What African Entrepreneurs Can Teach Us About Creating a Happy Workplace with Alisa Sydow

In this episode, Alisa Sydow, Associate Professor at ESCP Business School, and Thinkers 50 Radar for 2025. Alisa shares her journey researching entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on empowering female founders and local artisans in Kenya. She discusses the challenges of building authentic, culturally-rooted businesses and the importance of storytelling and branding for “Made in Kenya” products. Alisa also introduces her mentorship initiative, Numpy, supporting women entrepreneurs in the Global South. The conversation highlights the power of cultural pride, community, and authentic leadership in driving social impact through entrepreneurship.

Alisa's tips for a happy workplace:

1. Be authentic; embrace conflict
2. Diversity can bring surprise
3. Be open

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• ESCP Business School
• Happy Workplace