PODCASTS QA

Creative Development with IFC

Hosted by Makhtar Diop, Managing Director

Creative Development with IFC explores how finance and economic development influence―and are influenced by―creative industries around the world. We’re trying to answer the biggest question of all: how people, working together, can create meaningful change.

Browse by Season

  • Season 2, Episode 2

    S2E2: Edouard Mendy: Saving goals and setting new ones

    In this episode of Creative Development, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with superstar footballer and AFCON Champion Edouard Mendy; goalkeeper for the Senegal national team as well as premier league club Chelsea FC. Mendy speaks about the importance of community, what football has taught him about teamwork and how that fuels his desire to support and invest in tech and youth education in Africa to build skills for the next generation.

    November 15, 2022

    Available in English

    S2E2: Edouard Mendy: Saving goals and setting new ones
  • Season 3, Episode 3

    S3E3: Lewis Pugh: A Deep Dive into the Ocean Crisis

    A thought-provoking conversation with Lewis Pugh, a renowned endurance swimmer and UNEP Patron of the Oceans.

    April 13, 2023

    Available in English

    S3E3: Lewis Pugh: A Deep Dive into the Ocean Crisis
  • Season 3, Episode 4

    Mohamed “Mamane” Moustafa

    Dans cet épisode, Makhtar Diop reçoit Mohamed Moustafa, mieux connu sous le nom de Mamane. L’humoriste et entrepreneur créatif partage sa passion pour l'Afrique, ses défis et son avenir plein d’espoir.

    July 11, 2023

    Available in English

    Mohamed “Mamane” Moustafa
  • Season 3, Episode 5

    Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity

    Makhtar Diop engages in a captivating conversation with legendary South African guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jonathan Butler.

    August 08, 2023

    Available in English

    Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity
  • Season 3, Episode 6

    Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community

    IFC's Makhtar Diop engages in an enlightening conversation with Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. They explore the intersection of business, culture and community, spotlighting Mahindra's popular artistic initiatives like the Mahindra Blues Festival and the Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards.

    September 26, 2023

    Available in English

    Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community
  • Season 4, Episode 1

    Climate Conversations on Creative Development with IFC

    From marine plastic pollution to saving the Sahel from the encroaching Sahara Desert, here is a look back at some of important conversations on climate issues.

    December 01, 2023

    Available in English

    Climate Conversations on Creative Development with IFC
  • Season 4, Episode 1

    Inna Modja: The Artist and the Activist

    Makhtar Diop is joined by multi-talented artist and activist Inna Modja for a captivating discussion on music, advocacy, and the role of creativity in shaping a better world.

    October 17, 2023

    Available in English

  • Season 4, Episode 1

    Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human Rights

    Join Makhtar Diop as he explores Barbara’s journey from the segregated southern USA to the world’s most prestigious opera stages.

    March 04, 2024

    Available in English

    Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human Rights
  • Season 4, Episode 2

    Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration

    Join IFC managing director Makhtar Diop & prominent ocean advocate Alexandra Cousteau in a captivating conversation addressing the urgent need to protect our oceans.

    March 19, 2024

    Available in English

    Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration
  • Season 4, Episode 3

    Wally Badarou on his Fusion Legacy and Copyright Advocacy

    Makhtar Diop revisits the heyday of the late 70’s fusion and electro-pop era with trailblazing keyboardist and synth pioneer Wally Badarou. Wally discusses his deep-rooted passion for music and technology, along with his ongoing advocacy for the rights of music composers in an era of digital production.

    April 02, 2024

    Available in English

    Wally Badarou on his Fusion Legacy and Copyright Advocacy
  • Season 4, Episode 4

    A Voyage Through Strings: The Musical Universe of Ablaye Cissoko

    IFC MD Makhtar Diop and renowned kora player Ablaye Cissoko explore the rich tapestry of the Mandingue tradition that Ablaye seamlessly weaves into contemporary music, and the longstanding practice of kora apprenticeship.

    April 25, 2024

    Available in English

    A Voyage Through Strings: The Musical Universe of Ablaye Cissoko
  • Season 4, Episode 4

    Djo Da Silva: Giving a voice to Cape Verde

    In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with music producer Djo da Silva—the man who discovered Cape Verdean legend Cesária Évora—for a powerful conversation about music, emotion, identity, and the unique role of cultural tourism in Cape Verde. It’s a moment of shared nostalgia between two “Boy Dakars,” reflecting on their musical journeys. A story of African rhythm, cultural pride, and a deep belief in the power of music to move the world. ,In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with music producer Djo da Silva—the man who discovered Cape Verdean legend Cesária Évora—for a powerful conversation about music, emotion, identity, and the unique role of cultural tourism in Cape Verde. It’s a moment of shared nostalgia between two “Boy Dakars,” reflecting on their musical journeys. A story of African rhythm, cultural pride, and a deep belief in the power of music to move the world.

