Insights From the African Plains

By: Kim Blaylock, VP Account Service

I recently returned from a two-week safari in Kenya and Tanzania. In Swahili, “safari” means “journey.” While the word is now more associated with the trips taken to observe African animals, the “journey” meaning is very significant as my two weeks were a journey of discovery, camaraderie, and ultimately, love for the continent and the people.

As I took in my surroundings and marveled at the humanity and animals living in these diverse countries, it occurred to me how similar this landscape was to the business world I had left behind. I started jotting down thoughts on my phone as we were bumping along in our Landcruiser through the Maasai Maura, the Serengeti, and visiting the indigenous Maasai people. I hope these musings and reminders inspire you to view your business with fresh eyes and to try new things!

Gratitude for the Basics

Throughout the safari, I was reminded to value the essentials: water, food, shelter, and the people in my life. Many parts of Africa lack these basic needs, and this appreciation can foster gratitude and resilience in our personal and professional lives.

Take a Moment to Pause

Have you ever tried using binoculars in a moving vehicle on dirt roads? It’s impossible, especially when other vehicles are passing you and kicking up dust. While moving quickly, it’s hard to see clearly, and you can miss seeing important things (like the elusive leopard, which we did eventually get to see!).

In business, we must schedule time to pause and reflect. We need to assess our surroundings, stay grounded in our goals, and identify potential new opportunities to grow our businesses.

Embrace the Unexpected

From finding green, lush oases in the middle of vast brown plains to seeing lions performing their mating rituals to encountering giraffes “necking” (how they display their dominance by fighting with their necks), our safari was filled with unexpected wonders. Even when we thought we’d seen it all, surprises awaited us (like the curious ostrich that ran up to us to check out our jewelry!). The diversity of beauty and experiences in the Serengeti should remind us that in business, innovation often comes from unexpected sources. Embracing different perspectives and ideas can lead to breakthrough solutions and creative opportunities, and these ideas can come from anyone on or outside your team.

It’s Going to be a Bumpy Ride But Full of Interesting Experiences

Sitting in the back row of the Landcruiser made for a bumpy ride over the rough dirt roads of the Serengeti (my friend broke the sunglasses atop her head due to one deep pothole!). Our driver and our guide each had years of experience and knew the best way to navigate to prime viewing locations. Along the way, the diverse scenery and wild animal sightings made it a trip I’ll never forget.

Similarly, the business landscape can sometimes be tumultuous and unpredictable. Navigating through challenges can lead to fulfilling successes and potentially even greater rewards. Learning from experienced guides —be it a colleague, mentor or trusted partner—can be invaluable, steering your business in the right direction through the bumps along the way.

Watch Out for Giraffe Trees and Elephant Bushes!

On safari, it was common to get excited and mistake a tree for a giraffe or a bush for an elephant. In business, many times, we see only what we want, obscuring the reality of our products and services or what customers think about them. Discovering what’s unique about your business and how consumers feel about it takes research, insight and sometimes advice from a trusted outside perspective (from partners like &Barr!). Developing a clear vision will help truly set your business apart in the marketplace and appeal to the receptive target audience.

Termite Mounds and the Power of Perspective

Multiple 5-foot-high (and larger!) termite mounds dot the plains of the Serengeti. While a wonder of construction, these mounds also provide havens for other animals beneath the surface and are often stood upon by cheetahs, lions and wildebeests to survey the landscape around them to give them an edge.

Looking at your business’s existing assets to build upon them or use them in creative new ways can lead to innovative solutions to reach audiences or propel your business forward. And taking time to look at the view around you from a 30,000-foot (or five-foot!) view from the solid foundation you already have can ensure you keep competitors at bay or take advantage of opportunities on the horizon.

Always Look Up, Forward, and Behind

On our game drives, you learned to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Animals could be camouflaged or hidden in trees, much like opportunities in business that require a comprehensive perspective to uncover. To succeed, we must assess the environment from multiple angles. Analyzing trends, assessing progress, and reflecting on lessons learned can ensure no opportunities are overlooked.

And Always Protect Your Flank!

In the wild, staying aware of surrounding dangers is critical for survival. In business, safeguarding your position requires constant vigilance and proactive measures to counter potential threats. Establishing a regular schedule for reviewing market position, customer feedback, and industry/competitive trends, as well as developing strategies to address risks, will ensure your business remains agile and ready to adapt to challenges.

Never Wander Too Far From Your Pack

Every so often, we would see a single gazelle or antelope all alone on the plain. In the Serengeti, this is a recipe for disaster. Staying together helps the animals protect each other from predators.

Just as animals thrive in packs, business success often stems from collaboration, so staying connected with your team is crucial. We all face vulnerabilities at times, and a supportive network can help us navigate challenges more effectively. On the Serengeti, different animal species would graze together on the plains, providing safety in numbers. Consider identifying potential partners, even if they’re not an obvious fit, like brands from different industries or even competitors.

Branding Works!

Seeing familiar brands’ logos and signage in African towns solidified the importance of branding for businesses. Spotting these trustworthy and familiar brand names provided a sense of comfort when I was so far from home. Don’t discount branding. In an extremely competitive marketplace, strong branding builds consumer trust, connection, and loyalty, something a one-off promotion or discount can’t do.

New Life Brings Opportunity

Almost every animal species we saw in the Serengeti had babies with them. We witnessed momma lions feeding their cubs, a pack of elephants teaching their young how to eat branches from the acacia trees, and monkeys grooming their babies.

We also passed by controlled burns on the plains that were still smoldering. Through the ashes and smoke, we saw the green shoots of new plants, scavenging wildlife, and colorful birds.

Our businesses can use nurturing and care like the animals and landscape of the Serengeti, along with a good pruning now and then. By caring for our teams and clearing away distractions and outdated practices, we can foster a culture of innovation in our teams that leads to fresh perspectives and new successes.

Embrace No Worries

Hakuna Matata is not just a phrase from the Disney Lion King movie. This Swahili phrase means “no worries” and is often used in conversation in Africa.

As we all know, the corporate world can be very stressful, which is proven to be harmful to our bodies and our minds. Adopting a no-worries mindset can be beneficial for our personal health and the health of our businesses. While it’s a given that there will be frequent challenges, being proactive and positive will help reduce stress and improve business outcomes.

Every moment spent on safari reminded me of the adventures and hurdles in the business world. The Serengeti taught me valuable lessons about observation, patience, collaboration, and gratitude that can guide us all in our professional journeys.

I have lots of other stories and thoughts. If you’re interested, reach out to me at kim.blaylock@andbarr.co.