EDITORIAL: BEING EXCEPTIONAL - GERINDA ENGELBRECHT
We are bombarded with negative news all day long. We feel disgust and anger about the rising crime rates, the increase in brutal killings and violence against women. We feel angry when we see corporates and public sector companies mismanaging funds and some even fear for the future of our beautiful country.
But then you read the stories of this year’s Top 35-under-35 finalists and you feel hopeful. If you look at the definition of exceptional it means unusual; not typical. The slogan for the Top 35-under-35 competition is: Exceptional, without exception. And as with previous years, each and every finalist is exceptional – without exception. During the judging process, there were many discussions about what exactly it is that make them stand out from the rest? There might be many answers, but overall their desire and willingness to impact lives and influence others is what gives them the X-factor.
While all of them have demanding careers that they excel in, they still make time to give back, strive to improve others’ lives and make a lasting impact. If all of us can focus on impacting someone’s life for the better every day, imagine the difference it will make. To do something with your life that will make not only an impact on you, but have a transformative impact on society as a whole. Let the stories of each of the finalists inspire you and give you hope, because you can feel reassured that they are the future leaders of our country, our corporates and the public sector. And feel proud that they carry the CA(SA) flag high in the midst of all the negativity and despair.
There are countless people working hard to change lives and create a better tomorrow. Let us all be the co-authors of the next chapters of our future. And with these young leaders as our future, we can feel comforted.
