Writings
Recent
How to Get a Job at the United Nations: Insights from a Former UN Young Professional
My journey into the UN was the culmination of years of preparation, learning, and quiet hope. Today, after having served honorably at UN Headquarters (UNHQ) and pivoting to private sector with Microsoft, I want to share everything I know about getting into the UN — especially if you are dreaming of beginning your career there.
Courage to Begin Again: 1 Year Post UN
When I moved to New York City in 2022 to join the United Nations, it was both a culmination and an upheaval. I was leaving behind a thriving company I had built — a life I loved — and stepping into the unknown in a new country, a new system, with a heavy heart.
From Staple to Luxury: Cravings Gourmet Popcorn (Reflecting on Markets, Convenience, and Entrepreneurship)
As I stepped into Cravings Gourmet Popcorn, a Black-owned business in Lansing, Michigan, my first instinct—perhaps shaped by years of operating in African markets—was to check the price. The price of a bag of gourmet popcorn? $9.95. My initial reaction, influenced by my Malawian upbringing, was: That’s a lot for popcorn!
Pricing, Profitability, and Playing in Broken Markets: A Reflection from an African Entrepreneur
For the past 12 years, I’ve been building businesses across the African continent—creating platforms, services, and programs that I knew had value. And yet, one question kept echoing through every boardroom, brainstorm, and budget meeting:
“Why aren’t we making enough money?”
“Why aren’t we sustainable?”
“Why isn’t this working?”
It’s Going to Take Passion and Delusion: Reflections on Malawi as a Failing Business
I was walking around my kitchen, and it hit me: it would be really fun, as an entrepreneur, to run not just a business, but a whole country. Then, I thought of my country, Malawi, as a business, and immediately cringed at the idea of running Malawi as a business.
Between Inspiration and Paralysis: What Travel Teaches African Leaders — and Why It’s Not Enough
Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed this conversation bubble up online — often concerns around Malawian politicians and their frequent international travels. One user asked (genuinely, I think), “Don’t they come back inspired? Don’t they want to make things better after seeing how things work out there?” It’s a fair question. One I’ve asked myself many times — not just about politicians, but even about myself.
The Future of Creativity: You Are the Story Now
When we talk about creativity, we often romanticize talent — the singer born with perfect pitch, the painter who sees light in ways the rest of us don’t, the writer whose prose makes your heart skip. And now.. in the age of artificial intelligence, talent is no longer just about skill.
Beyond Grants: What African Entrepreneurs Can Learn from OpenAI’s Non-Profit Success
For a long time, I have been met with skepticism and criticism for building a non-profit. In the world of business, especially as a woman founder, running a non-profit is often equated with being “less of an entrepreneur,” as if only for-profit ventures validate business acumen. This semester, however, a business communications course provided an unexpected source of reaffirmation—our class project focused on OpenAI.
A Case of Digital Skills for Africa: Why We ‘Failed’
I never thought I would be the entrepreneur standing here, telling you that I failed. Yet here I am, reflecting on my journey with Digital Skills for Africa (DSA)—a venture that started with the best intentions, received nearly $400,000 in funding, trained thousands of young professionals, and yet, after six years, remains a business struggling to survive.
10 Reasons I Love the Broad College of Business: Michigan State University
Choosing an MBA program is one of the biggest decisions of your career, and for many people, it comes down to rankings, reputation, and career opportunities. For me, the decision to join the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University (MSU) was about so much more—it was about culture, authenticity, and fit.
