PROOF OF LIFE: Ep. 02: — “It All Starts With How We Raise Boys and Girls” ft Uchechi Nwakanma
Some people walk into a room with loud confidence. Others bring a quiet calm that makes you exhale without even realizing it. Uchechi is the latter.
One missed photo walk, a handful of inside jokes about Khalifas of the world, and a quietly blazing path as a PR professional, writer, poet, and fitness enthusiast—our guest for this episode of Proof of Life is living multiple lives with deep intentionality.
Uchechi doesn’t just wear many hats—she wears them with purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to redefine success on your own terms, find stillness in anxiety, question the Nigerian adulting fascination with late nights, and journal your way through the chaos.
If you’ve ever needed a reminder that softness is strength and that showing up in small, steady ways is a power all its own—this one’s for you.
You wear many hats—PR, writing, fitness, content creation. How do you balance it all without losing your mind?
“I also do poetry, yoga, meditation, crocheting, etc. I actually do these things to stay sane. I love to invest in hobbies and activities that help me grow and evolve into the best version of myself.”
What’s something about the PR world people don’t see or understand enough?
“People need to understand that PR is not marketing. It’s about building brand trust, creating connections between brand and audience, preserving and managing a brand’s reputation. It’s not about hitting sales targets in tight timelines.”
In what ways has your definition of success changed over the last few years?
“Success is not an end-game. If I fail at something, I see it as a chance to try again with more wisdom—or maybe it’s just not for me, and I deserve something better.”
When anxiety kicks in, how do you manage it?
“Praying. Praise and worship. Listening to sermons about that particular issue. Poetry. Journaling—I have a prayer journal and a gratitude journal. Affirmations. Scripture recitation.”
If you could write advice to 18-year-old Uche, what would you say?
“Build an intentional relationship with God. Pursue your dreams relentlessly. Work on becoming the best version of yourself. Discover your life purpose. And stop worrying about marriage.”
What’s a big fat lie about adulting in Nigeria?
“That you’ll always look forward to going out after 9pm.”
What’s one completely random thing you would change in society if you had the power?
“The way boys and girls are raised. So many issues in society stem from upbringing.”
If your life had a soundtrack right now, what song would be on repeat?
"New Wine" by Hillsong Worship.
What’s a small, seemingly insignificant moment from the past week that made you feel alive?
“Waking up every day and giving God thanks.”
Lastly, what does Proof of Life mean to you?
“Breathing and gratitude.”
Cheers Uchechi! Nice chatting with you.
3 Random Thoughts and 1 Free Business Idea.
Rambo will be proud of me.
Radio stations should explore podcasting as a means of revenue generation (Messaging can be censored though)
The best death was described by the imp from Game of Thrones…I won’t say more
Imagine walking away from your explosion while Nigerians shout Egbami o! Cinema…Pure Cinema.
If your mom sends you an eggplant emoji…Abasi mmi mbok.
To make the Substack even better, I’m torn between two new column ideas—and I need your help!
Should we:
Start a column that highlights movies or music to enjoy during your quiet moments?
OR
Spotlight one amazing community member’s business in each edition.
Cast your vote above. Don’t leave me hanging—please… please o 🙏🏾💛
Till next week! Have Fun.