Diary 101 Podcast

The Cost of Creating Impact with Matthews Lungu

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 discipline, vision, and intention it takes to create impact that lasts. Together, they unpack the realities of advocacy — from navigating political pressure and resource challenges to sustaining momentum as teams evolve. Akakandelwa reflects on the balance between passion and practicality, especially for young people trying to lead and create change in complex environments. At its core, this episode is about intentional leadership — a reminder that real impact requires not just passion, but clarity, resilience, and the courage to stay grounded in your values.

Prepared for More With Cosmas Mulenga

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 episode is a reminder that what you’re building today may be preparing you for more than you can see.

Stop Applying, Start Positioning With Sandy Simagwali

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 highlights the importance of networking and communicating value beyond just submitting applications. At its core, this episode is a reminder that it’s not just about being qualified — it’s about being seen.

A Little Bit of Everything With Akakandelwa Kandepwe

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 productivity tools like Calendly, and opportunities for women in tech in Zambia. But beyond the structure, this episode is deeply personal — a moment of honesty about navigating change, redefining relationships, and learning to give herself grace in a challenging season. It’s a heartfelt reminder that growth isn’t always loud, but it’s always happening — and sometimes, the most important thing is choosing to keep going.

Building Africa's AI future With Pendo Manjele

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast, Akakandelwa Kandepwe sits down with Pendo, Data Specialist at Sanako 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 Zambia’s current position as a consumer rather than developer of AI technologies, the urgent need for infrastructure, curriculum reform, and research investment, and the importance of homegrown innovation and data sovereignty. Together, they unpack how AI can improve healthcare and education, why Africa must shape its own technological destiny, and what it will take to move from passive adoption to active development in the AI era. Follow Diary 101Podcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diary-101-podcast/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/diary-101-podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D694YUdYX/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1D694YUdYX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diary_101_podcast?igsh=MTdkd2VoZXd1d3Bkcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/diary_101_podcast?igsh=MTdkd2VoZXd1d3Bkcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]