Why ‘do the best at what you are best at for the benefit of others’?!

Charles Handy is a social philosopher. He has been proactively supporting Caplor Horizons since the outset. In recent days, we met with him. He has very generously agreed to be interviewed for our book. This is very exciting news. Charles has a global reputation for being one of the leading thinkers of our time.
 
Over 15 people involved with Caplor Horizons have been co-creating a book. This is called: ‘The Change Maker’s Guide to New Horizons: Organising Differently for Sustainable Futures’. A full draft has now been created. Watch this space for more developments. We aim to finalise it in the next three to six months.
 
Here is something that Charles translated from Ancient Greek!Do the best at what you are best at for the benefit of others.’  It is something Aristotle said. Charles reasons that the inclusion of ‘for the benefit of others’ is very important for humanity. This is because we can all, in small or big ways, contribute to something beyond ourselves, to a bigger purpose. The organisations we work with, and our Advisors', demonstrate in practical ways this contribution to a bigger purpose. Our Advisors' often devote time way beyond the call of duty, working voluntarily or at reduced costs.
 
A tremendous thank you to Simon! Many within the Caplor Community know Simon. He has contributed in a transformative and very positive way since the first dreams about Caplor Horizons were being conjured up over six years ago. As ‘Marketing Advisor’ he has led on a myriad of creative and very substantial undertakings, putting heart and soul - and incredible energy and voluntary time - into everything he has done. This has included bringing in the prodigious creative talents of his son Ben along the way. Amidst all else he has tirelessly asked questions, sometimes difficult ones, to ensure things move forward in a well-founded way. Quite simply, Simon’s contribution has been at the very essence of making Caplor Horizons what it is today. Please read Simon’s letter to you all here.
 
In recognition of his outstanding contribution - very much within the spirit of ‘doing the best at what you are best at for the benefit of others’ - Simon has been invited to become our first ‘Founder Advisor’. Simon’s story and his smiling face will continue to beam out to the world via our website. Simon has explained that he has always contributed in 5 to 7 year cycles and that he is now ready to move on from involvement with practical activities. However, he will remain part of the family and will be keeping in touch, including joining us at gatherings occasionally. Below is a picture of Simon with Dan when they were together in Nairobi, contributing to the TechnoServe team there and visiting their project activities. Ben will be continuing as an Advisor, from now on focusing his input on ‘in house’ Caplor Horizons related activities (e.g. our annual impact infographic).

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Quote: ‘If you don’t understand, ask questions. If your uncomfortable about asking questions, say you are uncomfortable about asking questions, and then ask anyway.’

Have a great weekend, 

Lorna, Rosie and Ian