I've been thinking about the AUTHENTICITY of character: walking the talk.

In creating the YMBK brand I have always had a vague sense that the fate of my brand would inherently lie in the authenticity of my character. In this early part of the YAMBUKA journey, I have had to interact with many people regarding all aspects of my business model. Some interactions have been life enriching some have been limiting.

The challenge of measuring the authenticity of character is in understanding ones true motives in everything one does. Can we consistently behave in a manner inconsistent with who we truly are? Will the truth always set you free? How profitable is romantic idealism in modern business, particularly in a global recession?

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

I have been trying to become an advocate for social resposibility by becoming more involved in charity initiatives and community events. Through my partnership with The LOOM, I have an opportunity to be "hands-on" with the NEXT-AID project. NextAid is a nonprofit organization committed to developing and implementing innovative sustainable solutions to the challenges facing African children.

http://www.nextaid.org/aboutnextaid.htm

Social responsibility is an ethical or ideological theory that an entity whether it is a government, corporation, organization or individual has a responsibility to society, particularly a responsibility to act (proactive stance).

I had an important discussion with one of the LOOM Co-captains', who rightly, asked me my true motives with YAMBUKA and my efforts for social responsibility. This set me off on this train of thought.

The Truth Shall Set you Free: Initially my motives were a fatal blend of narcissism (my EGO telling me I am now self actualized and that this is what self actualized people do), shrewd MBA philosophies (image is everything, appear to care) and a misguided understanding of life.

I have since arrived at the realisation, that 'purpose' is not a goal, it is something we discover, a way of life, it is that understanding of the defining thread that sums up our personal contribution to the universe.

WHY I AM GOING TO BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
I hail from a very humble background but I feel very blessed to have gone through the experinces I have been through, I feel blessed to know the people I know and to have met the people I have met.
*I do have an hour every week I can use to mentor someone else
*I do have some change I can spare
*I do have a story I can share with someone in need
*I do have an opinion on relevant issues, that should be heard
*Where I cannot help, I do have someone I could recommend who could help.

Giving back is a win-win. Authenticity of character is an element of TRUE WEALTH. Walk the talk, earn the trust, understand your true motives - understand the world. YAMBUKA through Next-AID will commit to help where we can.

Read more about Next AID, make donations on http://www.nextaid.org/index.htm

Onwards. Upwards. Always.
Farai