7 minute read
MARY KUREK
THE POWER OF AUTHENTIC CONNECTION
— BY MARY KUREK
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Pres, Frontrunners Development, Inc.
In the last few weeks, as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated, I think the powerful presence of authentic connection has never been so impressively experienced worldwide. People who know people in Ukraine are banding together to bring support to needed areas. Former service members are joining up to help protect Ukraine. Charities are linking arms that never would have before, and celebrities around the globe are connecting to bring hope, food, and prayers. This is the stuff of miracles.
When momentum drives motivation, it is easy to see authenticity come out in building instant relationships that likely never would have been possible before. But, what does authentic connection look like when you try to put that label on everyday business, governing, or nonprofit leadership? It can often look like telemarketing, direct emails, and sales team correspondence without even so much as knowing the other person’s name...none of which is particularly human being centric.
The simple answer to authentic connection is that it is a relationship, one that begins with knowing who the other person is and what they are about. In my work as a business developer, I utilize my media platform to interview people from around the world that I want to have in my network. I start with their backgrounds to know why they came to be the person with the mission they have today. The moment they start answering that question, I have begun my relationship with them. It’s personal...for both of us. And, it is the basis for everything moving forward - more connections - business opportunities - sharing of resources - and praises for good works. They become part of my partner community at that point and I literally count them. In fact, the experience of creating these relationships connects to my own mission of impact for building “bridges of peace,” and thereby, causes me to keep track of the countries where I’ve been able to establish such. I’m up to 69 countries as of this writing.
Authentic connection is easy when you have a vehicle for developing relationships, such as a media platform, a community or membership organization, social group, or you are simply adept at working social media. But, even more important than having a vehicle for connection is the reason for creating connections. Your reason is directly tied to your mission - what you wish to accomplish in your life. Just know that there’s no point to building relationships in a silo; diversity in your network is going to be key.
The partnerships I’ve been able to work on involve multi-million dollar smart city developments, university campus locations, and innovation partners. The connections I’ve created on both sides came from developing those authentic relationships to the point of being able to see the gaps that needed to be filled. Additionally, I’ve attracted partnerships and appointments for my own business: In Africa, the presiding Monarchy of Madagascar appointed me to serve as Counselor for Commerce and Industry. The Federation of Int’l Gender and Human Rights Ambassador, Ghazala Khan, representing Pakistan, has partnered with me and 2 partners in my community to develop the Global Governance and Diplomacy Course. HE Dr. Osita Aniemeka of the Sub Saharan Open University in Nigeria has appointed me to his governing board to assist with global content development for entrepreneurship. I have been added to the development team of an enterprise company in Malawi I helped to instigate. And, that’s not all, but, what inspires me has to do more with the potential impact on human lives all of this activity represents.
If we could all get past traditional methods of connecting with people we don’t know and start thinking about how to be of service keeping in mind that relationship is where you want to be, just imagine how business would change...how lives would change. And, if lives change, so do communities...cities, countries, our world. It’s not rocket science. It’s simply a way to change how we operate.
A couple of years ago, early one morning, I noticed a string of Linkedin messages from the father of a 13 year-old girl from Tanzania who I had begun mentoring. The father was sending me personal bits about his daughter so I’d know her better. The spontaneous communication surprised me. Two hours later, I received a desperate message from my partner in Indiana telling me that one of my community members was in crisis. Turns out that the woman in crisis (who lived in Zambia) had met another member from Norway in our community Whatsapp group. They befriended one another and the woman in Norway became worried when she sensed depression and unresponsiveness from the Zambian. My inability to get the Zambian (who I knew suffered badly from Lupus) on the phone prompted a call between my partner in Indiana and the member in Norway. Not thinking we knew anyone else in Zambia who could help, we were stuck...until I remembered that my mentee’s father (who had been communicating with me all morning) was not only in Zambia, but a pharmacist and patient advocate. He responded immediately to my request for help; went to see her within the hour, and sent me pictures of their meeting. With a collective effort, we were able to get her some food, tests, and her medications straightened out. Authentic connection, I’m convinced, saved a life that day.
I’m always looking to meet dynamic changemakers, charity and governing leaders in marginalized areas, problem solvers and innovators from around the world with solutions to big challenges and UN Sustainable Development Goals advocates who are serving as board members and influencers.
About Mary Kurek
Mary is the Founder and President of Frontrunners Development Inc.
The firm (FDI), which supports all United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focuses work on Goal #17 (Partnerships for all Goals.) FDI conducts business development in impact spaces by developing relationships through a curated community of innovators and diplomats. The firm also publishes the first global business media platform aimed at social impact. Kurek has conducted 500+ international interviews, developing relationships to date in 66 countries, with the platform receiving views from 160 countries annually.
FDI enjoys partnerships with worldwide organizations, like the Sub Saharan Open University (Nigeria), Living Learning & Working, Inc. (US/Canada), World Youth Summit (Cyprus), The Next Generation Leaders (Saudi Arabia), Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development, (Nigeria), and Books for Peace (Italy).
Kurek, a Long Leaf Pine Award Recipient for Outstanding Service to the Citizens of North Carolina, has co-founded two local nonprofits. She sits on the boards of several international organizations to include UNAccc, a leading think tank and research organization headquartered in India focusing on climate and planet health. She was appointed in 2021 as a Trade and Investment Counselor for the presiding Prince of Madagascar.
Website: www.frontrunnersinnovate.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykurek/
