."

Learn more 🔗 https://t.co/ghsEWHPs5y

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

"It's the people that make the organization, not the organization that makes the people" - Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer - سوزان ستوليماير

🔗 https://t.co/Gh8y8Fe5lk

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐔𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭 — 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 — 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧?
𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐬-𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐞𝐫 ✨

An early force at both, Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer - سوزان ستوليماير didn’t just witness the rocketship — she helped build it.

An early force at both, Susanne didn’t just witness the rocketship — she helped build it.
🚀 At Uber: She launched EMEA comms from the ground up.
🌍 At talabat: She led comms and public affairs across MENA, built the team from ground up and helped drive the biggest global tech IPO of 2024.

Susanne is more than a leader. She’s a culture architect, a builder of bold teams, and a fierce believer that real success starts inside — with people, values, and how you show up every single day.

This week on Doers Defined Podcast, we unpack:
🔥 How to lead through hypergrowth
🧭 Why culture is your ultimate strategy
🎯 And the power of people-first leadership at scale
🎧 This one’s not just a story — it’s a playbook.

🔗 Full episode 👉 https://t.co/JBPESzpTKO

#DoersDefined #Leadership #IPO #Uber #Talabat #CultureBuilder #SusanneEliasStulemeijer #WomenInTech #Communications #Podcast

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

🚀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽: 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 🎙️
“𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘀-𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗶𝗷𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗣𝗢 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀���

💡 How do you find yourself at the center of not one, but two of the most iconic IPOs of our time — Uber and the biggest global tech listing of 2024, talabat?

You lead with vision. You build culture from the ground up. And you never lose sight of the people driving it all.

🎬 In this episode, I sit down with Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer - سوزان ستوليماير — a true force in global communications and people-first leadership.

From Uber’s first EMEA Comms Lead to VP of Communications and Public Affairs at talabat, where she helped steer the company through explosive growth and a record-breaking IPO — Susanne has been at the center of real transformation ✨

Born in the Netherlands, raised in Algeria and India, now based in Dubai — she brings a unique global perspective and a fierce commitment to leading with authenticity, purpose, and heart.

We talk:
💬 Leading through change
🌍 Scaling teams across borders
🤝 Building cultures that thrive
📣 Communicating with impact
👣 And why how you show up for your people matters more than ever

🎧 Tune in — for this masterclass in bold, human-centered leadership and how culture is a secret link to IPO success 👉 https://t.co/yEm2dR5mZo

#DoersDefined #Leadership #IPO #Tech #WomenInLeadership #Communications #Culture #Podcast #SusanneEliasStulemeijer #MENA

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

Let’s talk about the real challenge of doing business in emerging markets:
It’s TALENT.

Ask any founder or leader—you’ll hear the same thing: Finding and keeping the right people will make or break your business.

But here’s the harsh truth:
Talent and grit feel increasingly rare.
We’re seeing a dangerous shift in mindset.

🚩 Titles are chased before training is earned
🚩 “Soft life” is the goal, but hard work is the enemy
🚩 There’s a hunger for the spotlight, but not for the hours it takes to get there

So how do we cut through the noise?

How do we tell who’s truly skilled vs. who’s just well-packaged?

On Doers Defined Podcast, Carol Koech, shares her take:
🎯 Hire for hunger, not just hard skills
🎯 Look for mindset, not just the résumé
🎯 Train what you can—but if it’s the wrong hire… fire fast

To the founders, operators, and business leaders navigating this talent crisis:
What’s your secret sauce for spotting high performers?

Let’s exchange notes👇🏾

Full episode🔗 https://t.co/avegAdz3Vm

#DoersDefined #TalentMatters #EmergingMarkets #GrowthMindset

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

✨ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞. If you’ve ever dared to step into new rooms—rooms that challenge you, stretch you, and demand more of you—you’ve probably met it face to face.

That quiet voice whispering:
“Do I really belong here?”
“Can they tell I’m scared?”
“Will they see through this mask of courage?”

In this @DoersDefined Podcast episode with Carol Koech Koech, former CEO & President of Schneider Electric East Africa and most recently Head of Sustainability Africa, we dive deep into this very real, very human experience.

.....Her take? Imposter syndrome is not a weakness—it’s a signpost for growth.

When stepping into a global leadership role, Carol chose to reframe the fear.

Not as a stop sign, but as an invitation. A challenge. A moment to rise 👏.

So if you’re in that place—wrestling with doubt, wondering if you’re enough—hear this:
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲.
You are worthy.
You are capable.
And you are meant to be in every room you’ve walked into.
Take the leap.
Push through the fear.

And know that growth doesn’t come without a little discomfort.

