On The Spot with Juliana

By Juliana Makonise

Have you been wondering how you can make valuable contributions at a local, regional, or international level? If you're assertive and determined to develop your life and community then this podcast is for you! Join Juliana Makonise, a purpose-driven leader, as she explores pressing issues in leadership, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, social impact, and so much more. It's time to scale up our individual and collective efforts towards solving global challenges. Feel free to share any topics of interest: otswithjuliana@gmail.com

Listen on Spotify Send voice message

Available on

Report content on Spotify

Voice of Leadership - Dr. Anna Mwaba

On The Spot with JulianaApr 03, 2022

00:00

16:56

Power Story - Mpiwa Gwindi

I recently had a chat with Mpiwa Gwindi, a multi-talented performing and recording artist from Zimbabwe. In this episode she shares her inspiring journey of leading the 2018 Guinness World Record-recognised largest marimba ensemble (ZiMarimba Fest) and collaborating with international organizations to tackle global challenges through music and art. She further explores the following topics:

🎯Passion vs Purpose

🎯Art as an Advocacy Tool

🎯The Power of Communal Support

#education #art #music #artist #community #ubuntu #passion #career #careerdevelopment #collegestudents #podcast #purpose #women #africa #sustainability #environment #climatechange #change #marimba #worldrecord

Mar 28, 202419:53

Power Story - Eugenia Rogers

In this new episode, I chat with Eugenia Rogers - a Sierra Leonean and Environmental Science and Policy student at Smith College. She shares a phenomenal story of her journey starting a charity organization in Sierra Leone whilst advancing her interests in sustainability, youth empowerment and education. She dives deeper into the following topics:

Purpose - Finding your “Why”

The Power of Community & Ubuntu

Advancing Education in Africa

Be inspired!

#education #community #ubuntu #passion #career #careerdevelopment #collegestudents #podcast #purpose #women #africa #sustainability #environment #climatechange

Mar 18, 202414:14

Power Story - Sarah Sackey

Happy International Women’s Day🌺 🌟 I recently had a chat with Sarah Sackey, a Ghanaian - American and PharmD student at Northeastern University. In this episode, she shares a powerful story of her interests in the intersection of healthcare, business, and climate finance. She dives deeper into the following topics:

Passion & Career Goals
Women in the Venture Capital Space
The Power of Mentors & Sponsors
Mental Wellness, Planning & Faith

Be inspired!

Power Story - Sarah Sackey: www.onthespotwithjuliana.com/

#mentor #sponsor #impact #passion #career #careerdevelopment #collegestudents #podcast #purpose #women #iwd2024 #iwd #business #finance #healthcare #africa

Mar 08, 202428:29

Leading Authentically ~ Sarah Willie LeBreton (Smith College President)

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the 12th President of Smith College, Sarah Willie-LeBreton. In this episode, she shares insights on her remarkable leadership journey and outlines how individuals can embrace their authenticity and find joy. She draws lessons from her experiences as an accomplished scholar, sociologist, educator, and phenomenal leader.

This is an episode worth listening to. Be Inspired! :

“Figuring out what brings you joy, what gets your engines revving, and what excites you intellectually are the building blocks for figuring out what type of leader you may want to be…” ~Sarah Willie-LeBreton

“On the Spot with Juliana” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc. : www.onthespotwithjuliana.com/

Oct 31, 202322:51

Apr 21, 202318:14

Wellness: A State of Mind - SB8

This week, Mirriam Nzunda, an Engineering student at Smith College, shares more about her journey of trying to understand the dynamics of mental wellness as a young person. She shares recommendations on how fellow youth can best maintain their mental wellness. Be encouraged.
#mentalwellness #advocacy #youthdevelopment #partnerships #africa #SDG3 #sustainabledevelopment #mentalhealth #digitalinnovation #podcasts #purpose #grateful

Apr 14, 202311:11

Creative Advocacy for Mental Wellness - SB7

In this episode, Melusi Majojo, a poet and Law student from the University of Zimbabwe gives an overview of his experience using poetry to raise awareness on mental health issues and influence policies. Using one of his poetic films, Ghetto Cry, as an example, he highlights real-life experiences of youth living in the ghetto. Artivism at its best!
#mentalwellness #advocacy #youthdevelopment #partnerships #africa #SDG3 #sustainabledevelopment #mentalhealth #digitalinnovation #podcasts #purpose #grateful

Apr 07, 202311:34

Context-based Mental Health Advocacy-SB6

In this episode, Tatenda Kambeu, an Advocacy Officer at Ndinewe Foundation outlines the different ways individuals and civil society organizations can develop context-based initiatives which effectively meet the needs of communities. Learn more about how Ndinewe Foundation, a youth organization founded with the vision of promoting good mental health and well-being in Zimbabwe, has been developing interventions which support mental wellness. Be inspired! Learn more about Ndinewe Foundation: ndinewe.org/about-us
#mentalwellness #advocacy #youthdevelopment #partnerships #africa #SDG3 #sustainabledevelopment #mentalhealth #digitalinnovation #podcasts #purpose #grateful

