As I navigate the complexities of adulthood, I find myself grappling with a mix of aspirations and regrets—particularly regarding my personal brand and financial decisions. In a world where social media and professional networks shape our identities, I’ve often felt the pressure to curate a persona that resonates with others while staying true to myself. Yet, looking back, I realize that I’ve allowed fear and uncertainty to hold me back from fully embracing my potential. Financially, my journey has been equally tumultuous. Despite earning a decent salary and making a few investments, I often find myself questioning whether my choices have aligned with my long-term goals. The anxiety of financial instability has loomed over me, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of clarity in building a sustainable future.In this blog, I’ll delve into the regrets I have about my personal brand and finances—reflecting on the lessons learned along the way and exploring how I can reclaim my narrative moving forward.

…On personal branding

In this digital age, the concept of a personal brand is such a big deal, it’s an important deal . It’s not only about having a polished online presence and feed; it’s about how you make others feel when they interact with you—whether online, in person or print. This realization has been both enlightening and frustrating for me. I’ve come to understand that a personal brand is not merely an extension of my ego; it’s a powerful tool that shapes people’s perceptions of me and opens doors.

Reflecting on my professional journey so far, I recognize how the internet has changed since the early days of social media. Initially, platforms were about connection, but they have evolved into massive advertising arenas dominated by algorithms. With this shift came two significant changes: individuals striving to become brands and brands attempting to humanize themselves. While there are undeniable benefits to establishing a personal brand—especially in terms of generating revenue—I’ve often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to navigate putting myself out there to be seen.
When I made the very bold decision to resign from my job, I realized just how crucial a strong personal brand could be for my future. I had grown comfortable hiding behind my job title, the prestige of my employer’s brand and the hype in Zambia’s tech ecosystem. It was easy to let my ego swell in that shadow, but deep down, I knew I was missing out on opportunities. As layoffs swept through my industry, I couldn’t help but wonder how different my LinkedIn inbox might have looked if I had taken the time to cultivate my own brand.

I’ve always had a knack for designing and building digital products, yet I struggled to create a personal brand that truly represented me. This realization forced me to confront some uncomfortable truths about myself. Why hadn’t I built a brand? What was holding me back? The answer lay in my fear of putting myself out there—fear of criticism, imposter syndrome, and even social anxiety (YES – extroverts feel that way too). This introspection led me to understand that without a defined personal brand, I was merely a product gathering dust on a shelf. As Toastmaster Stanley Mwape once said, “Your products can’t be bought if they are not advertised.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me; it’s time to showcase who I am and what I stand for.

I am really determined to build my personal brand for both personal fulfillment and financial gain and I am taking concrete steps toward this goal. Joining Toastmasters has been transformative; it’s not just about public speaking but also about gaining the confidence to express myself authentically. Additionally, I launched my digital home here at uuumuntu.com, where I can share my thoughts and experiences openly. I also recognize the importance of adapting to the evolving internet landscape. My generation—Gen Z—seems to be reclaiming anonymity online, which offers a unique perspective on privacy and authenticity. While some may argue for a sanitized PG friendly online experience, I find value in platforms like Reddit and Discord that encourage genuine interactions over vanity.

As I continue this journey, one thing remains clear: community matters. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share similar interests fuels my passion and drives me forward. While creating quality content is essential, my primary focus is on honing my technical skills rather than chasing content creation as a primary income source. Lastly, as Miuccia Prada famously said, “What you wear is how you present yourself to the world.” This statement resonates with me as I navigate the tech world while embracing both beauty and brains. My friend Pendo often reminds me of the importance of presenting myself confidently as a woman in tech.

I know building my personal brand is an ongoing journey filled with challenges and i have no idea what the wins will look like. But i believe with consistency I will be closer to understanding who I am and how I want to connect with others. By investing in myself and embracing vulnerability, I’m not only shaping my future but also creating value for those around me. As I continue to grow and evolve, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in building a brand that truly reflects my values and aspirations.

…On personal finances

As a young female professional navigating the complexities of adulthood, I’ve come to realize that my relationship with money is both a source of frustration and a catalyst for growth. While I’ve earned a decent salary, it has never felt quite enough when I thought of my financial literacy and how money buys me more time. Before my biggest salary raise, I took a leap of faith and invested in greenhouses for MicroAcres, hoping to cultivate something meaningful. I also dabbled in ventures like FlipDrip, a marketplace for authenticated second-hand shoes, and Flora Fashion, which focuses on tailoring trendy clothes from African print cotton. However, not all investments blossomed as I had hoped. Ultimately, I made the decision to resign from my job to dedicate my time to my master’s dissertation and The AlphaBet Institute. Along the way, I also had aspirations of investing in bonds and creating a trust fund for my siblings, but those plans often got sidelined because i just didn’t know enough about them.

When I first starting speaking of my resignation with my dad, his advice was clear: don’t leave full-time employment without a source of passive income. He believed in my potential to earn more than my current salary. For me, freedom—any kind of freedom—is paramount. Yet, I was haunted by thoughts of personal finances long before I considered quitting. I felt shackled by an unhealthy attachment to money and the source providing it. Despite having enough to get by, the anxiety of potentially going broke loomed large. A pivotal moment came earlier this year when I faced a 40% pay cut —a reality check that forced me to confront my finances head-on. This experience led me to track my spending and understand my cost of living and spending habits better. It was an eye-opening journey that made me realize something crucial: making more money often trumps merely cutting expenses.

I wanted to stay with The Zig, but after the pay cut, asking for a raise felt daunting. The enthusiasm that fueled my initial passion had waned, and I craved the thrill of putting myself out there—of being in the arena, skin in the game. POINT BLANK, having access to money grants you options as long as you’re not enslaved by it. My desire for financial freedom drove me to invest in people and projects; while many didn’t pan out, the successes were incredibly rewarding.
When the time came to resign, I thought I was prepared—but reality proved otherwise. I quickly learned about the distinctions between emergency savings, expense savings, and investment savings. Even before receiving my last paycheck, I had depleted savings that could cover six months of living expenses due to an unexpected project expense with my dad.

For me, money is more than just currency; it’s a determinant of happiness rooted in being valuable and helpful to others. This is what challenged me to consider building my personal brand seriously. I also don’t think I want to live a life devoid of enjoyment just to save money; for instance, I love working in coffee shops and will always treat myself to a cup of coffee. Moreover, you don’t have to grind away at long hours just to make ends meet. I’m committed to discovering ways to maximize my time so that I can increase my income while also creating cherished experiences with family.

Resigning from my job also meant navigating difficult conversations with my family—especially as a Black African child where such discussions can be particularly challenging. However, finance is an area where I want to foster open dialogue with my Boomer father and Alpha siblings. It’s essential for all of us to understand each other’s perspectives as we navigate this complex world together.

Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that regrets about my personal brand and finances are not just burdens to bear; they are lessons that have shaped who I am today. Each misstep has provided invaluable insights, pushing me to reevaluate my priorities and redefine my approach to both my financial health and personal identity.
As I move forward, I am committed to embracing growth and authenticity. I understand that building a personal brand is not just about projecting an image; it’s about aligning my values with my actions and being transparent about my journey. Financial independence is no longer just a goal; it’s a guiding principle that informs every decision I make.