Tiger, Tiger, Bold And Bright

When one year ends and another begins, we typically take the opportunity to reflect. To action change, and transform ourselves professionally or personally. Clean our slates - or take a plunge and try new things.

Naturally, many of these phrases – often heard around January 1 - can feel like platitudes. And the beginning of the year isn’t necessarily the only time to effect change. Cycles of individual growth and development are different. We move to our own rhythms.

That’s why I’m always invigorated by the ringing in of the Lunar New Year. Tied to the Zodiac in Chinese culture, each year is governed by one of the zodiac animals. Even if you don’t follow the traditions of Chinese New Year, I like to think we can be inspired and even shaped by its symbolism and message. We’ve just entered the Year of the Tiger. The tiger is of course powerful, brave, dynamic, fearless - and bold.

Being bold – like the tiger - has become a watchword for myself and my team this year. We’ve committed to be bold in everything we do. Whether it’s tech and innovation; in how we support our customers in bold new ways; being bold for the planet or stepping forward to create bold new opportunities to be a more diverse and inclusive enterprise, here are 3 ways I believe we can all be bold in 2022 and the Year of the Tiger:

Digitally Bold

2021 was a year of digital transformation for many businesses. Certainly, at FedEx, it was a time of planning and preparing for the powerful digital change we are set to effect in the next 12 months. We call it mapping ‘the network for what’s next’. ?How?

Our work with data is revolutionizing how we are going to deliver at FedEx in a way that’s unprecedented.?And we’re working more and more with transformative technology like autonomous and AI. ?

It’s no secret that digital transformation will be, for many businesses, the pathway to pandemic business recovery. It’s how we future-proof enterprises for growth-defining change. Whatever the size of your business, 2022 and the Year of the Tiger can be a time to redefine and set bold new goals for digital development.

Entrepreneurial Boldness

SMEs, start-ups, entrepreneurs – you name it, this year will necessitate bold transformation.?Unexpected shifts caused by global events mean entrepreneurs need to be endlessly nimble and agile. Still, the Year of the Tiger is the perfect time to move forward with new wind in your sails. And persuade your stakeholders – partners, employees, customers - to get behind change. Take a fresh look at what processes are working and what need improving, then use the learnings and data of the past year to shape a bold new direction ahead.

Personally Bold

“Tiger, tiger, burning bright/

In the forests of the night”

Have you heard that quote before? It’s taken from the poem ‘Tyger, Tyger’ by William Blake over two centuries ago. As well as being a beautiful and poetic image, it also reminds me of the power and potential of the individual. We can all shine out and make a difference to whatever cause – big or small, personal or professional – means something to us.

When the pandemic first hit, there was a lot of talk about The Great Reset. And in many ways, that reset has indeed happened: economically, in the society and workplace. It forced us to be courageous, resilient and agile. But for us to sustain change into the next chapter, I’d argue that we now need to be bold. Ready for whatever comes.

Just like the tiger – burning brightly in the night – we are capable of lighting up the darkness in our own unique way. And that can only be a positive and powerful thing.

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