THE OUTLIERS...

The Story of Success and Failure is Heavily Rooted Here...

Good morning, people! I hope you are well. This is the last week of November; if you ask me, I have no idea where the month has gone. Time seems to be galloping by. So, why don't we end this month with a Big Bang? This month, I have spoken about brands being purposeful and deliberate because that is such a rare fare. Everyone seems to want to play it safe, and yet, right now, in this difficult bear market, the most opportunity abounds in making a bold stance for your brand to make a considerable change. Go big or go home!

#MalcolmGladwell, the author of #TheTippingPoint and #Blink, has a few things to say about success and failure that is anchored in certain types of thinking. In his provocative and inspiring book #TheOutliers, Malcolm looks at everyone from Rock Stars to Professional Athletes, Software Billionaires to Scientific Geniuses, to show that the story of success is far more surprising, and more fascinating than we could have ever imagined.

He reveals and I quote, "it's as much about where we are from and what we do, as who we are - and that no one, not even genius, ever makes it alone." You need to read his book if you have not yet done so.  He will change the way you think about your own life story, and about what makes us all unique.          

THE MATTHEW EFFECT

"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." Matthew 25:29

So, Let's begin with a definition:

A person or thing situated away or detached from the main body or system. "a western outlier in the Andaman archipelago." A person or thing differing from all other members of a particular group or set.

Does this definition describe who you are? Ama, you are one of those peeps who hates to rock the boat and always goes with the flow. I can tell you now, and for free, that one of the primary things that branding seeks to do is to create a differentiated yet recognizable set of values. The ability to stand out from the crowd is very important. It is at the very front of the brand recognition queue. So who are you? Are you recognizable? And if you are, do I like what I see and further to that, what I feel when I interact with you?

But I have digressed. Today's post is not really about branding per se... It is more about character and values. I speak to this as Men retreat to their daily grind after a week that had put them on a pedestal. Happy International Men's Day (Which was on the 19th by the way) for those who did not get to hear it and were not celebrated in any way. We still see you! Ahooo!!

So these are the lessons gleaned from last week. I was privileged to have participated in two turnkey events celebrating men and their passions. The first was a podcast that I was a part of launching with two distinguished gentlemen in Lucas Marang'a, ACC and Indimuli Biko . This we did in Partnership with Profiles International EA which is very ably led by Vicky Karuga . So that was Tuesday last week. On Friday, Strathmore University hosted the inaugural Men's Conference in Kenya. And what a day that was. The conversations were powerful and the men in the room showed up and participated. What a refreshing sight to behold. The women in the room were amazed... and I can't even blame them. This was so out of character for the guys. And yet there they were, doing their thing in a safe space.

Lessons From The International Men's Day Conference: My Takeaways!

1. Men Matter (a lot). Sometimes we forget how important a role men play that it is easy to take them for granted. The world goes askew when good men fail to show up for their people. So if you have a good man... let him know right now! Stop the Presses and Tell Him! Tell him why you value him showing up the way he does and what that does for you.
2. Here is a staggering quote, and I will just leave this one here. We can discuss it in the comments below. "there is nothing wrong with the #BoyChild but there is everything wrong with the #ManChild. Go figure... tukutane hapo kwa comments. This is going to get spicy.
3. Dr. Ceasar (Strathmore University) reckons that men, are #MoneyRich but #TimePoor. We need to flip this script if we are going to add any value to this life. Again... I can feel the tension building on this one. We are wired to be providers, but what does that even mean? Is Money Provision? Or have we all been missing a beat thinking that when we pay the bills, everything is sorted after that? What about if she now earns more than and will continue to do so, will your value as a man in that home diminish because of it? Will the women now lord it over us because we have been irresponsible with our leadership in the past? Toeni maoni, please. This is an open question.
4. How do men Live a life of transformation and Impact? Daktari reckons that we must be selfless and offer ourselves up in service fueled by Love. Weuh! And this was in the first hour... Nawaambia, things got deep quickly at #TheRadisonBlu in UpperHill. Nobody was going to be leaving early.
5. Change happens where you are. Incrementally within your sphere of influence. So, do your time and let your actions speak for you. This influence and respect must be earned. It cannot be acquired with any amount of money. So make time to be present and powerful.
6. How does the Modern Man Lead? What does #Provision look like today? To lead with dignity, men must not only offer material support, but they must also be humble enough to listen to dissenting opinions. They must provide protection and balance for their wives and daughters. They must be the dependable anchors that hold shit down, not because they have money... but because they are purpose-driven. This is the example their sons will seek and follow. Are we together?
7. Where Are Our Everyday Male Role Models? The million-dollar question I want to ask is this... How did they get to where they are today? Where are their scars? How many times did they fall before they arrived at this dignified place of calm where they are now the #Guru. Our male role models are invisible to us because nobody is sharing the stories of before, during, and after. Majamaa, are you all listening to the vibe that was in the room on Friday? Weuh!!! Wacha tu!!!
8. Tread Carefully, Maisha Ni Ngumu Hapa Nje: Men are meant to suffer... do not think that you are alone hapo. Tuko wengi. Polycarp Igathe was clear that the man's lot was a harsh one. We must be ready to face tough times. Shrinking violets will be found out. But we must seek refuge in our God! Otherwise, we will be lost. Polycarp was not mincing words. Our #SocialCapital and #Reputation must be our shining armor. Build your social capital, and then protect it at all costs.
9. Imran Osman (CEO of #AvenueHealthcare and Our Keynote Speaker) Stepping at the 11th hour when John Gachora of NCBA Group was taken ill, finished this conversation nicely with these words of wisdom. Men have to be present and vulnerable. We have no choice about that one... especially with each other and our loved ones. It is not a weakness. It is our superpower, and it unlocks our true masculinity. Start at home. Research shows that only 35% of men are present and actively involved in their family's lives. We have work to do, gentlemen!
10. The Journey starts with ourselves. Self-care is very important. Create a routine that regularly affords you personal time to recharge and renew your energies. There is no substitute for that; you cannot pour from an empty cup!
11. And One Final Bonus Point - Strength is not being that #LoneRanger. There is very little value gained in standing alone. and to quote #RudyardKipling, "The strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack!" Asante sana Osama Imran for this quote. As you can see I have already put it to good use.

Let's change the world... One Dad joke at a time. This is #thesidewalkprophet saying #PeaceOut. It's been real chatting, I hope you can find some nuggets of wisdom here to help you navigate this crazy world.

Catch you all tomorrow for my #TuesdayTreasureTrove I have a surprise for the first one who will find the hidden Gem in tomorrow's story. Get home safe! Stay out of the rain and sleep well.