Start-up Mixer Q & A with Martin Nielsen
Martin Nielsen CEO and Co-Founder of Mdundo.com, the Kenyan music distribution platform that helps artists distribute their music straight to their fanbase. This exciting start-up has already expanded to Tanzania and is set to take Africa by storm. In the run up to the Start-up mixer this evening, (March 28) where he is set to have a presentation, we catch up with Martin for a quick Q & A.
1. When you were naming your business, what other names did you consider?
We didn’t consider any other names at all. We had the working title “Afronotes” as an internal joke but it was never considered as a branding name.
2. What companies (in a field outside of your own) do you admire?
3. If you could have dinner with any five people (dead or alive) who would you pick and why?
i) Tony Hsieh because of his mind blowing and unique management skills and company culture;
ii) Richard Brandson - He is a great content marketer and I really admire his branding skills;
iii) Jay Z - I’m not a huge fan of Jay Z, but his album launch with Samsung last year got my attention;
iv) Xi Jinping because China is everywhere and still public communication from the state is very limited ; and
v) Warren Buffett - He has spent a lifetime investing in various companies. It would be very exciting to discuss his views on economic opportunity.
4. Which two books would you recommend to our readers?
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh and Good to great by James C. Collins
5. Business books and blogs are awash with habits of successful and effective leaders. What habits/ values have you incorporated into your life/ business that contribute to your effectiveness?
Lead by example.
