Carolyn Smith’s Post

Virtue Washing... aka pouring 🐝🍯 on 💩 In this messy and uncertain world, companies and people try to project a good image by adopting certain slogans, or acquiring honour badges by what we call "Virtue Signalling". However, talk is cheap. If your culture or character is poor, no mere words will change it. When I was fundraising for #UCLA, I was approached by an Indonesian businessman to donate over $20M to the University. However, a simple due diligence check revealed his involvement in several shady business disputes and illegal acts. It became clear that he was hoping to wash his reputation by association with UCLA. I said a gentle "HELL NO" to his offer. Similarly, a person I know - who had demonstrated inveterate dishonesty and poor integrity - recently slapped on 3 letters next to his name on social media (these 3 letters are apparently some public service recognition). However, I had up-close first hand knowledge of this person's long series of terrible life choices, and seen his behaviour among workmates and women. There was no chance someone like me would be convinced those 3 letters meant a thing to his innate character. OBE, PBM, ESQ... these 3-letter badges mean little if you don't have the integrity bone to stand up on. A turd is a turd no matter how much honey you pour on it. Nothing would make you bite down on it. 🙊🫸🏼💩🤮 You can fool some people all the time, You can fool everyone some of the time, But you can't fool everyone all the time. What say you, fellow business owners and Acolytes of Truth? Do you think 🍯🐝 can drown out the smell of 💩? Or do you say HELL NO to 🐮💩? I am Stephen Tan, and I write about #leadership, #management and #fundraising. 👀 my latest posts here: https://lnkd.in/g7j29kqU 🙋 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gPAgBfaT #culture | #work | #people | #relationships | #ethics | #integrity | #socialmedia | #education | #philanthropy | #mindfulness | #mentalhealth #LBFAlumni | #skyhightower

🌙 Reflecting on Ramadan: A Time for Growth, Gratitude, and Giving Back 🌙 As we welcome the sacred month of Ramadan, I find myself reflecting on its profound impact not only on our personal lives but also on our professional journeys. Ramadan, a time of fasting, reflection, and community, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, gratitude, and giving back, resonating deeply within the professional realm. Growth: This month encourages us to push our limits, fostering resilience and patience. It reminds us that growth often comes from challenges, teaching us valuable lessons in perseverance and self-discipline. In our careers, these qualities translate to enhanced focus and productivity, driving us toward our goals with renewed vigor and determination. Gratitude: Ramadan teaches us to be grateful for our blessings, including the opportunities and people we often take for granted. In the professional context, it's a reminder to appreciate our colleagues, mentors, and the chances we've been given to make an impact. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling work environment and foster stronger, more compassionate teams. Giving Back: The spirit of generosity and community support is a cornerstone of Ramadan. It encourages us to look beyond our success and consider how we can contribute to the well-being of others. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or supporting charitable causes, giving back enriches our professional lives, strengthens our communities, and creates a ripple effect of positivity and change. As we navigate this blessed month, let's embrace the lessons of Ramadan and carry them into every aspect of our lives, including our workplaces. Let it be a time of personal and professional renewal, inspiring us to be better leaders, colleagues, and contributors to our communities. Wishing everyone observing a peaceful and productive Ramadan. May this month bring you growth, gratitude, and the joy of giving back. #Ramadan #ProfessionalGrowth #Gratitude #GivingBack #Community

🌙 As #Ramadan Comes to a Close: Reflecting on the Good Habits Cultivated Throughout the month of Ramadan, millions around the world focus on self-improvement, spiritual growth, and acts of charity. As we bid farewell to this sacred time, let's cherish the good habits we've adopted: 1. Enhanced spirituality 🙏: Deepened connection with our faith and increased awareness of the importance of prayer and reflection. 2. Increased discipline ⏰: With fasting and scheduled prayers, we've learned to manage our time and priorities more effectively. 3. Improved empathy 💕: Understanding the struggles of the less fortunate and becoming more compassionate as a result. 4. Acts of charity 👐: Generosity and giving back to the community have become a focal point of our daily lives. 5. Gratitude for what we have 🙌: Recognising the abundance in our lives and not taking our blessings for granted. 6. Focus on self-care🧘♀️: Emphasising the importance of fostering mental, physical, and emotional wellness. 7. Fostering connections 💞: Strengthening relationships with family, friends, and our spiritual community. As we move beyond Ramadan, remember to carry forward these habits and values, nurturing lifelong personal and spiritual growth 🌱. May the lessons and blessings of Ramadan continue to guide us in our daily lives 🌟. #Ramadan #GoodHabits #SelfImprovement #SpiritualGrowth #Community #Gratitude

President #Kagame: “Problem-solving requires people to talk; you can never achieve anything on your own. We also need to stop the culture of procrastination; what has to be done today must be done today and not tomorrow." #Umushyikirano2024

#Employment Over Donations: A Path to Sustainable Development While donations provide immediate relief, offering employment fosters long-term stability and growth. Employment empowers individuals, providing them with the skills, income, and dignity needed to build a better future. It stimulates local economies, reduces dependency on aid, and promotes self-sufficiency. By creating jobs, businesses and communities invest in sustainable development, leading to lasting positive impacts that go beyond the temporary support donations can offer. Visit PONKA at www.ponka.org and witness how a small community is becoming self sustainable with this vision. - #EmploymentMatters - #SustainableDevelopment - #Empowerment - #JobsNotCharity - #EconomicGrowth - #SelfSufficiency - #SocialImpact - #BuildFutures - #InvestInPeople - #LongTermSolutions

