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I had the pleasure of speaking with Anika Jackson about my journey from being a corporate actuary to becoming a humanitarian. My passion for nonprofit work and my background in Africa were key topics of our conversation.
Anika and I connected on a personal level as she shared her own experience of starting a nonprofit in Ghana. We both understood the importance of community transformation and the need to address multiple issues rather than focusing on a single cause. It was inspiring to hear about her work with children’s education, the orphanage, and organic farming.
I then had the opportunity to share my own story, which began in the corporate world as an actuary for over 25 years. However, four years ago, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business coaching and consulting practice, primarily catering to small businesses. Alongside that, I have been involved in nonprofit work for many years and have also been a speaker at various events.
My passion for nonprofit work ignited during the AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa back in the mid-2000s. I felt a deep calling to get involved, but I wasn’t sure how to make a meaningful impact. It was in 2007, during a conference in Minneapolis, that I met two other individuals from my rural Minnesota community who shared the same desire to make a difference in Africa.
Together, we engaged in conversations about how we could contribute overseas while also addressing the divisiveness in our own community at the time. This led us to establish a nonprofit in Rwanda, focusing on community transformation through education, healthcare, economic development, and spiritual growth.
My journey from the corporate world to humanitarian work has been a truly inspiring one. It has taught me the importance of following one’s passions and making a positive impact, regardless of the scale of the effort. I firmly believe that each one of us can contribute to making the world a better place.
Uniting Communities in a Divisive World: Lessons from a 12-Year Project
Living in a world filled with divisiveness and polarization, finding common ground may seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, through my 12-year project aimed at fighting global poverty in Africa, I have learned that uniting communities is possible by fostering a higher level of engagement that transcends political and ideological differences.
During this project, I organized annual gatherings that brought together people from diverse backgrounds. Despite their differences, I was able to unite them under a single cause – helping children in Africa. These gatherings served as a reminder that, despite our varying beliefs and opinions, we are all part of one global community capable of making a significant impact in the world.
At these events, I emphasized that focusing on a shared goal can break down barriers and create space for meaningful conversations and relationships to form. However, my approach extended beyond mere dialogue; it aimed to inspire action. By providing tangible ways for individuals to get involved in the fight against poverty, I created a sense of purpose and meaning that went beyond individual differences.
Through this 12-year project, I learned valuable lessons. In a world characterized by divisiveness, we must find ways to unite around shared purposes. We must recognize that our differences need not divide us. By collaborating towards a common goal, we can effect real change in the world.
So, the next time you find yourself in a room with people holding different beliefs and opinions, remember the lessons I learned from my project. Seek a higher level of engagement and look for shared goals that can unite you all. And always remember, even the smallest actions can make a significant difference in the fight against poverty and other global challenges.
As individuals, we all desire success and the ability to make a positive impact in the world. I have come to realize that owning a business is not always the easier path. It requires a combination of passion, hard work, and a willingness to tackle various responsibilities beyond my areas of expertise.
Why Owning a Business is Not Always Easier
Anika and I also discussed the realities of entrepreneurship and the common misconception that owning a business will be a breeze compared to traditional employment. I must admit, I too fell into this trap initially. I thought that owning a business would be easier and more enjoyable than my previous corporate job. However, I soon learned that entrepreneurship came with a host of responsibilities, including sales, finance, taxes, and overall management.
To navigate these challenges successfully, I’ve found that self-awareness and honest reflection are crucial for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs like myself. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the realities of owning a business and the various tasks and roles that need to be fulfilled.
Drawing from my own coaching experience, I have witnessed clients who found success by recognizing the need for support and guidance in areas where they lacked expertise. They understood that seeking help from professionals and developing a well-rounded skill set were essential for achieving their entrepreneurial goals.
Here is my realization: while owning a business can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, it is vital to approach it with a realistic mindset. I acknowledge the challenges and am prepared to handle a wide range of responsibilities. By combining my passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt, I believe I can navigate the entrepreneurial journey with greater confidence and achieve my desired outcomes.
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is The Safari Dude. As a professional actuary in human resources analytics, he uncovered surprising factors that enhance employee engagement, and work enjoyment; key elements for effectiveness, enhanced retention, productivity, and organizational success.
Minnesota to Rwanda, nonprofit to corporate, start-ups to Fortune 500 companies he brings to your event thirty years of leadership success. Steve’s personal safari mission is to help great leaders and their teams enjoy an epic safari by getting the right peeps in their jeeps and in the right seats.
