Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Brian Sanya Mondoh Esq | Dual Qualified Barrister and Attorney at Law

Blue Ocean: Please share with us about your professional life and why you chose to work in the legal industry?

Brian: My career path has woven together different experiences that have shaped my professional journey. After completing high school in 2006, I applied to study psychology at university since I have always been fascinated by non-verbal behaviour and how the human mind works.

Law had always fascinated me and was always my first love, however, my path to law school in Kenya hit a roadblock due to local curricular requirements as I had undertaken Cambridge IGCSEs as opposed to the local 8-4-4 system (as it was then). Because of this, I joined Daystar University, a private university in 2007 to study psychology while keeping my law aspirations alive.

At the same time, I indulged my passion for deejaying, rising to become a celebrity DJ in Kenya’s buzzing entertainment scene. While deejaying had granted me popularity and success, my ambition urged me to explore other avenues that would push my boundaries and elevate me further.

Eager to achieve greater heights, my friend Jazzani and I co-founded East Africa’s first online radio station, “Monster Radio” in around 2008. Supported by investors including my Dad, this venture not only cultivated my entrepreneurial acuity but also bolstered my financial literacy. My collaboration with BlackStar Entertainment, co-hosting “Rush Live!” on Nation TV (Kenya) and Urban Threat Radio further amplified my influence. 

In 2014, I relocated to England, heeding my mother’s advice to lead a more secure and financially stable lifestyle. To finance this move, I liquidated Monster Radio and received financial support from my parents and an international scholarship from the Law School at Nottingham Trent University.

After finishing my undergraduate degree, I switched to focus on becoming a Barrister, with the intention of specialising in Intellectual Property and Commercial law. God favoured me yet again, and Nottingham Law School awarded me the Dean’s Scholarship to undertake my Barrister’s Professional Training Course (‘BPTC’).

My parents and Aunt Rosemell teamed up to support my maintenance and upkeep. After being admitted to the UK bar, the path to securing pupillage (legal apprenticeship) in Intellectual Property and Commercial law Chambers was tough, but my determination and support from friends and mentors opened opportunities in the Caribbean.

In 2018, I undertook the six-month law conversion course at Hugh Wooding Law School, and was admitted to the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago after being awarded the Council of Legal Education Certificate (L.E.C). The L.E.C enables one to practise law throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean without further academic qualification.

I explored artificial intelligence and blockchain, fascinated by their potential impacts on the law. Intrigued by the legal applications of these technologies, I explored the transformative implications of blockchain ledgers and smart contracts on international trade. In 2022, I moved back to the UK to undertake a PhD in law at the University of Nottingham, conducting research on the application of Distributed Ledgers (DLTs) such as blockchain and smart contracts in enhancing trust and data integrity in public procurement.

This niche specialisation has propelled me into the role of a thought leader, resulting in invitations to speak at global forums. Infact, I was speaking at a major event in Jamaica in June 2023, when I met Sameer Somal, Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk, who shares my commitment towards empowering women and children through technology.

Blue Ocean: Could you take us through how your typical day looks?

Brian: My day begins with a meditation session, paving the way for a productive and focused day ahead. This quiet time allows me to clear my mind and think about the positive things I want in my life, like abundance, love and protection for my family. Next, I ensure I have a hearty and nutritious breakfast of carbs, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, which gives me the energy for the busy day ahead. 

Once my personal morning routine is complete, I transition into work mode. Most of my work is carried out in my home or Chambers’ office, where I immerse myself in a wide range of tasks and my responsibilities vary from day to day. This ranges from working on my PhD research as I am a full time student, handling my legal practice caseload, to overseeing business ventures in different countries.

Despite the diverse and busy nature of my work, I always make it a point to carve some time for myself. My alone time is critical for deep thinking, coming up with new ideas and strategies.

Gym and swimming plays a significant role in my daily routine. I spend at least 45 minutes to an hour in the pool. Swimming is not just a workout for me, but also a mental exercise. It allows me to disconnect from any stress and negativity, ensuring I am mentally prepared for the tasks ahead.

When the day gets hectic, I disconnect from the world by listening to grounding frequencies and taking ‘power’ naps. I also prioritise personal life amidst my professional commitments. I always make sure to find time to spend with my partner and two daughters. These moments help me connect with them and cherish our relationship.

Finally, before I retire for the day, I follow a bedtime routine that helps me unwind and align my energy for the following day. I plug in my earphones and listen to soothing frequencies overnight. This not only helps me relax and get into deep sleep but also sets the tone for a positive next day.

Blue Ocean: How do you differentiate yourself from people in your career and what underpins your success?

Brian: Raised in a diverse environment, I learned early on the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life. This upbringing taught me to always be respectful to everyone I meet, regardless of their social background. Along the way, I realised that being genuine and showing good character is what truly matters. 

In the legal world, filled with traditional customs and practices and being a member of various prestigious societies, I sometimes found the challenge of integration daunting, particularly coming from a humble background. However, navigating this complex landscape has taught me that genuineness is more appreciated than a farcical facade, a lesson that has been invaluable in my professional journey.

