Maxima's Tales: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Builders
Every week, I share a folk tale from Africa, Asia, or the Americas - and extract the business lesson hidden inside.
I'm Maxima, founder of Livara, Stanford MBA student, and a storyteller who believes the best business advice doesn't come from case studies. It comes from civilizations that survived thousands of years.
Each 30-minute episode brings you:
• One ancient story, told with humor and heart
• The wisdom our ancestors knew (that we forgot)
• How it applies to building businesses, raising families, and living well
This is for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone building something that matters.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Maxima's Tales: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Builders
The Spider Who Outsmarted God | Anansi (Ghana)
What if a spider could teach you more about negotiation than an MBA?
In this episode, I take you to West Africa - to the Akan people of Ghana - to tell you the story of Anansi, a tiny spider who climbed to heaven, faced four impossible challenges, and won the most valuable prize in existence: all the world's stories.
But this isn't just a folk tale. It's a masterclass in strategic thinking.
You'll learn:
- Why studying psychology beats studying strength
- How resourcefulness defeats resources every time
- The difference between 75% and 100% completion (hint: it's everything)
Whether you're pitching to investors, competing against giants, or facing an "impossible" goal - Anansi has something to teach you.
Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, parents, anyone who's ever felt too small to win.
🎧 Listen time: 32 minutes
Next episode: The Two Wolves (Cherokee) - Which wolf wins? The answer will change how you think about every choice you make.