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From Houston’s Fifth Ward to CEO in Africa: Yachtze Luchin on Building United Oil & Gas International

On the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcome Yachtze Luchin, Houston-based president and CEO of United Oil and Gas International, to discuss his journey from growing up in inner-city Houston to leading energy projects across Africa. Luchin shares how determination and family lessons pushed him through engineering school despite gaps in preparation, how an early job inspecting sewers motivated him to pursue oil and gas, and how mentors helped him break into Texaco. He explains why he left corporate roles after broad technical and business experience to build UNITE, starting with consulting and services while working toward becoming a producer. He emphasizes building a vision-driven leadership team, “educate before you participate,” adapting to local business culture in Africa, and leading with purpose beyond profit.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:35 Atlanta Weekend Recap

02:33 Meet the CEO Guest

04:40 Inner City Roots

06:02 College Catch Up Grind

08:38 Dad’s Secret Sauce Lesson

11:40 Audacity and Action

14:10 Breaking Into Oil and Gas

15:53 From Sewers to Texaco

20:38 Leaving Corporate for Purpose

26:30 Launching United Oil and Gas

30:16 Consulting Services and Production

33:16 Why Africa Called Him Back

36:52 Building a Winning Leadership Team

40:45 Purpose Beyond Profit

45:32 Advice for Aspiring Oil Entrepreneurs

48:19 Africa Culture and Business Reality Check

55:01 Legacy Inspiration and Loving the Vision

01:01:20 Where to Find Unite Online

01:02:05 Wakanda Peace Pause Farewell

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• Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com

Hosts:

• Mike
• CJ
• Ken