A hero in the eyes of many around the world, and a beloved leader and agent of change here at home, Mandela would have turned 105 this year. It also marks the 10th year since his passing. This Mandela Day, I’m reminded of the lessons that live on from his life, leadership and legacy still…

Real change starts with us 

The best leaders  are self-aware, adaptable, humble and human. Mandela modelled this. His was a perfectly imperfect long and winding walk to freedom.

“One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself.” - Nelson Mandela

It’s easy to point fingers, and to criticise the world and others for not being what we’d hoped or expected them to be.  It’s much, much harder to stand in the gap and take responsibility for our own lives and attitudes. Yet in the end, the only person we have the power to change is ourselves.

One person can then impact and inspire another, and another. And so it goes on. Until, in Mandela’s case - a whole world can be inspired to change! 

Belief and passion for a better world

It’s often said that without vision, people have no direction, and when there’s no direction, they stagnate. Nothing gets anyone motivated more than a fiery vision projected by a passionate leader who truly believes that peace, unity, reconciliation and real freedom are possible. 

Nelson Mandela believed in the power of these ideals. His belief and passion to see a genuinely transformed nation is something we are holding fast to in our work, business, life and families.

While it can feel all too easy to let the flame of hope die out, smothered by the constant negative news from media, world events and more - just a little light in a dark place can have an unusually big impact. It can light up a vast area, and spark more lights. But it starts with one flicker, just one person -  bold enough to hope for something more. 

Mediation, empowerment and influence

The most effective leaders don’t just lead - they lead by example. Mandela modelled the art of forgiveness and reconciliation, then he asked a nation to follow suit. 

His testimony from being unjustly politically imprisoned, to forgiving his oppressors, and choosing to put unity and peace above all sets the standard for us as leaders too. Like Madiba, we want to use whatever power and influence we have to stand in the gaps - and help to bridge them. 

SADRA is a non-profit close to my heart. They offer mediation training for leaders of communities and business leaders too. 

Everybody counts

If my life impacts another (even just one other), then I have influence. And if I have influence, I am a leader. Introverts, administrators and support staff as well as those on platforms and in vast networks… There are many different types of leaders and each one of us has the potential to positively influence society and indeed, the world. 

And so, I remind myself of the call to action in light of this and the theme that was for Mandela Day this year, “The Legacy Lives On Through You.” 

My challenge is to remember that I have influence, in whichever circle, workplace, family or community I am part of. 

How can you lead differently to live up to his legacy?