Fifth Season of Dreaming in Color Podcast Spotlights Africa's Visionary Leaders
The Bridgespan Group's podcast returns with powerful stories from across the continent, celebrating African innovation, cultural identity, and values-driven leadership.
From township changemakers to continent-shaping visionaries, Season 5 of Dreaming in Color is here and shining a spotlight on African brilliance. Powered by The Bridgespan Group, Dreaming in Color is a podcast that elevates the voices and experiences of leaders of color in the social sector. The launch of its fifth season today, will see leaders from across the continent showcasing the brilliance African leaders have to offer.
While earlier seasons focused on pathfinders in the US, the latest season shifts to Africa, featuring leaders from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. Bridgespan Partner and host Darren Isom, alongside guest host and Johannesburg-based Bridgespan Manager Elisabeth Makumbi, traveled across the continent to engage with leaders who are advancing social change and positioning Africa as a rising force in global innovation and values-based leadership.
'These conversations are a powerful reminder that the future of global leadership is being shaped across the African continent,' said Isom. 'Through Dreaming in Color, we're not just sharing stories—we're celebrating a movement of visionaries who are reimagining what's possible for their communities and for the world.'
The season trailer, was released on Africa Day (May 25), provides a glimpse into this season's themes, which include entrepreneurship and innovation, Indigenous knowledge, healing, and community power.
Episodes will be released every Thursday across all major streaming platforms. The guests, in order of appearance, are:
June 5: Semhar Araia, Eritrean-American activist and CEO founder, Diaspora Academy
June 12: Leila Ben Gacem, social entrepreneur and general director, Tunistoric (Tunisia)
June 19: Legketho Makola, chief operations officer, The Market Theatre Foundation (South Africa)
June 26: Tom Osborn, co-founder and CEO, Shamiri Institute (Kenya)
July 3: Nwabisa Mayema, social entrepreneur (South Africa)
July 10: Ore Disu, founding director, the Institute of the Museum of West African Art (Nigeria)
July 17: Madji Sock, co-founder and president, Haskè Ventures (Senegal)
July 24: Feven Teshaye, founder, Chakka Origins (Ethiopia)
July 31: Farah Mami, president, Tunisia Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization
August 7: Tijan Watt, co-founder and managing partner,
Wuri Ventures
(Senegal)
'We're proud to spotlight exceptional African leaders whose voices too often go unheard on global stages,' said Makumbi. 'What makes this season especially meaningful is its broad regional representation—from Anglophone to Francophone countries—connecting the global African diaspora to the continent through shared legacies and rich cultural identities.'
Learn more about Dreaming in Color: https://www.bridgespan.org/dreaming-in-color
About The Bridgespan Group
The Bridgespan Group (www.bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organizations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan's services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.
Contact: Shikha Kumar
Manager, Asia & Africa Media and External Communications
The Bridgespan GroupShikha.Kumar@Bridgespan.org
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
Michael Mayalo to Launch First Book at China–SA Youth Night
More than just a travel memoir, 'China Through My Eyes' explores themes of global identity, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding. Image: Supplied South African social entrepreneur, youth activist, and writer Michael Mayalo is set to make his literary debut with the launch of his first book, 'China Through My Eyes', at the upcoming China–South Africa Youth Night on June 23, 2025, in Pretoria. The book, which has been three years in the making, reflects Michael's deeply personal journey and cultural awakening during his short-term studies in China. More than just a travel memoir, 'China Through My Eyes' explores themes of global identity, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding - told through the authentic voice of an African who has experienced life beyond his borders and returned inspired to share. 'This is not just my story,' says Mayalo. 'It's a story for every young person who dreams of seeing the world, learning from it, and bringing something back to build their own communities.' The China–South Africa Youth Night is a symbolic event celebrating the growing ties between the two nations, and Mayalo's book will be one of its highlights. The evening will bring together youth leaders, diplomats, creatives, and cultural performers in a celebration of connection and collaboration. Michael will share a few remarks and will also be signing copies of his book. In addition to the Pretoria launch, Michael will also be taking 'China Through My Eyes' on a national tour, with planned launches in Cape Town and the Eastern Cape. As part of this rollout, he will be visiting schools and universities, engaging directly with young people to discuss the themes of the book and the importance of global exposure and cultural exchange. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As a respected youth activist, Michael Mayalo has been at the forefront of youth-led development, social impact, and community dialogue in South Africa. Now, with 'China Through My Eyes', he adds 'author' to his growing list of contributions — using his voice to inspire minds across borders. The book is expected to resonate not only with students and young professionals but also with educators, policy-makers, and anyone interested in the power of cross-cultural storytelling.
