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Michelle Atagana on breaking up with the love of her life... Memeburn
3 Nov 2014
Michelle Atagana announced on Twitter on Friday that it was her last day at Memeburn. Once I was over the shock, I caught up with her to find out more and was pleased to find she still feels the tech future is burning bright...
Up until last Friday, Michelle Atagana's Twitter bio read: "Editor, Memeburn.com. Tech & startup obsessed. Airport hopper. Fan of fine dining, great adventures & wine. Battling the PhD monster. Pun intender!"
But as you know, life happens. And on Twitter, life happens fast. That's why if you click through to Atagana's Twitter bio today, you'll see she's definitely still tech and start-up obsessed, but no longer at Memeburn, her home away from home for the past 4.5 years that saw her become a household name. Cue shock, faint, stage left! I know I'm not the only one who thought Atagana IS Memeburn. Here's her official announcement tweet:
Today is my last day as editor of @memeburn: Exit stage left: lessons from reporting Africa's tech scene http://t.co/R3FKG0LULm
- Mich Atagana (@MichAtagana) October 31, 2014As Friday was her last day in office and time was rushed, Atagana and I had a quick digital catch up. Here's what you need to know...
Firstly, where are you heading off to?Atagana: Google, I will be in charge of communications for South Africa.
It must have been a hard decision to leave Memeburn - tell us more about your time there?Atagana: It was indeed. I feel like I broke up with the love of my life. My time there was amazing and I am not sure there are enough words. Read my love letter to Memeburn here.
We know you're definitely tech and start-up obsessed - look into your crystal ball and tell us what's next in these realms?Atagana: Oh gosh, no pressure right! I don't like to predict things but I have said this always and will say it again: Africa's tech future is bright and full of useful tech and solutions, like tech hubs. I have walked the path of its past and seen the clearly marked walkways of its future...
You're also big on empowering women. Can you talk a little about women in tech and whether things are finally moving in the right direction?Atagana: I think as soon as we start taking the conversation on a different level, things will get better. It's not just about talking to women, it's about engaging the women in tech differently, recognising the work they do, and putting an end to the coddling and trying to make them feel special, because your geekiness alone does not qualify you to rock the tech space.
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
Firstly, where are you heading off to?Atagana: Google, I will be in charge of communications for South Africa.
It must have been a hard decision to leave Memeburn - tell us more about your time there?Atagana: It was indeed. I feel like I broke up with the love of my life. My time there was amazing and I am not sure there are enough words. Read my love letter to Memeburn here.
We know you're definitely tech and start-up obsessed - look into your crystal ball and tell us what's next in these realms?Atagana: Oh gosh, no pressure right! I don't like to predict things but I have said this always and will say it again: Africa's tech future is bright and full of useful tech and solutions, like tech hubs. I have walked the path of its past and seen the clearly marked walkways of its future...
You're also big on empowering women. Can you talk a little about women in tech and whether things are finally moving in the right direction?Atagana: I think as soon as we start taking the conversation on a different level, things will get better. It's not just about talking to women, it's about engaging the women in tech differently, recognising the work they do, and putting an end to the coddling and trying to make them feel special, because your geekiness alone does not qualify you to rock the tech space.
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
It must have been a hard decision to leave Memeburn - tell us more about your time there?Atagana: It was indeed. I feel like I broke up with the love of my life. My time there was amazing and I am not sure there are enough words. Read my love letter to Memeburn here.
We know you're definitely tech and start-up obsessed - look into your crystal ball and tell us what's next in these realms?Atagana: Oh gosh, no pressure right! I don't like to predict things but I have said this always and will say it again: Africa's tech future is bright and full of useful tech and solutions, like tech hubs. I have walked the path of its past and seen the clearly marked walkways of its future...
You're also big on empowering women. Can you talk a little about women in tech and whether things are finally moving in the right direction?Atagana: I think as soon as we start taking the conversation on a different level, things will get better. It's not just about talking to women, it's about engaging the women in tech differently, recognising the work they do, and putting an end to the coddling and trying to make them feel special, because your geekiness alone does not qualify you to rock the tech space.
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
We know you're definitely tech and start-up obsessed - look into your crystal ball and tell us what's next in these realms?Atagana: Oh gosh, no pressure right! I don't like to predict things but I have said this always and will say it again: Africa's tech future is bright and full of useful tech and solutions, like tech hubs. I have walked the path of its past and seen the clearly marked walkways of its future...
You're also big on empowering women. Can you talk a little about women in tech and whether things are finally moving in the right direction?Atagana: I think as soon as we start taking the conversation on a different level, things will get better. It's not just about talking to women, it's about engaging the women in tech differently, recognising the work they do, and putting an end to the coddling and trying to make them feel special, because your geekiness alone does not qualify you to rock the tech space.
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
You're also big on empowering women. Can you talk a little about women in tech and whether things are finally moving in the right direction?Atagana: I think as soon as we start taking the conversation on a different level, things will get better. It's not just about talking to women, it's about engaging the women in tech differently, recognising the work they do, and putting an end to the coddling and trying to make them feel special, because your geekiness alone does not qualify you to rock the tech space.
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
What do you love about your industry?Atagana: Everything! There is always something interesting, a great story to tell.
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?Atagana: It is time Africa built its own legacy when it comes to technology. We have to stop thinking of our place in the world in terms of how it fits into the rest of it. I may get in trouble for this, but I actually wrote extensively on that just today, click here for more of my views.
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
Who is getting it right in your industry?Atagana: I think there are a number of people doing cool things in tech in Africa, like Snapscan, Kopo Kopo and TopupGenie. So many people. See how those are all mobile-related solutions and payment initiatives!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
Buzzwords, catchphrases, mantras... what gets you going?Atagana: I can't stand buzzwords, but for me, my personal mantra is that it's time to create the African dream everyone wants.
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
You're an inspiration to many, including me. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?Atagana: Aww thanks! Just learn as much as you can and get out there and ask questions!
So there you have it - a few of my questions were asked and answered, and we're sure to still see great work coming from Memeburn and Atagana's name in our Twitter streams, making us think about and potentially change how we react to what's really important:
If we are being honest, hashtagged campaigns achieve very little. The internet will never be safe for women unless society actually changes.
- Mich Atagana (@MichAtagana) June 7, 2014
About Leigh Andrews
Leigh Andrews AKA the #MilkshakeQueen, is former Editor-in-Chief: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com, with a passion for issues of diversity, inclusion and equality, and of course, gourmet food and drinks! She can be reached on Twitter at @Leigh_Andrews.
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