TEDx, which embraces the overarching objective of “ideas worth spreading and stories worth telling,” brings together people from many backgrounds under a single flag: to promote inspiration and create debates that can change lives.
This is the foundation TEDxVinetaWoman stands for to have a platform where our stories are shared. To amplify Namibian voices and share Namibia with the world.
I am Robyn Nakaambo, and on October 14, 2023, my life underwent a profound shift as I graced the TEDx Vineta Women stage to share my story. When I accepted to be a part of this incredible programme, I had no idea how much my life would change. I’m not new to going on stage, but discussing my personal story on one is.
It was nerve-racking to be paired with women of such calibre, so successful in their own businesses, so frightening yet inspiring. I was delighted to hear their tales, to learn and to inspire others through my own. My path to my talk forced me to be vulnerable and to expose old hurts. I chose the topic “Pivoting your purpose” for my talk because I could navigate through all of the curve balls life threw at me and ultimately made purposeful lifestyle decisions that shaped my life as I know it now.
During this process, I realised that healing from life’s transitions or changes, whether losses or wins, necessitates revisiting our history. I presented my experience on how I dealt with permanent and temporary losses, such as the loss of a loved one, and how I dealt with closed doors, such as not being hired for a job that re-directed my life. After all, the one constant in life is change; to succeed at whatever one chooses, one must adapt. The crux of my presentation was to emphasise the constant pivoting through the changes that life threw at me, through adaptation.
I mentioned the Oryx in my address because, unlike others, it has proven itself worthy of being Namibia’s national animal and has earned a place on the Namibian code of arms.
This is not by chance, as this is the only animal that has proven itself worthy by withstanding Namibia’s harsh weather conditions by conserving water for months and adapting its body temperature to go above 40 degrees, which can be fatal to any other animal or humans.
The goal is to inspire everyone to channel their inner oryx and adapt. I mentioned five key reactions to change in the workplace, namely: Champions are people who are willing to put their necks on the line, run with an idea, and take responsibility for what happens.
Chaser do not respond positively to a proposal for change right away and prefer to explore an issue with others before making a decision.
Converts are the largest single category in a change audience, they need solid proof to make a decision.Before making a decision, Challengers should ask difficult questions.
And, Changephobes people are the most difficult to persuade.
Consider the last time you were confronted with change, whether in business or in your personal life, and which basic category you fell into. I’ve always been classified as a chaser.
Finally, “Kula Umone” is an Oshiwambo proverb. “Grow and See or Discern” is the literal translation.
But, based on my personal experiences and what I discussed that evening, I’ve come to believe that we all grow up with certain expectations of how our lives should be. But, more often than not, life throws us curve balls and our plans don’t pan out, which points to the importance of learning through life. We must adjust to the curve balls during this process by opening our eyes to our reality and adapting.
Only then can we fully benefit from our life experiences. To become what or who you want to be and achieve your goals, you must fully channel your inner Oryx and become necessary by adjusting to change, being robust, and being persistent.
*Robyn Nakaambo is a Public Relations and Brand Specialist.
