It’s been a while since I truly sat down to write and share the full story of my life over the past year. If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably seen glimpses of my journey—through photos, short captions, and stories.
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting deeply on the growth, transitions, and lessons that have shaped me.
A Year of Milestones and Transitions
Over the past 3 years, I’ve transitioned from working with the UNDP Independent Evaluation Office in New York (where I was privileged to lead knowledge coordination for The Global SDG Synthesis Coalition), to pursuing my MBA at the Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business. I will in the near future be joining Microsoft as Business Development Manager.
Following a decade+ of being a blogger (/digital creator), I built 3 companies, two of which are non-profit organisations. You can learn more about them, and how you can work with me here:
January: a 5 Country Escade
The year began with me in Malawi visiting my family; which was followed by a five-country trip, including Maputo for the Sound Connects Fund Conference, and immediately after a visit to Cape Town. It was a time of inspiration, reflection, and setting the tone for what was to come. Traveling to Maputo gave me the chance to engage with innovative ideas, while Cape Town, my late mother’s favorite city, allowed me to honor her memory and reflect on the paths that led me here.
April: Closing a Chapter
Back in April, I completed my graduate programme with the UNDP in New York City. I remember walking out of the office on the 4th of April, feeling like the weight of years of work and perseverance had finally lifted. It wasn’t an easy journey—it came with sleepless nights, a lot of self-doubt, and moments where I questioned why I had embarked on the programme in the first place. Looking at my life now, I get into the appreciation of why things happened in the ways that they did, and I realize it was all worth it.
Graduating wasn’t just about the degree—it was about growth, endurance, and stepping into the next phase of my life. For months, I had been juggling the demands of my studies, managing my business, and keeping up with other personal commitments. By April, I was exhausted yet exhilarated, knowing I had finally closed a significant chapter in my life.
April to July: Back Home in Malawi
Immediately after completing the programme, I packed my bags and flew home to Malawi. There’s something indescribably comforting about going home—about being surrounded by family, familiar sights, and a sense of belonging. After spending so much time away, I was reminded of why I love Malawi so deeply.
I threw myself into meaningful projects during my time there. The months between May and July were packed with events and initiatives, from overseeing programs at the Ntha Foundation to attending local events that celebrated Malawian creativity and innovation. One of the highlights was seeing young people across the country embrace digital skills and entrepreneurial mindsets—a passion of mine that has grown stronger with each passing year.
Being home was, for me. more than just about work. My dad had been yearning to spend time with me, and I was glad to be in the country for a few months. It was a time of grounding and reconnecting with the simpler joys of life. I savored Malawian food (beef shin and Lake Malawi’s Chambo will forever have my heart), soaked in the warmth of family time, and reflected on how far I’d come. The 4 months were a period of gratitude and intention-setting for what was to come.
August: New Beginnings in Michigan
Come August, I was on the move again—this time, trading the fast-paced life of New York City for the quieter, more intentional life of Michigan. This move marked the start of my MBA journey, a decision I had contemplated for a long time.
Why the MBA, you ask?
For me, this wasn’t just about advancing my career or adding another credential to my name. It was about honing the skills I needed to scale my businesses and make an even greater impact. I’ve always been passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of technology, but I wanted to refine my ability to manage businesses, lead teams, and create sustainable change. The MBA was the next logical step—a bridge between the person I was and the leader I aspire to become.
The MBA
The past few months of the MBA have been… a lot. It’s been intense, exciting, humbling, and everything in between. Transitioning from the world of management and big-picture thinking back into an academic environment was no small feat. I had to retrain myself to slow down and analyze the nitty-gritty details of case studies, financial models, and supply chain strategies.
Finance, in particular, has been a steep learning curve for me. There were moments when I felt like I was drowning in formulas and calculations, but those moments were also when I grew the most. My corporate finance class, with its emphasis on discounted cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, and capital budgeting, was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It reminded me why I came here in the first place—to sharpen my analytical skills and emerge stronger.
But the MBA hasn’t been all academics. It’s also been about building connections. I’ve met some incredible classmates—future leaders and changemakers from all over the world. Conversations with them have expanded my perspectives and reminded me of the power of collaboration. We’ve tackled group projects, networked with top companies, and bonded over shared struggles (and triumphs) of MBA life.
Recognition and Opportunities
This year, I was honored to be named among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent at the 79th UNGA and won the Best International Youth Empowerment Award at the African Achievement Awards. These recognitions reaffirm the importance of the work we do at the Ntha Foundation, Kwathu Kollective, and Bien Corporation Africa.
Another highlight was securing a role as Business Development Manager with Microsoft Xbox for my summer MBA internship—a full-circle moment for me, as my earliest memory of technology was the Microsoft logo on my late mother’s computer.
Personal Growth and Lessons Learned
This year has been one of profound personal growth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth often comes in uncomfortable packages. Moving to Michigan, starting the MBA, and balancing everything else in my life hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.
Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away from this season:
- Balance is a Myth: There were times when I felt like I was failing at everything—school, work, personal relationships. But I’ve learned that life isn’t about perfect balance. It’s about prioritizing what matters most in the moment.
- It’s Okay to Slow Down: As someone who’s always juggling a million things, I’ve realized the value of slowing down. Whether it’s taking a walk to process my thoughts, spending an evening decorating my home, or simply taking a nap, rest is essential.
- Community is Everything: From my family in Malawi to my classmates in Michigan, I’ve leaned on my community more than ever this year. Their support has been my anchor.
Looking Ahead: 2025
As I move forward, I’m excited for the next phase—more MBA milestones, expanding my businesses, and continuing to uplift communities through Ntha Foundation, the Kwathu Kollective, and Bien Corporation Africa. I will also be joining the Michigan State University School of Engineering as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and focusing on research in the gaming industry and interactive storytelling in preparation for my internship with Xbox.
I also want to take a moment to thank you—my readers, supporters, and community. Your encouragement forever keeps me going, even on the toughest days.
The year 2025 finds me turning 30, and for some reason, I want to reserve some moments just for me. I plan to take a digital sabbatical to reset for 2025, but if you miss me, I will be just an email away: nthanda@kwathucentre.org.
Until next time,
Ntha
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