In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with prize winning crime fiction author and tech entrepreneur Ajay Chowdhury. His career journey spans co-founding Shazam, leading innovative tech ventures, and writing the Kamal Rahman series.

Ajay shares how his early years in India shaped his creative and business mindset, why food, culture, and immigrant experiences run through his fiction, and his frank views on diversity in publishing and the future of AI in writing. We dive into:

• Building Shazam and seeing it become a global tech phenomenon

• Winning a major crime writing prize with The Waiter — and how it changed his life

• Writing authentic immigrant narratives with humour, heart, and high stakes

• Food as a storytelling device and the joy of making readers hungry

• Using AI to enhance creativity without replacing the writer’s voice

• The shifting landscape of tech innovation in publishing and beyond

• Navigating identity, risk-taking, and success across cultures

Whether you’re a writer, tech enthusiast, or just love a gripping story, this conversation blends creativity, innovation, and real-world insights in a way that only Ajay can deliver.

Listen now to discover:

How to balance creativity and technology in your career, why failure is part of the journey, and what the future holds for both crime fiction and AI.

Talking Tech with Creatives podcast

Website: https://talkingtechwithcreatives.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingTechWithCreatives

Instagram: @talkingtechwithcreatives

Host: @stellaonithewriter

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Ajay’s Website: https://www.ajaychowdhury.com

Ajay on Instagram: @ajaychowdhurywriter

Get Ajay’s free interactive thriller here: https://theinvitation.ajaychowdhury.com

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with the dynamic Nana S Soenya, founder of Omega Seven Global Limited. Nanna shares her powerful journey—from her early life in Ghana to becoming a passionate advocate for women’s rights in Mexico.

We talk openly about the systemic challenges black and brown women face when trying to secure funding for their ventures. Nana breaks down how she’s tackling these barriers head-on through her bold new initiative, Fundhership, which aims to reshape the funding landscape for women of colour in the UK.

This conversation goes beyond funding. Nanna also opens up about her background in high-end hospitality, her love for permaculture, and how she manages to balance a life filled with advocacy, innovation, and personal growth.

Whether you’re passionate about women’s empowerment, social justice, tech-enabled funding solutions, or just curious about what it takes to challenge the status quo, this is a must-listen episode.

Join me for this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, host Stella Oni speaks with Dr. Chenai Gondo—a British-Zimbabwean award-winning business strategist and entrepreneur.

With a rich background in real estate, PropTech, sustainability, and corporate leadership, Dr. Gondo shares her unconventional journey from synthetic chemist to tech-savvy executive leading multimillion-pound M&A deals and digital transformation projects across Europe and Africa.

We explore:

What exactly is PropTech and why it matters

Strategy 101 for both executives and entrepreneurs

How AI is shaping business and real estate today

Her personal creative journey as a short story writer and passionate gardener

Lessons on leadership, visibility, and self-belief as a Black woman in exclusive industries

If you’re curious about PropTech, African innovation, business strategy, and the power of creativity in tech, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a few laughs.

In this fascinating episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, host Stella Oni sits down with Corina Goetz, founder of Star-CaT and a leading Middle East business strategist, to explore Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, cultural intelligence in business, and the evolving role of technology in Gulf economies.

Corina shares her personal journey from luxury hospitality to becoming a sought-after cultural advisor for companies wanting to navigate the complex and rapidly changing Saudi business landscape. They discuss the rise of tourism, the importance of relationship-building in Gulf business culture, and the transformative impact of initiatives like the $800 billion Vision 2030 plan.

Key topics include:

• How foreign businesses can prepare to enter Saudi markets

• Cultural etiquette and non-verbal cues in Middle Eastern business

• The role of women in Saudi Arabia’s evolving professional space

• The rise of social media in Gulf networking and entrepreneurship

• What luxury means in a Saudi context—art, heritage, hospitality, and beyond

Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and cultural consultants, this episode offers deep insight into how to balance modern technology with rich traditions in one of the world’s fastest-evolving regions.

Guest Info:

Follow Corina on Instagram: @starcatcorina

Subscribe, follow and like Talking Tech with Creatives for more global conversations at the intersection of creativity, culture, and technology.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I had the pleasure of sitting down with internationally acclaimed bespoke designer Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah. From sketching bridal dresses as a young boy in Nigeria to becoming a sought-after name in fashion, Yemi shared his remarkable journey—and the mindset that’s carried him through every stage.

We talked about how he blends traditional techniques like corsetry with modern innovations, including his growing curiosity around AI in fashion design. Yemi’s intentional approach to his craft really stood out, as did his reflections on building a fashion business from the ground up, navigating the industry’s challenges, and leaning into both heritage and futuristic thinking.

If you’re into fashion, tech, or creative entrepreneurship, this one’s packed with insights you’ll want to take notes on. Yemi also spoke honestly about the importance of parental support, how he defines the “ideal” fashion figure, and why global collaboration is more important than ever in today’s digital world.

