Joseph Rutakangwa is the CEO of Rwazi, a leading company in the technology industry in Rwanda. Born and raised in Tanzania, Joseph is a passionate entrepreneur and leader with a strong track record of success in the business world.
After completing his education, Joseph embarked on a career in the technology industry, quickly establishing himself as a talented and innovative professional. He has worked with some of the top companies in the field, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience along the way.
In 2021, Joseph founded Rwazi, a company that specializes in providing cutting-edge technology solutions to businesses.
Joseph is known for his visionary leadership style and his ability to inspire and motivate his team. He is deeply committed to the success of his company and the growth of the technology industry in Rwanda. He is also passionate about giving back to his community, and is involved in a number of charitable organizations that work to improve the lives of people in need.
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Joseph Rutakangwa, a third-culture kid who’s lived in many places and cultures over the years. Those experiences shaped my perspective and taught me life lessons I now share through storytelling. I believe in living to our fullest potential and making the most of the time we have. I’ve written two books — Negative to Zero, my first, and Never Stay Broke, which I consider my best work. My writing is grounded in real-life experiences, offering practical steps readers can apply right away.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Never Stay Broke. It’s the book I wish I had when I was at my lowest, trying to figure out how to climb out of being broke. Back then, most books I found assumed I had access to certain resources or opportunities — but I didn’t. I wanted to write something that would work for anyone, anywhere in the world, with any amount of resources, even the absolute least. It’s built to be practical from page one, because I know what it’s like when you need answers, not theory.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but I carried the urge to write Never Stay Broke for two years before I suddenly had complete clarity on exactly what to say and in what order. Once I start, I go into 14–16 hour writing marathons, often through the night until 6 a.m., because that’s when my ideas flow without interruption. I don’t edit or correct anything until the entire book is finished. I also only write from experiences I’ve lived myself — never from secondhand stories — which makes my work deeply personal, for better or worse.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is the most important book I’ve ever read. I first picked it up when I was below rock bottom, and I lived every single instruction in it to the letter. Within two weeks of finishing, I had my breakthrough — and I’ve never regressed since. I recommend it to anyone who wants to completely change their life, but with one condition: you must have an unshakable, burning desire that drives you to live its principles consistently, without fail. Without that, it’s just words on a page.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The hardest part was going back to some of the lowest moments in my life and reliving them in detail. Writing Never Stay Broke meant pulling from real experiences, not theory, so I had to revisit times I would have preferred to forget. But I knew the book wouldn’t have the same impact if I left those parts out. Being honest about the struggle was uncomfortable, but it was also necessary — because the reader deserves the truth, not a polished version of events. That’s what makes the lessons real and usable.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you wish you had when you needed it most — and when you start writing, don’t stop until you’re done. Set aside a block of days for a writing marathon and commit to finishing in that window. Once you crack open the creative universe and ideas are flowing, maintaining that connection requires focus and intensity. Break the momentum, and it’s easy to lose it and slip back into procrastination. Draw from your own lived experiences, because those are the stories only you can tell — and they’re the ones readers will believe.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: start now, with whatever you have. Waiting for the “perfect” time, more resources, or the right circumstances is how ideas die. Every major turning point in my life began when I took action before I felt ready. Starting creates momentum, and momentum creates clarity. You can adjust and refine along the way, but none of that matters if you haven’t begun. The longer you wait, the easier it is to talk yourself out of it — so take the first step today.
What is your favorite quote?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” — Henry Ford. I like this because it’s a constant reminder that mindset sets the limits long before reality does. If you believe something is possible, you’ll start looking for ways to make it happen. If you believe it’s impossible, you’ll stop before you even try. In my experience, what you decide to believe about yourself becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy — for better or worse.
What does being a successful author look like to you?
Success as an author is when the book truly helps people. When someone tells me a chapter gave them the clarity or push they needed to take action, that’s the highest measure of success. If a reader can pick up Never Stay Broke and walk away with something they can apply the same day to change their situation, that’s success. The real win is seeing the words spark tangible change in someone’s life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, my focus is on getting Never Stay Broke into as many hands as possible and hearing from readers who put it into action. After that, I plan to continue writing books that are grounded in real-life experiences and offer practical steps that people can apply immediately. When the next idea reaches full clarity, I’ll dive into another writing marathon — the same way I did with this book.
Connect with Joseph Rutakangwa online at
Author website: http://www.rutakangwa.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrutakangwa/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/JRutakangwa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/
Never Stay Broke is available for purchase on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJHCY6PG