Diary 101 Podcast

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.