Author Archives: UrbanGeekz Staff

UrbanGeekz 50 2024: Europe

Yaw Okyere – Ava Estell It’s somewhat rare to find a male founder of a beauty company, but that’s just one of the factors that makes Yaw Okyere a trailblazer. Founder of Ava Estell, an all-natural skincare brand made with melanin in mind, Yaw Okyere, previously a chemical formulater for other brands, used this experience to create something for his wife, Esther, who struggled with hyperpigmentation. Originally from Ghana, Okyere studied Chemical Engineering and Business Management at Warwick University, England. When he decided to help his wife, who wasn’t able to find natural products that worked with her skin, he took on a Cosmetic Science qualification too. Since its launch, Ava Estell has established itself as a go-to brand for people who want to treat skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation

How to Build a Security-First Culture in Your Company

In today’s hyper-connected business world, cyber threats loom larger than ever. A single breach can cost millions of dollars, tarnish reputations, and disrupt operations. Yet, technology alone cannot shield organizations from these risks. The most critical defense lies in cultivating a security-first culture—one where employees at all levels prioritize cybersecurity in their daily routines. But how can companies embed security into their DNA? Let’s break it down. 1. Why a Security-First Culture Matters No organization is immune to cyber threats. A 2023 IBM report revealed that the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million , with human error cited as a contributing factor in 74% of cases. Despite this, many employees view cybersecurity as an IT problem, not a shared responsibility. This mindset is dangerous, especially for

UrbanGeekz 50 2024: Food, Climate & Health

Layo George – Wolomi Layo George is the Founder and CEO of Wolomi, a maternal health startup dedicated to improving outcomes for women of color during their perinatal periods. Layo leads a team of culturally competent multidisciplinary experts addressing the maternal health crisis with a focus on population health, equity, and social determinants of health. Wolomi, through its companion app, provides resources and guidance to support aspiring moms, moms-to-be, and new moms, creating a unique community and platform for women of color. Under Layo’s leadership, Wolomi has made significant strides in improving maternal health outcomes. The platform provides access to maternal health experts of color, culturally relevant resources, and educational tools, ensuring that mothers of color receive the support they need. Wolomi’s impact is evident, with 98% of its moms

Why Investing in Employee Experience is Key to Organizational Growth

In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations increasingly recognize that employee experience (EX) is critical in driving long-term growth and success.  Employee experience encompasses every interaction an employee has with their workplace, from onboarding and career development to recognition and work-life balance.  Prioritising EX isn’t just about keeping employees happy—it’s about fostering a culture that supports engagement, productivity, and innovation. In this blog, we’ll explore why investing in employee experience is key to organizational growth. Boosting Employee Engagement and Productivity Employee engagement is a vital contributor to productivity and business success. Engaged employees are more motivated, committed, and willing to go the extra mile to help their organization succeed. By investing in a positive employee experience, businesses can improve engagement levels, enhancing productivity. Offering personalized benefits, recognition, and career development opportunities