Unleashing the Wild Within: Lessons from the Cheetah for Female Founders

In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, where every day feels like a dash across the savannah, I was on an adventure that altered my perception of strength, agility, and resilience. It was May 2018, amidst my year-and-a-half-long journey with Remote Year, when I landed in Cape Town, South Africa, not just to explore but to immerse myself in an experience that would mirror the essence of entrepreneurship. This tale is about my encounter at the Ashia Cheetah Conservation and the profound lessons it holds for female founders striving to leave indelible marks in the business world.

Ashia Cheetah Conservation is not just a sanctuary; it's a beacon of hope for the cheetah populations teetering on extinction. Here, amidst the fragments of their once vast natural habitats, efforts to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild are not just acts of conservation but powerful messages of resilience and adaptation. Participating in building a new enclosure for an arriving cheetah, I couldn't help but draw parallels between these majestic creatures and the path of an entrepreneur.

The highlight of my visit was the hands-on contribution to conservation and the surreal moment of sitting beside a cheetah. I was awestruck by its raw power, the palpable tension of respect between human and beast, and the understanding that trust is paramount. This encounter was more than an adrenaline rush; it was a lesson in the delicate balance of power, vulnerability, and trust - elements that are all too familiar in the entrepreneurial world.

During my stay, I also enjoyed indulging in a traditional "potjiekos," a slow-cooked stew that is more than just a meal; it symbolizes the nurturing and patience required to see our ventures flourish. Like the carefully selected ingredients and the slow simmer that leads to the potjie's rich flavors, building a successful business requires time, care, and the right mix of resources.

Here are three powerful lessons from the cheetah that can inspire and empower us as female founders:

Continue Reading at https://linkherin.substack.com