Diary 101 Podcast

Avsnitt

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  Stop Shrinking Yourself to Fit With Nalucha Nganga 13.10.2026 51min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Nalucha Nganga, a lawyer and public policy specialist whose career has spanned human rights, sports governance, conservation and development.Nalucha reflects on her career journey, the mentors and sponsors who shaped her path, and what it takes to prepare for leadership. She shares her perspective on feminism, gender equality, self-care and the importance of creating spaces where people feel heard and empowered.The conversation also explores navigating career transitions, building meaningful relationships, managing expectations and why great leaders surround themselves with people who bring different knowledge and strengths to the table.
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  One Career Was Never Going to Be Enough With Kamota Mayondi-Mazombwe 06.10.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Kamota, a strategic communications professional and wellness advocate who began her career as a Chartered Certified Accountant. Kamota shares her journey from audit and accounting into strategic communications, radio and yoga, including the doubts and uncertainty that came with choosing a less conventional path. The conversation explores career transitions, transferable skills, gaining experience early, choosing learning over salary, and the evolving role of strategic communications through sustainability reporting and measuring impact. Kamota also shares her journey with yoga and wellness, and reflects on the decision that made her proudest: choosing to live life on her own terms.
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  Potential Is Not Enough with Dr. Joshua Chimakula Ngoma 29.09.2026 1h 17min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Chimakula Ngoma, a former mining engineer and social entrepreneur working with the Enterprising Africa Regional Network (EARN). Dr. Ngoma shares his journey from mining into youth development and entrepreneurship, and explains EARN’s approach to developing young agripreneurs through aptitude-based selection, practical business experience, personal development and ecosystem support. The conversation explores the role of technology in modern agriculture, the importance of reframing young people as problem solvers rather than problems to be solved, and why young people should look beyond their degrees to identify problems they can solve.
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  Building your career on your own terms with Mukuka Mayuka-Chanda 22.09.2026 1h 46min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Mukuka, a digital strategist and entrepreneur, to discuss her career journey, mentorship and building a business in Zambia’s digital space. Mukuka shares why she returned to Zambia from Australia to pursue opportunities in the growing social media industry and reflects on the lessons she has learned along the way. The conversation explores meaningful mentorship, setting boundaries, navigating remote work, and using volunteering strategically to build skills, networks and experience. They also discuss career seasons, living intentionally, the value of long-term thinking and what it means to create opportunities for the next generation of digital professionals.
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  The Creative Who Means Business wit Elizabeth Fundafunda 15.09.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Elizabeth Fundafunda, a communication and brand specialist and founder of Memory Lane, to explore entrepreneurship, marketing and creativity. Elizabeth shares her journey of experimenting with different ventures, the realities of building a business in Zambia, and the discipline and accountability required to keep going. They also discuss using AI without losing the human touch, developing strong people skills, and why stepping away from constant online stimulation—and even embracing boredom—can create room for better ideas and personal growth.
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  The Introvert Who Mastered Marketing with Sandra Phiri 08.09.2026 1h 44min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sandra Phiri, Marketing Specialist at Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia, to explore self-awareness, marketing and career growth. Sandra shares how she navigates an extroverted profession as an introvert, her journey from law to marketing, and why project management and critical thinking remain essential in the age of AI. They also discuss personal branding, networking and the importance of understanding yourself as you build your career.
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  Let the Work Speak, with Exploits Mutale 01.09.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Exploits Mutale, entrepreneur and award-winning art director, to explore creativity, career growth, and what it takes to build an unconventional path with intention. Exploits Mutale reflects on how early volunteer experiences, self-taught design, mentorship, and persistence shaped his journey into the creative industry, while also sharing how AI is changing the way creatives work. The conversation moves into the realities of collaboration, industry bias, pricing transparency, relationships, and the importance of nurturing long-term professional connections. Akakandelwa also reflects on ambition, timing, and staying focused on bigger goals even when the path is not straightforward. At its core, this episode is a reminder that creative success is not just about talent — it is about consistency, relationships, adaptability, and having the courage to keep building before everyone else understands the vision.
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  Nobody Taught Us How to Feel, with Thandiwe Sokoni 25.08.2026 1h 33min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Thandiwe Sokoni, a Zambian applied clinical psychologist, about mental health, emotional literacy and psychological safety. They explore stigma around seeking help, generational differences in the workplace, the power of language in understanding emotions, and the barriers young people face when accessing mental health support. At its heart, the conversation asks an important question: Do we have the language to understand what we are feeling?
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  What's Really in Your Food? with Samuel Ayo Oyedemi 18.08.2026 1h 20min

  What does it take to build technology that solves real problems? In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Samuel, entrepreneur and innovation ecosystem builder, to discuss the journey of building SCAP, an AI-powered retail technology company helping consumers make healthier shopping decisions. They explore the importance of solving local problems, adapting products to different markets, and why listening to customer feedback is essential for innovation. The conversation also examines Africa's growing technology ecosystem, entrepreneurship, and the role of purpose-driven businesses in creating lasting impact.
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  Think Critically or Get Left Behind, with Shuko Musemangezhi 11.08.2026 1h 44min

  Today on the Diary 101 Podcast, we’re joined by Shuko Musemangezhi — a global health professional working at the intersection of data, policy, and development across Africa.With experience advising governments, leading data-driven projects, and contributing to health systems strengthening, his work focuses on using evidence to drive real impact in communities.
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  Zambia Has Data. We Just Don't Use It. with Esther Tatenda Zulu 04.08.2026 1h 27min

  How can better data transform businesses, education, and national development? In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Esther Zulu, CEO of PRIS365, about the power of evidence-based decision-making. They discuss why research should come before action, the challenges of data accessibility in Zambia, entrepreneurship, the Data Protection Act, and what it takes to build a data-driven future. Esther also shares practical advice for young entrepreneurs on resilience, systems thinking, and creating lasting impact.
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  Building Tables, Not Just Taking Seats with Mukelabai Mukelabai Jr. 28.07.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe is joined by Mukelabai, a Zambian storyteller and sustainable development advocate, for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, innovation, and creating opportunities for young people. They explore the impact of the AI SDG Design Challenge, discuss why access to opportunities matters more than talent alone, and reflect on the role of emotional intelligence, audacity, and inclusive leadership in driving meaningful change. Together, they challenge young people to move beyond waiting for opportunities and instead become intentional about building systems, creating value, and shaping a future where every voice has the chance to be heard.
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  Marketing Is Not an Afterthought With Phatiswayo Chabwera 21.07.2026 1h 32min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Phatiswayo Chabwera, a marketing executive with over a decade of experience in brand strategy and communications. Together, they explore his journey from banking to marketing, the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, and how AI, changing consumer behavior, and Gen Z are reshaping the industry. They also reflect on the importance of self-awareness, embracing career transitions, and building a life that aligns with both personal and professional ambitions. This conversation is a reminder that lasting careers are built through curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to keep evolving.
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  Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurial Impact with Sandra Kambikambi 14.07.2026 1h 31min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sandra, Founder of MySCAP Resource Centre Limited, MySCAP Academy, and LendingScape, to explore what it really takes to build a business with purpose. Sandra shares her courageous transition from a 14-year corporate career as an accountant and CFO to entrepreneurship, revealing the lessons she learned about resilience, financial literacy, and creating opportunities for others. Together, they discuss the realities of youth employment, the mindset shifts needed for entrepreneurship, and why solving problems—not chasing capital—is the foundation of every successful business. This conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable success begins with the courage to start, the humility to keep learning, and the commitment to create value for others.
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  The Art of Confident Communication with Helen Von Dadelszen 07.07.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Helen Von Dadelszen—communication coach, vocal trainer, author, and public speaking expert—to explore what it truly means to find your voice. From overcoming nerves and managing anxiety to mastering vocal presence and audience connection, Helen shares practical techniques that transform the way we communicate. Akakandelwa reflects on her own speaking journey, the lessons she's still learning, and the power of practice over perfection. This conversation is a reminder that confidence isn't something you wait to feel—it's something you build every time you choose to speak.
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  Building employability with Sibeso Kumwenda 30.06.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sibeso Kumwenda, HR professional, labour law consultant, and Board Chair of Agents of Change Foundation, to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today's job market. From understanding the role of HR to exploring the gap between graduates and employers, Sibeso shares practical insights on employability skills, networking, volunteering, and building a career with intention. Akakandelwa reflects on her own work preparing young people for employment and the importance of developing skills that go beyond academic qualifications. At its core, this episode is a reminder that while qualifications may open the door, it is your attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn that keep it open.
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  The Cost of Leading with integrity with H.E Mary Chirwa 23.06.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Ambassador Mary Chirwa, one of Zambia's most accomplished public servants, whose career spans law enforcement, financial intelligence, anti-corruption leadership, and diplomacy. From losing her parents at a young age to rising from police constable to serving as Zambia's Ambassador, Ambassador Mary reflects on the sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering integrity that shaped her journey. Together, they discuss the realities of leading as a woman, navigating workplace harassment, building institutions rooted in accountability, and transitioning into diplomacy. Akakandelwa reflects on the courage required to choose integrity over convenience and reminds listeners that lasting leadership is built on discipline, consistency, and service—not titles. At its core, this episode is a reminder that true leadership is defined by the values you refuse to compromise.
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  Living A Life Of Service With Akakandelwa Kandepwe 16.06.2026 1h 20min

  In this solo episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe reflects on the life-changing career decisions that shape our journeys and the different ways we choose to serve. Drawing from personal experiences across volunteering, nonprofit work, corporate employment, and entrepreneurship, Akakandelwa explores the relationship between business, public service, and nonprofit work, highlighting how each contributes to society in different ways. Through stories of career transitions, family influences, and lessons learned along the way, she encourages listeners to think intentionally about their long-term goals and the kind of impact they want to make. At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is no single path to success—only the path that aligns with who you are becoming and the service you want to offer the world.
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  Nerd Culture and Building in the Gaming Industry from Scratch With Dennis Banda 09.06.2026 1h 39min

  In this episode of Diary 101, Akakandelwa sits down with Dennis Banda — Zambian game producer, & writer, — to explore the world of gaming, nerd culture, and what it means to build an industry from scratch in Zambia. Dennis traces his journey from studying architecture in Australia to working as a school secretary upon returning home, and how that unexpected detour led him to help create Zambia's nerd culture community through organisations like Nerd Otaku and Lusaka Comic-Con. He opens up about the real challenges of game development in Zambia — from load shedding and skills shortages to securing corporate sponsorship — while making a compelling case for why gaming is far more than entertainment. From tangential learning and social skills development to corporate team building and Africa's untapped potential in the global gaming market, Dennis paints a picture of an industry on the edge of something big. He also shares his thoughts on AI's growing impact on game creation, the power of audacity in networking, and why young African game developers hold a uniquely valuable perspective the world hasn't fully discovered yet.
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  Six Rejections and a Foundation Built on Purpose with Dr Genesis Mwamba 02.06.2026 1h 29min

  In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Genesis, medical doctor, humanitarian, and founder of the Lead Me Back Foundation, for a conversation about purpose, service, and resilience. From balancing medicine and nonprofit leadership to building a foundation inspired by her late mother’s belief in education, Dr. Genesis shares the realities behind impact work — including rejection, empathy, storytelling, and the discipline of prioritizing what matters most. Akakandelwa reflects on the value of exposure, persistence, and creating opportunities for young people to grow beyond their circumstances. At its core, this episode is a reminder that purpose is not built in perfect conditions — it is shaped through service, sacrifice, and choosing to keep going.