Chris Colaco’s Post

From a leadership standpoint, I want to share a huge learning I had while I was living in Africa, and the impact that it had on my life as I worked with my colleagues. I came across this word “ubuntu.” Have you ever heard that word before? You may have not. Ubuntu describes a set of closely related African-origin value systems that emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. "Ubuntu" is sometimes translated as "I am because we are", or "humanity towards others". “Ubuntu means “I am, because you are”. In fact, the word ubuntu is part of the Zulu phrase “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which literally means that a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society. Ubuntu is that nebulous concept of common humanity, oneness: humanity, you and me both.” Embracing the Ubuntu mindset has truly transformed how I lead and manage others. By valuing each individual's humanity, we can unlock new levels of success together. What has impacted you in a similar way? Share below! #UbuntuLeadership #InterconnectedHumanity #InspiredByUbuntu #CollectiveHumanity

The Power of Social Media . Africa and Ubuntu Part 2 💾 As a child of Generation X, I can't call myself a ‘digital native’. But thanks to David Bowie, I fell in love with the internet relatively early on. I had my own homepage and wrote my first blog in 1999, when the term was still fairly unknown (I accurately called my blog a "diary"). 🖥️ Back then, I was only interested in swapping David Bowie concert recordings and meeting other fans of Peter Kingsbery and his band Cock Robin. For an introvert like me, the internet was perfect - being able to hide behind a screen and meet people I would never have dared to speak to otherwise. ✍🏻 Fastforward 25 years, I share quite a lot on LinkedIn, sometimes very personal topics. Which not everyone can understand (and very likely not everyone likes). I have many reasons for this. One is the same as it was in 1999 - to connect with people. Another is that I really appreciate the dynamic this can take on and am inspired by it. An example from today: ➡️ Armandè Kruger recently shared a wonderful text about Africa (https://lnkd.in/eHb4_VnC). ➡️ I would not have read this if Lisa Bohardien had not liked the post. ➡️ This text triggered me to write my own post today (https://lnkd.in/euAzaYVe) ➡️ Stefanie Thuiner liked my post and commented another African proverb. ➡️ That reminded me of a book by Nompumelelo 'Mungi' Ngomane ("Everyday Ubuntu: Living better together, the African way") ➡️ Because of this, I once more surfed the internet for Ubuntu and came across this video of a TEDx talk by Getrude Matshe (https://lnkd.in/ehag6FTU). Which is super inspiring. Both the topic(s) aas wll as Getrude's brilliant and emotional talk. ➡️ I am super curious where else this is going to take me ... #DavidBowie #Ubuntu #SocialMedia #Africa #Inspiration #FlipOfAButterflysWing #BookRecommendation

✨ Exciting News 🌟 I am elated to announce that I have received my certificate from Ubuntu United Nations, marking a significant milestone in my personal and professional journey. This program was an eye-opening experience, where I had the privilege to delve deep into the Mandela philosophy, Servant Leadership, Ethics of Care, and the art of Building Bridges. Being honored as one of the 3 delegates for Ghana is an incredible privilege that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective effort of those who have supported and inspired me. Throughout this journey, I have been profoundly influenced by the principles of Nelson Mandela. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The Mandela philosophy taught me the true essence of Servant Leadership – leading by serving others, prioritizing their needs, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. The Ethics of Care, another core aspect of the training, emphasized the importance of empathy, compassion, and nurturing relationships. It reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about making decisions but about caring for the people and communities we serve. Building Bridges was a particularly resonant theme for me. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to connect with others across cultural, social, and political divides is crucial. I am committed to using this knowledge to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote unity. I am deeply grateful to Ubuntu United Nations for this transformative opportunity and to everyone who has been part of this journey. This achievement is a reminder that we are all interconnected and that through empathy, collaboration, and service, we can create a more just and compassionate world. Let’s continue to build a future rooted in the values of Ubuntu – "I am because we are."💪🎉🫂 #Ubuntu #MandelaPhilosophy #ServantLeadership #EthicsOfCare #BuildingBridges #Leadership #Community #Ghana #Honored #Proud #TransformativeJourney #GlobalUnity

