What Are You The Best In The World At?

In 2005, I was nominated to a programme called Endeavor.

Endeavor is a global platform that provides entrepreneurs with access to resources and support.

I made it through the first round of applications, then dropped out soon after that. It’s flippen hectic. They make you jump hoops that you never thought existed.

The peeps that do make it through generally succeed at the highest levels. The alumni list of the Endeavor programme reads like a SA startup hall of fame.

The best thing about the programme is the great minds that you are exposed to.

At one particular event, the entrepreneur candidates were invited to hang out with the Endeavor advisory board.

We were treated to lunch at the Mount Nelson Hotel. We were then introduced to Adrian Gore, Willem Roos and Robert Polet, the erstwhile global CEO of Gucci.

I was pretty cocky back then, so I walked around saying “howdy” to everyone I could.

During a break, I went to the food station. There was a nondescript gentleman standing alone next to the coffee stand.

I shook his hand, and asked him what he did.

“I’m in banking,” he said.

I nodded, thinking maybe this dude was a manager looking to get some new clients. While pouring a coffee, I proceeded to tell him about myself, my accomplishments and why my business idea was crazy-amazing.

He listened politely. I glimpsed my friend Shirley, another Endeavor candidate, edging towards me.

Thankfully, she had seen the way I was dominating the exchange.

“Let me properly introduce you, Fred,” Shirley interrupted.

“This is Paul Harris, the founder of FirstRand Bank.”

I was floored. This dude whom I had been rambling wildly to was one of South Africa’s most celebrated business personalities.

Harris was more amused than annoyed. Noticing my embarrassment, he asked me, “What are you the best in the world at?”

It was such a simple question, but it immediately shifted the conversation to a meaningful level.

It’s a question I’ve asked myself again and again over the years.

That day, for a combination of reasons, I was prompted into thinking more deeply about what I was doing with my life.

I’ve noticed over the years that meeting extraordinary people tends to do this.

It’s a magical moment, a phenomenon that occurs often in serendipitous interactions.

I’ve seen it happen many times at Heavy Chef events.

A small suggestion. A brief encouragement. A pointed observation - usually from someone who speaks with authority - can alter our direction by one degree.

That one-degree course correction will have a major impact on where we find ourselves later in life.

Although my application to Endeavor was not successful, I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with people like Harris.

That single conversation included more insights from Harris (I believe he took a small shine to me) and I left feeling richer for it. However, it was that single question that motivated me to pursue a career that has been filled with purpose.

At Heavy Chef, we aim to facilitate these types of engagements. We have begun to term this pattern of interaction ‘horizontal and vertical learning’.

It happens when you meet the right people, for real. Or real people in the right setting. Or, at the very least, real people in the right context within an authentic virtual setting.

Recently we’ve launched Live Recipes, which is part of our Circle strategy. Small groups, big networks.

Horizontal interaction happens when you share information with peers.

Vertical interaction happens when a person of authority engages with a less experienced individual.

Both of these are powerful. Both are necessary for entrepreneurial success.

Both contain a kind of magic that propels us forward.

There is an ancient Hebrew proverb, ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’

If you’d like to join us at a Live Recipe, let us know. (You’ll have to sign up at Heavy Chef here.)

If you need assistance or if you have any questions, reach out.

By the way, you can also swing by our JHB networking event in two weeks. It’s focused on Building An App, and has two world-class speakers lined up for your questions.

Oh, ja. I suppose you may be wondering what was my answer to Paul’s question, “Fred, what are you the best in the world at?”

I’ll tell you when we meet.

Peace -