thinking

just back from hearing a fascinating guy talk about territory mapping, so its time for some more reflection. Talking to him afterwards was great, as he was impressed by me -in fact so was everyone else cause of a quick 2 minute map i drew of the Chamber of Commerce.

Point being, some things i am quite good at, and some things inspire me. Now the trick of course is to combine the two and make a career or even better, a life, out of it. This means I should not take the Lenovo job (1st interview went well, American flying in next week for 2nd interview, although i have not yet been told i am through to that yet) as it would be fun and interesting (gadgets!!) and important and in a chinese company (improve chinese cause colleagues dont speak great english), but its not going to change the world, or change anyone in fact.

The problem is, with AIESEC, I do seem to be working for an organisation with the perfect match for me. Working with people, developing people, learning about new cultures and challenging myself. Making a difference, individually and 'en masse', plus the ability to use AIESEC as a strong power of good in China. AIESEC's message of leadship, cultural understanding, responsibility and education is, oh so, relevant right now. So the question is, why AIESEC? Is it just cause AIESEC has moulded me a lot in the last 5 years?

Well its hard to say if its a chicken or egg situation. AIESEC has lots of flaws too, for sure. But I guess its jsut got somethings other organisations don't have: opportunities, flexibility, passion, people, altruism, fun. These are what i love; you cannot find them combined in many other places. Indeed, i might just have to start my own company one day with such qualities -- who knows?

So territory mapping guy (who wanted to hook me up with some people in London if i am going that way!) went to talk to a bunch of tribes and explored what their purpose is, and how they achieve it. Looking at simple techniques he has developed powerful, visual, ways of developing plans and strategies, of analysing your exernal and internal environments. I was impressed. A funny and well travelled man, no doubt about it. Will grab him to talk to AIESEC next time he is in China.

to end this, me and him both agreed on one of my favourite quotes: "life is not about the destination, but about the journey", and i shared with him my all-time favourite: "if not us, who? if not now, when?". Please do share your favourite qutoes with me. I have a whole powerpoint full that i used at the end of the conference i chaired in April, and would love to add to them.

Words are powerful things, and so are pictures (so i learned today!)