Here’s what we covered:

00:00 – Intro and a bit about me

02:20 – Meet Yemi: childhood inspirations and early dreams

06:08 – Choosing fashion as a career path

13:42 – Pivotal challenges and moments of breakthrough

18:02 – Starting and running a fashion business

21:54 – What keeps him inspired

33:28 – Talking about the “ideal” figure in fashion

34:58 – How technology is shifting the fashion industry

37:57 – The potential of AI in design

43:01 – Collaborating across borders

55:59 – Yemi’s advice for young designers

01:00:06 – What lights him up outside of fashion

If you’re curious about where fashion and technology meet—or just love hearing how creatives make it work—this episode is for you.

Like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoyed the conversation. I’ve got more episodes coming your way where we dive deep into creativity, innovation, and the future of the industries we love.

#TalkingTechWithCreatives #YemiKosibah #FashionTech #AIinFashion #BespokeDesign #CreativeJourney #TechAndCreativity #DigitalFashion #Corsetry #BlackDesigners #NigerianCreatives #SustainableFashion

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I speak with Sandra Johnson, a communications and policy expert with a fascinating career journey that spans Whitehall, digital transformation, and creative writing.

Sandra, a second-generation Windrush professional, shares insights into building a meaningful career, navigating imposter syndrome, and developing a strong personal brand. We talk about the evolving job market, the importance of soft skills, and how to position yourself in a global and digital world.

We also discuss the UK’s recent AI and copyright consultation, which closed in February 2025, and what the outcomes might mean for creatives and technologists.

Sandra’s passion for writing children’s books, mentoring, and continuous learning also shines through, making this conversation a powerful reminder that our careers can be as multidimensional as we are.

If you’re interested in career development, personal branding, or making sense of where tech is taking us, this episode is for you.

Listen in for practical advice, real-life stories, and future-facing ideas.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit down with Micallar Walker, founder of Dark Matter Agency, to discuss digital marketing strategies, AI in creativity, and marketing to Black audiences. Micallar shares her journey from working in cinema and film distribution to launching her innovative marketing agency, which specializes in community-driven campaigns and brand storytelling.

We explore: • How AI is transforming creative marketing • The future of copyright laws and content ownership • Social media marketing strategies and algorithm hacks • The power of newsletters and SEO for brand growth • Balancing business, creativity, and personal life

Whether you are a content creator, digital marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insightful tips on branding, audience engagement, and the future of digital marketing.

Listen now and learn how to build impactful, data-driven marketing campaigns while embracing the latest digital trends.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Talking Tech with Creatives 00:51 – AI in marketing: copyright, automation, and creativity 04:34 – Emerging technology: driverless vehicles and future trends 05:13 – Meet Micallar Walker, founder of Dark Matter Agency 06:30 – Marketing strategies for global markets like Dubai 14:51 – Micallar’s career in film distribution and brand marketing 17:30 – Launching Dark Matter Agency during COVID and industry shifts 30:00 – Challenges and solutions in marketing to Black audiences 36:15 – How content consumption has evolved post-COVID 36:57 – Instagram Lives and their impact on audience engagement 38:08 – Understanding and leveraging social media algorithms 38:49 – Why newsletters are a powerful marketing tool 41:02 – The role of storytelling in brand success 43:43 – Expanding into music, art, and new creative mediums 46:24 – SEO strategies and digital marketing growth hacks 52:02 – Marketing campaign successes and takeaways 01:03:12 – How Micallar balances work, family, and entrepreneurship 01:04:58 – Micallar’s personal passions beyond marketing 01:08:04 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Micallar

Follow, Like Subscribe, rate, and share. Do not miss out on expert insights into digital marketing, branding, and the creative industry.

In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I sit with Ope Oduwole, Editor-in-Chief of Floor Magazine, to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and community-building.

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the UK government’s current AI consultations and the potential impact on creatives. Ope shares his journey in launching Floor Magazine, a platform dedicated to uplifting Black creatives across various art forms. We dive into the role of AI in journalism, how technology is shaping diversity in publishing, and the significance of fostering creative communities both online and in-person.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Talking Tech with Creatives

01:15 – AI policies and government consultation updates

04:02 – Autonomous vehicles in Cambridge

06:20 – Introducing Ope Oduwole and Flow Magazine

08:01 – The power of community for writers

18:14 – How technology is reshaping publishing

31:02 – Discovering and amplifying Black literature

32:00 – The influence of James Baldwin

35:08 – Building an engaged magazine audience

37:13 – Challenges and rewards of independent publishing

43:37 – Future plans and creative collaborations

48:13 – Balancing creativity, leadership, and life

51:13 – Advice for aspiring creatives

54:19 – Closing thoughts and where to connect

Join us for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of creativity and publishing in the digital age.

Corrections

This is episode 17. I keep getting my episode numbers wrong ah ah!

For the UK consultation it is Technology companies and not just startups.

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