Mar 31, 202311:50

Girls Action for Change🇰🇪

This week, Penina Mwajanji, a Mental Health Advocate and Founder of Girls Action for Change gives us an overview of her community engagement work in Kenya. She outlines how different stakeholders can actively contribute towards social change in various communities. Be inspired. Connect with Girls Action for Change KE: twitter.com/GirlsActionFor1
#mentalwellness #advocacy #youthdevelopment #partnerships #africa #SDG3 #sustainabledevelopment #mentalhealth #digitalinnovation #podcasts #purpose #grateful

Mar 24, 202313:17

Youth Mental Health in Nigeria🇳🇬 - SB4

This week, Hauwa Ojeifo gives an overview of the state of mental health services in Nigeria and outlines the actions taken by different stakeholders to ease access to mental health support. Hauwa publicly identifies as a person who lives with a mental health condition and psychosocial disability. Popularly tagged as the voice and face of mental health in Nigeria, Hauwa has received numerous local and international honours and recognition. She is the Executive Director at She Writes Woman (SWW); an award-winning movement that gives mental health a voice in Nigeria. She is the creator of Safe Place Nigeria - a digital community for mental health-conscious Nigerians to access tools, resources (24/7 toll-free helpline), professionals (counselors and therapists), and a community to ensure a mentally healthy society. As a sexual violence survivor, she is giving mental health and sexual violence a voice; taking back the existing misinformed narrative and normalising mental health conversations in Nigeria.

Learn more about the recently signed Mental Health Bill and the tangible impact of mental health advocacy efforts through NGOs such as She Writes Woman

Mar 17, 202317:60

Digital Media & Mental Health - SB3

In this episode, Aminatu Abdulai, a Biological Sciences student at Smith College shares her insights on how digital media can affect mental health. She taps into her childhood experiences in Ghana and how these have shaped her perspective towards digital media use. Be inspired! #mentalwellness #advocacy #youthdevelopment #partnerships #africa #SDG3 #sustainabledevelopment #mentalhealth #digitalinnovation #podcasts #purpose #grateful

Mar 10, 202319:39

IWD: Innovation for Gender Equality

Happy International Women's Day!! On this day, we take time to celebrate the phenomenal women in our communities and acknowledge the wonderful contributions women make in different spheres.

In this episode, Michelle Lawson, a Computer Science student at Smith College, shares her insights on this year's theme - DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality. Have a listen!

Mar 09, 202308:53

Gender & Mental Health - SB2

In this episode, Ivine Dube, a Development Psychology Student at the University of Zimbabwe shares more about his experience as a mental health and gender equality advocate with Friendship Bench Zimbabwe, UNESCO, and UN Women under its #HeForShe movement. Gain insights on how Zimbabwean youth are actively engaging with different stakeholders to tackle the mental health crisis.

Ivine is very passionate about youth health and social care as he feels the societal realities of young people today mean they are at greater risk and vulnerability than ever before. This realization has made him craft numerous projects and interventions to engage more and more youths in good health and social care. He is a champion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and believes young people are at the center of achieving the goals.
#mentalhealth #SDG3 #innovation #gender #youth #africa

Mar 03, 202317:46

Effects of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health - SB1

Effects of Covid-19 on Youth Mental Health
Guest Speaker: Massi Martha🇨🇲

Massi Martha is a 24-year-old Cameroonian gender activist and Founder of Girls Speak. Girls Speak is an organization which advocates against all forms of gender-based violence specifically domestic violence and mental health-related issues through online campaigns, forums and youth outreach programs. Massi was the first Cameroonian delegate at the 2022 FORA Global Summit in Canada. She is a change champion and creative director. With over 16-
episode web series written to advocate for girls rights, 7 online campaign with over 100K reach and 12 mentorship programs, she has become one of Cameroon's leading voices in behavior change communication and youth advocacy. She tells stories to enable women and girls to reach their full potential. #MentalWellness #Cameroon #Africa #YouthInAction #SDG3

Feb 24, 202314:12

Silent Battles - Stop the Stigma (Launch)

New Series Alert! “Silent Battles - Stop the Stigma” is a youth-centric series aimed at using digital storytelling to raise awareness on the youth mental crisis. Every Friday you can expect to hear stories from youth across the globe and understand how different stakeholders can actively take part in crafting tangible solutions to tackle this global challenge. This supports SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being. #SDG3 #DigitalStorytelling #Impact #MentalWellness #Youth

Feb 20, 202307:34

Voice of Leadership - Dr. Anna Mwaba

In this episode, Dr. Anna Mwaba, Assistant Professor of Government at Smith College, shares insights on the dynamics of political leadership. Her research focuses on the role of African international and regional organizations in election observation and democracy promotion in Southern Africa. She explores the role of the international community in integrating African states into global development. She also shares advice on how young people can change the trajectory of democracy in Africa and transform narratives of bad governance, corruption, and autocratic leadership. Tune in to hear more about how you can contribute to community development through participation, collaboration, and devotion to personal principles. Learn more about Dr. Mwaba: annakmwaba.com/

