Diary 101 Podcast

In this New Year episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe reflects on 2025 as a year of survival, freedom, and deep personal growth. She shares how securing a role with flexible terms reshaped her outlook on work and life, allowing her to travel, reconnect with her roots, and embrace a simpler way of living despite financial and health challenges. As she looks ahead to 2026, Ak...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with international product leader and author Radhika Dutt to explore the philosophy behind Radical Product Thinking and the power of vision-driven innovation. Radhika shares how her upbringing in apartheid South Africa, her engineering education at MIT, and her global career shaped her systematic approach to building pro...

In this heartfelt end-of-year episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Faren to reflect on the year’s wins, lessons, and quiet milestones. The conversation weaves through favorite Christmas traditions, global friendships formed through shared experiences abroad, and the beauty of community across cultures. Together, they explore themes of self-discovery, grief, g...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Vera Mlia - Sheriff , a creative artist and YALI alumna, to discuss how art, education, and innovation can drive social change. Vera shares her journey from finding validation through the YALI Fellowship and being recognized by Trevor Noah , to embracing self-worth, collaboration, and the power of consistency. Toge...

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...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Kuzipa Makwaza Nantanga — environmental health advocate, author of Little Dreamer , and youth leader — about balancing multiple roles and finding purpose. They dive into the realities of managing school, advocacy, and leadership responsibilities while maintaining personal growth and joy in youth. Kuzipa shares lessons...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Marshal Mulanda , economist, public speaker, and branding strategist, to explore youth empowerment, leadership, and personal growth. Marshal shares his journey through the YALI Public Management and Governance Program , his work with the Zambia National STEM Foundation , and his mission to equip students with indus...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Mwiche , founder of Green Giraffe , to explore her inspiring journey from banking to entrepreneurship. Mwiche shares how she built Green Giraffe into a climate-conscious snack brand empowering Zambian farmers through innovation and sustainability. The two discuss financial literacy, personal development, and bridgi...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Sibeso Mofya , Zambia’s first female dual scholar and Chevening recipient, to discuss her inspiring journey in finance and technology. Sibeso shares what drew her to a career in finance, her views on the future of work, and how FinTech can transform Zambia’s economy . The conversation explores career transitions, s...

In this episode of Diary 101, we dive into a conversation with Chipepo Phiri, founder of Finance with Chipepo. This conversation unpacks the complexities of money within relationships, friendships, and parenting, shedding light on how emotional and psychological factors shape our spending habits. Chipepo shares her journey into finance, along with personal finance management principles that anyone...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa Kandepwe speaks with Sibeso Mofya , Zambia’s first female dual scholar and a Chevening and Mansion House Scholar, about authentic networking, leadership, and empowerment. Sibeso shares her inspiring journey — from rejection to becoming a scholar, from corporate finance to women’s empowerment through When Females Lead . Together, they disc...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe and Kabwe Yambayamba dive into a heartfelt conversation on self-discovery, personal growth, and the evolving role of education in Africa. Kabwe reflects on her journey of embracing her identity as a changemaker, educator, and community leader, while sharing lessons from her leadership as the youngest female JCI Zambia president. Toget...

In this special birthday episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , host Akakandelwa “Aka” Kandepwe reflects on turning a year older and celebrating the podcast’s second birthday. Aka opens up about navigating her mid-20s — from redefining purpose and dealing with societal “shoulds” to outgrowing friendships and embracing change. With her signature honesty and humor, she explores identity, self-awareness,...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Steven Puri — a former IBM software engineer, DreamWorks executive, and now founder of Sukha , a productivity tool designed to help people achieve flow states. Steven shares his journey from building tech for blockbuster films like Independence Day and Braveheart to creating solutions for focus, motivation, and meaningf...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with poet, musician, and author Ludo Freshe to explore her journey from studying accounting to pursuing a creative career in writing, music, and marketing. Ludo opens up about her memoir Ludo , which addresses mental health, resilience, and life choices, as well as her decision to remove an earlier poetry album guided by spi...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Christina Malake to reflect on their shared journey in environmental volunteering and climate change advocacy. Christina shares insights from her 15-year career in conservation education, including her current role as Education Coordinator at Game Rangers International. Together, they discuss their experiences as climat...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa Kandepwe chats with Sandra about her journey from Belgium to Zambia, building networks across Africa, and the power of adaptability. Sandra shares insights on mentorship, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, highlighting how behind-the-scenes work can create big opportunities for young people. She also gives a glimpse into her upcoming e-book f...

In this episode of Diary 101, Akakandelwa sits down with entrepreneur John Soneka to unpack his journey from corporate life in Zambia and Canada to building his company, Zux Designs. They reflect on the challenges of Zambia’s entrepreneurial landscape—access to capital, information gaps, and high loan costs—while also celebrating progress in tech adoption, SME support, and hubs like BongoHive. Tog...

In this episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa chats with Nuria about creativity beyond art, her journey into photography, and their shared dream of living closer to nature. They also explore climate literacy through play-based learning and the importance of preparing children for environmental stewardship. The conversation dives into the challenges of donor-driven funding for African CSOs, the need f...

In this episode of The Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa sits down with Cydian, a water scientist and father of three, to discuss the often-overlooked realities of water quality and access. They explore the gap between legal and healthy water standards, the science behind effective water treatment, and the role clean water plays in promoting gender equality and reducing infant mortality. The convers...

In this rich and reflective episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa sits down with Mwaka, host of The Duwit Podcast , to explore the realities of Zambia’s creative landscape and the entrepreneurial spirit behind building platforms that spotlight local talent. They unpack the cultural stigma around creative careers, barriers to salary transparency, and the struggles of navigating a saturated job market....

In this heartfelt episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa and Eunice dive deep into reflections on friendship, personal growth, and life transitions. They unpack everything from wedding experiences and setting healthy relationship boundaries to affirmations, professional development, and the power of honesty. The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of friendship, work-life balance, and intentio...

In this heartfelt episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa and Eunice dive deep into reflections on friendship, personal growth, and life transitions. They unpack everything from wedding experiences and setting healthy relationship boundaries to affirmations, professional development, and the power of honesty. The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of friendship, work-life balance, and intentio...

In this episode, Akakandelwa sits down with Mantate for a heartfelt conversation exploring the cultural significance of their names, the power of women’s leadership, and the impact of education in empowering young girls. They unpack Mantate’s journey from growing up in Zimbabwe to founding First Step Today Africa, an organization dedicated to building leadership capacity and institutional strength...

In this insightful episode, Akakandelwa sits down with Khushu Chanda, a mother of three and former early childhood teacher turned founder of EduPac Solutions, to explore the gaps and opportunities in Zambia’s education system. They unpack the stark divide between private/international and government schools, especially in adapting to digital learning and AI, and highlight the need for better infra...