Diary 101 Podcast

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...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Solomon Valor Mulanda — nuclear power engineer, future legal counsel, public speaker, and co-founder of Valas Training Institute — for a conversation about communication, identity, and the discipline of becoming. Solomon reflects on his journey from engineering into law and communication training, sharing how he learned...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Irene Chikatula, social justice advocate and feminist leader, to explore her work empowering women and girls in rural Zambia. They discuss the realities of leadership in underserved communities, the misconceptions around feminism, and her decision to run for council chairperson. At its core, this episode is a reminder th...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Brandon Gift Siagumpa, entrepreneur and educator, to explore leadership, education, and self-awareness. Brandon shares insights on Zambia’s evolving education system, the opportunities within the new curriculum, and the challenges young leaders face — especially emotional burnout and understanding their own character. At...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Matthew Lungu, youth advocate and founder of the Visionary Students Initiative (VSI), for a conversation that goes beyond advocacy and into purpose, leadership, and responsibility. Matthew shares his journey from a values-driven upbringing to building VSI from a university club into a national platform, highlighting the...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Cosmas Mulenga, sports journalist and media personality, to explore his journey into storytelling and media. From childhood passions in art, music, and football to stepping into the spotlight through the Diamond TV presenter search, Cosmas shares the discipline, growth, and alignment behind his success. At its core, this...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sandy Simagwali , HR professional and founder of Graft AI, to explore how young people can better position themselves for opportunities. Sandy shares his journey into career development and breaks down common CV mistakes, the value of volunteering, and how to use AI effectively in job applications. The conversation also...

In this special 100th episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe pauses to reflect on the journey — the growth, the lessons, and the person she’s becoming along the way. Through her newsletter A Little Bit of Everything, she shares five meaningful touchpoints: a reminder on commitment, reflections from The Art of Spending Money, thoughts on AI and the future of work, simple productivit...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Pendo, Data Specialist at Zanaco Plc and Co-founder of Ubuntu AI, to explore the future of artificial intelligence in Zambia and across Africa. Pendo shares her journey from software engineering to data science, the realities women face in STEM, and why resilience and community matter in tech. The conversation dives into...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Beliya Bukuru , digital strategist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Yellow Ray, to explore a decade-long journey of building purpose-driven businesses and communities. Beliya shares her path from social media intern to agency founder, the power of faith-led entrepreneurship, and why self-awareness is critical when choos...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Dora Siliya, former Cabinet Minister, lawyer, and author, to discuss her journey in public service and leadership. Dr. Siliya reflects on breaking barriers as a young woman in Zambian politics and diplomacy, sharing lessons on preparation, confidence, and the discipline required to succeed in demanding leadership rol...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa sits down with Patience Chisanga -Mayer to explore the power of authentic communication, resilience, and intentional personal growth. Patience shares her journey from studying at the University of Zambia to delivering a TEDx talk inspired by the principle of loving yourself enough to communicate honestly without harming others. They discuss th...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Julius Luwaya, founder of Peza Foods, to unpack his journey from aspiring NGO professional to food entrepreneur. Julius shares how rejection in 2021 became the catalyst for launching Peza Foods — now a growing retailer of traditional and forest foods, including legally sourced game meat. The conversation explores the re...

This week, Akakandelwa Kandepwe celebrates the 2-year anniversary of the Diary 101 Podcast — a platform built on raw, honest conversations designed to inspire young people to invest in their potential. Over the past two years, the journey has included:✨ Consistent weekly releases (even through technical glitches)💰 Navigating budget constraints and limited resources❌ Facing guest rejections and...

In this Diary 101 Podcast episode, I speak with Dr. Ibrahim Batalingaya , a medical doctor and health equity advocate from Tanzania, about reimagining healthcare access in Africa. We discuss: 💡 How personal experience inspired CareLink, a real-time patient monitoring platform 📊 Using simple tech (USSD & smartphones) to improve chronic care 🤍 RHCI and the power of crowdfunding to fund life-s...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Choolwe Luwamya , Community Engagement Officer at the Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia, about building a purpose-driven career in conservation. Choolwe shares her journey into community-led conservation, the role of mentorship and networking in shaping her career, and why emotional intelligence, communication,...

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In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Dr. Daniel Kabani , pharmacist, educator, and author, to explore the art of networking, leadership, and personal growth. Dr. Kabani shares practical strategies for effective networking — from crafting a strong elevator pitch to understanding etiquette when engaging high-profile individuals. The conversation expands...