### Ubuntu: A Philosophy of Collective Humanity In the heart of African culture, there's a profound philosophy known as "Ubuntu." It's a concept that embodies our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Ubuntu teaches us that we are all bound together, and our actions towards one another define who we are as a society. Nelson Mandela, a beacon of hope and a symbol of Ubuntu, once said, "I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am." This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of Ubuntu – the idea that our individual success and well-being are intrinsically linked to the success and well-being of our community. Mandela also shared, "Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question, therefore, is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?" In our personal and professional lives, embracing Ubuntu can transform the way we interact with one another. It encourages us to: - **Foster Compassion:** Understand and empathize with the struggles and joys of those around us. - **Build Community:** Create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. - **Share Success:** Recognize that our achievements are more meaningful when they contribute to the greater good. As we navigate our careers and personal journeys, let's remember the wisdom of Ubuntu. By lifting each other up and working together, we can create a thriving and harmonious world. **#Ubuntu #ubuntumavazi #NelsonMandela #CollectiveHumanity #Inspiration #Leadership #Community**

Ubuntu Ubuntu is a philosophy shared by people in Africa for a long time. Probably the longest in the world since the point when he was the origin of our sapiens. This philosophy sees everything as interrelated and for each other, everyone, living or not, must work together respectfully. No one is bigger than anyone else. Everyone exists because of others. Everything has the dignity of being that thing on a par with everything else. That when we think like this, our identity will disappear. We, society and nature are one and the same. Our actions are for nature. The happiness that is obtained is therefore true happiness that does not come from satisfying personal desires. But the most important thing about Ubuntu is that it is not just a principle. But it is also call for action. Everyone must show genuine understanding and respect for others, not just thinking in their minds. There must be communication. Exchange conversations to gain mutual understanding. Principles of Ubuntu are very suitable for societies that are different like today. Let's try to use it for our own happiness and peace. Dr. Veeranut Rojanaprapa #SDGs #SDG17 #IDG #IDGs #BCG #BCgovernment #ESG #sustainable #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #innerdevelopment

🌍 Discover the Power of Ubuntu: "I am because we are" In my latest blog post, I delved into the powerful philosophy of Ubuntu, which profoundly resonated with me. I explore how the concept of Ubuntu—meaning "I am because we are"—captures the essence of our interconnected human experience. Ubuntu teaches that our identity is shaped through our relationships with others, emphasising interdependence and collective well-being over individualism. Here's a glimpse of what you'll find: 🌟 Desmond Tutu’s perfect encapsulation of Ubuntu’s human quality 🐝 James Ogude’s insights on co-agency and the critical role of bees in our ecosystem 🐄 The Maasai’s sustainable pastoral practices as a living example of Ubuntu Ubuntu is not just a philosophy; it's a guide for living harmoniously with our environment and each other. 🔗 Dive into the full post to see why Ubuntu could be the key to a balanced and resilient future. https://lnkd.in/eugbqCaC

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, let's embrace Deborah Byrd's "word of the year for 2024"—Ubuntu. Ubuntu, a deeply rooted African concept from the Nguni Bantu languages of southern Africa, particularly among the Zulu and Xhosa peoples, means "I am because you are, you are because we are." It's a value system that emphasizes social awareness, consciousness of others, and the world around us. Too often on social media, we see an overemphasis on individualism (all about me, me, me) and not enough focus on individuality (developing your own character while giving a sense of independence and freedom). Regardless of the evolution of AI and technology, we are social beings. We do not live in isolation. We belong to a family, a broader community, a community of peers, and the world at large, making us more responsible for the greater good. As Mother Teresa once said, "Compassion is useless without action." Ubuntu is about taking action. If you care, go out and share with the vulnerable and weak among us. Share your truth (while acknowledging it's not "the truth") and give away what could help others. Use social media as a vessel to spread this message of interconnectedness, shared humanity, and social belonging. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued and included. How will you embody Ubuntu and foster social belonging in the communities you serve and help create? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #NelsonMandelaDay #Ubuntu #CommunityBuilding #SharedHumanity #SocialBelonging

