Nelson Mandela was a leader, an icon, and a symbol of freedom, but did you know that he is also an incredible source of inspiration for how we approach business?
1. Integrity
Mandela had incredible ethos and ethics. Throughout extreme challenges, Madiba maintained his sense of integrity by reinforcing his credibility and trust in millions across the world by staying true to his character.
“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself… Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”- Nelson Mandela
2. Passion
Passion produces perseverance. Mandela fought for a cause that was fueled by burning passion. Mandela’s life was paved with challenges but having his passion lead the way, helped him persevere and struggle onwards toward victory.
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”- Nelson Mandela
3. Knowledge
After completing his formal education in Law, Mandela dedicated himself to lifelong learning, reading up and researching as much as he could to stay informed and maintain a broad-minded view of the world.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”- Nelson Mandela
4. Courage
To make a change in this world means to dig deep and find the courage to show up. Mandela’s courage drove him to take enormous risks in the pursuit of achieving his goals.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man (or woman) is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela
5. Empathy
Perhaps his greatest trait, Nelson Mandela was a man that believed in empathy. He had a gift for listening and understanding, which made him approachable and sparked joy in those around him. Similarly, when you open yourself to having empathy for customers and employees, you become aligned with what they need; not what you think they need.
“Our human compassion binds us to one another – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela
We hope this message gives you the strength to conquer the week ahead!
