Reflection - Move with courage, humility and a learning mindset
This year the Office of the Founder was tasked by the Board to take on a massive and important mandate: to lead legacy preservation efforts for Mrs Machel. This did not only represent an added portfolio of work (with the same number of staff), but a hefty mandate with significant implications for Mrs Machel and GMT (as well as a broader universe of communities we hope to impact and inspire with this body of work). A key lesson from this daunting task has been to move with courage, humility and a learning mindset when faced with new areas of responsibility and challenging tasks.
True to GMT's approach, we are working collaboratively and surrounding ourselves with experts who are knowledgeable and gracious in sharing their wisdom. We have learned to become even more flexible in our work planning open to feedback and constructive criticism, and novel ways of doing something. When entering unfamiliar and unchartered territory, and when feeling unprepared or underequipped to take on a new challenge, remember to lean on the strength of the collectives and the values of GMT - they are your safety net!
Lesson - moral courage at all times
This year lessons in moral courage have been bountiful. The Office of the Founder's global advocacy work is multifaceted-- amongst many causes, we work to advance issues of climate justice, conflict resolution, global health equity, access to education, etc, but perhaps nothing has impacted me professionally and personally as strongly as has the polarizing conflict and genocide in Gaza. I've learned a lot from Mrs Machel this year witnessing her stand up and speak out on issues of justice and peace and truly amplifying voices of the world's marginalized and ignored. See Mrs Machel's recent statement on the issue here.
I've learned to become much more unapologetic in speaking my truths and taking a stand for my convictions and values-- however unpopular or controversial they might be. GMT, the organisations and partners the OOF is closely affiliated with, encourage me to use my life to benefit communities and issues I care about. "One life to live, notice you get no sequel." - Jay Z
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Celebration
The emphasis on the wellbeing of the collective is something I appreciate and celebrate within an afro-centric organization. The recent WCW Summit showcased to me what I know to be true: solidarity is our superpower. Our strength has been our collective action. I witness this daily in Mrs Machel's leadership of organizations that she is affiliated with -- when tackling issues of global importance, she introduces the African notion of Ubuntu to the discussions and brings the values of GMT to global spaces
