AI-Driven Creative Matching Revolutionizes Big Brands’ Hiring Process, Connecting Skilled Africans to Opportunities
Ronnie Kwesi Coleman, the CEO and co-founder of Meaningful Gigs, is on a mission to revolutionize the way large enterprises connect with highly-skilled African creatives. By pioneering creative matching through their AI-driven technology, Meaningful Gigs is connecting big brands like Google, Amazon, and Starbucks with creative talent in Africa.
Coleman’s journey to this career path has been a rollercoaster ride. Originally from Accra, Ghana, he had dreams of attending university in the US to open doors to better job opportunities. Despite facing unexpected family circumstances that forced him to drop out of university, he persevered and took up odd jobs to make ends meet. It was during this challenging time that a friend and future investor, Gerald Fils, saw his potential and encouraged him to enter the tech industry.
Driven by his passion for making a meaningful impact, Coleman stumbled upon staggering statistics that highlighted the growth potential of Africa’s workforce. With Africa projected to contribute more people to the global workforce annually than any other region by 2035, Coleman saw an opportunity to connect skilled African creatives with job opportunities. In 2019, he co-founded Meaningful Gigs with Steph Nachemja-Bunton and Max Farago to fulfill this need while making a real impact.
Meaningful Gigs has already made over 1,000 successful matches between African creatives and international enterprises. Last year, the company secured $6 million in seed funding, allowing them to expand their team and invest in AI-driven technology to further enhance their platform. Renowned companies like Google, Meta, and Johnson & Johnson are among their customers.
However, like many entrepreneurs, Coleman faced significant challenges along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed a considerable hurdle. Despite running out of cash and facing uncertainty, Coleman and his team persevered. He took on the daunting task of fundraising $1 million during the pandemic, conducting over 400 conversations through Zoom. After facing numerous rejections, they eventually secured the necessary funds and continued to grow.
To unwind after a long day of work, Coleman spends time with his family and indulges in his passion for chess. He also emphasizes the importance of networking, collaboration, and believing in oneself for young Africans aspiring to pursue a career in the creative industry. He encourages them to surround themselves with like-minded individuals, seek mentorship, embrace failures as stepping stones to success, and never be afraid to take calculated risks.
As Meaningful Gigs reshapes the future of creative work globally, Coleman aims to create 100,000 skilled jobs for Africans by 2028. By leveraging AI-driven technology, the company strives to simplify and streamline the hiring process while ensuring talented Africans are connected to the opportunities they deserve.
In conclusion, Ronnie Kwesi Coleman’s journey from Ghana to revolutionizing how big brands connect with African creatives is a testament to his determination and passion for making a meaningful impact. Through Meaningful Gigs, he aims to bridge the gap between skilled African creatives and job opportunities, creating a brighter future for the continent’s workforce.
