My Biography
Glody Kikonga was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, into a family of eight children. Raised in the central suburb of Ngaliema, he was introduced to a privileged lifestyle due to his family’s social and political connections. His late grandfather, Alexandre Mahamba, was a notable Congolese politician and the first Minister of Land Affairs of Zaire under the Lumumba Government from 24 June to 12 September 1960, serving under Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba (reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Mahamba) Despite his family’s prominence, Kikonga faced personal struggles, particularly in navigating his relationship with his strict father, while his late mother nurtured his creativity and personal development.
From an early age, Kikonga displayed a passion for self-improvement, technology, and the creative arts. He explored photography, videography, and graphic design while also participating in sports. However, his true calling became evident when he embarked on a transformative journey of resilience and mental discipline.
The Journey into Life Coaching
Kikonga’s life changed drastically when his family faced financial hardship following
his late mother’s illness. As circumstances worsened, following the country’s political
instability his father arranged for him and his younger brother to relocate to South
Africa to join their older sibling. However, along the way, they were abandoned in an
unfamiliar town by an unreliable travel guide, leaving them stranded with no
resources or means of communication. Faced with homelessness and hunger,
Kikonga had to step up as a guardian to his little brother, ensuring that he had food
and safety despite their dire circumstances.
During this period of immense hardship, the two brothers navigated survival together.
Kikonga took on any opportunity to provide for his younger brother, often going days
with minimal food while ensuring that his sibling did not suffer the same fate.
Eventually, they were taken in by a military officer, acting on instructions from their
family. However, life remained difficult, and Kikonga was forced to make tough
decisions about their future.
Determined not to give up, he insisted on continuing their journey instead of
returning home. His father, initially hesitant, eventually agreed, arranging for another
way to get them to South Africa. They then moved to Zambia, where they were
received by their older brother’s in-laws. At this stage, Kikonga experienced a shift in
perspective. No longer the privileged child he once was, he had witnessed the harsh
realities of life and was determined to rise above them. Seeking answers, he turned
to religion, particularly Christianity, and used faith as a foundation for his journey of
self-discovery. He was baptized and later introduced to technical work, learning how
to fix refrigerators to support himself.
After some time, Kikonga was finally able to reunite with his older brother in South
Africa. There, he learned better English and resumed his education. The journey had
shaped him into someone deeply aware of resilience, mental toughness, and
perseverance, qualities that would later define his career as a life coach.
Professional Career and Impact
Kikonga formally transitioned into life coaching, using his lived experiences to help
others build mental toughness and achieve personal success.This passion led him to
study life coaching methodologies and personal development strategies, refining his
expertise in resilience training and mental discipline. He further pursued studies in
neuroscience, gaining qualifications that enhanced his approach to coaching by
integrating brain science into his mental toughness programs.
He launched coaching programs that emphasize discipline, goal-setting, and
overcoming adversity. His book, Mental Toughness: Unbreakable Mind, became a
cornerstone of his teachings, providing a structured guide for individuals seeking
growth and resilience.
He is the founder of Lokumu Institute, a life coaching organization dedicated to
helping individuals develop mental strength and success-oriented habits through
structured coaching programs. He also founded Black Desire Creative, a company
focused on artist empowerment, offering mentorship, branding, and business
development strategies for aspiring creative talents. For more information about his
companies, visit www.lokumuinstitute.com and www.blackdesirecreative.com.
Through his work, Kikonga has coached entrepreneurs, athletes, and professionals,
helping them cultivate a resilient mindset. His coaching programs integrate
psychological principles with real-world applications, making them highly effective.
As a member of Rotary International, a global organization dedicated to
humanitarian service, Kikonga actively contributes to community-building efforts and
leadership development programs.
Public Engagement and Recognition
Kikonga has been featured on multiple platforms, sharing his insights on mental toughness, resilience, and personal development. He actively engages with his audience through social media, live coaching sessions, and keynote speeches. His commitment to helping others overcome adversity has positioned him as a leading figure in the personal development space.
My About page on my website
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