Apr 03, 202216:56

Mental Wellness For All

In this episode, we discuss methods of maintaining mental wellness in different life situations. Wadzanai Ndambakuwa shares tips on how to sustain good health and well-being in unprecedented situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 which promotes well-being and healthy lives for all. Let's talk about Mental Health! Break the stereotypes. #SDG3 #GoodHealth&WellBeing #MentalWellness #Support #Empathy

Mar 14, 202221:35

IWD 2022: Break The Bias

Today we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). This is a time to acknowledge and recognize women's valuable contributions to social, economic, and political development across the world. According to the United Nations(UN), this year's theme is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow." It is time we appreciate women and girls' actions in creating a sustainable future for all. We should collaborate in breaking the biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory actions which have limited women's participation in sustainable development. Women deserve equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of their gender. "Women Can & Women Will" #BreakTheBias #SDG5 #SDG13 #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleLeadership #InternationalWomensDay2022

Mar 08, 202206:39

Voice of Leadership with Wadzanai Ndambakuwa

In this episode, we are joined by Wadzanai Hope Ndambakuwa, a public health advocate and researcher. She shares insights on how her life story as a pre-health international student, volunteer, and public-health advocate has shaped her leadership style and enabled her to impact various communities. Wondering how you can also tap into your leadership potential and make a difference? Join the conversation and learn more from Wadzanai Ndambakuwa. Reach out: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-ndambakuwa

#Leadership #PublicHealth #WadzanaiNdambakuwa #Advocacy #Hope

Feb 19, 202218:54

16 Days of Activism Against GBV #OrangeTheWorld

In this episode we focus on how individuals and organizations can actively participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign. We briefly discuss the history behind the campaign and how the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed towards an increase in Gender Based Violence cases. “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women now!”

#16DaysofActivism #GBV #UNWomen #MsasaProject #WAS #Advocacy #Investments #Solidarity #HumanRights

Nov 25, 202113:07

Youth in Africa

In this episode we delve into the challenges faced by young people in Africa when it comes to the realization of their dreams. Poverty plays a huge role in influencing youth participation in development processes. We look at how economic policies, political conflicts, and social constructs affect youth livelihoods. To commemorate the 2021 International Youth Day, we also discuss how communities can engage youths in transforming food systems. “Transform Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” #youth #africa #zimbabwe #economicequity #poverty #unitednations #SDGs #foodsystems #IYD2021 #development #sustainability

Aug 11, 202118:27

Child Rights: No To Child Marriages

In this episode, we take a closer look at child marriages giving reference to the case of Memory Machaya, a Zimbabwean 14-year old victim of child marriage who died during child birth. We discuss the extent of child marriages in Zimbabwe, the role of religion in perpetuating child marriages, and ways to stop child marriages. It is important that everyone plays a role in ending child marriages globally. Girls are not brides! #ChildMarriages #Zimbabwe #MemoryMachaya #UnitedNations #Poverty #CallingIn #LorettaRoss #Justice #Religion #ChildRights #HumanRights #GirlsNotBrides

Aug 09, 202120:18

Say Yes To The Call Ep.5

In this fifth and final episode of the Say Yes To The Call series we discuss the essence of personal branding. Why is personal branding important? How do you build a personal brand? How can your digital footprint affect your personal brand? #personaldevelopment #personalbranding #selfleadership #purpose #digitalfootprint

May 26, 202114:19

Say Yes To The Call Ep.4

In this episode, we focus more on Direct & Indirect Mentorship. Why is mentorship important? How can you identify a good mentor? What are the qualities of a good mentor and mentee? What are the possible challenges you may face during mentorship? (This is a reflection of my mentorship journey) Be inspired! #BeYouPowerfully #ZaharasDream #LovemoreNyatsine #personaldevelopment #mentorship #leadership #storytelling

Apr 23, 202118:06

Say Yes To The Call Ep.3

In this episode we focus on 1. Finding your voice 2. Discerning Voices 3. Passion Vs Reality How do we find and express our voices(unique personal significance)? Based on Stephen Covey's 'The 8th Habit', we analyze how to effectively use our talents & passions to solve societal problems whilst inspiring others to do the same! We get to learn how to overcome self-criticism or imposter syndrome to avoid losing our voices or preventing others from finding their voices too. Be inspired! #personaldevelopment #inspiration #passion #purpose #impostersyndrome #selftalk #optimism #socialchange

Mar 27, 202114:38

Say Yes To The Call Ep.2

•Power of Association•

How can strong relations help fuel our drive for advocacy, community engagement, or personal development? Is it worth surrounding yourself with people who don't value your purpose, vision, or passion? ☆Join the discussion☆

"You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change"-Jim Rohn

#purposedriven #friendships #associations #personaldevelopment #passion

Feb 26, 202114:19