Learn more from Carol Koech 👉 https://t.co/OXPgJdJLJE

#HappyFriday #ImposterSyndrome #Leadership #GrowthMindset #DoersDefined #podcastandchill
Cc: @SchneiderElec

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

✨ Alexia Hefti, Esq. ICD.D, CEO of eGovern reminds us that great leadership isn’t just about policies and trade deals—it's about forging lasting friendships that build real bridges between nations.

She highlights the remarkable leadership of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, the current Chair of CARICOM whom she has a close relationship.

Thanks to her vision and influence, the world witnessed major strides last month:
✅ Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, reaffirmed Africa's commitment to the Caribbean with a US$200 million financing agreement with The Bahamas.
✅ H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for Saudi Arabia, emphasized over US$1 billion in Saudi investments across the Caribbean in climate resilience, digitalization, education, and more—solidifying the growing ties between the Caribbean and Saudi Arabia.

Alexia’s message is clear: the future of diplomacy is about genuine connections—not just memorandums and signatures.

🤝 True leaders build alliances that transcend borders, that move people, not just paper.

This is the kind of leadership the world needs right now

🔗 Tune in to hear how trust, friendship, and bold leadership are reshaping global diplomacy. https://t.co/gR3frJdZ6b

And if you believe in the power of transformational leadership, share this with someone who needs to hear it. 🌟

#doersdefined #emergingmarkets #podcast #trade
CC: @eGovernStrat @AlexiaHefti

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

⚡ From darkness to driving the energy agenda for a continent.

This week on the Doers Defined Podcast, we spotlight a woman who’s quite literally lighting up Africa— Carol Koech.

Born in rural Kenya without access to electricity, Carol knows firsthand what it means to live in energy poverty.

But instead of being defined by that experience, she used it as fuel—rising to become the first Black woman CEO of Schneider Electric East Africa, and now leading as Principal for Sustainability in Africa.

🔌 Her mission? To unlock energy access for millions—because energy isn’t just power, it’s productivity, possibility, and progress.

In this episode, Carol gets real about:
💡 Why solving energy access is personal—and deeply urgent
🔍 How to know when an opportunity is aligned with your purpose
🧠 Redefining imposter syndrome as a catalyst for growth
🛫 Taking leaps into the unknown and learning to “fly the plane while fixing it”
🤖 What AI, innovation, and electrification mean for Africa’s future

Her story reminds us that the hardest beginnings can create the most powerful leaders—and that access to energy is access to dignity, development, and dreams.

🎧 Tune in. Be inspired. And remember: you have the power to light the way.

📽️ Full episode 👉 https://t.co/iv7XjjJxDA

#doersdefined #podcast #energyaccess #emergingmarkets

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

🚨 New Episode 🌍 From growing up without electricity to leading Africa’s energy future.

Meet Carol Koech—a dreamer, executor, and enabler whose story is as electrifying as the mission she now champions.

Born in rural Kenya without access to power, Carol turned adversity into ambition—and ambition into impact.

She rose to become the first Black woman to lead Schneider Electric East Africa, and now serves as Principal for Sustainability in Africa, helping reimagine the continent’s energy future.

🎙️ On this episode of Doers Defined Podcast, Carol opens up about:
📍 What it means to “light possibility” for the next generation
📍 How to recognize when an opportunity is truly yours
📍 Navigating imposter syndrome and redefining self-doubt
📍 The bold risks that shaped her—and the resilience they built
📍 The future of AI, energy, and why access to power is really access to productivity

✨ Her story is proof that where you begin doesn’t define where you can go. The very things we wish hadn’t happened may just be the spark that propels us into purpose.

🔗 Tune in to this powerful conversation and be reminded that your journey, no matter how it starts, can light the way forward.
Out today: https://t.co/cFawbRU6fV

#doersdefined #socialimpact #podcast #energyaccess

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

✨ What happens when governments have the capability and the foresight to catalyze opportunity?

On this episode of Doers Defined Podcast, Alexia Hefti, Esq. ICD.D shares powerful examples of how her work at the intersection of policy, technology, and strategy is unlocking private sector growth across regions.

One standout? A government-to-government partnership that enables Safaricom PLC M-Pesa and Airtel Money to be accessible to travelers on government-owned Fly Dubai — creating seamless financial inclusion for millions across borders.

This is what it looks like when public and private sectors collaborate intentionally.

.....This is what it means to build ecosystems that scale.

We win when we bridge vision with action.

🎧 Tune in to hear more from Alexia — global strategist, legal pioneer, and digital governance expert — on how governments can be powerful facilitators of opportunity 🌍

🔗 https://t.co/UTZvyP4ZAC

#doersdefined @podcast #UAE #emergingmarkets
CC: @eGovernStrat

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

Happy Easter!✨

Wishing you a beautiful season of renewal, reflection, and joy.

