The Surprising Value of Boredom: Why It’s Essential for Creativity and Growth
Have you thought of the value of boredom? We don’t have a
Renaissance Woman
MBA, M.Ed. FRSA
Philanthropist, educate, musician, dancer, writer, documentary film producer…
Coming Spring 2025
To the outside world, Mei, an investment banker in Chicago, is the embodiment of an immigrant’s success story. Yet behind the façade of her contented American dream, she is plagued by shame and deeply suppressed secrets. Born during the Cultural Revolution in China, she survived the brutalities and betrayals of family, friends, and community. When an unexpected business assignment brings her back to China, she finds herself at a personal and ethical crossroads. At stake are either her own livelihood and future or those of thousands of Chinese farmers. In her search for answers, she discovers that to make the right choice and find redemption, she must first confront her past and reclaim all she had left behind, including a part of herself.
While in Ghana, I met with a young single mother. Her ambition was to get out from relatives’ assistance and achieve financial independence. She wanted to open a stationary stall in the market. I was very skeptical of the financial viability of selling pencils and notebooks, though nevertheless took a leap of faith by giving her a small loan. Going a step further, I stipulated that the loan repayment plus interest was to be remitted to Nunya Academy, a school we’re helping to build. I left Ghana thinking that she would learn a valuable lesson when her venture fails.
Little did I know the breadth of her ingenuity. She positioned the stationary stall in front of the public-school bus stop, offering not only stationary but also snacks and street food. Before and after school, kids swarmed her stall; mid-day she sold skewered chicken to passing-by workers.
Within a few years, her stall had grown into a store with a small restaurant in the back. She not only repaid the loan in full but has been making additional contributions to Nuyna Academy.
She sounded so proud of her independence and of her part in building a village school.
Yes, she took me down a peg. She taught me to trust the ingenuity and wherewithal of my philanthropic partners. Take a risk even when skeptical.
The Joy of Being the Dumbest Person in the Room
Have you ever been in a room where everyone seems to know
The Power of Shamelessness: Embrace Your True Self
In a world often defined by social norms and appearances, I find