Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen “Sambaza” Batti.
Stephen “Sambaza”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an immigrant from Kenya and have lived in the DFW area for over 20 years. I’m the proud co-founder of a family with two kids, aged 16 and 13. I was born in the coastal town of Mombasa, located on the eastern side of Africa, where I attended a predominantly Asian school for 15 years, covering my pre-K years through 8th grade. After completing elementary school, I advanced to Nairobi School, a prestigious boarding school where I spent four years, selected as one of the top students.
Afterward, I earned a diploma in graphic design and communication at a local college in Kenya. I worked with several advertising agencies before making the move to the United States. Upon arriving in the U.S., I decided to pivot my career from graphic design to telecommunications. I was captivated by how networks operate and connect with one another. I enrolled at DeVry University, where I completed my degree in telecommunications and management. Following that, I pursued two master’s degrees: one in project management and an MBA in cybersecurity management.
I’ve had the opportunity to work for several companies, including Frontier Communications and Verizon, in various roles. The pandemic allowed me to reevaluate my priorities and pursue another passion of mine—podcasting. This was something I had long desired to explore, as I was initially drawn to radio, broadcasting, and even some filming. This journey led me to create the Sambaza Podcast, which has been an exciting venture for me.
Having created the Sambaza podcast and been in production for the past five years, I feel privileged to have been nominated for several awards. During this time, I have also had the opportunity to speak at various conferences, where I shared my knowledge of broadcasting and podcasting with others working on their own projects. As 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of my podcasting journey, I can confidently say that the body of work I have built has opened doors I never dreamed of, deepening my confidence in my ability to help people I may never meet or only encounter at some point in my life.
I have also developed a strong interest in volunteering my time for causes I believe enhance both my career and my personal energy. One of the highlights of my journey has been my involvement in running events, such as the annual BMW Marathon in Dallas, along with other competitions. I particularly enjoy the 5K runs as a way to stay active and connect with communities that share a passion for running. My goal is to inspire others to focus on their health through exercise.
Being actively engaged in the community, I have taken part in organizing events for local groups, including Kenyans living in Forney and the Council of Africans in Kaufman. Additionally, I serve on the Forney City Council Board of Adjustments, where I contribute my ideas and insights to improve our local community.
That’s the essence of my journey in a nutshell.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t been smooth sailing; I’ve faced various adversities that shaped my path to where I am today. One significant realization I had as I matured was that my self-confidence, which I lost after graduating high school and turning 18, began to resurface later in my older age. I became quite reclusive, ashamed of who I was—not in a way that others could clearly see, but I was overly critical of myself and felt inadequate.
As I grew older, it became clear to me that I was the only one who could advocate for myself. This understanding led me to become more aware of my surroundings and intentional in my actions. I aimed to make an impression not just through my words but by how I carried myself.
Part of this discovery involved navigating the tensions with people who misunderstood my quiet nature. They often interpreted my silence as uncertainty or aloofness, which obscured the fact that I could be a supportive ally to them. I learned to enter rooms with confidence, standing out not just by what I said but by the way I presented myself.
My journey is ongoing, filled with its own hardships and challenges, especially as an immigrant in this country. While I strive for recognition and appreciation, the journey continues…
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, my podcast focuses on curating series that delve into topics centered around community and our interactions with one another—both the similarities and the differences we share. I see my podcast as an encyclopedia of anthropological ideas that addresses various societal issues we face.
I take great pride in my podcast, which has now been running for five years. Recently, I made the leap from audio to video, collaborating with other podcasters to expand our reach. The tone of my podcast is calm and intuitive, engaging in discussions about topics that will remain relevant for years to come.
I’ve also started blogging as a stepping stone toward writing books. My aspiration for the future is to transform these blogs into books that not only entertain but also educate—appealing not just to fellow podcasters but to anyone eager to dive into a book filled with knowledge and rich vocabulary.
What sets my podcast apart is my commitment to evolving and pushing boundaries. In this spirit, I’m exploring various facets of podcasting, including storytelling, audio narratives, and TEDx-style talks. You never know what you might discover when you tune in to Sambaza Media Inc.
How do you think about luck?
When I get a stroke of good luck that means something is being validated regarding the work that I have done in my life and business and when I get something of or close to bad luck i forgot that as a time to reset and reflect on what I have done to get to that particular situation. And then I assist what needs to be done to move forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sambaza
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambazapodcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sambazap
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambaza-podcast-83b7ba2a2
- Twitter: @sambazapodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sambazapodcast
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sambazapodcast
