Strive and Develop

In the lively neighborhood of Umoja Village, two siblings, Moto and Maji, loved learning about the world around them. One day, their teacher, Mrs. Kazi, gave them a unique assignment. They had to explore the history of inventions by African and Black inventors and share their findings with the class. Eager to get started, Moto and Maji ran home and began their research. Their grandmother, Bibi Shujaa, sat in her rocking chair, knitting a colorful scarf. She noticed their excitement and asked what they were up to. "We have a school project about inventions by Black inventors!" Moto exclaimed. Bibi Shujaa's eyes twinkled with pride. "Ah, I can help with that," she said. "Let me tell you some stories." As they gathered around her, Bibi Shujaa began with the traffic light. "Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light in 1923 to make the streets safer for everyone. Without his invention, our roads would be much more chaotic." "Wow," said...

Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. While this principle has long been considered a cornerstone of empathy and kindness, it assumes that everyone shares the same preferences, needs, and expectations as you do. But what if there’s a more effective and thoughtful approach? Enter the Platinum Rule: Treat others the way they want to be treated. This principle takes empathy a step further, encouraging us to understand and honor the individual preferences and needs of others rather than projecting our own onto them. It’s a powerful mindset shift that can transform relationships, whether personal or professional. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of the Platinum Rule, discuss why it matters in today’s workplace and personal settings, and provide actionable tips on how to implement it in your daily life.

In a world that often rewards busyness and constant availability, the ability to say “no” can feel like a radical act. Professionally, personally, and academically, we’re conditioned to think that saying “yes” to every request or demand is a measure of our reliability, competence, and value. However, this mindset can quickly lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of focus on what truly matters to you. Saying “no” isn’t about being difficult or unhelpful—it’s about valuing your time, energy, and boundaries. By giving yourself the space to thoughtfully assess requests and commitments, you can make better decisions, avoid unnecessary stress, and remain in control of your priorities. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s important to get comfortable with saying “no,” “not right now,” or “let me think about it,” and provide actionable tips to help you set boundaries professionally, personally, and academically. Why Saying “No” Is So Difficult There’s no denying it: saying “no” can be uncomforta...

Job security—a phrase often spoken in workplaces with a mix of pride, fear, and uncertainty. For many, it’s synonymous with holding tightly to knowledge, keeping skills or processes to oneself, and avoiding collaboration for fear of being replaced. However, in today’s ever-changing professional landscape, job security isn’t about guarding your position with secrecy or isolation; it’s about showcasing your unique strengths, abilities, and adaptability. It’s about focusing on what you can control: your skills, mindset, and the value you bring to the table. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can redefine the concept of job security by leaning into your strengths, embracing collaboration, and becoming a valuable, irreplaceable asset to your organization. The Shift in Job Security Traditionally, job security has been tied to tenure, exclusive knowledge, or a role’s dependency on an individual. In today’s workforce, however, this mindset no longer holds. Automation, artificial intelligence,...

Welcome to Strive & Develop, where we challenge norms, embrace growth, and inspire change. Today, we’re diving into a concept near and dear to my heart: being a “tree shaker”—a disruptor for positive change. Life is full of metaphorical trees that need shaking. Whether you’re advocating for yourself, supporting others, or challenging outdated systems, the act of questioning the status quo can lead to incredible growth, resilience, and transformation. But what does it mean to challenge the status quo? How can you advocate for yourself and others in ways that bring about meaningful change? Let’s explore. Why Challenge the Status Quo? Challenging the status quo is not about rebellion for the sake of it. It’s about recognizing areas for improvement, speaking up, and taking deliberate actions that drive positive change. This could involve advocating for inclusivity in the workplace, addressing inequities in education, or pushing for innovation in outdated systems. It requires courage, p...