Herstory: Nigerian Women Founders is a 21 Magazine original series launched in March 2024 as a tribute to Women’s History Month. This captivating series delves into profound interviews with Nigerian women who have fearlessly founded brands and companies within the dynamic landscape of our economy. Through compelling narratives and insightful conversations, we illuminate the remarkable journeys, challenges overcome, and triumphant successes of these visionary leaders. Join us as we showcase the resilience, innovation, and impact of Nigerian women in shaping our shared future.
“I Said What I Said” (ISWIS) is a podcast show that was founded in 2017 and hosted by two Nigerian women, Jolaoluwa Ayeye (known popularly as Jola) and Feyikemi Abudu (known popularly as FK). With ISWIS, no subject is off-bounds. FK and Jola discuss a wide range of topics including relationships, careers, feminism, politics and pop culture, not only offering a well-rounded listening experience but also candid conversations, nuanced perspectives and humour.
Currently, ISWIS has over 120,000 monthly listeners across 190 countries and five paid live events to its credit—the latest one being a sold-out gathering on December 24th, 2023, which drew an impressive crowd of 1200 attendees.
Of course, we needed to hear from these two smart and successful women who have built a cult following right from a studio in Lagos, Nigeria, through gist, their infectious laughter and unapologetic authenticity. Amongst other things, the ladies of ISWIS tell us about an unconventional decision they took while growing their podcast, how they handle conflicts between themselves and what women who are starting businesses in Nigeria need to know.
Read our interview with Jola and FK below:
Please Tell Us Your Full Names and Describe Yourselves in 2 Words
Hi! I’m Jolaoluwa Ayeye and I’m Feyikemi Abudu. The two words we would use to describe ourselves are funny and driven.
Can You Share the Inspiration Behind Starting the “I Said What I Said Podcast”?
We wanted a space where we could be funny and thoughtful in our own way really. We are friends and thought it would be fun to try, so we took the plunge, and it worked out.
Were There Any Challenges You Faced When Starting? If Yes, How Did You Overcome Them?
When we started, podcasts were nowhere near as popular as they are now. So, getting people to work with us and take us seriously was quite difficult. It still is, if we are being perfectly honest, but at the time, it was really, really tough.
What Role has Mentorship Played in Your Entrepreneurial Journey, and Have You had Any Mentors Who have Influenced You?
Jola: Funny enough, this is something I am trying to figure out this year. I have no mentor and have pretty much been winging it so far, but I decided that between this year and next year, I am going to seek out a mentor or two because it is extremely important.
How Do You Maintain Authenticity and Uniqueness in a Crowded Podcasting Space?
We focus on our audience and a lot of the ideas we have. It can be tempting to try and see “what formula is doing well”, but we have what we care about and what our audience cares about, and so we prioritise that!
Can You Share a Particularly Risky or Unconventional Decision You Made when Growing Your Podcast, and how it Ultimately Contributed to Your Success?
Hmmm… our first live show in 2021. That wasn’t something people in our space in Nigeria were really thinking about, and we were scared to make it happen, but we did it, and we are very proud of ourselves for how we pulled it off.
What’s Your Go-To Comfort Food or Snack During Long Podcast Recording Sessions?
The problem with podcasting is that you can’t be chewing into the mic. So we can’t snack. Once we start getting hungry it’s time to wrap it up!
What 5 Tips Would You Give Any Woman Wanting to Start a Business in Nigeria?
In this economy?
- Pray
- Follow the data
- Know your customers
- Dream big
- Stay grounded
Head in the clouds, feet on the ground.
What has Been the Most Unexpected Lesson You’ve Learned About the Media Industry Since Starting the “I Said What I Said” Podcast?
It’s harder than it looks, and there is so much room to do amazing, unique things, but it truly is an uphill battle.
Can You Discuss Any Instances Where You Had to Navigate Difficult Conversations or Conflicts Within Your Partnership, and How Did You Effectively Resolve Them?
We disagree, but it tends to be a conversation focused on a resolution, and we remember that we have a problem with an idea or situation, not each other.
How Do You Prioritize Self-Care and Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance While Managing the Demands of Podcasting and Entrepreneurship?
We just try our best because balance is a goal and not a destination. It’s rare for that balance to be perfect, sometimes one aspect needs more than the others and we just pay attention so that no aspect is completely neglected for a dangerously long period.
Looking Ahead, What Do You Envision For the Future of the “I Said What I Said” Podcast, and How Do You Plan to Stay Relevant and Impactful in an Ever-Changing Media Landscape?
Bigger and better; more live shows and community-focused events and more ambitious episodes with a range of guests and topics that are exciting and fresh!
