Mend The Gap

In a divided world, you choose your action.

We live in a world where 5.55 billion of us have the internet. A quick tap, and we’re instantly immersed in what’s taking place globally – both the highs and lows. Bill Gates once said, “The internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.” Technology sets the stage, but it's human connections that bring it to life.

It is a challenging time for many people across the globe. We see it in real-time. For those living away from crises, reactions vary: some voice their feelings on social media, while others choose silence. Each response is personal, and every choice, to act publicly or not, deserves respect.

But beyond our digital personas, we have the chance to form genuine connections with people. Whether it’s a simple email to say hello, a check-in text to see how someone is doing, a supportive message on LinkedIn, aiding an NGO in a crisis region, or reaching out to someone feeling the ripple effects of a distant crisis - every gesture counts.

The world can feel divided.

Yet it’s the genuine acts of human kindness that mend the gap.

In 2021, like many Melbournians, I found myself mostly indoors. It was a year of Zoom calls and makeshift home offices. During this time, I coached a team from South East Asia and China. The headlines featured Australia-China political tensions. But within our virtual meetings, none of that mattered.

We weren’t countries on opposing sides or concerned with political narratives. We were professionals, individuals, humans. We chatted about the unique position we found ourselves in: validating an international business model during an isolated time. Through screens and miles apart, it was our person-to-person interactions that mattered most.

When the project ended, the team did something unexpected. They toasted with Australian wine during our final virtual celebration. It wasn’t really about the wine. It was a nod to understanding, camaraderie, and just being human. So, I thanked them. Not just for supporting Australia’s economy with their wine purchases, but for rising above the noise, for their kindness, and for showing true leadership when the world seemed short of it.

I believe amplified ambition drives global goals. In this interconnected world, the internet can be our global square, but it’s on us to make it thrive. So when you’re not sure what move to make, just be human. Connect, reach out, and let’s create meaningful intersections in this vast, beautiful village.