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, let's embrace Deborah Byrd's "word of the year for 2024"—Ubuntu. Ubuntu, a deeply rooted African concept from the Nguni Bantu languages of southern Africa, particularly among the Zulu and Xhosa peoples, means "I am because you are, you are because we are." It's a value system that emphasizes social awareness, consciousness of others, and the world around us. Too often on social media, we see an overemphasis on individualism (all about me, me, me) and not enough focus on individuality (developing your own character while giving a sense of independence and freedom). Regardless of the evolution of AI and technology, we are social beings. We do not live in isolation. We belong to a family, a broader community, a community of peers, and the world at large, making us more responsible for the greater good. As Mother Teresa once said, "Compassion is useless without action." Ubuntu is about taking action. If you care, go out and share with the vulnerable and weak among us. Share your truth (while acknowledging it's not "the truth") and give away what could help others. Use social media as a vessel to spread this message of interconnectedness, shared humanity, and social belonging. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued and included. How will you embody Ubuntu and foster social belonging in the communities you serve and help create? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #NelsonMandelaDay #Ubuntu #CommunityBuilding #SharedHumanity #SocialBelonging

𝐔𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐮 - 𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 Ubuntu (Zulu pronunciation: [ùɓúntʼù]) describes a set of closely related African-origin value systems that emphasise the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. It is often described as reminding us that '𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦'. Ubuntu. A concept that transcends cultural boundaries. It's a philosophy, a way of life, and a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of shared humanity. At its core, Ubuntu means "I am because we are." It emphasises the interconnectedness of all beings, recognizing that our individual well-being is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our workplaces, communities and the world around us. Ubuntu encourages compassion, empathy, and a sense of collective responsibility. It reminds us that we are not isolated individuals, but rather part of a greater whole. Our actions, both big and small, have a ripple effect on others. In a world that often prioritises individualism and competition, Ubuntu offers a refreshing alternative. It calls us to embrace collaboration, support each other's growth, and celebrate our shared humanity. Imagine a workplace where Ubuntu thrives. It would be a place where: Teamwork is valued... Collaboration and cooperation are encouraged... Empathy is practised... Diversity is celebrated... Differences are seen as strengths, enriching the collective wisdom of the group... Conflict is resolved through dialogue... It reminds us that we are stronger together and that our collective well-being depends on our ability to uplift one another... In the spirit of Ubuntu, why not create a world where compassion, empathy, and interconnectedness flourish. Hi, I’m Chris! I Help Leaders To Build Resilient & Innovative Organisations Connect With Me : https://lnkd.in/g-5X7BEU Past Posts: https://lnkd.in/gAvJM_ci What Others Say : https://lnkd.in/gWeWKDwY I am a L.I.O.N. & a member of the #LBFalumni & #SkyHighTower tribes.

About stepping into someone else's shoes on a Friday morning Today, a Teacher's Day is celebrated in Estonia. To make it special, parents are invited to take charge of a class, talk about their jobs, or teach whatever to kids. This year, I have taken this challenge in my daughter's class: a bunch of curious 9-10-year-olds. As a topic, I decided to make it personal and teach the kids one of our family's favorite Ukrainian fairytales. The story talks about a glove lost in the winter forest. It describes how 7 forest animals managed to fit into a glove and share warmth and comfort. Through the story, I could talk about my routes, and share my reflections on how this hundreds years old story repeated itself when war broke in. We opened our homes in a situation of crisis, and sheltered thousands of fellow Ukrainians. We first read the story out loud and then made a little theatre play with the story. Doing it one time wasn't enough - they all wanted to try. So we did it three times. Seeing them being on the improvised stage and cheering for each other was heartwarming. What I was impressed about was how eager, open-minded, curious, and friendly those kids are! They welcomed me warmly, and jumped into every little challenge with no doubt! These 45 minutes were such an inspiration! I am full of gratitude towards the school that makes it fun for the kids to learn, practice leadership skills, and take on challenges. --------- What would be the topic you'd like to teach 9-10-year-olds? --------- #experience #leadership #inspiration