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 investments while developing the business, and navigate the realities of running a product-based business in Zambia.

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 through the Working Genius framework, and navigating leadership in an evolving African film industry.

The conversation explores the challenges facing African filmmakers, the importance of supporting local content, gatekeeping and information-sharing, and what it takes to create change from positions of influence. Esther also reflects on career transitions, personal growth and building a life that aligns with your values.

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 and healthcare to infrastructure, politics and national identity. The conversation explores Zambia's political history, the importance of strong institutions, national unity, the role of young people and the responsibility that comes with privilege. Chisanga also shares his hopes for Zambia's future, including greater use of the country's tourism potential, stronger engagement with the diaspora and continued investment in education through initiatives such as the Masomo Education Foundation. A conversation about remembering where Zambia has come from, understanding where it is today, and thinking seriously about where it could go next.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.