The community has to be empowered , has to be educated , has to be equipped with the tools . In most cases , the parts are not locally available or affordable , and no one is trained during the process with the knowledge of how to maintain and repair . That ’ s why we go slower than most , but we ’ re in it with a long-term commitment to each community we drill wells for . When you ’ re working with people who have been oppressed for so long , the “ show up , blow up , blow out ” technique can be more hurtful than helpful in the long run . So that ’ s why our commitments are long-term , to make sure transformation has actually taken place and that it ’ s viable for decades and generations to come .
Pulse : As a fighter and advocate , you embody both strength and sensitivity . How can others find balance between these qualities and their approach to client care and well-being ? JW : In MMA , I was fighting against people , but through Fight for the Forgotten , I get to fight for people . I think
I ’ ve always had a pretty tender heart . It doesn ’ t have to be , I ’ m a lover , not a fighter . It can be , I ’ m a lover and a fighter . Sometimes in our advocacy , we have to be strong . We have to fight for what we believe is right . And other times , people just need a hug and love — even the oppressors .
Pulse : Your humanitarian work reflects a deep sense of empathy . How can business leaders cultivate empathy in their client interactions , drawing inspiration from your experience and connecting with and helping others ? JW : I believe the age-old adage : People don ’ t care how much you know until they know how much you care . That takes place in every culture on earth . I think if you want to be connected with your customers and connected with your team , they have to know that you care about them , that you love your work , that you love your people , that you love the services you provide and that you have their best interest not only in mind , but at the focal point of your heart .
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