Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page

07/05/2026

Speaker: Owen Katongo Kabanda

Dear HR Practitioners,

You are invited to the The Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) 14th Regional Summit & 29th AGM taking place from 13th to 15th May 2026 at Avani Victoria Falls Hotel in Livingstone.

The theme is “HR Transforming Zambia's Progress: Boosting Economic Growth and Bettering Lives”

I will be speaking on:
“How AI is Reshaping the HR Space”

Key areas to be covered include, but are not limited to:

1. AI in HR Strategy and Executive Decision Making
2. AI in Organisation Structures and Job Design
3. AI in Recruitment and Talent Management
4. AI in HR Policies, HR Manuals, and Conditions of Service
5. AI in Preparation of Executive and Board Reports
6. AI in Employee Experience, Analytics, and Workforce Planning
7. AI in Learning, Research, and HR Productivity
8. The Future Role of HR Professionals in the AI Era

We invite HR professionals from the Government, Parastatals, Private Sector, NGOs, and across the African region to come and connect, learn, and shape the future of HR together.

Make sure to come with your laptop, iPad, or smartphone.

Register here:
https://forms.gle/kLZUQQC3Kc8u5Q4s9

For more information:
0955404075

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page
Management and Leadership Advisor

05/05/2026

Burn-on vs Burn-out: The New Era of Exhaustion | ZNBC TV2 Morning Live

Click here to watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/t43ENLgymLE?si=ks7m8I7kAeRgmB5X

In this episode, we discuss why many professionals today are still performing and meeting targets, yet silently experiencing constant stress, mental fatigue, and an inability to switch off. This is what we now call burn-on.

In this discussion, we unpack:

1. The difference between burn-on and burn-out.
2. Why burn-on is increasing in today’s workplaces
3. Key warning signs, even among top performers.
4. The impact of the always-on culture.
5. Risks to productivity and mental health.
6. The role of leadership and workplace culture.
7. Practical strategies to manage stress and sustain performance

A must-watch for employees, managers, HR professionals, and business leaders.
Watch. Reflect. Take action.

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Management and Leadership Advisor

04/05/2026

03/05/2026

Burn-on vs Burn-out: The New Era of Exhaustion

Are you constantly working, delivering results, but still feeling mentally drained?

Join us on on Zambia’s national broadcaster ZNBC TV2 Morning Live this Monday, 4th May 2026 at 07:30 CAT as we unpack the growing challenge of burn-on versus burn-out in today’s workplace.

This discussion will provide practical insights for employees, managers, and business leaders on how to sustain performance without compromising well-being.

Watch us live on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/OwenKatongoKabanda

Be sure to tune in and be part of this important conversation shaping the future of work.

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Management and Leadership Advisor

15/04/2026

What is Executive Presence?
By Owen Katongo Kabanda

As a continuation of the conversation about interviews and even meetings, many executives ask a critical question: What exactly is executive presence, and how is it assessed?

Executive presence is not about appearance alone. It is about how you think, communicate, and carry responsibility at the highest level.

1. Clarity of thought and direction

a. You must demonstrate structured thinking in your responses.
b. Speak with a clear line of reasoning, not scattered ideas.
c. Show that you understand issues beyond the surface.
d. Provide direction, not just commentary.

At the executive level, people look to you for clarity, not confusion.

2. Communication with authority and control

a. Speak calmly and confidently, without rushing.
b. Be concise and intentional with your words.
c. Avoid over-explaining or trying to impress.
d. Maintain consistency in your message.

Your communication must show that you are in control of the conversation.

3. Composure under pressure

a. Difficult questions should not unsettle you.
b. Take a moment before responding, where necessary.
c. Maintain a steady tone even when challenged.
d. Show emotional control at all times.

Executive presence is often tested when things are not going smoothly.

4. Appearance and overall presentation

a. Dress must align with the level you are operating at.
b. Your grooming, posture, and general appearance must be intentional.
c. Avoid extremes. Be professional and composed.
d. Your presence must reflect discipline and seriousness.

At this level, your appearance must support your credibility.

5. Decisiveness and ownership

a. Avoid vague or uncertain responses.
b. Take a position and explain your reasoning.
c. Show willingness to take responsibility.
d. Demonstrate confidence in your judgement.

Executives are expected to decide, not hesitate.

6. Ability to influence and engage

a. Show how you bring people along, not just instruct.
b. Demonstrate stakeholder awareness.
c. Communicate in a way that builds confidence in others.
d. Show that you can engage at the board and leadership level.

Presence is not only about you. It is about how others respond to you.

Executive presence is not something you switch on during an interview. It is something you develop through experience, awareness, and discipline.

In simple terms, it is how you think, speak, decide, and carry responsibility when it matters most.

Follow for more insights on leadership, management, employment, and business:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenkatongokabanda/

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Management and Leadership Advisor



Cheers to my colleague Paul Kaboyi Jr.

