What does it take to reclaim and retell African stories with depth, dignity, and imagination?

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Nigerian documentary filmmaker Dr. Oghenefego Ofili, whose work brings Africa’s history, legends, and cultural identity to life on screen. From early sketches and stories as a 10-year-old to award-winning documentaries, Fego has made it her life’s mission to use storytelling as a tool for empowerment, education, and cultural preservation.

We explore the role of documentary film in shifting narratives, amplifying heritage, and helping the next generation understand where they come from—and who they can become.

🎬 Watch the Official Trailer of Battle of Blood: The Legend of Arhuanran

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgMJIVvukLQ

✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:

✅ The origins of her passion for storytelling and filmmaking

✅ How documentaries can help preserve culture and identity

✅ The making of Battle of Blood: The Legend of Arhuanran

✅ How stories shape how children and youth see themselves

✅ Impact of food stories and shifting narratives and changing behaviours

If you're passionate about African history, film, education, or storytelling as a force for change—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support more conversations that center on storytelling, identity, and impact.

#LeadWithStorytelling #AfricanHistory #OghenefegoOfili #DocumentaryFilm #CulturalPreservation #AfricanCinema #StorytellingForChange #BattleOfBlood #NigerianFilmmakers #YouthEmpowerment #AfricanLegends #RepresentationMatters #Arhuanran

What role does local journalism play in building resilient communities? In this episode, we sit down with Erica Butler, Local Journalism Initiative reporter for CHMA-FM in Sackville, New Brunswick, to explore the power and purpose of community-based reporting.

With over two decades of experience as a freelance journalist covering city politics, the environment, and transportation, Erica brings a deep understanding of how local stories shape public life. She shares what it’s like to report on the everyday triumphs and tensions of small-town living, why trust is essential in journalism, and how storytelling can be a force for community accountability and connection.

Whether you're passionate about journalism, media literacy, or community development, this episode offers valuable insights into why local news matters more than ever.

✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How local reporting builds trust and community resilience

✅ Challenges and opportunities facing local newsrooms today

✅ The impact of small-town stories

✅ How journalists can use storytelling to deepen civic engagement

✅ The future of local journalism in a digital world

📣 Resources Mentioned:

📰 Learn more about Erica’s work with CHMA-FM:

https://www.chmafm.com/welcome/author/erica-butler/

🗞️ Register to participate in the Local News Matters Symposium:

https://bringbacklocalnews.ca/

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on the impact of storytelling in business, media, and society.

🔗 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@leadwithstorytelling

#LocalJournalism #EricaButler #CHMAfm #CommunityStories #LeadWithStorytelling #MediaLiteracy #TantramarReport #BringBackLocalNews #StorytellingForChange

What happens when data meets empathy? In this episode, we sit down with Tamara Ojeaga, Client Director at Kantar and seasoned market research expert, to explore how storytelling can turn consumer insights into powerful business strategies.

With over 15 years of experience in market research and strategic consulting, Tamara helps brands grow sustainably by translating complex data into clear, culturally relevant stories that drive both business performance and social impact.

She opens up about how storytelling influences decision-making, humanizes data, and empowers professionals—especially introverts—to build authentic personal brands. This episode is a masterclass for anyone navigating brand strategy, market research, or personal growth in today’s data-rich world.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling influences how businesses interpret and act on market research

✅ Ways to humanize data through narrative to create real-world impact

✅ Cultural nuances brands often overlook—and how to address them

✅ How data-driven stories can support sustainability and social impact goals

✅ The role of storytelling in building an authentic personal brand—especially for introverts

📚 Book Mentioned:

The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu — https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Money-Wo...

📣 Whether you're a marketer, researcher, brand strategist, or an introvert learning to own your voice—this conversation is packed with value.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep up with more inspiring episodes from Lead with Storytelling.