May this Easter bring light to your path, peace to your heart, and hope for the days ahead.

Whether you're spending time with loved ones, taking a well-deserved pause, or simply soaking in the spirit of new beginnings — may it be meaningful in all the ways that matter most.

With warmth and gratitude,
@DoersDefined

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

Diplomacy is being redefined — and Alexia Hefti, Esq. ICD.D is at the heart of it. 🌍✨

In a world grappling with fragmentation, Alexia is playing a critical role in bridging diplomacy, innovation, and government relations across the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Her work is unlocking new avenues of cooperation, powered by technology and bold vision.

Today, the Middle East is pulsing with energy — fueled by real GDP growth, deep downstream capital, and a thriving funding ecosystem.

The UAE, in particular, is leading the charge with a young, digitally native population (95% smartphone penetration!), rising consumer power, and billions in state-backed investments across frontier sectors.

But what’s truly exciting? The UAE’s growing commitment to the Global South.

Through Alexia’s work, we see how the UAE is not only lending capital — it’s lending technology, talent, and long-term strategic support.

Africa is no longer viewed merely as a market, but as a key partner in building resilient infrastructure, spurring innovation, and shaping a collaborative global future.

🌍 This is diplomacy for a new era. And Alexia is one of the architects ✨

#doersdefined #podcast #emergingmarkets #technology
Cc: @eGovernStrat @AlexiaHefti

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

🚨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🚨

✨ How often do you think about innovation in government services? 🌎

In this powerful episode on Doers Defined Podcast, we sit down with Alexia Hefti, Esq. ICD.D — a Swiss-Canadian lawyer, digital governance pioneer, and global strategist based in the UAE — who is radically reimagining how governments serve people in the 21st century.

From growing up in Hong Kong to advising heads of state across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Alexia’s journey is anything but typical.

She co-founded Deloitte Canada’s Blockchain Tax practice, served on the board of a Nasdaq-listed blockchain firm, and now leads eGovern, a bold venture using AI and blockchain to bring speed, transparency, and trust to government services.

As the Special Representative of the Government of Bermuda, Alexia is also building economic bridges and shaping diplomatic alliances in some of the most dynamic regions of the world.

In this episode, Alexia shares the formative experiences that shaped her global outlook, the leadership lessons she’s learned navigating complex political and economic landscapes, and her bold vision for the future of governance in emerging markets.

This isn’t just a conversation about technology — it’s about power, purpose, and the people driving change behind the scenes.

If you're curious about how innovation can unlock opportunity, strengthen diplomacy, and transform the way we govern — this is the episode for you.

𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲! 🎙️ 🌎 ✨ https://t.co/ku87nDNCqK

#doersdefined #emergingmarkets #podcast #socialImpact
Cc: Alexia Hefti, Esq. ICD.D eGovern

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

Africa stands at the heart of the global response to the climate crisis. The world’s ability to tackle this urgent challenge depends on one critical factor: unlocking Africa’s vast potential 🌍

By embracing its green competitive advantage, Africa has the power to lead the way in developing the solutions needed to build a sustainable future for all of us.

It’s time for us to shift our focus towards understanding and supporting Africa’s unique opportunities—because the key to addressing the climate crisis on a global scale lies within this Continent.🌿

Thank you Wanjira Mathai for this insightful call to action on @DoersDefined

🔗 https://t.co/6exTAiftyE

#doersdefined #podcast #emergingmarkets #socialimpact

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

🚨 Podcast Tease: Behind the scenes with our next guest 🤫🚀

This week, we’re hitting pause on our usual podcast release to honour our incredible Doers team in the Middle East as they celebrate Eid Al Fitr 🎉.

But don’t worry – next Tuesday, we’re back with an unmissable episode featuring a guest whose clients are heads of states! 🌍🎙️

Get ready for a conversation that’s as powerful as it is inspiring. You won’t want to miss it!

#PodcastPause #EidAlFitr #Doers #Leadership

[Doers Defined Podcast @DoersDefined]

As we embrace the final day of March and reflect on the significance of Women’s Month, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each of you for your time, insights, and powerful presence on @DoersDefined✨

Your voices, experiences, and wisdom have not only enriched our conversations but have also left a lasting impact on so many who are forging their own paths as doers and changemakers.

Your stories are a profound testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance that women bring to every space they enter. Your authenticity, courage, and generosity in sharing your journeys are truly inspiring

Thank you for not only lending your voices but for being beacons of possibility for those who dare to dream, create, and lead.

It has been an absolute honor to share this space with you, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and champion your incredible work.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘛𝘦𝘢�� 🌍 🍃
CC: Linda Mabhena-Olagunju Nana Afoah Appiah-Korang Jo Opot Kanini Mutooni Rosanne Whalley Wanjira Mathai