Lessons from the Wild: A Namibian Road Trip Story

I recently returned from a 2.5-week road trip to Namibia, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its stunning red sand dunes, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife, Namibia offers an unforgettable experience. But it's more than just a pretty place. It's also a place where we can learn valuable lessons about life and business from the wild animals that call it home.

Lesson 1: We are all part of the animal kingdom.

While driving through Etosha National Park, we came across an elephant crossing the road. We stopped to watch as this magnificent creature ambled by, its massive tusks swaying gently. It was a humbling reminder that we are all part of the animal kingdom, and that we should respect all creatures, great and small.

Lesson 2: Time is relative.

In the Western world, we are obsessed with time. We constantly check our watches and rush from one task to the next. But in Namibia, people learn to go with the flow. They know that time is not something to be controlled, but rather something to be embraced.

This lesson is especially relevant to the business world. We often try to force our plans through, even when they're not working. But sometimes, the best thing to do is to take a step back, reassess the situation, and make a new plan.

Lesson 3: Strategy is key.

One day, we saw a leopard trying to hunt an oryx. The leopard is a solitary animal, so it has to be very strategic in its hunting. It watched the oryx for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But in the end, it decided that the oryx was too big and too dangerous. So it changed its strategy and went after a smaller animal.

In business, it's important to have a strategy. But it's also important to be flexible and adaptable. If your plan isn't working, don't be afraid to change it.

Lesson 4: Know your strengths and weaknesses.

The guinea fowl is a common bird in Namibia. It has wings, but it chooses to walk fast. This makes it vulnerable to predators, but it also allows it to conserve energy and travel long distances.

The guinea fowl teaches us that it's important to know our strengths and weaknesses. We should focus on our strengths and use them to our advantage. But we should also be aware of our weaknesses and take steps to mitigate them.

Lesson 5:  This one is for me:  Use your wings more often.  

The final lesson I learned from the road trip in Namibia is this: I need to use my wings more often, I am not a guinea fowl after all. The whole trip was scary at the beginning as it was an unknown territory but the end result was priceless.

If you have talents and abilities, don't be afraid to use them. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Take risks and pursue your dreams.