There is a specific kind of hunger that comes from being raised in the ghetto, places like Chilinde and Kawale. It is a hunger not just for “better things,” but for a better version of oneself. It is the drive to transcend the immediate surroundings and see what lies beyond the horizon.
Looking back at my roots in Liwonde, the journey to the halls of Ohio University, where I am finalizing my MFA, and into the specialized programs at Harvard Business School, seems improbable on paper. Yet, here I am. This journey hasn’t been a product of luck; it has been a product of a singular, unwavering philosophy.
As we navigate 2026, a year defined by rapid shifts and new challenges, I’ve been reflecting on the bridge between where you start and where you dream of being. It boils down to one fundamental truth: The best investment you can ever make is in yourself.
The Power of Persistence: Beyond “Trying Hard”
Persistence is often misunderstood as simply working long hours. In reality, persistence is the ability to maintain an obsession with a goal long after the initial excitement has faded.
It is the discipline to stay the course when the road from Lilongwe feels endless, and the obstacles seem insurmountable. True persistence is a refusal to accept “no” as a final answer. When the world closes a door, your persistence is what builds a new one.
Knowledge: Your Mental “Operating System”
We live in an era of unprecedented change. Industries shift overnight, economies fluctuate, and technology evolves faster than we can keep track of. In this landscape, physical assets, money, property, and equipment can be volatile. However, knowledge is the only currency that never depreciates. It is the “mental software” that allows you to solve problems that don’t even exist yet.
When you invest in your education, whether through formal institutions like HBS or the relentless pursuit of self-directed learning, you are compounding your personal value. Knowledge provides three critical pillars:
- Adaptability: The power to pivot when the market or circumstances change.
- Perspective: The ability to see a hidden opportunity where others only see a dead end.
- Confidence: The internal quiet that comes from knowing you are capable, because you have done the work to build your foundation.
2026: Looking Beyond the “Zip Code.”
This year, I challenge you to look beyond your current zip code, job title, and limitations. I am living proof that your background is a foundation, not a cage.
You do not choose the circumstances of your birth, whether in poverty or riches, but you do decide the trajectory of your life through deliberate, daily decisions. Don’t wait for someone to hand you an opportunity. Instead, build the skills that make you the only logical choice for that opportunity.
Read the book, take the course, seek out the mentor, and never ever stop betting on yourself.
From Malawi to the world, the message remains the same: Keep going. The view from the top is worth every step of the climb.
Coming Soon: “Anyone Can Shine”
I am thrilled to announce that my book, “Anyone Can Shine: The UnderDOG Blueprint,” will be published next month. It is a guide for anyone who feels like the odds are stacked against them, providing the mental framework to rise above any circumstance.
It will be available on all major distribution platforms. Stay tuned for the launch!