Chasing Waterfalls
“Waterfalls” is a 1994 song by American recording group TLC. The chorus of the song tells us — “Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.” I’m sure TLC had their reasons for such advice, I think that on this occasion you should disregard it.
Smoke that Thunders
Scottish missionary David Livingstone epitomized the spirit of colonial exploration and spent 33 years travelling through Africa. Livingstone, whose heart lies buried in Africa, was the first person to spread the word of the existence of the falls to the Western World and named it after Victoria, his British queen in 1855. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the major waterfall on the Zambezi River. It is famous for being the largest waterfall in the world, in the wet season. The people who live around the falls call it Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “Smoke that Thunders”. The water makes a roaring noise as it falls over the cliff and down into the Zambezi River below. A cloud of water vapor is always seen around the falls. A small area of dense woodland vegetation supported and nourished by the constant spray from the the falls has created a unique rainforest, in ecological terms. This rainforest is the only place on earth where it rains all day…everyday.
Although Livingstone is credited for discovering Victoria Falls his purpose-driven mission was much more than chasing waterfalls. Livingstone was a physician and decided to become a missionary doctor. In 1841, he was posted to the edge of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Livingstone became convinced of his mission to reach new people in the interior of Africa and introduce them to Christianity, as well as freeing them from slavery. It was this which inspired his explorations.
What are you chasing?
On the second weekend of the SAP Social Sabbatical, the team took a trip to Victoria Falls. For many on the team, including myself, this was the first sight of the magnificent curtain of water between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is described as: Soul — stirring power, Breath — taking beauty and Life — elevating majesty.
Part of my inspiration for participating in the SAP Social Sabbatical program was for personal growth. I have spent half my life working in Tech and helping the largest businesses be Best Run. I have loved every minute of it and most days it never felt like work. Like David Livingstone, I too am chasing waterfalls now. Looking for new challenges to develop as a leader and talent. To better understand the global consequences of rapidly digitized world, embrace the idea of life-long learning, and be a role model for living a purpose-driven life personally and professionally.
Don’t stay in your comfort zone, take risks and go chase waterfalls!
