Positive Minds | Positive Stories | Edition 008

Ali left my office visibly moved but above all relieved to finally have an opportunity to realize his dream.

As soon as Ali walked out of my office, I went to see Catherine, our Regional Resource Mobilization Manager.

• Me: Catherine, where are you at with the recruitment of your Funding Coordinator?

• Catherine: It was a failed recruitment; I am desperate. HR is recommending that I restart the process in 3 months.

• Me: Will you be willing to try young Ali in the meantime? He is passionate about resource mobilization. We are going to lose him if he stays in his current role.

• Catherine: I need another pair of hands. It doesn't cost anything to try.

Three months later, Catherine sent me a business case to appoint Ali to the position. I refused and asked her to follow the normal recruitment process. Which she did. Ali was by far the best candidate and got the job.

Today, Ali is the Regional Head of Strategic Partnerships for a large INGO and mobilizes more than $20 million annually. He doesn't intend to stop there.

Moral: everyone has a dream in life; it is the path we take that determines its realization.