Ubuntu: The Power of Community

Eagle Funfact:

Did you know that Eagles sometimes hunt in pairs? this allows them to take on larger prey, demonstrating the strength of collaboration. Together, they achieve more than they could alone—a powerful reminder of the importance of community.

Welcome back to Trailblazer: A Sheagle's Diary!

After the inaugural issue, I have been positively overwhelmed by the feedback, discussions spurred and general reception by my LinkedIn community. This automatically influenced the topic of the second letter, where I have chosen to reflect on a theme that has been instrumental in my journey thus far : The Power of Community.

The Spirit of Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are

In many African cultures, there exists a profound philosophy called Ubuntu.

Ubuntu embodies the belief that one's identity and fulfillment are inextricably linked to the well-being of the community. It is a philosophy that transcends individual aspirations and embraces the spirit of togetherness, compassion, and shared humanity. Ubuntu which means, “I am because we are" is a reminder that our humanity is tied to the humanity of others. Ubuntu teaches us that we thrive not in isolation but in connection—with our families, our communities, and the world.

This philosophy has been a guiding light in my journey: When I embarked on my career, I quickly realized that no journey is truly a solo flight. Behind every milestone I’ve achieved, there have been people—mentors, peers, and supporters—who believed in me, guided me, and lifted me up when I needed it most. From the phenomenal mentors who shared their wisdom and encouragement, to the fearless coaches who pushed me to grow into a fearless player, to the role models who inspired me from afar, to the exceptional leaders in places of work who were quick to spot my zest and zeal and guided and nurtured my potential in my professional journey up to date.

Ubuntu reminds me that my success is not mine alone—it’s the result of the countless people who have poured into me and continue to do so, unrelentlessly.

In turn, I have learnt to embrace Ubuntu by mentoring others, sharing my story, and building spaces where we can uplift each other up. It’s through this collective strength that we can truly soar.

The Role of Coaches, Mentors, and Role Models

In my journey and in a field as challenging as aviation, the road can feel lonely at times. But it’s in those moments that community becomes our greatest strength. Whether it’s the encouragement of a coach or a mentor, the shared experiences of a peer or a colleague, even the inspiration of someone who has walked the path before us, community reminds us that we are never alone. I’ve been blessed to have several phenomenal mentors and role models—some of whom I’ve never even met and probably never will, but whose stories have deeply inspired me. These individuals have challenged me to grow, offered guidance in moments of uncertainty, and reminded me of my potential when I doubted myself.

I’ve also had and continue to have the privilege of mentoring others. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving that strengthens the bonds of our community and ensures that no one walks their path alone.

Solitude: The Other Side of the Journey

While community has been essential, I’ve also learned to value solitude. Like an eagle soaring alone through the skies, I’ve found that some of my most profound growth happens when I’m working independently. Solitude allows me to plan, reflect, innovate, and refine my vision. This is also crucial one for me as an ambivert, with an inclination more to introversion rather than extroversion.

"Self Awareness is always the key to Self Mastery" ~ Maureen

That said, I believe in balance. Whether I’m working alone or as part of a team, I strive for the greater good, knowing that both solitude and collaboration are vital for success.

Collaboration: Achieving More Together

Eagles teach us that collaboration is key to success. In aviation and most work places, teamwork is everything—whether it’s on the ground or in the skies: when we work together, we not only achieve more but also create a culture of mutual respect, shared purpose and keep our convocation of eagles safely in the sky.

A Call to Action

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to reflect on your own community:

Who has lifted you up, and how can you express your gratitude?

Who can you mentor or support in their journey?

How do you balance solitude and teamwork in your life?

Let’s commit to building a stronger, more inclusive community—one that celebrates diversity, fosters collaboration, and inspires us all to soar higher.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Remember we are all on different journeys, different lanes, different flight paths and flight levels but together, we can all achieve so much more.

Until next time, the bird is all yours and ready for pushback, Captain!

Sincerely,

The Engineer in Pink Takkies