SAP Social Sabbatical Journal #1: Be sure to smell the flowers along the way
You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way. By Walter Hagen
This quote resonated deeply within me when I read it this week and it triggered profound introspection about my upcoming and very exciting adventure as it is the #SAP #socialsabbatical. This is going to be a unique moment to “stop and smell the roses” as a metaphor to taking time out of our busy schedules, slow down and enjoy and appreciate the world around us, which is something we barely do when we are on our daily routines.
A social sabbatical entails more than just taking time off; it represents a fundamental aspect of our humanity — the chance to make a positive impact on those who are in need. Personally, I’ve always valued giving back, perhaps as an unconscious way to harmonize my spiritual energies. While giving can take various forms — gifts being a common example — what means the most to me is the act of dedicating my time and attention to others. This is precisely what I’m really looking forward to doing in this upcoming month.
As I think about this opportunity, I realize it’s perfect timing. In just six months, I’ll be celebrating my “silver” anniversary with SAP — 25 years of being part of this incredible company. It feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on my journey but also a chance to celebrate many years of growth, learning, and shared experiences. I’m really looking forward to making the most of this unique time in my life and career.
SAP Social Sabbatical Program: Empowering Global Change
The #SAP #socialsabbatical is a global pro-bono consulting program that allows employees to dedicate four full weeks to share their knowledge, skills and expertise with non-profits and social enterprises around the world, as they advance their efforts to help the communities and social agendas they serve. Being part of such a privileged and exclusive program, inspires me to keep dedicating time to social causes and driving a positive change in people´s lives.
SAP recently celebrated a decade of the SAP Social Sabbatical Program in collaboration with Pyxera Global — ten years dedicated to creating social impact. Over this period, participants have described the experience as unique and life changing. Many employees who have taken part in this program have reported experiencing long-term personal and professional growth, as well as a higher sense of purpose in their lives. This demonstrates how SAP’s mission, ‘helping the world run better and improving people’s lives,’ is not only a corporate mantra but also a reality achieved through its employees.
On a Mission: Transforming Fashion for Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment with Seaskin
We are on a mission to work alongside with social enterprise, SEASKIN to expand its business further and I feel fortunate to be teamed up with two incredible SAP colleagues, Allen Wang and Misha Palla.
A big thanks to SEASKIN and Nawal ALLAOUI for welcoming us into your team for the next four weeks and allowing us to collaborate on your fantastic project. It’s truly inspiring to witness your innovation, commitment to sustainability, and the meaningful impact you’re making in the coastal ecosystem. Your focus on empowering women and providing stable employment opportunities is especially impressive. We’re excited to be a part of this journey with you.
Just to provide you with some background, SEASKIN Morocco is a socially driven enterprise specializing in the recycling of fish waste to produce organic bio fish leather products, including handmade fashionable accessories and various static items. The organization firmly believes in the potential of fish skin as a sustainable alternative to exotic leathers such as snake or crocodile. In contrast to these materials, which depend on rare and exotic animals, fish skin is more readily available, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.
The primary objective of Seaskin is to establish a mutually beneficial ecosystem along the coastal region. This ecosystem aims to provide stable employment opportunities for women and youth, supplement the income of local fishermen, promote environmental sustainability through fish waste recycling, and support artisans by generating new orders.
Seaskin’s product range is centered on ecological fish leather, with a commitment to using only organic products in processes such as coloring, tanning, and treatment. The resulting products boast exceptional quality, unique textures, lack any unpleasant odor, are waterproof, and feature distinctive designs. While exotic leathers are often favored for their appearance, Seaskin works with a diverse range of fish species to understand their unique properties and fulfill market demand for waterproof and luxurious items. This includes a selection of products such as computer bags, wallets, purses, sandals, and keychains.
And in beautiful Casablanca, the capitol of Art Deco
Our social sabbatical is happening in Casablanca, which isn’t just famous for the Hollywood movie we are all familiar with. This city is Morocco’s economic capital and one of Africa’s largest and most modern cities. Casablanca is home for many international companies and possesses Africa’s biggest port, which plays a crucial role for trade and commerce. The city was largely built by the French during the Protectorate Era in the 1920s and 1950s and it still retains its charm and a style that combines Arab heritage with colonial influence.
For tourists like myself, the top attraction in the city was visiting the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. However, what surprised me the most was the city’s architectural heritage, marked by styles such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Classicism. As I walk through the streets, I can’t help but take photos of the Art Deco buildings and architectural gems that are everywhere. Stay tuned for my upcoming posts on this topic.
Today is the arrival day, and we are all coming from various countries worldwide, including China, India, the USA, Canada, Germany, and more. We are a group of 12 SAP employees here to savor this unique experience.
I’ll make sure to keep you updated with more about my experience, the incredible work SEASKIN will be doing, lessons learned and share the hidden secrets of Casablanca city.
And big thanks to…
My wonderful team, specially to Hamid Hassan and Cristina Gonzalez for making it possible and to my colleagues Luis Mora and Garrit Skrock for supporting me while I will be away.
And to the amazing team members in SAP CSR — Hemang Desai Juliane Krampe Julia Donovan Heidi Koll Pio — and the great folks at PYXERA Global — Angel Spasov 🧙🏽 Alexandra Smith-O’Connor James Burrell Narjice Bouziane — who help bring it all together. A big thanks to SAP also, employee experiences like this truly makes SAP such a great place to work.
#SAP4Good #SocialSabbatical SAP Pyxera Global
#SAP, #SocialSabbatical, #Casablanca, #Morocco
