In this first episode of Business in West Africa, I interview David Kpondehou, founder and CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting.
From the day I met David I could feel his drive and passion in connecting Japan with West Africa, all to make West Africa and the entire African continent great (again). Coming to a country so far away from home isn’t easy, even more so when you don’t know anybody there and don’t speak the language.
In this episode we discuss how he got to where he is today, how he founded Africa Samurai Consulting and he shares some valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone looking to do business internationally.
Book mentioned:
The Third Door: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B076NS2JSW/
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(00:00) Introducing David Kpondehou
(01:19) Difference between Ivory Coast and Benin
(02:25) Why leave Ivory Coast and move to Benin
(02:58) Building connections in Benin when you have none
(04:21) What made David want to serve people
(06:18) Life after graduating university
(09:18) Moving to Japan and joining Awaji Youth Federation
(13:15) Arrival in Japan
(16:02) How to network in Japan when you don’t speak Japanese
(22:15) Investing in yourself is what kept David going
(24:27) David’s philosophy on sleep
(25:45) Starting African Samurai Consulting
(28:36) David’s goals during his second year in Japan
(32:00) Connecting Japan and West-Africa
(33:46) David at TICAD 2019
(36:12) Finding the right people for your network
(37:33 How to manage a growing network
(38:52) Give first, ask later
(40:49) What is Africa Samurai Consulting
(44:30) Key lessons about life and business in Japan
(48:55) David’s Japanese language ability
(50:08) Joining an event when you’re not invited by using the Third Door
(53:13) Summary
(55:05) David’s Japanese language ability part 2
(55:32) David’s regrets from his time in Japan
(57:07) Wrap-up
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Get in touch
Jim Bouman
Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube
David Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai Consulting
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan