Diary 101 Podcast

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe welcomes back Chipepo Phiri , founder of Finance with Chipepo and Lundo Essentials . Chipepo shares how she has shifted her focus from personal finance education and advisory services to building her fragrance business, which sells oil-based perfumes. She reflects on the decision to step away from teaching, rely on her savings and inv...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Esther Beukes , a filmmaker and the youngest and first female chairperson of the Namibia Film Commission. Esther shares her journey into filmmaking, from working as a makeup artist at 16 to exploring wardrobe, production, casting and directing. She reflects on her entrepreneurial spirit, understanding her strengths thro...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Chisanga Puta-Chekwe , a Rhodes Scholar, human rights lawyer, author and President of the Masomo Education Foundation. Drawing from his experiences growing up in colonial-era Zambia and witnessing the country's transition to independence, Chisanga reflects on how Zambia has changed across generations — from education an...

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...

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 con...

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, practic...

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 c...

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 goi...

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. Th...

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...

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 su...

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 prod...

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.

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 b...

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 r...

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 i...

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, f...

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. Akakandelw...

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, netw...

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 sacrif...

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, highlightin...

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...

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 w...

In this solo episode of Diary 101, Akakandelwa gets honest about one of the most under-discussed transitions in young adulthood — life after graduation. Drawing from her own experience of completing an accounting degree, missing her graduation, struggling to find footing in the job market, and eventually choosing to step back and reflect rather than chase traditional employment, she unpacks the re...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Bupe, a finance and investment professional, for a conversation about education, ambition, and navigating growth in unfamiliar spaces. Bupe reflects on how attending Trident College and later studying at the University of Cape Town shaped her perspective on learning, exposure, and discipline beyond academics. Together, t...