I had the pleasure of interviewing the Honorable Atupele Muluzi, President of the United Democratic Front (UDF) party in Malawi—the country’s first governing party in its democratic era. We talk about the challenges and responsibilities he faced as a young student when his father, Bakili Muluzi, became Malawi's first democratically elected president.
Now a presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, Atupele shares his bold vision for Malawi, focusing on putting the country on the world map, creating opportunities for its people, and building what he calls “the surprise rise of Malawi.”
This episode is packed with inspiring leadership lessons, public speaking tips, fascinating insights (including memorable moments from his interactions with Nelson Mandela) and fond memories from our days as high school classmates.
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Topics We Discussed
[0:00] From schoolboy to presidential son
[2:52] His early life and leadership traits
[9:06] Life in boarding school
[12:27] Muluzi’s values and upbringing
[18:57] Interaction with Nelson Mandela
[21:28] Malawi's hidden potential
[32:50] Muluzi’s vision for a new Malawi
[39:52] The beauty of Malawi
[43:53] Lessons on democracy from Somaliland
[55:30] How to make decisions
[58:18] Balancing public and private life
[1:00:00] How to prepare for public speeches
[1:03:05] UDF's plan for the upcoming elections
[1:05:22] Overcoming setbacks and staying motivated
[1:08:50] Muluzi’s words to the people of Malawi
Insights from Muluzi
"Leadership is about leaving a legacy that outlives you. It’s not about the title or position; it’s about creating something that benefits future generations long after you’re gone."
— Atupele Muluzi"Malawi is a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough. Our natural beauty, our people’s talent, and our entrepreneurial spirit are waiting to shine on the world stage—we just need the right leadership to unlock it."
— Atupele Muluzi"You’re only president for a short time—what matters is what you do with that time. You don’t get a second chance to go back and fix mistakes, so you have to act with focus and conviction."
— Atupele Muluzi"Democracy is not just about elections; it’s about strong institutions. The vote is important, but so are free press, checks and balances, and holding leaders accountable to the people they serve."
— Atupele Muluzi"To develop a country, you don’t need to fix everything at once. Start with one thing—get it right, and that success will build momentum for the rest."
— Atupele Muluzi"Malawi’s youth and creativity are its biggest strengths. With the right policies and resources, we could turn that spirit into something transformative, making Malawi a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship."
— Atupele Muluzi"Setbacks are part of the journey. Leadership is a long game. You stay motivated by focusing on the vision and knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger."
— Atupele Muluzi"International collaboration is essential. We need to work with global partners to unlock our potential in areas like energy, tourism, and climate change, and to position Malawi as a key player on the world stage."
— Atupele Muluzi"The people of Malawi are ready for change. They’re hungry for opportunity, for leadership they can trust, and for a government that empowers them to create a better future."
— Atupele Muluzi
