Episode 287 – Ayodele Okundalaiye (SACO) – Master of Ceremony/Compere

 

 

Ayodele Okundalaiye is a dynamic professional Master of Ceremony/Compere with a sense of humour – he is popularly known as the Senior Advocate of Comedy (SACO).

As a Compere, he has consistently delivered outstanding value to clients across several industries and sectors. This has made SACO the choice MC by Multinational companies, financial institutions, Telecom giants, FMCG companies, Non-profits, political, educational and Faith-based organizations as well as high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and abroad. Some companies/organizations that have engaged his professional Compere service for events include MTN, KPMG, Lagos Business School, Rainoil, and Pretoria Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists.

SACO has hosted events in the US, Canada, UK, France, South Africa, Ghana, Dubai, Turkey and even Israel to mention a few. He has also hosted about 2000 social events (weddings and birthday parties) at home and abroad. His style can be described as a blend of humour – rib cracking, clean ethical and family-friendly jokes, wit and an abundance of courtesy for clients and guests alike. He deploys class and panache in the management of programs and also brings to the table the ability to adapt and customize programs to suit the needs of specific and unique audiences. Event Planners often find his input priceless and vital to the overall success of their events. He is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School’s Enterprise Development Centre.

He is married to Aghogho and together they have 3 amazing children.

SACO holds LEGACY above all achievements – he is passionate about building capacity for the next generations. This led to the establishment of the Strategic Mentorship Programme – a vehicle that aims to provide strategic mentorship to young entertainment entrepreneurs.

Find out more @spiritofsaco

Episode 286: Marja Sanni – Artist

Marja is an artist who has recently reignited her passion for painting after taking a break from her craft. Her first mural, a bold and colourful statement, marks her exciting return to the art world.
With fresh enthusiasm, Marja has dedicated herself to celebrating the unique beauty she sees in the everyday world, capturing moments and details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Her approach is all about highlighting what makes each subject special, often in ways you might not expect.
In addition to celebrating beauty, Marja’s art is deeply personal, reflecting her cultural heritage and experiences. She thoughtfully incorporates elements of her background into her pieces, creating a rich tapestry of meaning and connection.
Through her art, Marja not only shares her perspective but also honours the influences that have shaped her creative journey.

Check her out @marja.sanni

Episode 285: Karen Dean – Resilience Expert / Inspiring Speaker / Bestselling Author

 

Karen Dean is a powerhouse of wisdom—real, gritty, hard-earned wisdom that you can’t learn from a book but only through surviving life’s toughest battles.  She is an incredible motivational speaker, lifelong entrepreneur, and bestselling author who shares her own personal stories of resilience and proven tools for success while inspiring audiences with an amazing sense of positivity.  With over 25 years of entrepreneurial success across multiple industries, she helps build stronger people and workforces with easy-to-implement tools to foster resilience, boost performance, and enhance workplace culture.

Recognized as a four-time nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, Karen’s leadership is matched by her commitment to the community. She has raised over $130,000 for families in need in Nova Scotia and launched a bursary program for young women from rural areas to pursue higher education.

Karen has published two influential books: We Are Unbreakable, a Canadian bestseller, and Fierce & Fabulous: A Self-Love Journal. Her mission is to empower individuals and organizations to not just survive but to thrive with resilience, purpose, and positivity.

Learn more @karendeanspeaks

Episode 284: Jacquelyn Miccolis – Trailblazer/Social Entrepreneur

Jacquelyn Miccolis is a social entrepreneur committed to using creativity to drive positive change. In 2019, she founded Sparkles n’ Sawdust Studio, an award-winning venture recognized for its significant community impact. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Jacquelyn launched Supernova Events to support the creative economy in Atlantic Canada, including key initiatives like the Supernova Market and Conference.
With diplomas in community development and office administration and a psychology background from MSVU, she has refined her skills as a leader and community builder.
This summer, Jacquelyn will release her debut book, Unfiltered Wisdom: A How-To Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs, offering practical insights for innovators and available exclusively on Amazon.
Jacquelyn eagerly welcomes opportunities for new creative projects, speaking engagements, and initiatives that foster community-building efforts.

Episode 280: Scott Ellis – Proud Bluenoser

 

Scott Ellis is a proud Nova Scotian who currently lives in rural Nova Scotia with his partner Brogan Regier.

Scott is set on making Nova Scotia the best place it can be. He has dedicated efforts to improving our environment, supporting small businesses, and enhancing our mental health system, all with the goal of creating a better place for Bluenosers.

Scott Ellis is a community-oriented leader from Nova Scotia with extensive experience in advocating for mental health and supporting individuals with eating disorders. He currently serves as the Clinical and Operations Manager at Eating Disorders Nova Scotia. Ellis is a survivor of anorexia nervosa and uses his personal experience to help others in similar situations. Ellis is also an author; his book “Chasing Numbers: Sleep, Starve, Repeat” details his personal journey with an eating disorder.

In addition to his work in mental health, Ellis has been involved in politics, having run for the Progressive Conservative Party in Nova Scotia in 2021. His campaign focused on understanding and addressing the struggles faced by his community, particularly regarding mental health issues.

Episode 279: Loïc – The Umbrella Collective

Loïc is a Rwandan barsmith from The Umbrella Collective based in P.E.I Canada, his main style is hip-hop, but he has also worked on Afrobeat, Dancehall and RnB-themed instrumentals.

His delivery is effortless and groovy while providing the listeners with an insight into his life, he describes his music as therapy sessions where he shares his ambitions, fears, hopes and achievements.

Loïc grew up in a musical house, with his grandmother playing a major influence on his musical taste. She had a cultural dance troop that helped him navigate music and dance as one and the same. He started rapping at the age of 13 after three friends dared him to write a rap, and he fell in love with the craft. 15 years later, he is still striving to better himself.

Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

Episode 278: Tamara Steele – The Umbrella Collective

Tamara Steele is a long-time arts administrator and non-profit director by day but has always been an artist at heart.

Her musical talent was fostered from a young age as she grew up learning from her grandmother to play piano and watching her father sing in calypso/soca bands in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After high school, Tamara moved to Prince Edward Island to study classical music at UPEI.

A singer for as long as she can remember, Tamara has sung both lead and backing vocals in many bands over the years covering many genres including R&B, Soul, Rock, Reggae, and Salsa Fusion.

Currently, Tamara plays bass and sings backing vocals with the Charlottetown-based Hip-Hop band, The Umbrella Collective.

Find out more @theumbrellacollective_

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