Achieving Career Excellence in the 21st Century

This January, RFP Ministries in Lilongwe, Malawi, hosted the online Career Excellence in the 21st Century Conference. From January 6th to 10th, the event brought together inspiring speakers, including Mr. Peter Yakobe, Mrs. Kate Kujaliwa, the host Pastor Marcus, and myself. Tasked with presenting on academic and career excellence, I shared six guiding principles that have shaped my journey. Here are the lessons I imparted:

1. Desire: The Foundation of Excellence

Excellence begins with a burning desire to achieve your dreams.

I shared the story of my determination to work for Zodiak Broadcasting Station, one of Malawi’s leading media houses. Fresh out of university, I spoke about my ambition to anyone who would listen. Friends and family began to associate my name with Zodiak because of how passionately I spoke about it. When an opportunity finally arose, I applied, went through the rigorous process, and landed the job. My first day at Zodiak was surreal; walking into the building I had dreamed of was a moment of validation. Over three years, I not only grew professionally but also developed a groundbreaking radio project focusing on youth empowerment. This project secured over ￡140,000 in funding—a staggering sum in Malawi—and continues to impact communities today. This story highlights how desire fuels achievement, turning dreams into tangible realities.

2. Habits: The Building Blocks of Success

Daily actions compound into lifelong success.

I recalled how my fitness journey began as an experiment in self-discipline. Overweight and sluggish, I turned to running after reading about the importance of physical health in achieving overall excellence. My first run was just a few meters, and I was out of breath almost instantly. Frustrated but determined, I committed to running a little farther each day. After 21 days, running became a habit, and seven years later, it is a core part of my lifestyle. I’ve jogged four times a week through rain, scorching heat, and even on the snow-dusted streets of Coventry. Beyond physical benefits, running has taught me resilience, focus, and the power of consistency—lessons that have extended to my career and academic pursuits. Good habits, I emphasized, are the cornerstone of excellence.

3. Planning: Turning Dreams Into Goals

A clear plan can turn dreams into actionable goals.

I described how I transitioned from local job opportunities in Malawi to a global career. Recognizing the need to access international job platforms, I made a drastic decision: uninstalling Facebook from my phone and replacing it with LinkedIn. Initially, I struggled to adjust, as I had been accustomed to scrolling through Facebook’s familiar interface. But my strategy of connecting exclusively with professionals from top organizations bore fruit. Over weeks and months, I built a network of people working at institutions like the World Bank and the UN. It was through one of these connections that I came across the vacancy for my current role at the University of Oxford. The application process was challenging, but my preparation paid off, and I moved to the UK. Three years later, as part of a team that won the Vice Chancellor’s Award for outstanding contributions, I reflected on how a simple but deliberate plan transformed my career.

4. Faith: Bridging the Gap Between Effort and Achievement

Faith provides the strength to overcome challenges.

I shared my experience with the Chevening Scholarship, a dream opportunity that almost slipped through my fingers. The process required me to submit an English proficiency test, but on the test day, the machine at the testing center in Malawi malfunctioned. With no other local options and the deadline fast approaching, I was at a loss. I cried out to God, asking for guidance. During prayer, I felt prompted to reach out to specific individuals and explain my predicament. Though hesitant, I obeyed. The response was overwhelming: friends and acquaintances offered to fund my travel to Kenya, where I could take the test. One friend booked my flight, another paid for the test, and yet another arranged accommodation. Their generosity and my faith propelled me forward. I traveled to Kenya, passed the test with excellent grades, and secured the scholarship. Faith, coupled with action, can open doors even in the darkest moments.

5. Support: Success Is a Collective Effort

Behind every success story is a network of supporters.

While pursuing my Master’s degree in the UK, I received the devastating news of my mother’s passing. Unable to return home for the funeral due to financial and logistical constraints, I buried myself in coursework to distract from the grief. My classmates, however, saw through my facade. They comforted me, brought meals to my room, and even pooled money for my family back home. A few months later, as Easter approached, my course convenor called me into her office. She shared that my classmates had raised enough money to buy me a return ticket to Malawi. Their selflessness allowed me to grieve with my family and return to my studies with a renewed sense of purpose. This story underscores the importance of community and the truth that no one succeeds alone.

6. The Price of Excellence: Sacrifice and Perseverance

Excellence demands sacrifice.

During my doctoral studies, my final defense was scheduled for 8 a.m. China time—midnight in the UK. Preparing for this moment required me to adapt to an unusual schedule. As someone who normally sleeps by 8 p.m., staying awake through the night was an immense challenge. I rehearsed my presentation countless times, drank endless cups of tea to stay alert, and finally delivered my defense at 3 a.m. The process was grueling, and though I passed with flying colors, the experience left me physically and emotionally drained. It took a full year to recover from the psychological toll of this intense period. While the title of "Doctor" brought me pride, it also reminded me of the sacrifices required to achieve excellence.

Conclusion: Dream Big and Stay Disciplined

Excellence in the 21st century requires a blend of vision, planning, discipline, faith, and community. Dream big, plan meticulously, develop habits that align with your goals, and never stop believing—in yourself and in those around you. Whether in Malawi or the wider world, these principles can guide anyone striving for success.