News this week of the divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates, one of the World’s richest couples caught many by surprise. Nobody could tell exactly what happened, but seemingly, their lives are no longer compatible, thus the divorce. Bill, a renowned workaholic, in line with his passion on software, which is an introvert oriented career, had worked tirelessly for Microsoft Corporation, founded jointly with a friend, until retirement at 54 years.
Likewise, Melinda had also followed her similarly introvert oriented passion, on IT and acquired employment in the same firm, long before they courted and eventually got married. She later left work to create time for bringing up their 3 great children, who are now adults.
But, upon Bill’s retirement from Microsoft, both spouses teamed up to form Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that specialized in philanthropy, which was spread throughout the world. This is a generally extrovert oriented engagement that involves continued interactions with others. The efforts were no doubt exemplary and beneficial to the global community. However, could the currently 11 year old occupation, have detached the super couples from one another? That brings to mind a recent concern that may be worth sharing.
About May 2020, I visited the post office branch situated in our locality. My role involved supervising posting of numerous certificates to schools, which have embraced our ideas through not only our publications, but also our unique empowerment seminars. Alongside, the two customer service ladies serving us, became attracted to our activities. They couldn’t believe why we were investing heavily, just to acknowledge appreciation of the numerous beneficial schools that we had interacted with over time.
Out of curiosity Miriam acquired both “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century,” as well as the advancement titled “Living Beyond Survival; No More Tiptoeing in Life.” Amina acquired the first book, though not for her own sake. Rather, Hassan her 35 year old husband, has for unknown reasons never managed to secure any sustainable job. That is despite having acquired a business degree, specializing in marketing.
While sending success cards in March 2021, to various schools, at the same post office, the two ladies were excited to meet me once more, particularly with regard to sharing their feedback. Miriam has extended the publications to her family and they are doing formidably well. In her case, she not only read, but also very keenly answered all the questions in the back pages of the two publications.
Last year, Miriam had revealed how she after one year, had abandoned studies in Chemical Engineering, in favour of a clerical job at Posta. At 32 years and now a partly qualified accountant, Miriam is still keen to venture into business based on the lessons learnt from the two publications. That is not unexpected, as most accountants. end up venturing into business.
Amina on other hand is very much at peace both at work and at home. Though she had acquired Career Dynamics in the 21st Century for her husband, she also ended up reading, aiming to understand why Hassan’s empowerment strategy had NEVER yielded the desired results. Despite the degree in business studies specializing in Marketing, an extrovert oriented alignment, he has unfortunately never excelled in any job acquired.
Largely, Hassan was unable to meet performance standards expected by different employers. As such, he was on and off employment every now and then. At times, Amina had to support the husband when out of employment, while at the same time meeting all family needs. This was constantly causing stress in the family, and couldn’t be sustained for long.
Hassan was able understand why he has never excelled in employment, as well as causes of performance shortcomings. He is currently focusing towards rejoining school to re-align his studies, in a way that he will now follow his strengths, rather than his weaknesses or societal influences of whatever kind. One wonders what could have happened to the couple, if the causes of Hassan’s challenges had continued unnoticed.
Meanwhile, we can’t rule out ocurence of negative impacts of the deviations from the well known passion of Bill and Melinda Gates. What about the alignment situations of those around you?
Most importantly, how is the alignment of the empowerment process of our future leaders around you? Could it not be ideal if corrected today? Leaving the same to chance in the future, allows them to become problems not only to themselves, but also their loved ones. The same challenges are extended to employment situations and the society too. Why let that happen when reliably tested solutions are easily within reach?
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/Consultant/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Officially UNSUNG Architect of CBC
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
3. The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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