“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” - Nelson Mandela
It only takes one person to make a difference; one person to stand up and fight for the change that they wish to see in the world. Others will eventually see that one and follow along.
Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Eli Lilly and Company, is a vibrant leader capitalizing on the power of one. He discussed the impacts one can have, using a historic example about Nelson Mandela and Leon Sullivan. Nelson’s stance against apartheid landed him in jail, although his word still traveled to the United States to an executive at General Motors, Leon Sullivan.
When in South Africa and faced with racism himself, he never allowed such instances to strip him of his dignity. As Nate mentioned, “A leader never gives up their dignity, not in the middle of challenge, not in the middle of struggle. A leader stands strong and straight.”
Leon then influenced American companies to take a stand against apartheid by stopping business between the countries. Nelson Mandela did not know Leon Sullivan at the time, but Leon knew him. The power of one person, Nelson Mandela, who had made a stand and spoke for equality, was strong enough to encourage others such as Leon to follow. Nelson shared his ideas and was able to start a social transformation.
One person is enough to cause positive change.
Nate Miles lives by this principal and uses it in his through his board membership at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other charitable causes that he supports. Nate is passionate about creating positive and meaningful change that will benefit society and bring people together.
