The Dianne Dusaidi Podcast

Alima Bello on Designing Confidence: Building a Ghanaian Fashion Brand, Sustainability, and Motherhood

In this podcast episode, Ghanaian designer and entrepreneur Alima Bello, founder of Alima Bello by Alima, discusses her philosophy that dresses should serve as a blank canvas that amplifies a woman’s quiet confidence. She shares how she turned an “expensive hobby” into a full-time business by committing in 2017, renting a production and retail space, and later navigating a sudden eviction and relocation that strained cash flow while still producing new collections. Bello explains what confidence means beyond clothing, recounts how her bestselling Katie dress evolved through client feedback, and describes fashion as a language shaped by how people carry themselves. She outlines operational pain points, hiring for curiosity and energy, outsourcing parts of production, marketing, and retail management, and defines her sustainability practices, including living wages, women-focused sourcing, using fabric offcuts, and small-batch production. The conversation also touches on mentorship, creativity and storytelling, personal inspirations, motherhood’s impact, what it means to live fully, and her takeaway to “live and let live.”

Financial Foundations: Governance, Trusts & Planning for the Next Generation with Lydie of ML Corporate Services

Financial Foundations: Governance, Trusts & Planning for the Next Generation with Lydie of ML Corporate Services Lydie Murorunkwere, founder and managing director of ML Corporate Services, described as the first Rwandan TCSP licensed by the Central Bank, about governance, compliance, and preparing shareholding structures before bringing in partners. Lydie shares why she became an entrepreneur after working in a Mauritius-based firm, how she has remained the sole shareholder while relying on a strong board, and how she partners across African jurisdictions for cross-selling and on-the-ground guidance. The conversation focuses on planning early for the future through financial literacy, succession planning, wills, and trusts, including how trusts are structured, managed by trustees, and used to reduce family disputes. Lydie also discusses teaching children money values, Rotary-inspired service and integrity, and resilience through challenges.

Cultural Heritage, Diplomacy & Reparations : Chukwuebuka "Chuks" Anyaduba's Vision

Chukwuebuka “Chuks” Anyaduba, convener of the Flavors of Nigeria Festival in Brampton and a consultant to Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations. Chuks explains cultural diplomacy as a tool to reduce culture shock, build understanding, and promote peace, and describes “living fully” as living a purpose-driven life supported by strong time management. They discuss the festival’s goal of uniting Nigerians across tribes and showcasing authentic Nigerian “flavors” beyond food, as well as challenges in valuing African creative industries at home, including logistics and artists pricing themselves out of African markets. Chuks outlines reparations work focused on policies for returning or compensating for stolen artifacts and broader reparative justice options such as debt relief, technology transfer, and museums, and shares concerns about AI eroding values while advocating culturally relevant AI. The conversation closes with advice on self-knowledge, self-discipline, and character.

Matthew Mensa: Investment & Tourism Promotion in Africa & Advocating for Gender justice

In this episode, Matthew Mensa, a multifaceted individual known for his work in tourism, culture, and investment between Southern Africa and Ghana. Matthew shares his journey from his unique multicultural upbringing to his current roles in investment and tourism promotion. He discusses the positive narrative shift about Africa that is attracting increased investments and the importance of adding value to local resources. The conversation also delves into Matthew's significant contributions to combating gender-based violence and his efforts in philanthropy. Additionally, they explore how Africa is moving towards a more united cultural identity and the impact of policies like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) on fostering trade and travel within the continent. Matthew emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and maintaining a balance between his diverse interests.

Black Food Sovereignty: A Harvest for the Future

Empowering Black Food Sovereignty: The Journey of African Food Basket In this insightful episode, we explore the importance of Black food sovereignty and cultural diets through the work of African Food Basket in Toronto. Join us as we converse with Rai, the founder, and Amanda Redhead, an urban farming enthusiast, about their mission to promote food justice and community wellness. Discover how their initiatives provide culturally specific foods like cassava, avocado, and sweet potatoes to the Black community, and learn about the educational programs that empower youth and elders alike. From transforming a forest into a thriving farm to educating on the importance of nutritious, culturally relevant foods, this episode highlights the powerful ways in which African Food Basket is addressing food insecurity and fostering a sense of peace and community.