The second experience, Taught by Mandela
Ayumi Moore Aoki
Founder and CEO Women in Tech ® Global | 40 Women Forbes 2023 | UNESCO | TEDx Speaker | EDBA Candidate | Tech Diplomacy | Mother of 4
It was about this same time, in 1990 that Nelson Mandela stepped out as a free man after spending 27 years of his life in prison.
It was an exciting but scary time. There was a lot of tension, a lot of violence, a lot of fear. We knew that the country was living a historical moment, and that it was the end of 42 years of apartheid.
I remember being at University when the first democratic presidential elections took place in 1994. It was also the first elections I had ever voted for in my life. We all knew that Mandela was going to win the elections and we feared a civil war.
But it didn’t happen. Despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela chose a path of forgiveness rather than revenge upon his release. He worked tirelessly to foster a sense of unity among South Africa's diverse population. He emphasized the idea of a "rainbow nation," where people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds could coexist and work together for the common good.
I left South-Africa after finishing my studies in 1996 and the first time I visited the country again was 2 years ago for the Women in Tech Africa Awards. His Dream did come true. South-Africa is today a rainbow nation.
He has been an incredible role model and inspiration to me.
I still have his words echoing in my mind: "It always seems impossible until it’s done."
Dy General Manager- Business-Technology Strategist and Architect| Digital Transformation | Cloud Security
1yA Great man and a great leader
Director/VP with 17+ Years in Digital Product & Tech | GM-style experience in 0 ->1 Digital Solutions & Platforms | ex-Accenture & ex-Barclays | MIT Sloan Fellow MBA
1yI was in primary school during Madiba's release and remember standing in the voting lines with my family, who never previously had the opportunity to do so. An epic moment for sure, thanks for unlocking this memory Ayumi!
Specialized in Digital Transformation and Technology | Founder of Human Tecky Hub | Drive innovation and leadership in the AI era | Author and Speaker | Connect Talents in the STEM Ecosystem
1yMandela was a man of peace, a true leader. I’ve followed him from very young on too, since then I’ve admired his inner strength to persevere and to forgive. Thanks Ayumi for sharing with us your stories and experiences. The first one about your rowing team has been cautivating, I love the way how you transmit your thoughts, it’s simple and at the same time very thoughtful. I look forward to receiving your next delivery!!!
Director Networkers International (IT Recruitment) /Headhunter/ Talent Connector/Women In Tech SA Country Manager
1yAwesome!