10/05/2025

09/12/2024

The Power of a Name in Professional and Personal Contexts

Working in HR and leadership roles has allowed me to interact with people from diverse backgrounds—Zambians, Canadians, Portuguese, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Congolese, and more. In every interaction, one thing stands out: the importance of a name.

A name carries identity, history, and respect. Knowing and using a person's correct name is foundational to trust, inclusion, and professionalism.

Why Names Matter

1. In Employment: Properly recording names ensures accurate payroll, benefits, and engagement.

2. In Leadership: Remembering team members’ names builds morale and fosters stronger relationships.

3. Among Peers: Using correct names encourages mutual respect and collaboration.

4. In Business Transactions: Accurate names prevent errors and delays in company and bank systems.

5. For Identification: A name error on official IDs or systems can lead to serious challenges.

Addressing People: First or Last Name?

1. Start formal—use titles and last names initially (e.g., “Ms. Tembo”), transitioning to first names if invited.

2. Respect workplace culture—some prefer formality, while others embrace informality.

Nicknames and Preferences

1. Use nicknames only if someone introduces themselves that way. Never assume comfort with a nickname.

If You Struggle With Names

1. Repeat the name when introduced.

2. Associate it with something memorable.

3. Write it down after the meeting.

4. Politely ask again if you forget.

5. Use tools like a contact database to keep track.

A name is not just a word—it is a symbol of identity and belonging. Taking time to use names correctly fosters respect and inclusion in any setting.

Have you ever experienced your name being misspelt or pronounced incorrectly? Have you struggled to know someone's name or have you witnessed someone being addressed wrongly?

Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, we would love to hear your experiences and insights.

For more insights, follow here: https://linktr.ee/kabanda.ok

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page

⬆️Click here.



Video Credit: kirusa379

19/11/2024

Mentorship: Growing Together

Thank you so much Doreen Kakeki for your kind words. It mean a lot, and just know that we remain fully committed to supporting you and any other professional in their journey to greatness.

I have come to understand that mentoring others is a powerful way to grow together. Over the years, I have been sharing insights on human resource, leadership, and other life issues as well as mentor a number of people.

There are two groups of people I support:
1. Passionate individuals who are directly mentored as they are are eager to improve but may not yet realize their full potential.
2. Individuals who have chosen to follow us and listen, watch, or read our content on various media platforms.

By sharing my experiences and offering support, I help individuals to navigate their challenges, while also reinforcing their growth and my own growth as a leader.

Through this process, I have learned valuable lessons in patience (as Bupe Zulu) will often remind me 🤣), adaptability, and leadership. Every question I’m asked and every conversation I have with others is an opportunity to reflect on my own journey and become a better version of myself.

Ultimately, sharing ideas with others and mentoring others reminds me that when we help others rise, we also elevate ourselves.

Together, let us work as one team to create better outcomes for ourselves and the nation as a whole.

What has been your experience interacting with us and what areas would you want us to focus more on?

Feel free to follow us.

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page

30/10/2024

Why Leaders Should Monitor Staff Work (Not Micromanage)

Effective monitoring is about guiding and supporting employees, not micromanaging them. When leaders balance oversight with trust, monitoring becomes a powerful tool for accountability, growth, and alignment with organizational goals. Here’s how:

1. Ensures Accountability: Tracking progress ensures that everyone stays on target with their tasks and responsibilities, building a culture of reliability.
2. Identifies Growth Opportunities: Regular monitoring highlights areas where staff excel and where additional support or training might be beneficial.
3. Aligns with Goals: By observing daily activities, managers can ensure work aligns with broader organizational objectives, leading to a more cohesive and productive team.
4. Enhances Communication: Monitoring can reveal insights that drive open discussions, clarify expectations, and improve team dynamics.
5. Improves Efficiency: Early detection of potential issues enables swift solutions, minimizing disruptions and enhancing productivity.

Please feel free to share your views and experiences on this matter.

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page
⬆ Click here to follow.

28/10/2024

Unlocking the Power of Collaboration: Building Success Together

In today’s fast-paced world, collaboration isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity. Combining diverse talents, perspectives, and ideas amplifies creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities.

True collaboration transforms individual efforts into team success, paving the way for breakthroughs that wouldn’t be possible alone.

I am grateful to Francis Mulumba and all those who have collaborated with me and supported me in various works in the past, and I look forward to working with many other individuals, teams, and corporations.

Here’s why collaboration matters:

1. Diverse Perspectives Lead to Richer Solutions:
Every voice brings unique insight; together, we create well-rounded solutions.

2. Increased Engagement:
Working as a team fosters a sense of belonging and drives everyone to give their best.

3. Faster Problem Solving:
Challenges are easier to tackle when we pool our knowledge and resources.

4. Continuous Learning:
We grow by learning from each other’s strengths and expertise.

Let’s strive to foster environments where collaboration isn’t just encouraged but is a core part of our work culture.

Together, we’re stronger. Together, we succeed.

Get in touch if you may may want to collaborate with us.

At your service,

Owen Katongo Kabanda
Owen Katongo Kabanda's Page