Africa #ItsTime2Shine - We Can Do This!

As an avid digital content creator, curator, and collector - I am always on the lookout for visual images that help tell my story. Walking in the streets of Johannesburg, I recently came across this graffiti image that struck me; as saying goes, a picture speaks a 1000 words. 

Why this image? 

First of all, my acknowledgement and thanks to gifted graffiti artists in the world - few and far in-between are there occupations in the self-promoting  modern world, where one’s purpose is so overwhelming that you will share it for free - never being there to hear, see the daily impact of your gift; and to not receive the applause,  criticism, reward of your work.

This image struck me as I contextualised it to where Africa is in the race for the opportunity that is being presented by the 4th industrial revolution. 

• Forget sticking to our lane! 
• Our competition is not local its global! 
• Compete with what you have, not what you wish you had!

Having said that, our continents’ challenges and solutions are unique and maybe that is why we geared up with different equipment - so what - as long as its' functional and we are clear on the end objectives ... then we are in the race, in it to win it!

Our desired outcomes on the continent are to address our fundamentals needs - getting access the right jobs, learning right skills, to be heard, recognised, rewarded and engaged as professionals. 

Fact is, we have all that we need to compete! 

My narrative for Africa has come from a place of having lived, and continuing to travel extensively across the African continent; breaking bread, engaging, debating, learning, sharing, and coming to a distinct understanding of where 'need and opportunity' are missing each other and also seeing where 'opportunity and need' are meeting and producing amazing success stories, daily! 

I am hearing a consistent message from Recruiters, Hiring Managers, Leaders - WE ARE HIRING -evidence of this is there; as there are so many open jobs on LinkedIn - and ironically somewhat equal measure I am meeting talent that is looking for jobs, and professionals who want to bring impact into a culture fit workplace.

How do I bridge the two? 

First lets define what ‘bridging success’ is; in my perspective it is helping people emerge as digital professionals, engage their passion into the right jobs, elevate them as authentic story tellers of their professions; linking them to learning anywhere, anytime and opening up the platform for meaningful connections to develop their craft, pursue and live their purpose. 

There has never been a time in human history when the playing field has been levelled and wherein we all have an equal opportunity; hence my mantra and my hashtag that #ItsTime2Shine 

#ItsTime2Shine

• It’s time to shine as an individual.
• It’s time to shine as a company as the best place to work. 
• It’s time to shine as a continent with the fastest growing economies!

To get access to those new economic opportunities; Its starts with YOU as an individual telling your best professional digital story, going beyond building an authentic stellar online profile, focusing on highlighting your skills, accomplishments, aspirations, passion, to driving thought leadership through writing/sharing updates and publishing long form articles.

Where do you start as an individual? Have a look at these best practice tips - https://ptdrv.linkedin.com/j621t3m

It starts with company’s and recruiters being intentional about talent branding, candidate experience, future proofing, hiring and developing talent that will help innovate, compete and drive organisational success. 

Where do you start as a company? Have a look at these best practice tips - https://ptdrv.linkedin.com/j621t3m

Through this brief article, you have been enabled, empowered and now all you need to do is execute (consistently) - remember LinkedIn is not a static resume, its your digital billboard that will serve to get you found!

Please note I am not a spokesperson for LinkedIn, these are just my own point of view/observations.

If you found this article useful, save somebody, share with somebody. Let’s engage on this continental thread - comments, suggestions welcome!