On Sunflower

 I was watching the interview in (324) የዳጊ ቆይታ በ Leading in Heels - YouTube again.  For those of you who do not know Amharic, the first part roughly translates to "Time with Daggy".  Daggy, the lady being interviewed, is a celebrated talk show host and motivational speaker. 

I was inspired to watch this interview again by few words I read from Seth Godin.  Bear with me, I will show you how one led into the other.

I was reading the introductory part of Seth Godin's This is Marketing.  Although the book was in my Kindle, I never opened it before yesterday.  

3% into the book I saw the heading 'How Tall is Your /sunflower?'  Godin remarked that Sunflowers grow tall because they have deep and complex root systems.  With that metaphor in place, he further asserted that his marketing book is about roots.  He further added that the book is about anchoring our works deeply in the dreams, desires, and communities of those we seek to serve.

Daggy, the talk show host being interviewed, has successfully anchored her work deeply in the dreams, desires, and communities she sought and still seeks to serve.  This interview, for me, is about her tall sunflower as well as its deep roots.

From this interview ...

Daggy was raised by a single dad who showered her with fatherly love.  From calling her princess to helping her cultivate her habit of reading, he made sure that his love provided both the emotional and practical support she needed as a child.  

Hearing her say that she has read two thousand books is impressive.  Not only that, but she also has a list of the books she read including when she started and finished her books.  His love, showered in terms of practical guidance has provided her with deep roots.

She was successful in her education too.  She graduated in bachelor's degree in Law.  After working for a while, she would complete her master's degree in international law at London.

She started her career by working outside her country.  It gave her the confidence to return and map a successful journey in her home country.  The interview catalogs her personal achievement as well as touching upon what endeared her to her fellow Ethiopians - The Daggy Show.

Her deep roots were built up by unconditional love, self-education, formal education, and great relationships with people.  With these roots she managed and still manages a talk show that enabled her to anchor her work deeply in the dreams, desires, and communities of those she sought and still seeks to serve.

I am grateful for Godin for furnishing the mental model (sunflower and its roots).  I am also indebted to the young lady's sunflower (with its deep roots) that is providing me and others with the spiritual nourishment that we need as human beings.