Men must move beyond measuring success by careers, wealth and titles and instead focus on how their achievements create opportunities for others, a FNB Zambia executive has said.
Speaking at the Ascend Men’s Summit 2026 themed Activate Vision , FNB Zambia Corporate and Investment Banking Executive Luyanga Mufungulwa said men should be deliberate not only about what they build, but also about who they become while building their careers, businesses, families and wealth.
He said society often places expectations on men to lead, provide, protect and remain strong, but there is insufficient attention on who supports and strengthens the men carrying these responsibilities. “Who is strengthening the man who is expected to strengthen everyone else?” he asked.
The executive said mentorship, accountability and brotherhood were critical in developing stronger men who could, in turn, mentor younger generations. He challenged men to recognise that leadership was not defined by titles or salaries, arguing that true strength included the willingness to learn, accept correction and seek guidance.
According to him, men should surround themselves with people who can challenge and sharpen them while also deliberately mentoring those coming behind them. “Find one man ahead of you who has permission to sharpen you.
Find one man beside you who can walk honestly with you… And find one young man coming behind you whom you will intentionally sharpen,” he said.
The executive linked the message to FNB Zambia’s philosophy of shared prosperity, saying economic success should extend beyond individuals and benefit customers, employees, businesses and communities.
He said the same principle should guide men in their personal and professional lives. “If I rise, who rises with me? If I have knowledge, who am I teaching? If someone opened a door for me, whose door am I opening?” he asked.
He argued that the value of success should ultimately be measured by the number of people who become better or go further because of an individual’s contribution. “Prosperity that ends with you is incomplete,” he said.
The executive encouraged men to continue building businesses, careers, families, wealth and institutions, but cautioned them not to neglect personal development and mentorship.
Mufungulwa added that stronger men could contribute to stronger families, communities, businesses and institutions, ultimately contributing to a stronger Zambia.
“Build Zambia. But while you are building all of those things, do not forget to build the man doing the building,” he said. The summit, hosted by Posterity Solutions, brought together men and leaders to reflect on personal development, leadership, mentorship and their contribution to society.
The executive said the ultimate measure of a man’s success should not only be how far he has travelled, but how many people have gone further because of his influence.
“Ultimately, the greatest thing we build may not be something with our name on it. It may be someone whose life is stronger because ours touched theirs,” he said.
Article by Philip Sinkala
