Afternoon Tea in Jerusalem Blog

In addition to my work as a business coach, one of my interests is blogging about life in Israel. This is a country full of contrasts – over eight million citizens living in an area the size of Wales. You can see snow and the lowest place on the globe in the same day. Although surrounded by geopolitical extremes, Israel has achieved a decade of high economic growth. My work brings me in contact with an array of new companies, exciting technologies and dynamic characters. Sitting back with a relaxing cup of strong tea (with milk), you realise just how much there is to appreciate in the Holyland. Large or small operations, private sector or non profit, my clients provide experiences from which others can learn and benefit.

I was just beginning to reflect on another busy week. The usual question popped up: “What have I achieved?”, and then my mind stated racing off into a fascinating chain of thoughts. Let me explain.

In my work as a business coach and mentor, I have been tackling some fascinating new projects. Here are just three examples:

  • A former Broadway dancer, who has set up a dance school for young children in Jerusalem.
  • A 20+ something with little formal education, sitting in a co-workspace in Jerusalem, who has worked out a disruptive technology for the payments industry.
  • An educator, who is determined to create a children’s museum, from scratch.

And so I can continue. These really are very brave people, supported by minimal commercial experience. Watching them climbing over or going round obstacles as they are thrown at them, it has been a pleasure to work with them up to now, and so may the experience continue.

However, I realised that my “weekly personal recap” was seeking out something more. Not just a flash of inspiration, but something longer lasting.

Some people find that extra “uumph” by watching a TV programme such as the “Biggest Loser”. Jay Shetty’s films are never to be dismissed lightly. And the internet is full of amazing videos, such as the father who runs a long race pushing his physically challenged child in a pram. Fifty metres from the end, the child stops his dad, manages to stand up, and in the most awkward manner shoves himself over the finishing line. I will not forget that one too quickly.

Still, what is it that I do that I am really thrilled about and keeps me going during the day? And then I realised what it was, a most nonchalant of actions.

Most mornings, first thing, I usually find myself in Synagogue. For years, I had observed as people had put sums of money into a charity box, usually at a set money in the prayers. Yes, it’s great to help others, but I had felt that this specific approach did not appeal to me, for whatever reason.

This changed about a year ago, although I am not sure why. Religiously, most days, I now drop an insignificant amount into the opening at the top of the wooden box. I get a buzz out of it, every time. I know that, combined with the efforts of others, I am now helping somebody, somewhere, somehow.

And how does that relate to my work? Because that is what my mentoring and coaching is all about. The success of the case studies above are not dependent soley on me. Hopefully, I am one part of a wider circle of resources. When they come together, a unique dance studio is formed, an amazing software is available and kids will benefit from a fascinating educational experience.

Personally, I am putting what may seem an “insignificant amount” of my experience into the organisations of business owners, but it changes their lives. And the foundation for this? That little act every morning of picking up a few coins and placing them in a wooden container. I now understand what it generates for me for the rest of the day.

So what is it that inspires you this week….and every week?

 

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