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

6 hours ago
6 hours ago
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.

3 days ago
3 days ago
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

5 days ago
5 days ago
Step into the minds of Africa’s leading women with Power Panel Podcast Reflections. Big ideas, bold values, and fearless conversations — all driving change and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Join us for real talk that moves you.

7 days ago
7 days ago
Every leader has a library behind them. Lorna Omondi Ogolla’s top reads? - The Bible (2 Kings 13, Luke 18) - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss & Tahl Raz - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. These titles have shaped her mindset, communication, and faith. Add one to your reading list this week.

7 days ago
7 days ago
What powers our guests? This week, Lorna Ogolla Omondi shares a favorite artist who inspires her: Grace Idowu, with her soulful, deeply African voice. Explore our curated playlist of what we’re listening to—one beat at a time.

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Welcome to Season 2 of The Power Panel Podcast.
In our very first episode of ECHOES, we are joined by the brilliant and deeply inspiring Lorna Omondi Ogolla, the Partnership Lead at Google Research Africa.
In this powerful conversation with host Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Lorna opens up about her leadership journey — from her early days in Kenya to her role in one of the world’s most innovative tech ecosystems. She reflects on:
The challenges and triumphs of working in tech as a young African woman
The mentors and values that shaped her
The importance of humility, resilience, and faith Her vision for Africa’s digital future
Lorna’s voice is calm but resolute, reflective yet full of action — the kind of voice that reminds us of the quiet power within us all.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs to be reminded of the strength of African women in leadership.
This is ECHOES. This is The Power Panel Podcast.
Sound Engineer: Tevin Sudi
Researcher: Peggy Kalie
Social Media Manager: Lucas Ngao
Administrator: Sombo Olende
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Music and sound effects: courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com and www.pond5
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.

Saturday Apr 12, 2025
Saturday Apr 12, 2025
In this new season, hosted by Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, we’re going beyond the journeys.
We’re deepening the dialogue and expanding the stage with two new compelling segments:
🔸 ECHOES – Intimate, intergenerational conversations with young, emerging African women leaders. These are the voices of the future, shaping Africa’s tomorrow with bold vision and fresh energy.
🔸 REFLECTIONS – Thought-provoking discussions that unpack the big ideas, values, and even controversial questions that drive African women leaders forward.
These powerful new additions join our beloved JOURNEYS series, which continues to spotlight trailblazing women who have charted exceptional paths in public service and civil society.
This season is about resonance and light. It’s about connection, courage, and community.
Whether you're a young leader, a curious listener, or a champion for women’s voices, Season 2 promises to inform, inspire, and ignite.
Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and follow us across platforms to stay updated on new episodes.
The first episode drops soon! Get ready for a season of transformation.

Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Dive into the final installment of our Season 1 recap where we revisit leadership insights and inspiring journeys with remarkable leaders:
🔹 Episodes Covered:
Ep 9: The Servant Leader – Dr. Ketakandriana Rafitoson
Ep 10: Thoughtful & Pragmatic Leadership – Dr. Comfort Ero
Ep 11: Leading with Empathy –Dr. Joannie Bewa
Ep 12: The Peacemaker – H.E. Bineta Diop
Join the Conversation! What was your biggest takeaway from these episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at hello@birdsongafrica.com. Your voice matters!
Be Part of the Movement Subscribe to the Power Panel Podcast for more inspiring conversations. Like & Share to help amplify women’s voices in leadership. Engage with us—your insights and feedback drive meaningful discussions!
This is the Power Panel Podcast.

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Welcome to Part 2 of our Season 1 recap! In this installment, we delve into the inspiring journeys of influential leaders who have shaped their fields with passion and perseverance.
🔹 Episodes Covered:
Ep 5: The Indomitable Public Servant – feat. Sicily Kariuki
Ep 6: The Quintessential Change Agent – feat. H.E. Zainab Bangura
Ep 7: Bold Leadership – feat. Janah Ncube
Ep 8: Authentic Effervescent Leadership – feat. Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg
Join the Conversation! What was your biggest takeaway from these episodes? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at hello@birdsongafrica.com. Your voice matters!
Be Part of the Movement Subscribe to the Power Panel Podcast for more inspiring conversations. Like and share to help amplify women’s voices in leadership. Engage with us—your insights and feedback drive meaningful discussions!
This is the Power Panel Podcast.

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Just six months ago, our team at the Power Panel Podcast embarked on an ambitious journey—to create a safe and dynamic platform where extraordinary African women could share, preserve, and celebrate their powerful stories of leadership, ambition, success, failure, and resilience. Our mission was clear: to affirm and nurture a culture of women’s leadership in Africa.
We have not been disappointed. Season 1 has been a transformative experience, filled with profound insights, hard-earned wisdom, and invaluable lessons on power and leadership. The conversations we’ve had have not only shaped our understanding but have also inspired a community of listeners and viewers across Africa and beyond.
As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, and a month of reflection on women’s leadership in governance, peace, and prosperity, we are thrilled to revisit the most compelling moments from Season 1. This special recap episode brings you the highlights, the wisdom, and the voices that are shaping Africa’s leadership landscape.
🔹 Episodes Covered:
Ep 1: The Rise and Rise of Bogolo Kenewendo – BOGOLO KENEWENDO
Ep 2: The Passionate Conservationist – DR. PAULA KAHUMBU
Ep 3: The “Accidental” President – H.E. AMEENAH GURIB- FAKIM
Ep 4: Leadership as Vocation – HON. JUSTICE Meaza Ashenafi
Join the Conversation! What was your biggest takeaway from these episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or email us at hello@birdsongafrica.com. Your voice matters!
Be Part of the Movement Subscribe to the Power Panel Podcast for more inspiring conversations. Like & Share to help amplify women’s voices in leadership. Engage with us—your insights and feedback drive meaningful discussions!
This is the Power Panel Podcast.