I was privileged to have a presentation with Metropolitan YMCA Oluyole Ibadan during her monthly meeting held on the Sunday, 1st September, 2024. TOPIC : Don’t Give Up on Life I started with the quote, When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place👌🏼. Section 1: Understanding the Struggles ➡️Acknowledge Challenges: Life can be tough, with personal and professional struggles that may feel overwhelming. ➡️Common Feelings: Despair, loneliness, and feeling stuck are common but temporary. Section 2: The Power of Resilience ➡️Resilience Defined: The ability to bounce back from adversity, failure, or difficult situations. ➡️Examples of Resilience: Stories of individuals who overcame significant challenges (e.g., famous personalities, everyday heroes). ➡️Practical Tips: Focus on Small Steps: Break down large problems into manageable pieces. Seek Support: Rely on friends, family, or professionals when needed. Maintain Perspective: Remember that bad times are temporary. Section 3: Finding Hope and Purpose ➡️Importance of Hope: It keeps us motivated and moving forward even when the future seems uncertain. ➡️Rediscovering Purpose: Engage in activities that bring joy or fulfillment. Volunteering, hobbies, or setting new goals can reignite passion. ➡️Affirmations and Positive Thinking: Use daily affirmations to build a positive mindset. Section 4: Conclusion ➡️Final Encouragement: Life is a journey with ups and downs, but perseverance can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. ➡️Call to Action: Don’t give up—each day brings new possibilities and chances to turn things around. I closed with a take home quote which says; In the end, everything will be okay. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end. Keep moving until it’s Okay by you✅ Thanks to the leadership of Metropolitan YMCA Oluyole Ibadan for the opportunity. #YMCA #Ibadan #NeverGiveUp #CommunityService #ServiceToHumanity

Celebrate #GuruPurnima with TANG Peer Connect—join fellow non-profit leaders to learn, share, and grow together! 🌟 Details in the post below ⬇️ #Collaboration #Leadership #SocialImpact

Our Deputy Chair, Dami Solebo talks to Jodie about the needs of the Khulisa Board and what he's looking for in a Chair. He's excited by someone who can see the ambition in our strategy and finding someone who is committed to Khulisa and governance. Could this be you? Find out more about Khulisa, our vision and mission and the qualities we’re looking for in a chair in this short video with Jodie Wickers (CEO) and Dami Solebo (Deputy Chair). Both are available for an informal chat if you have any questions about the role. #CharityLeadership #CharityJob #CharityJobs #GettingonBoard #TrusteeRecruitment Full video in the link in the comments below 👇

Here’s why I’m genuinely hesitant to try to get funding for Mavuus. The underlying fear of ‘NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY’. I know, I know.. ‘Work on your confidence, lead with conviction, take calculated risks,’ you’ll say.. But hear me out first. All of our fears fundamentally come from past experiences and the more we’re being conditioned by external factors, the bigger some of these fears become (basic human psychology). And ‘not being taken’ seriously’ is something that I’ve experienced early in my career: ⚠ A CEO of one of the companies I’ve worked for had asked another female executive to step in as my superior as he didn’t want the ‘wrong perception’ of managing a ‘young female’. ⚠ A female executive of yet another company had spread various rumours implying that I was hired by my manager (a male) for all the wrong reasons. ⚠ Having internally applied for a senior role at another organization, my rejection sounded something like ‘Dilya, your presentation was fantastic, and if it was done by anyone else, they would've gotten the role, but we just don’t see you as ‘seasoned enough’. ‘DON'T’ JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER’ they say, but the very truth is.. We’re all being judged by the way we look, the way we sound, the way we dress, the way we talk - another simple fact of being a human. So while I’ve never figured out the exact reason for my perceived ‘lack of seriousness’: ❓ Is it the way I look? ❓ Is it the way I dress? ❓ Is it the way I move? ❓ Is it my Eastern European accent? Probably a combination of all. But here’s my (somewhat philosophical) question for you all.. Considering the fact it’s HUMAN NATURE to form judgements and perceptions based on external traits (the way we look, dress, talk, move, etc) - I do it, you do it, we all do it.. Are there any effective tools we can all try to implement in order to minimize the false perceptions? Cause being on the receiving end of that judgement not only hurts but can also impact someone’s entire future.  #fundraising #raisemoney #vcfunding

🌱 The Art Of Lifelong Growth 🌱 As you read Constructing Tomorrow: The Art of Lifelong Growth, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Think about the foundations you have laid, the setbacks you have faced, and the structures you have built. Consider how you can continue to grow, adapt, and evolve as you move forward. Remember, each new day offers a chance to build something better, and the process of construction is one of the most rewarding aspects of life. In writing this book, my goal was to offer a fresh perspective on the concept of success—one that emphasizes resilience, continuous learning, and the power of community. I hope Rahul's story inspires you to keep building, keep moving, and keep believing in your ability to create the life you envision. 📚 Grab your copy now: Amazon: https://lnkd.in/de_8G3Um Amazon India: https://lnkd.in/ddb87WpJ Other Stores: https://lnkd.in/ddZvFad4