Everyone has a dream. The harder question is what happens after the dreaming.
For Zambian educator, entrepreneur and leadership mentor Festus Chongo, that question became the foundation for his book, Dream. Plan & Hustle – The Ultimate Modus Operandi To Success.
Chongo, who is also the founder of Dreampreneur Leadership Academy, writes from a simple premise: having a vision for the future is only the beginning. Turning it into reality requires planning, discipline and the willingness to keep working when progress is slow.
In this KSJ author interview, Chongo talks about the thinking behind the book, why he wrote it with young people particularly in mind, and what he believes people should do when they feel stuck.
KSJ: Who is Festus Chongo?
Festus Chongo: I am an educator, author, entrepreneur and leadership mentor. I am passionate about helping people, especially young people, become intentional about their future and take responsibility for the dreams they carry.
I believe every person has something meaningful they can build with their life. But having a dream alone is not enough. You need a plan, and you have to be willing to do the work.
KSJ: What inspired you to write Dream. Plan & Hustle?
The inspiration came from observing many people who have great dreams but struggle to turn those dreams into something practical.
We talk a lot about dreaming, but sometimes we don't talk enough about what happens after the dream.
What is the plan? What are you doing about it? What are you willing to sacrifice?
Those questions kept coming to my mind, and that is what led me to write the book.
KSJ: What does “Dream. Plan & Hustle” mean to you?
For me, it is a simple but powerful process.
Dream means having a vision of the future you want.
Plan means giving that dream structure. You need to know what you want to achieve and how you intend to get there.
Hustle is the action. It is the discipline, consistency, hard work and willingness to keep moving even when things do not happen as quickly as you expected.
You can dream without planning, and you can plan without taking action. The three have to work together.
KSJ: Who did you have in mind when writing the book?
It is for anyone who has a dream but needs to become more intentional about pursuing it.
However, I particularly had young people in mind.
We have many young people with talent, ideas and potential, but sometimes they lack direction or a practical approach to turning those ideas into reality.
I want the book to challenge someone to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start working with what they have.
KSJ: What makes your message different?
I am not trying to tell people that success is easy. It isn't.
My message is about taking responsibility for the part that is within your control.
You may not control your circumstances, where you were born, or every opportunity that comes your way. But you can decide what you do with what you have.
That is where Dream. Plan & Hustle comes in.
KSJ: What was the writing process like?
It was not always easy.
Writing a book requires discipline because there are many moments when you have other responsibilities competing for your attention.
But I kept reminding myself that this was bigger than simply writing a book.
I wanted to put something into people's hands that could challenge the way they think about their future.
Seeing the finished book was therefore a very special moment for me.
KSJ: What do you want someone to take away after reading it?
I want the reader to leave with a different attitude towards their dream.
I want them to ask themselves three questions:
What is my dream?
What is my plan?
What am I doing about it today?
Because a dream becomes more meaningful when you start building it.
KSJ: What would you say to young people who feel stuck?
Start where you are.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Sometimes we spend too much time waiting for resources, connections or perfect circumstances.
Use what you have. Learn. Plan. Start small. Make mistakes. Adjust. Keep moving.
Your current situation does not have to become the definition of your future.
KSJ: What does success mean to you personally?
Success is not only about money or titles.
For me, success is also about purpose, impact and becoming the person you were capable of becoming.
If what you are building can improve your life and positively influence other people's lives, then that has meaning.
KSJ: What would you like people to remember about your work?
I would like people to remember me as someone who encouraged them to believe that their future is worth building.
My work is really about one message:
Dream. Plan. Hustle. Repeat.
Dream about the future you want. Plan for it. Work for it. Learn from the journey and keep going.
Dreams are not for sleeping. They are for building.
About the Author
Festus Chongo is an educator, author, entrepreneur and leadership mentor, and the founder of Dreampreneur Leadership Academy.
He is the author of Dream. Plan & Hustle – The Ultimate Modus Operandi To Success, a book focused on helping readers move from having aspirations to taking practical steps towards them.
The book is available in hardcopy and ebook formats through the Zambian Arts website, where readers can search for the title.
Festus Chongo
Educator | Author | Entrepreneur | Leadership Mentor
Founder, Dreampreneur Leadership Academy
Author, Dream. Plan & Hustle – The Ultimate Modus Operandi To Success
