The Ultimate Nudge in the Right Direction

You might remember that last year I found myself in the Netherlands for a 3-day intensive workshop/conference for leaders in sustainability. This was known as the Nudge Global Leadership Challenge, but was changed to the Nudge Global Impact Challenge. This basically means, that of the participants that attended last year, 6 were selected to return to this year’s edition, and pitch what they’ve done over the past year in 3 minutes. I was honoured to have been selected as one of the six, AND the only female nominee for the Impact Award.

Yesterday, I met up with a few of my fellow alum, to prepare our presentations, and catch up on all of the things that have happened over the past year. This involved endless cups of coffee, many laughs, and the familiar feeling of being welcomed home after being away. This in and of itself was an honour. I felt like I had already one. BUT, I was also hoping to use this opportunity to network, and potentially secure the funds required to make my Uganda project get off the ground.

The foreigners - Hector, Lucky, and myself - outside of the Peace Palace. 

Last night, we arrived at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Surrounded by the current cohort, industry leaders, and many other important figures, we stepped up on stage, and spoke of what we had achieved over the last year. I was once again surprised at how comfortable I felt on stage in front of 200+ people. But I put my heart on my sleeve and told the story of my team in Gweri, Soroti. I tried to paint the picture of how amazing, resilient, and inspiring the members of that community were, while also throwing in a joke or two about my love of the Backstreet Boys!

Above: Inside the dinner at the Peace Palace
Below: Giving my all!
Photo credit: Nudge Global Impact Challenge

After the speeches were given, the judges left the room and deliberated on who had made the biggest impact over the course of the year. There would be three awards in all, in a first, second, and third place standing. I was super excited when it was announced that my friend, Hector was the third place recipient for his efforts in making work uniforms, and the Mexican textile industry more specifically, more sustainable. Michiel, came in second for his work with Heroes and Friends by accomplishing 8000 acts of kindness. And, unbeknownst to me, I was awarded the top prize for my work in developing the Youth in Agriculture Initiative.

The nominees, a Maasai Elder, and one of the judges
Left to right: Bart-Jan, Matthijs, Ezekiel, a judge, Hector, Michiel, moi, and Lucky

This morning I awoke, ate a lot of bacon, sipped bottomless cups of coffee and tried to fully comprehend what has just happened. I later took a walk on one of the several trails on the property where the conference is held. This walk involved a lot of crying, contemplation, and the initial absorption of just how far I’ve come in the last year. I’m completely overwhelmed, honoured, and humbled by this.

My award - sculpture by Bart Ensing

What’s more, is that this walk has served as the first of many training sessions. Part of the award, aside from this amazing sculpture made from an olive tree, is a trip to Kenya, to spend 6 days walking in the Maasai Mara, hosted by my dear friend, Ezekiel, and joined by me fellow award recipients. I cannot wait to experience Africa in a complete different way, nor can I wait to share this all with you. More about this leg of the adventure to come!

-the Orange Canadian