Jimmy Brian Kayange is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in leading and organizing projects and programs in the field of education within the private sector.
Start with Passion, Humility, and the Spotlight—Not Money!
As young people striving to make a difference, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that success comes with immediate financial rewards. But the truth is, success starts with putting yourself in the spotlight first—before the money, before the recognition, before the rewards.
When I first completed the YALI program in 2018, I was surrounded by amazing people, all doing incredible things. I felt like I didn’t have much to offer compared to their accomplishments. But over time, it became clear to me: the key to making an impact is prioritizing what you can give, not what you can get. It’s about being humble and passionate about your work, focusing on creating value, and making sure your actions resonate with others.
Starting something from scratch, like I did with The African Youths’ Online Assembly (TAYOA), wasn’t about chasing money or fame. It was about connecting with others, sharing what I knew, and creating a platform where we could learn from each other. When you start with a genuine desire to help and inspire, people will notice. And that’s how you begin to make a difference.
Through TAYOA, I’ve learned that it’s not always easy to get people to join or participate, especially when you’re offering something for free. But that’s the point: success comes from being seen and heard, not from asking for something in return right away. When you position yourself with passion and humility, the opportunities—and the recognition—will come.
It’s crucial to remember that what you do must make sense to others. You have to be impactful. Whether you’re sharing your knowledge, supporting a cause, or starting a project, make sure it adds value and speaks to the needs of those around you. People are drawn to authenticity and purpose, not just to financial gain.
So, take the time to build your presence, share your story, and let your impact speak for itself. The money will follow when you’ve shown that you are truly dedicated, humble, and passionate about making a difference. Start small, start with heart, and people will join you on the journey.
Let’s focus on building, learning, and connecting. The spotlight comes before the paycheck, and with it, the chance to make a real difference.
Dear Young People: Let Your Riches Begin With Rich Ideas
In a world that constantly flashes material success, it’s easy to feel left behind when your bank balance doesn’t reflect your dreams. But hear this — if our riches are not yet monetary, our wealth should be in ideas. Bold, transformative, forward-thinking ideas that have the power to attract money, opportunity, and impact over time.
Your current financial state does not define your potential. What truly defines you is the depth of your thoughts, the clarity of your vision, and your passion for what you do. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, a creative, or an aspiring entrepreneur, your passion is your compass. It tells you where your energy should go. But passion alone isn’t enough.
Passion + Preparation = Power
Whatever field you’re in, don’t settle for the bare minimum. Grow. Learn. Stretch your expertise. Spice up your knowledge with short courses, mentorships, trainings, and fellowships. These are the things that will give you an edge and keep you relevant in an ever-evolving world of work and entrepreneurship.
In today’s competitive landscape, staying still is the same as moving backward. Every training session you attend, every skill you master, every conversation you engage in — adds value to your personal brand. Make yourself a person of substance, not just someone with big dreams but no preparation.
Collaboration: The Currency of Great Ideas
Here’s something powerful — you don’t always need money to start something impactful. Some of the most successful businesses and social projects began with a conversation, a shared vision, and a willingness to collaborate.
Ideas grow stronger when shared. Collaborations and partnerships often begin with a simple exchange — a message, a pitch, a brainstorming session. From there, powerful things can emerge: initiatives that address societal problems, businesses that serve communities, and projects that bring real value to the world.
Don’t underestimate the value of your network. Find people who think like you, or better yet, people who challenge and complement your thinking. Together, you can launch something far bigger than what you could ever do alone.
Solve Problems, Create Impact
The world is full of problems waiting to be solved. And many of those solutions lie in the hearts and minds of young people. Use your skills, your knowledge, your creativity — not just to make money, but to make a difference.
Think beyond survival. Think legacy. Think of the value your business or project could offer to a struggling family, a vulnerable community, or a broken system. When you focus on impact, the money often follows.
If, as young people, our riches are not yet monetary — let our minds be rich with ideas. Ideas that have value. Ideas that attract the right opportunities. Ideas that, when nurtured with consistency and vision, will eventually bring in the money.
It’s okay if your bank account isn’t impressive yet — what matters is that your mind is. Be passionate about what you do. Whether you’re an artist, a techie, a farmer, a writer, or an aspiring entrepreneur, let passion fuel your journey.
But passion alone is not enough — sharpen your edge. Deepen your knowledge. Get new skills. Attend trainings. Apply for fellowships. Stay curious. Stay growing. The world of work and entrepreneurship is changing fast, and relevance is earned by those who adapt and evolve.
Don’t keep your ideas to yourself. Share them. Collaborate. Partner with others. From simple brainstorms can come powerful projects, initiatives, and businesses that change not just your life, but the lives of others too.
Here’s the secret: some businesses don’t need capital to start. They need people. They need ideas. They need shared vision. When you have a great idea and you connect with the right people — you unlock a chain of possibilities.
Build with purpose. Start small, but start now. Your idea might be the solution someone’s been praying for. ????
