Transformative Lessons from East Africa

Returning from travelling often generates a complex blend of emotions — the joy of reuniting with friends and family and sharing new experiences, mixed with the anxiety of returning to familiar routines and facing the demands of everyday life. Amidst this emotional whirlwind, it’s essential to take time to reflect on what the journey has taught you and consider how to carry those lessons forward into the next chapter of your professional and personal life.

My six months of travelling, volunteering and working in East Africa offered countless lessons, far beyond what I could have anticipated. Immersed in environments and cultures so different from my own, I found that there is so much to learn when you step outside your comfort zone and engage deeply with communities and traditions that challenge your perspectives.

Generosity, Hospitality & Making an Impact

After spending two months volunteering at a primary school in Arusha, Tanzania, my friend Madeline Morgan and I organised a fundraiser that raised ￡2,754 for the school. Witnessing how these funds could make a tangible impact in a small community was eye-opening, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this effort. It underscored the importance of impact-driven initiatives — a concept that resonates in both nonprofit and corporate sectors, where aligning resources with clear, measurable outcomes is critical.?

However, what truly struck me was the generosity and hospitality of the local families who welcomed me into their homes, shared their meals, and offered gifts despite having so little themselves. These experiences challenged my understanding of what giving means, revealing that generosity is not about how much you give, but about the spirit with which you do so. In professional terms, this translates to a leadership style grounded in empathy and a willingness to support others and has led me to reflect on how we can redefine professional success to include the values of generosity and human connection alongside financial gain. In a personal sense, it has made me question how, in a society where we are often surrounded by abundance, we can learn from those who give so freely with so much less.?

Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Travelling and volunteering taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability. The children I had the privilege to teach showed an incredible eagerness to learn despite facing significant challenges at home, such as limited resources and inadequate clothing. Their determination and spirit were both deeply moving and inspiring. These experiences offered a stark contrast to the everyday frustrations I once saw as major issues. They highlighted how some challenges are far more profound and reminded me that there are often "bigger things to worry about."

Additionally, navigating public transport and hitchhiking as a solo female traveller presented its own set of challenges. From making new connections to finding my way on unfamiliar buses—and even avoiding being charged by elephants (that’s a story for another time) —I’ve gained a deep appreciation for overcoming adversity and adapting to new situations. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and broadened my understanding of both myself and the world around me, and these qualities are vital in today’s fast-changing work environments, where the ability to pivot quickly, find creative solutions, and remain calm amid uncertainty can be a key differentiator.

The Power of Patience: “Pole Pole”

One of the most profound lessons I learned during my travels is encapsulated in the Swahili phrase "pole pole," which translates to "slowly slowly." This phrase is more than just a reminder to slow down; it represents a deeply ingrained cultural mindset that encourages patience, mindfulness, and a deliberate approach to life.

This concept offers several valuable lessons, but the most important for me is patience. Rushing can result in negative outcomes, both professionally and personally. I marvelled at the patience of those sat on swelteringly hot buses for hours, and reflected on my frustration when the Victoria line is held at a red signal for a matter of minutes. However, this appreciation doesn’t mean I relished the fact that getting from A to B, or ordering food at a restaurant could take hours.?

In fast-paced environments, there’s pressure to make quick decisions and deliver immediate results. Yet, “pole pole” teaches that taking time to think critically can prevent mistakes and lead to better strategic decisions. Patience fosters trust, enhances team collaboration, and strengthens relationships. It is essential for long-term projects and innovation, where thorough research and refinement are key, and it helps manage client expectations and build lasting trust. Patience isn’t about inaction; it’s about being deliberate and strategic. Knowing when to act and when to pause leads to more meaningful, sustainable outcomes, both professionally and personally.

Community and Connection as Drivers of Success

East African communities emphasise the importance of strong interpersonal connections and communal support. For example, weddings and funerals are often attended by the entire extended community, and even casual acquaintances or strangers are often greeted warmly, reflecting the deep-seated cultural values of respect, community and interpersonal connection.?

In London, where people often walk with their heads down and rarely know their neighbours, I realised how much we can gain by fostering a stronger sense of community. While one may generate some strange looks when striking up random conversations on the tube, it is important to remember that a simple smile, or ‘how are you’ can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.?

I want to strive towards interconnectedness, communal responsibility, inclusivity and collective success by being mindful of building stronger relationships and fostering community spirit in my personal life. Furthermore, in a professional setting, this means building genuine connections with colleagues, promoting collaboration, and contributing to a positive organisational culture. A simple act of kindness or acknowledgement can go a long way in fostering teamwork, morale, and a sense of belonging — all critical components of a successful and innovative workplace.

Innovation

In East Africa, innovation often arrives through necessity, due to the unique challenges facing those in the region, such as economic constraints and resource scarcity. Innovation permeates all levels of society, from children playing with homemade toys, to elders evolving traditional craftsmanship alongside locally advancing technology. Innovation also permeates all aspects of society, from sustainable agriculture to mobile banking.?

I saw how embracing creativity led to creative solutions, how leveraging resourcefulness led to cost-effective solutions, and how design for real-world problems saw practical and relevant solutions that succeeded because they were designed by the people, for the people. As an innovation student, I found the resourcefulness and creativity inspiring. It reminded me that effective innovation is not just about high-tech solutions but about leveraging existing resources creatively to solve real-world problems. These experiences encourage a mindset that values practical, user-centred solutions and highlights the importance of designing with, not for, the community you aim to serve.

I also saw that innovation initiatives often fail when they are imposed from the outside without a deep understanding of local needs and contexts. This aligns with principles of user-centred design, which I believe are crucial in any professional field. Understanding the unique needs of your audience or market and designing solutions collaboratively is key to achieving meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

Final Thoughts

These six months taught me lessons in generosity, resilience, patience, community, and innovation that I hope to carry forward in my professional journey. I’ve learned that success - whether in a nonprofit, corporate, or entrepreneurial setting - often comes down to the values of empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to listen and learn. As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I aim to apply these lessons in ways that drive more meaningful, impactful work.