Patience

I distinctly remember facing the panelists as they asked me my biggest weakness. At that point I had realized they were either going to like me for who I really am – or else I truly wasn’t a good fit for the fellowship. So I spoke candidly to a panel of folks that believed in patient capital – “My biggest weakness is patience.”  

The fellowship has attacked this weakness head on time and time again with work, myself, relationships and results. I conducted my first solo business development visit yesterday. For the first time in the last 6 months, I finally felt confident enough about my knowledge and my abilities to sell the business model we’ve developed at Husk.  I just needed to have the patience to develop an understanding of the plants and the intricacies of their operations. Patience to listen to the most common questions we get from potential partners. Patience to know how and when to push. Patience with myself to adjust and learn.

Patience to deliver measureable impact. 

6 Months In...

I knew I had taken a break from writing – but I didn’t realize it was this long! I’m now six months into the fellowship.  The last three have passed much faster than I anticipated.  Highlights below:

·         I went back to CORD with the Kelley Globase Crew.  Spending time at CORD was truly inspirational and reenergized me from within. There’s something magical about Sidhbari – the mountains, the fresh air, the Hari Om greetings, early mornings and late nights - they all seem to help you silence yourself. It is as if all the burdens of the world are lifted up; you experience and admire nature in its purest form. Spending  time with Dr. Didi was just a reminder of how one person, leading through love can create a sustainable change that seems magical, even amidst all of nature’s wonders.

An ordinary view in Sidhbari

Holi @ CORD!
Photo Credit: Madhu

·         I went to Africa for the first time! Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanzania in particular.  Reconnecting with the other fellows was fantastic. I walked away as I always do, when I spend time with them, with many things to think about, even more things to put into practice, and a renewed appreciation for having this incredible opportunity.  We had a chance to visit some of E. African fellows’ social initiatives and I was blown away by their commitment to change.  When I think of passion - I always ask myself – what would be worth risking my life? It feels unreal when you meet those that are already doing so without hesitation and an ounce of regret. More on that via a separate blog.

Fellows with Rama @ Baba Dogo, Nairobi
Photo Credit : Ramil

Extreme Lunch!
A lioness and her cubs had just left this spot
Photo Credit: Ramil

·         Took a few days off on a Safari – possibly the most incredible place I’ve ever visited.  It feels as though you’ve gone back in time and are witnessing the world as it once was. It is absolutely stunning – I don't have words to describe it justly. Think Yousef said it best – “I can’t believe we waited this long to do this!”

·         At work we've managed to finally finish an animation video that explains our business model.  As Albert Einstein said – “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”– I think I am finally starting to understand it.  Would love feedback and another soundtrack!!

Phew – it’s been a hectic but fun 3 months!  No more writing vacations....