Have you ever felt a deep desire to make a difference, but somehow never found the right moment to act on it?
Many of us are employed in amazing organizations, government departments, or corporate offices — and that’s great. But beyond the 8 to 5, have you ever paused to ask yourself what difference you could make if you followed your passion? True fulfillment doesn’t always come from a paycheck; it comes from knowing you’ve contributed something meaningful to others, to your community, and to society at large.
You could be an Agronomist, a Teacher, an Engineer, a Social Worker, or in any other profession — and still have the capacity to do more. Your title doesn’t limit your potential. Don’t let your current position box you in. Think about starting something personal, something that speaks to your passion. Whether it’s launching a small venture, consulting in your area of expertise, or sharing knowledge through mentoring — every step you take adds value, both to yourself and to others. Plus, creating these additional avenues can be both emotionally fulfilling and financially rewarding.
With the experience and exposure I’ve gained through fellowships, networking, and social media, I took a leap and started Executive Edge Coaching & Training, together with others. It’s more than a side gig; it’s a platform created to empower, mentor, and coach young people so they can discover and rediscover their potential, grow into impactful professionals, and become productive members of society.
If you’ve ever dreamed of making a difference and want to be part of something meaningful, we welcome you to join us and volunteer. Let’s work together to build a better future, one person at a time.
School Should Teach Us How to Make Money, Not Just Earn a Salary
It’s time to rethink what education really means. For too long, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the end goal of school is a job — a salary, a title, a monthly paycheck. But the world is changing fast. Jobs are no longer guaranteed, and the traditional path of “go to school → get a job → retire” is becoming outdated.
In today’s reality, relying solely on employment is risky. The future feels uncertain for those waiting to be hired. But it’s exciting for those willing to create opportunities. This is where the entrepreneurial mindset becomes essential — the ability to see problems as chances to innovate, to generate income, and to build something that lasts.
We should be learning how to create value, how to solve problems, how to build businesses, and how to lead with impact. School should prepare us not just to work in systems but to build our own — to become job creators, not just job seekers.
Young people, now is the time to think differently.
Let’s move away from isolation and competition and start embracing collaboration and partnerships. We must work within our countries and across borders — sharing ideas, resources, and visions for a better future.
Social media is more than just likes and trends. It’s a tool for networking, connection, and global collaboration. Let’s use it to find people who align with our passions, who complement our skills, and who can join us in building something powerful.
The future isn’t about waiting — it’s about creating. Let’s build it together.
Cohort 1: Teacher Leadership & Community Impact Fellowship 2025
Are you a Primary or Secondary School Teacher passionate about making a difference beyond the classroom? Do you aspire to be a teacher of influence, a leader in your community, and a catalyst for change?
Join our Teacher Leadership & Community Impact Fellowship, a transformative 4-week online program designed to equip teachers with leadership skills, innovative teaching methods, large classroom management strategies, and expertise in running community initiatives and projects.
I had the honour of speaking to a group of students who are on the brink of writing their Final Malawi Secondary School Examinations. It was an inspiring ceremony, and I was privileged to share a few words of motivation with them.
I finally urged them to believe in their potential and seize the opportunities before them. With hard work, focus, and active engagement, they can achieve great things and become the influential leaders our world needs.
Young people need motivation, guidance and continuous engagement in different talks, if we are to make a difference in their lives and careers. This is what I like doing when I am called to speak and motivate; our stories can make a difference not to everyone but to someone!
The strategy of “divide and conquer” has been used for centuries as a powerful tool to control and manipulate societies. This tactic involves creating divisions among people to prevent them from uniting against a common adversary. By fostering discord and fragmentation, those in power can maintain control more easily.
Captured by Leads Consult
Historically, rulers and leaders have employed this method to maintain their dominance. For instance, Roman emperors used “divide et impera” (divide and rule) to manage their vast empire, ensuring that different groups within the empire did not unite against them. By keeping these groups at odds, the rulers could quell potential rebellions and maintain their authority.
Colonial powers also used this strategy effectively. During the era of colonization, European powers often exacerbated ethnic, religious, or social divisions within colonized regions. By promoting rivalries and conflicts among local groups, they prevented unified resistance movements. This made it easier for relatively small numbers of colonizers to control large populations.
In modern times, the divide and conquer strategy can be seen in various forms. Political leaders might exploit societal divisions—such as race, religion, or economic status—to gain or maintain power. By polarizing public opinion and encouraging infighting, they distract from larger systemic issues and weaken collective action that could challenge their position.
This strategy is not limited to politics. In workplaces or organizations, leaders might pit departments or teams against each other to prevent solidarity among employees, thus ensuring that management remains unchallenged.
Understanding the divide and conquer tactic is crucial for those who wish to resist it. Building awareness and promoting unity across different social groups can counteract this strategy, fostering a more cohesive and empowered society. By focusing on common goals and shared values, people can overcome divisive tactics and work together for the greater good.
