This week on Global Student Voices, Coach Martin sits down with someone you absolutely need to know: Paul Udah, the Student Representative President at African Leadership University (ALU) — and the first Nigerian ever elected to the role. In this conversational and motivating episode, Paul opens up about his journey from what he calls a “failed spot” to becoming a powerful young voice in international education and student leadership. Representing a student body from 40+ countries, Paul serves as the connector between ALU’s administration and its students, advocating for better systems, stronger community life, and a leadership model driven by impact, not politics.You’ll hear Paul talk about:What makes African Leadership University a globally recognized hub for leadership education, How he learned to negotiate, manage projects, and influence change on campus, Why Africa’s next generation of leaders must focus on solving problems, not chasing positions, His long-term mission to consult with organizations and governments, How personal growth transformed his life—and can transform others, and If you’re passionate about international education, student success stories, or the future of leadership in Africa, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.Paul Udah’s BookPaul is the author of You: The Starting Point to Global Leadership, a practical guide created to help struggling young people grow, build confidence, and step into leadership.Get Paul’s Book: • Email: pauludahleadershipfirm@gmail.com • Also available via SellarConnect with Paul: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-udah-/ • Founder, Paul Udah Leadership FirmAbout the Host – Coach MartinCoach Martin (Scott R. Martin) has spent nearly 30 years supporting students around the world as they navigate university pathways, personal growth, and global opportunities.Check out his book: • The World Needs YOU by Scott R. Martin (Amazon)Explore coaching & resources: • www.theglobalstudentsolutions.comEnjoying Global Student Voices?Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW — it’s the best way to support the show and never miss powerful conversations like this one.

Embracing the Journey: The Untold Story Behind Ben Between Africa What does it mean to grow up between cultures and how do family stories shape our sense of belonging?In this episode of Global Student Voices, Coach Scott R. Martin sits down with Ari Ali, creator of the powerful documentary Ben Between Africa. Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind the film, uncovering themes of Third Culture Kid (TCK) identity, family silence, loss, cultural displacement, and healing through storytelling.Ari shares how making this film helped her recognize her own TCK identity for the first time, while retracing the life of her uncle Ben, a missionary in Ethiopia whose story was left largely unspoken. Through letters, memory, and reflection, Ari confronts questions many global families carry: Why are some stories never told? What happens when we lose our cultural home?In this conversation, we explore:What it means to grow up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)The emotional impact of cultural displacement and return migrationFamily legacy, loss, and the silence around difficult storiesThe “superpowers” TCKs develop through adaptability and cross-cultural empathyHow film and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing and connectionAri also reflects on audience reactions to Ben Between Africa—including how small, familiar images from the film awaken deep memories for viewers around the world. These shared experiences reveal just how universal the search for belonging truly is.🎬 Learn more about the film and get tickets:https://www.benbetweenafrica.com/About Global Student VoicesGlobal Student Voices is a podcast sharing stories from globally minded students, educators, creators, and leaders navigating education, identity, and life across cultures.If this episode resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share to support global storytelling.Leave a comment and tell us: Where do you feel most at home?#ThirdCultureKid #TCK #GlobalStudentVoices #BenBetweenAfrica #CrossCulturalIdentity #GlobalEducation #DocumentaryFilm #Storytelling #CulturalBelonging #InternationalLife #DiasporaStoriesCoach Martin is providing individual coaching services from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. more information is available on the website at www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com

In this episode, we speak with Mick Donahue, a long-time educator currently based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, about the launch of his new global platform, The Elite Mentor Program. Mick argues that while students today are academically brilliant, they often lack the "soft skills" and emotional intelligence (EQ) necessary to navigate life's challenges. The traditional school system, he believes, was not designed to teach these essential skills, leaving a critical gap in personal development. Contact and Launch Information• Organization: The Elite Mentor Program• Website: www.elitementors.vipAbout The Elite Mentor Program...The Elite Mentor Program is a new online platform created to provide young people with an authentic sense of connection while learning crucial life management skills. The program is intentionally designed to be separate from academics, offering a space where students can focus on personal growth and well-being.• Core Philosophy: The program's top priority is the deep connection between mentor and student. Success is not measured by grades or test scores but by noticeable, positive changes in how students carry themselves, feel about themselves, and speak about life. As Mick states, "If you're not happy in your life, none of that matters anyways".• High-Impact Mentors: The program is built around a small, intentionally selected team of mentors who have a proven, profound impact on young people. The team includes a decorated paramedic who teaches leadership in high-stress situations, a world-renowned sports psychologist, Dr. John Pates, who has coached Olympians and Ryder Cup golfers like Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, and other beloved educators.• Unique Courses: The weekly online courses are designed to appeal to a wide range of students, from the shy to the outspoken. Offerings include: ◦ Command the Room: Building confidence and skills in public speaking and interpersonal communication. ◦ Wired to Win: Learning the peak performance habits and mindset used by champions. ◦ Quiet Power: A creative mindfulness class for finding inner calm. ◦ Cooperative Intelligence: Using AI creatively as a collaborative tool.• Program Details: The platform is launching with a few hundred available seats to ensure a high-quality, impactful experience. The weekly courses are held on weekends and are accessible to students globally, with mentors based in the US, UK, and East Asia. The cost is approximately $40 USD per hour.The program's ultimate goal is to create a lasting, positive impact that ripples outward, empowering students to one day become mentors themselves.