1st Edition
At the dawn of the launch of WORLD WITH PURPOSE (stay tuned), I would like to reminiscence of my year-long journey that brought me here. Over the course of the past year, I have embarked on a remarkable journey, one filled with challenges, triumphs, and an unyielding desire to make a positive impact on our world.
My mission was clear: to create an event called “WORLD WITH PURPOSE ” that would serve as a catalyst for starting a conversation about unleashing the power of business as a force for good in the Middle East and Africa.
This is my story, a tale of the uphill battle of doing good, the closed doors, the miraculous moments, and an unwavering commitment to being in service to this amazing planet and wonderous humanity.
The Uphill Battle Begins
As I set out on this ambitious endeavor, I was well aware that the path to doing good was no cakewalk. The uphill battle commenced with countless late nights, planning sessions, and the daunting task of bringing together like-minded individuals and businesses. The world of business can often be competitive and profit-driven, and convincing them to prioritize social and environmental impact is, and remains, a formidable challenge.
Closed Doors and Rejections
One of the most challenging aspects of my journey was the constant stream of closed doors and rejections. It seemed as though every step forward was met with resistance. Businesses hesitated to commit, sponsors turned us down, and potential partners were skeptical. Some people were not even interested in simply hearing what we had so say. They did not have a “What if” . The uphill climb was steeper than I had ever imagined, and yet, I was never discouraged. For sure it has taught me greater humility, the importance of giving when asked, not having expectations about anything and most of all surrendering to a plan greater than ourselves.
Challenges
The journey was riddled with trials and tribulations. Navigating the logistical maze of organizing an event, securing funding, and convincing speakers to participate was an uphill battle. But in the face of adversity, my resolve only grew stronger. I knew deep down that this mission was too important to abandon. This year was also one of the fastest learning years of my entire life. I have learnt things I never even thought about, I became my own assistant (after 20 years of having an assistant trust me when I tell you it is an achievement!), I can build a website, create a media strategy, and meditate for 2 hours in a row. What wonderful blessings!
Miracles Along the Way
During my toughest days, miracles began to appear along the way. An unexpected sponsor came forward, willing to support our cause. A renowned keynote speaker agreed to participate, lending credibility to our event. It was as if the universe was conspiring in our favor. These miraculous moments served as a reminder that, even in the toughest times, doing good attracts positive energy and support. I have met some of the most incredible leaders who are in service of humanity, some of them unsung heroes. They inspired me to think bigger, do more, help more, drive more. I would not have met these people had I not found my purpose and decided start my journey in service of humanity.
Unshakeable Desire to Serve
Through the ups and downs, one thing remained constant: my unshakeable desire to be in service to this amazing world. The world is filled with challenges, but it’s also brimming with potential and beauty. It was this unwavering commitment to make a difference, to leave the world a better place than I found it, that fueled my determination to keep moving forward. I believe that people are good at heart and even though at times that goodness is buried deep down, it is nevertheless there. We just need to peel off those layers and inspire people to connect to the intelligence of their heart, and then watch the magic happen.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my yearlong journey to birth WORLD WITH PURPOSE I am reminded that the uphill battle of doing good is worth every obstacle, every closed door, and every doubt. It’s a journey that pushes us to our limits and tests our resolve. But it’s also a journey that leads to moments of inspiration, miracles, and the profound realization that we all have unbelievable power to make a positive impact on the world.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Leadership is about capacity and nobody has the capacity to do it all. Let us continue to strive for a WORLD WITH PURPOSE where businesses become a force for good, where our actions are driven by a desire to serve, and where miracles can happen when we least expect them. Together, we can make a difference in this magnificent world, one uphill battle at a time.
