By Chisomo Phiri
Malawian business leader and author McCider Katulukira has published two books tilted ‘The Cost of Not Trying: What If I Fail? What If You Succeed?‘ and ‘Beyond Human Effort: What Looks Like the End Is Only the Beginning‘ which explore personal development, overcoming the fear of failure and the role of God’s grace in navigating life’s challenges.
The books are expected to be launched on October 30, 2026, at Hotel Victoria in Blantyre.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Katulukira who is also a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), Chartered Accountant–Malawi and Master of Business Administration (MBA) holder from the University of Malawi(UNIMA), with more than 20 years of experience across various sectors said his professional experience, observations about leadership and personal development, and Christian faith are what influenced his decision to write the books.
He said ‘The Cost of Not Trying‘ challenges the fear, hesitation and uncertainty that often prevent people from pursuing opportunities and realising their potential.
Katulukira: They are informative books
He said many people concentrate so much on the possibility of failure that they overlook the opportunities they could lose by failing to take action.
He said the book encourages readers to take responsibility, act despite uncertainty and recognise that avoiding failure can also mean missing opportunities for growth and success.
Katulukira said his second book ‘Beyond Human Effort‘, examines the relationship between human effort and God’s grace, encouraging readers to work diligently, persevere and take responsibility while acknowledging the limitations of their abilities.
He explained that although hard work and determination are essential, some circumstances should go beyond what individuals can achieve through their efforts alone.
From a Christian perspective, he said such moments should provide opportunities for people to experience God’s grace more deeply.
He, however, emphasised that the book do not advocate passivity but encourages people to continue working faithfully while trusting God, even when circumstances appear impossible.
Katulukira said his motivation for writing the books stems from observing how fear, uncertainty and reluctance to take the first step prevent people from achieving their goals.
He added that the second book developed from his reflections on faith, human limitations and the importance of trusting God when personal efforts reach their limits.
He expressed hope that the books will encourage readers to act courageously, persevere through difficulties and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between human responsibility and God’s grace.
Commenting on the Malawi’s writing and publishing industry, Katulukira said the country has significant potential, with many stories, experiences and ideas that can contribute to personal development, education, leadership, faith and national development.
However, he observed that the industry’s growth depends on more than the availability of talented writers, noting that a strong reading culture, effective publishing and distribution channels, and greater appreciation of locally written books are equally important.
The author also highlighted the role of social media in promoting Malawian authors and connecting their work with wider audiences.
Katulukira urged readers to support local writers by purchasing their books, recommending them to others and engaging with the ideas they present.
He said collaboration among writers, publishers, booksellers, institutions and readers can help strengthen the industry and increase its contribution to knowledge, creativity and national development.
Katulukira disclosed that writing has been part of his life since his youth, although much of his work has remained unpublished over the years.
He described the publication of his first two books as an important milestone in his writing journey, adding that he has other works he plans to publish in the future.
He encouraged people not to allow fear of failure to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions, urging them to take responsibility for their decisions, work diligently and persevere while recognising the importance of faith.
Katulukira said readers wishing to pre-order the books can contact him on 0999804740, 0888852270 or 0888204740.
