bursting with pride…

I have left the bush! Arrived back in Arusha yesterday – it was very weird waking up to traffic noise instead of bird song this morning. Flying back to London this evening and I cannot wait! I don’t mean that in a negative way… I am just really looking forward to seeing friends and family after being in the ‘Singita bubble’ for the past three months.

The period ended on a real high though! Had an excellent learning session with the lodge managers on how they can support the middle management team I have been training and the last workshop with my ten students was so much fun!

They had had a lot of homework to do over the past 10 weeks including a business case, a training plan and a presentation on the Singita core values. They had worked so hard (this was way out of their comfort zone) and when I saw their presentations and the way they were training their colleagues in what they learnt from me, I was so incredibly proud of them!

I have seen a real improvement in their understanding of planning, positive reinforcement and role model behaviours amongst many things. Of course they are not going to be perfect leaders overnight but the progress they have shown so far has made me very happy!

They all got their certificates and then we celebrated! We were out of their normal work environment in a tented camp which was very special. We did a hike, had excellent BBQ and partied a little. I was so touched by their feedback on the programme and on me as a trainer… don’t think I could have had a more rewarding experience.

And best of all was that I did not have to say goodbye. I am returning to Singita Grumeti in October this year to continue training with these ten wonderful people. I am so thrilled!

I have met so many great and inspiring people and have a ton of amazing memories and learning moments to reflect on over the coming weeks. It’ll be easier to write about them when I have been away from it all for a bit, I think… so stay tuned!

See you all very soon!