These experiences have shaped my approach to all my interactions. I strive to remain approachable, grounded, and focused on making a positive impact. Furthermore, my unique life experiences and the valuable knowledge I have gained allow me to fit in comfortably and sustain conversations in any room.

At social events and conferences, I do not aim to impress with rehearsed pitches. Instead, I let my authenticity shine through, allowing people to see the real me. This sincere approach has led me to form lasting connections and build meaningful relationships. Although I occasionally grapple with feelings of anxiety or impostor syndrome, I concentrate on staying true to myself, which has proven to be instrumental in my success.

Blue Ocean: What would you change if you could go back in time?

Brian: If I had the chance to turn back time, I might contemplate adjusting some aspects of my life journey, perhaps starting my legal education and training sooner. Nevertheless, I value the unique experiences and diverse background that have contributed to who I am today. This has given me rich life knowledge and honed my business instincts. For instance, my time as a professional DJ has instilled in me the diligence to work hard and face challenges head-on to stay competitive.

Life paths, I believe, are purposefully given to us to shape our destiny. A recent event I attended is a perfect example. My passion for music and deejaying piqued the curiosity of the organisers, and they invited me to showcase my DJ skills post my speaking session. This allowed me to reveal a unique part of who I am, differentiating me from the rest. From this, I secured other business and public speaking opportunities.

However, my life has not been all victories, and I have had my share of losses. Life often comes with setbacks, but I view these instances as learning opportunities for major comebacks. They are the stepping stones that help me grow stronger and more resilient. Even now, at this stage of my life, I still face challenges. But facing them with grit helps me improve and bounce back stronger.

There are times when several things do not go according to plan. It is essential to understand that we cannot control everything. Fear of the unknown should definitely not deter us from seizing new opportunities. I have had experiences that have led me across countries like Scotland, Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. These experiences have allowed me to interact with other cultures and forge lasting relationships that I would never have had if I did not have the appetite to take calculated risks.

Embracing my global citizen attitude, which is reinforced by my strong connections with Africa, the UK and the Caribbean has enabled me to make a positive impact in sustainable futures and educational tech projects. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude. Even with its challenges, my journey has shaped me into who I am today – a versatile individual committed to achieving greater heights.

Blue Ocean: What are the few things that you are grateful for in life?

Brian: I am deeply grateful for my life and the many lessons that have come with it. Most of all, I cherish my two daughters. As a Dad, my greatest motivation is to secure a bright future for them. In all my engagements, I keep their best interests in mind and close at heart, ensuring my work is both sustainable and beneficial for generations to come. My daughters give me purpose and drive to keep pushing forward.

I am also thankful for the wonderful people who are in my life. Whether my partner,  friends, family, or colleagues, their support and constructive criticism contributes to my life even during challenges. A recent near-death experience provided me with a profound perspective on the value of life and the importance of balance and self-care while chasing success.

As a result, I fully embrace the practice of cultivating positivity, intention, and manifesting goals. This also taught me to switch off, ground myself and be comfortable in my own space. This outlook has led me to incredible opportunities, collaborations, and projects aimed at making a difference. 

Being deliberate and intentional in my pursuits has brought me fulfilment. For instance, one of these intentional endeavours is my partnership with Sameer in our collaboration on the Blockchain Lex Group and Girl Power Talk and project. This project is flourishing into a global phenomenon, impacting lives positively, and expanding our vision for empowering women and children in various developing countries.

Blue Ocean: What mantra do you live by?

Brian: The mantra that guides my life is simple yet powerful: “If I die today, I want my daughters to know that I have done them proud.” Being a parent has been a significant driving force in my life–particularly with my first daughter, whom I had at a young age.

Every decision I make, every endeavour I undertake, is fueled by the desire to create a better world for my daughters. I strive to be a source of pride and inspiration for them. 

This early responsibility has motivated me to make impactful changes in the world, ensuring a sustainable future for my children and leaving a positive legacy behind. Knowing that they can look back and see a Dad who worked tirelessly to make a difference gives me purpose and a sense of fulfilment.

Blue Ocean: What is a useful lesson that you have learnt in your industry?

Brian: The emerging tech landscape is constantly changing. Claiming expertise in any one area is challenging because there is continuous learning and innovation. New advancements happen faster than rules and norms can keep up. So we have to stay adaptable to stay relevant. This fast evolution promotes openness, collaboration, and recognising no one knows everything.

Therefore, learning from others, considering different views, and staying social and empathetic is key. AI tools such as ChatGPT clearly demonstrate how fast technology can advance. This tool was barely known in non-tech circles towards the end of last year. Now it is prominent and well known to the world at large. This shows how much the world can change in just six months.

Even amidst rapid change, it is important to acknowledge our shared humanity. Interacting with different people does not just broaden our understanding, but also strengthens the bonds between us.

Notably, COVID-19 accelerated the uptake of technology in institutions and also paved the way for revolutionary business models. It also highlighted our interconnectedness. Facing shared challenges, we realised the importance of uniting, supporting each other, and seeking common purpose. Though different, at our core we are one people. That is how united human beings should be every day.