When I graduated with my master’s degree in October 2024, one particular moment stayed with me—a call to action from H.E. President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, that challenged my perspective on what it means to truly engage with the world around me. Standing before us, he spoke not of grades or accolades but of a skill he believed was sorely lacking: conscientiousness.
In his keynote address to us as the Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology, he told us, “The president of India is visiting right now, and I can bet that most of you do not know this, let alone care about what is being discussed or what outcomes might emerge from this engagement.” It wasn’t a rebuke as much as it was a sobering reflection. His words weren’t just about a single diplomatic event; they pointed to a broader societal apathy—a lack of engagement and curiosity that ripples across every sector of our lives.
That moment made me reflect deeply, and even now, it shapes the way I view not just my own actions but the systems we live in. As I shared in a recent tweet, the actions of every few eventually lead to macro outcomes.
I am not just being cynical. I’ve seen it firsthand—whether it’s professionals, business owners, or even students, our conversations, our priorities, and yes, even our social media activity reflect the larger health (or dysfunction) of the economy.
But what does it mean to be conscientious, and why does it matter?
Awareness is the First Step
Conscientiousness begins with awareness—not just of the world around us but of how our individual actions (or inactions) contribute to larger outcomes. In a country like Malawi, where challenges often feel insurmountable, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “What difference can I make?” But the truth is, economies are built—or broken—on the collective actions of individuals.
When we don’t care about governance, corruption thrives. When we overlook inefficiencies in business, growth stagnates. When we dismiss global engagements, we miss out on opportunities that could shape our future. Awareness isn’t just about knowing what’s wrong; it’s about understanding how we can be part of the solution.
From Reflection to Action
In my career, I’ve worked across sectors—from founding organizations to navigating the corridors of international institutions like the United Nations. One thing I’ve learned is that conscientiousness isn’t just about big actions; it’s about consistent, thoughtful decisions. It’s about showing up, asking questions, and holding ourselves accountable.
For example, when I think about my recent frustrations managing operations, it’s a microcosm of a larger issue: systems fall apart when people aren’t conscientious. Whether it’s a tenant ignoring a lease agreement or a staff member overlooking critical details, the ripple effects are real. But instead of resigning to the chaos, I’ve chosen to reset and refocus, creating systems that prioritize accountability and long-term growth.
Why Conscientiousness Matters for Progress
At its core, conscientiousness is about ownership—of our roles, our actions, and our impact. It’s about caring enough to ask, “How can I do better?” and then taking steps to make it happen. For young professionals, it means investing in skills and knowledge, not just for personal gain but to contribute meaningfully to society. For leaders, it means creating environments where conscientiousness is rewarded and apathy is challenged.
Imagine what could happen if more of us chose to be conscientious—if we paid attention to the details, questioned inefficiencies, and cared deeply about outcomes. It’s not just a mindset; it’s a strategy for building stronger systems, healthier economies, and more resilient communities.
As I look ahead, I’m committed to fostering conscientiousness in all the spaces I occupy—from mentoring young professionals to collaborating on global initiatives. But this isn’t just about me. It’s a call to all of us to reflect on how we show up in our lives and our work.
The next time you see something that feels broken, instead of walking past it, ask yourself, “What can I do to fix it?” Start small. Start local. But most importantly, start. Because progress isn’t a miracle; it’s a million small, conscientious actions building on one another.
So, I leave you with the same challenge the president left us: Be more curious. Be more engaged. Be more conscientious. The future depends on it.
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