Zaid Ismail's Blog, page 59
August 31, 2019
Watch “UNISA Radio Interview (Aug ’19)” on YouTube
Listen in for a discussion on why my latest book is so important in changing the narrative of the mental health issues that are spiralling out of control. It’s only once we gain a fresh perspective on old challenges that we can hope to find new ways of resolving them.
August 26, 2019
The Elephant in the Room: Entitlement
I attended an interesting event recently. It was focused on creating a space for men to discuss their role in furthering the progress of feminism, or at the least, creating equal opportunity spaces for women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated domains. For example, corporate careers, public service, sporting codes, and more. The discussion resulted in... Read More
August 5, 2019
July 21, 2019
The Art of Deconstruction
I’ve watched silently, often with annoyance, how it is that so many are considered to be intellectuals for their ability to tear apart someone else’s argument or contribution. The more effective they are at breaking down an opinion that they disagree with, the more revered they are in some circles. That’s the part that I... Read More
July 17, 2019
Mandela Day – A Day of Conviction
From the archives in my time in corporate. I had this quote from Madiba on my office wall as a reminder never to settle for less than what I am capable of achieving, or at least contributing in life. “There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life... Read More
July 16, 2019
Own Your Sh!t Released!
Just be happy. It could be worse. Don’t take life so seriously. Are you tired of hearing this? Well-meaning friends and colleagues tell us to stay positive, but it often has the opposite effect. Don’t be misled into thinking that happiness is just a choice. If it were, there would be no sad people. Getting... Read More
July 14, 2019
Imminent Release of Own Your Sh!t
Perfection is an aspiration, a path of continued learning and application. Not a destination. Almost at the finish line, for getting it to market, at least. Then the real work starts with getting it out there. My little dent in the universe of overbearing emotions… Watch this space for Amazon listing info soon.
July 12, 2019
The Value of Sanity
One of the paths to insanity is to try to reason around someone else’s actions or behaviour by assuming that their value system is the same as yours. When you find it difficult to get through to someone, step back and consider two things. Are they genuinely interested in hearing you? Do they respect the... Read More
July 11, 2019
Optimism versus Reality
Positivity is about focusing on opportunities, not about wishing away reality. Wishing it’s a sunny day when it’s raining is not going to make the sun come out. So leaving your umbrella behind is an act of foolishness, not optimism. A positive mindset can often lead us into delusional states. When our overbearing sense of... Read More
July 9, 2019
Serve a greater purpose
We’re built to serve others. When we lose hope in being served by others, we withhold our service in protest until we convince ourselves that no one will take care of us so we must take care of ourselves. That’s when life becomes hollow because it pulls us away from our core need: To be... Read More