    May 28, 2024

    Available in English

    Djo Da Silva: Giving a voice to Cape Verde
  • Season 4, Episode 4

    The Power of Stories: Kiran Rao on Creativity, Cinema, and Opportunity

    In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop speaks with visionary filmmaker Kiran Rao about the evolution of Indian cinema, the rise of independent voices, and why bold, local storytelling matters. They also discuss Rao’s award-winning film Laapataa Ladies - a witty tale that shines a light on the struggle against patriarchy, and her new project Humans in the Loop, a thought-provoking film on artificial intelligence and our shared future. ,In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop speaks with visionary filmmaker Kiran Rao about the evolution of Indian cinema, the rise of independent voices, and why bold, local storytelling matters. They also discuss Rao’s award-winning film Laapataa Ladies - a witty tale that shines a light on the struggle against patriarchy, and her new project Humans in the Loop, a thought-provoking film on artificial intelligence and our shared future.

    September 24, 2025

    Available in English

    The Power of Stories: Kiran Rao on Creativity, Cinema, and Opportunity
  • Season 4, Episode 4

    Passing the Baton: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Inspiring the Next Generation

    In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, the most decorated 100-meter sprinter of all time, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, joins Makhtar Diop for a powerful conversation on speed, purpose, and legacy. Reflecting on an extraordinary 18-year career- from her early days on the track in Jamaica to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history - Shelly-Ann shares how discipline, faith, and community shaped her path. Now stepping into her next chapter, she discusses life beyond the track, empowering future generations through the Pocket Rocket Foundation and embracing entrepreneurship with her new haircare brand, AFIMI.

    December 05, 2025

    Available in English

    Passing the Baton: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Inspiring the Next Generation
  • Season 4, Episode 5

    Beyond the Surface: Exploring Ocean Conservation with Craig Leeson

    Join host Makhtar Diop as he deep dives into ocean conservation and environmental storytelling with award-winning filmmaker and global sustainability ambassador, Craig Leeson.

    May 09, 2024

    Available in English

    Beyond the Surface: Exploring Ocean Conservation with Craig Leeson
  • Season 4, Episode 6

    Kwesi Botchway: Creating Art, Creating Community

    Join Makhtar Diop as he interviews Kwesi Botchway, an inspiring artist from Accra, Ghana. They discuss challenges faced by African artists, infrastructure needs, and Kwesi's efforts to mentor the next generation.

    May 23, 2024

    Available in English

    Kwesi Botchway: Creating Art, Creating Community
  • Season 4, Episode 7

    Nadia Nadim: Advancing Equality through Sports, Medicine, and Education

    Discover the incredible story of Nadia Nadim — a football star, a doctor, and an advocate for equal opportunities — on IFC's Creative Development.

    June 11, 2024

    Available in English

    Nadia Nadim: Advancing Equality through Sports, Medicine, and Education
  • Season 4, Episode 8

    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Literature, Feminism, and Universality

    Explore the rich complexity of African identity and storytelling with renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — on IFC's Creative Development.

    July 11, 2024

    Available in English

    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Literature, Feminism, and Universality
  • Season 5, Episode -2

    Mithali Raj and the Rise of Women's Sports in India 

    Join us as Mithali reflects on the lessons and challenges that shaped her life, and her vision for the future of women’s cricket. This is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! Tune in now! Join us as Mithali reflects on the lessons and challenges that shaped her life, and her vision for the future of women’s cricket. This is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! Tune in now!

    March 22, 2025

    Available in English

    Mithali Raj and the Rise of Women's Sports in India 
  • Season 5, Episode 1

    Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy & Change with Jason Wright

    Join Makhtar Diop and Jason Wright, the first Black president of an NFL team, as they discuss sports' role in economic growth, equity, and social inclusion. Tune in now!

    February 27, 2025

    Available in English

    Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy & Change with Jason Wright
  • Season 5, Episode 1

    Defending More Than Goals: Rüdiger’s Drive to Uplift Through Sport

    Join Makhtar Diop and footballer Antonio Rüdiger as they discuss how Rüdiger's upbringing, values, and career have shaped his deep commitment to leadership and social change. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation!

    February 28, 2025

    Available in English

    Defending More Than Goals: Rüdiger’s Drive to Uplift Through Sport