The Power Panel Podcast with Amb. Raychelle Omamo
With substantive experience in high-level leadership roles as a former Cabinet Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs, diplomat and Senior counsel in Kenya, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo provides a platform for exceptional African women leaders to tell, share and store their riveting leadership stories and to reveal their encounters with power. The Power Panel Podcast is a product of Bird Song Africa Productions.
Episodes

14 hours ago
14 hours ago
Tatu Gatere is more than an architect —she is a social entrepreneur and a pioneer in a movement seeking to fundamentally alter the status of women in the construction industry, from the bottom to the top. In this episode, she shares how she's challenging gender norms and unlocking people’s power to drive a new kind of architecture that fortifies communities and advances social justice. If you've ever felt that women can lead change in amazing ways, this is one for you

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
At just 29, Nadia Abdalla made history as Kenya’s youngest-ever Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs. In this powerful conversation, Nadia opens up about her journey from community conservatism to national leadership, the grief of losing her mother during her tenure, and how she reinvented herself after government.

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
We’re proud to announce that the Power Panel Podcast has been nominated for the Moment of Visionary Leadership at the 2025 International Women’s Podcasting Awards! This recognition celebrates a moment on our show where clarity, courage, and leadership came together to inspire change. Thank you to our host, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, our incredible guests, and our growing community of listeners across Africa and the world. Follow the journey, amplify women’s voices, and celebrate visionary leadership with us.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
When the weight of leadership gets heavy, Faith Odhiambo turns to two powerful sources of inspiration: 🎧 "Mwema" by Mercy Masika – a soulful reminder of grace and goodness in the face of challenge. 📖 “Dreams Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – a testament to the power of storytelling and dreaming beyond limits. These sounds and stories keep her grounded as she leads from the front. ✨ Discover more in Episode 4 of the Power Panel Podcast.

Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
What does it take to stand firm, speak boldly, and lead purposefully? In Episode 4 of the Power Panel Podcast, we sit down with Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, as she shares her remarkable journey through leadership, law, and advocacy.
From challenging systemic barriers to amplifying the voices of the unheard, Faith reflects on the power of principled leadership and why leading from the front isn't just a choice — it’s a calling.
📌 Tune in for powerful insights from African women redefining leadership.
🎧 Watch now and join the movement.

Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
Welcome to the first edition of Reflections on The Power Panel Podcast—a dynamic and insightful recap series where we draw transformative leadership lessons from our guests' powerful stories.
In this episode, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo reflects on the wisdom shared by our first three inspiring guests:
🎙️ Lorna Omondi Ogolla – Partnerships Lead - Google Research(ML/AI) Africa
🎙️ Ottilia Anna Maunganidze – Head of Special Projects at the Institute for Security Studies
🎙️ Rachael Akidi Okwir – Reebo Consult CEO, former Head of Journalism for Africa at BBC, Media Trainer, Mentor & Media Consultant
We distill their stories into five essential leadership lessons, rooted in African philosophy and symbolized by traditional African icons:
🔸 Self-Knowledge – Understanding your power and authenticity
🔸 Resilience – Moving forward with courage and stillness
🔸 Humility – Leading with grace, respect, and strength
🔸 Self-Care – Prioritizing your well-being to lead sustainably
🔸 Gratitude – Honoring those who shape and support us
We invite you to pause, reflect, and grow.
👂🏾 Listen deeply.
💡 Reflect meaningfully.
📣 Share your story.
The Power Panel Podcast chronicles the leadership journeys of African women who are reshaping our world—and inspires the next generation to rise. Watch now. Subscribe. Reflect. Lead.
Music courtesy of:
Afro Dancehall Instrumental - www.pond5.com
Afro Pop Uplifting - www.pond5.com
Dance Fever - www.pond5.com
Down Low - www.pond5.com
Duro - www.pond5.com

Saturday May 10, 2025
Saturday May 10, 2025
What fuels Rachael Akidi Okwir’s leadership journey? A powerful blend of rhythm and resilience. From the bold beats of Azawi, which keep her grounded and energized, to the transformative wisdom of Unbowed by Wangari Maathai, Rachel draws strength from stories and sounds that reflect her purpose. Music to move. Words to lead.

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
What does it mean to lead with truth, integrity, and unwavering purpose? In this episode of the Power Panel Podcast, we speak with Rachael Akidi Okwir, founder and CEO of Reebo Consult, former Head of Journalism for Africa at BBC, media trainer, mentor, and media consultant.
From the newsroom to the boardroom, Rachel shares hard-won insights on credibility, courage, and the responsibility of African women leaders in shaping narratives that matter.
Tune in for a powerful conversation on leadership that is rooted, real, and resolute.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to be reminded of African women's leadership strength.
This is ECHOES. This is The Power Panel Podcast.
Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi
Researcher: Peggy Kalie
Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao
Administrator: Sombo Olende
Music from Epidemic sounds
Bleaker - Time goes fast (instrumental)
Sture Zutterberg - Waste of my love (instrumental)
Magnus Ringblum - Ambivalent thoughts
Gavin Luke - The sum of all things
Francis Wells - The fields at home
The Power Panel Podcast is the property of Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.© and should not be reproduced in whatever form without permission from Bird Song Africa Productions Ltd.

Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
What’s on a perceptive African leader's mind — and in the ears?
In this special feature, Ottilia Anna Maunganidze shares two powerful sources of inspiration: Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo and the bold, genre-bending sounds of Aya Nakamura.
From literature that challenges colonial legacies to music that celebrates modern African identity, discover what fuels Ottilia’s passion, intellect, and leadership.

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this episode of the Power Panel Podcast Echoes, we sit down with Ottilia Anna Maunganidze — a visionary leader in policy and justice — to explore how perceptive leadership can transform systems, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change across Africa.
Tune in for a compelling conversation on strategy, empathy, and the unseen layers of leadership.
Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi
Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao
Administrator: Sombo Olende