Meet Lameck Makula, a Communications professional from Zimbabwe whose day blends mindfulness, strategy, and creative execution. Lameck walks us through his daily routines, the tools that power his productivity, and what keeps him grounded beyond the job. He is a Communications professional with over 4 years of experience. Currently, he serves as a Program Assistant for Network Information and Communications at the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC). With a flair for working in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Lameck has successfully collaborated with both international and local NGOs.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My typical day begins with checking in—that is, checking my emails and also messages. That helps me prioritise my tasks for the day. After doing that, I then look over my to-do list from the previous day to identify if I have any unfinished items that need to take precedence.
Most of my mornings are spent drafting communication materials like newsletters, reports, and social media posts. I do this while also collaborating with my team to see if we have any events that are upcoming that we might need to plan for.
Around midday is when I schedule most of my meetings. This is where I attend meetings with stakeholders and partners. After lunch, I focus on creating content. For example, if we have a social media campaign we’re driving, I set aside the afternoon for that. I also use this time to write success stories and draft posts for the following day or the week ahead.
This is also when I take time to look into our communication strategies to see if we are moving in the right direction.
After lunch, I’m usually a bit tired, so I try not to put too many heavy tasks there.
Do you have any specific routines or habits that help you prepare for work?
Yes, I start my day with a brief meditation or mindfulness activity to clear my mind and help me concentrate on the tasks ahead. One of the most helpful things I do is keep a to-do list, which I update each morning. It helps me stay organised and make sure I meet important deadlines.
I also set aside time to review important organisational documents, like our communications strategy. This helps me stay aligned with the organisation’s goals.
What tools or apps do you use most often in your job, and why?
I use a number of tools that I see as crucial for my productivity. One that I’ve recently started exploring is Trello. A colleague introduced it to me, and we’re trying to use it to stay on track with our tasks and collaborate better as a team. I’m still learning how to use it effectively, but it’s promising.
I also use Google Analytics. It’s very valuable for assessing the success of our communication efforts. It allows us to see how our audience is responding, how our reach is growing, and whether our message is effective.
The tools I spend the most time with are Adobe Photoshop and the Adobe Creative Suite—InDesign, Illustrator—and Canva. I use them to create visually appealing content for our social media and newsletters. These tools really enhance my communications.
If you weren’t working in Communications, what career path would you explore?
If I weren’t in Communications, I’d definitely consider a career in community development. One of the things that drives my passion as a communications person is making a positive impact in the community and speaking on behalf of marginalised communities. If I wasn’t in communications, I know I would still want to be in a space where I’m helping to create positive change.
I’d love to develop programmes and help empower those in underserved communities. Just like communication is effective in driving impact, I believe community development can do the same.
What’s your favorite way to relax after work?
After work, I really like to unwind by watching a movie or just browsing social media, Instagram, TikTok, that kind of thing. Engaging with different stories helps me recharge creatively. Funny videos make me laugh and lighten my mood.
I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. Whether we’re just sharing news or catching up, it’s a great way to disconnect and enjoy some quality time.
