Minding the Gap
The last two weeks, back in Southern Africa after the Lusaka exhilaration, have been somewhat of an oasis moment. These are moments I use to re-energize, re-boot and catch one’s breath. We all have a responsibility to make time to “mind the gap”, plan for it and utilize it properly so that we can be at our peak performance all the time.
Part of me minding the gap meant working from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for a week, and also having a set of really interesting engagements with many folks within our organization. What is energizing about Bulawayo is familiar sights, waking up to cacophony of rural sounds (the cows, goats, chickens’ mornings orchestra), and connecting with family.
One of the meetings on my roster is the Senior Advisors Huddle. This check-in space is fast becoming for a me an open talk forum where all topics are on the table and feedback is candid and robust. Thanks for to Ben, Mark and Dean for making the time, and making it worthwhile and allowing me to tap into their institutional memory, and PFS - centered advice.
We also managed to fit in a Senior Leadership Team meeting this last week that allowed us to have an enriching conversation about how we navigate the various partnership models and opportunities open to us. Putting the interest of PFS first and ensuring we are stronger and are achieving greater impact are some of the guide rails we all resonate with. It was enriching to see our leaders thoughtfully and honestly engage on these existential topics. I believe this is a foundation we can build on.
I have to say, if I had to pick a highlight from this two-week travel hiatus, that would have to be the Senior Volunteers Townhall. Staci managed to convene over 12 of some of our longest serving volunteers, most of whom had now retired from their companies - but continue to volunteer. What a conversation! Each one told their story and without much scripting, all shared how volunteering had been one of the most fulfilling things they have done in their career. They all shared how interacting with our teams and client companies is keeping them busy, engaged and contributing- even for those in retirement. We have a cadre here of men and women who could be doing other things with their time - but get fulfillment in connecting expertise with opportunity.
They also had some words of advice about how we ought to continue to improve the process of identifying client company needs and describing them to ensure frictionless engagement by volunteers. However, they confirmed what most of you know; that this is not an exact science, but a process of discovery. What is important is to listen carefully and identify those verbal cues that indicate what really needs to be solved!
I write this as I am boarding the KQ 514 flight from NBO to ACC, it should have left 3 hours ago, has had multiple gate changes, and the general chaos that has come to be associated with KQ. Just wondering if we shouldn’t ask Magdalene to find a way to start an innovative service for struggling airlines 🤔. Happy to deploy Taylor and Wendy as scheduling volunteers!
As I start the West Africa leg of my orientation visits - I am excited and curious to know what West Africa will serve up. While I can’t predict with accuracy, I can say with certainty, that there will be lots of energy, color and the right amount of Scoville Units to excite all my senses, and provide for a time well spent!
Akwaaba!
Mandla, In Accra
12 August, 2024