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
From Jozi's umngqusho to Cape Town's bagel dogs, Siya Kolisi takes fans on a culinary trip
Siya Kolisi began the culinary journey with fellow Sharks playerAphele Fassi in Joburg and ended it in Cape Town. Image: Tik Tok and supplied Siya Kolisi brought down the house in Cape Town this afternoon when he did a quick pit stop at a local eatery to get a take away. One person, who sent us a short video clip, said South African's favourite captain asked what he should order and a man suggested the chicken-schnitzel bagel. in the end, he got that and a bagel dog. This Sunday the Springboks will start their preparation in Cape Town for next Saturday's highly anticipated Qatar Airways Cup clash, where the Barbarians face the Springboks for the first time on South African soil. Kolisi will be in the city for this and likely spotted more around town making fans' days for them. The South African rugby hero was greeted with applause and shouts of praise from lunch-time diners at New York Bagel in the east part of the city shortly after midday today when he ran on to get a take away. 'People were cheering for him, and ululating. It really was something to see,' said another person. 'He is such a humble amazing man - a true hero." Kolisi just a day ago posted videos on his Tik Tok enjoying traditional African food including umngqusho with fellow Sharks player Aphelele Onke Okuhle Fassi in Johannesburg. The two were enjoying the home-style food at Zoo Lake's Sakhumzi restaurant . 'I'm in Jozi. I needed a little bit of African food. I just want to go home. Trotters, veggies and samp. Fasi what are you eating?' Kolisi said in the video. Fassi was enjoying some samp and tripe at the restaurant at the Zoo Lake.
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Hollywoodbets Durban July: And then there were 27
The race for the coveted Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 title has taken a dramatic turn with the withdrawal of SA Derby winner Legend Of Arthur, leaving only 27 contenders still in the hunt for a spot in the R5 million Grade 1 event at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday, 6 July. The final field will comprise a maximum of 18 runners plus two reserves. Legend Of Arthur, trained by Sean Tarry and previously seen as a strong Durban July hopeful, was scratched due to a medical issue. The three-year-old was set to be the backup ride for champion South African jockey Richard Fourie. This latest development leaves Tarry, a two-time Durban July-winning trainer (with Pomodoro in 2012 and Heavy Metal in 2013), with just one possible runner in the shape of Litigation. All eyes are now on Justin Snaith's highly regarded colt Eight On Eighteen, whose participation remains uncertain. Conflicting reports have circulated in recent days regarding his fitness and intended entry. Monday, 23 June : Final declarations deadline : Final declarations deadline Tuesday, 24 June at 11:00 : Final field announcement and barrier draw live on Gallop TV : Final field announcement and Thursday, 26 June at 07:00 : Public gallops for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at Hollywoodbets Greyville Gates open at 06:30 Free coffee and pastries available for attendees : for KwaZulu-Natal-based horses at As the excitement builds, racing fans are bracing for what promises to be another thrilling edition of South Africa's most iconic horse race. Horses remaining in contention for Hollywoodbets Durban July Horse MR Trainer Future Swing 117 Justin Snaith Immediate Edge 108 Mike / Mathew de Kock Purple Pitcher 122 Robyn Klaasen Rainbow Lorikeet 111 Candice Bass-Robinson Underworld 109 Justin Snaith Son Of Raj 119 Tony Peter The Equator (IRE) 110 Tony Peter Atticus Finch 121 Alec Laird Madison Valley 115 Frank Robinson Eight On Eighteen 129 Justin Snaith On My Honour 116 Glen Kotzen Magic Verse 113 Justin Snaith Selukwe 111 Andre Nel Confederate 118 Fabian Habib Royal Victory 125 Nathan Kotzen Beating Wings 113 Stuart Pettigrew Okavango 120 Justin Snaith Gladatorian 127 Stuart Ferrie Litigation 113 Sean Tarry Oriental Charm 127 James Crawford Pomodoro's Jet 118 James Crawford Holding Thumbs 107 Glen Kotzen Thunee Playa 104 Mano Pandaram See It Again 127 Michael Roberts Native Ruler 119 Justin Snaith My Best Shot 116 Alan Greeff The Real Prince 120 Dean Kannemeyer Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
