Mr. and Mrs. Smith – Out of Africa!

At our last John Maxwell Team Live Event, the theme was Global Possibilities.

A few weeks later, Donniece-Greene Smith and Matthew Nathaniel Smith were on their way to Africa to make a difference to Leaders in Kenya! 

We met with Donniece to find out what made them decide to travel to a different continent and what it took to make the event a success.

What made you think of going to Africa?

Oh it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to be able to connect with leaders in Africa and see how I may be able to add value to that beautiful continent. I wasn’t sure of when that opportunity would come, however I continued to prepare myself for when the opportunity would arise. My husband Matthew Nathaniel Smith who is also a John Maxwell coach and I have a huge desire to use our gifts and skills to serve in Africa and around the world through our company Lid Raisers.

Whom did you contact and how did the opportunity to serve unfold?

I had connected with a few key influencers in Kenya and built a relationship with people online, and in doing so, I could see that an opportunity to go to Kenya would open up soon, however it wasn’t until I was introduced by another JMT member who I believed worked with Managing Director of Creative Eve, Maggie Munyua in promoting their book in Africa, did things really take form. Maggie and I instantly connected, as she has such a desire for empowering the leaders in her country Kenya and throughout Africa. Over the next few months we would meet and discuss ways in which I could add value to her team and community. Maggie emphasized the need for me to come to Kenya and share a message of empowerment. We of course didn’t think twice.

What preparation did you have to do?

This is a great question, because there were different types of preparation. My preparation was in the decision to make personal growth a life priority as I wanted to add value to myself so that I could actually be in a position one day to add value to others. I stress this because the short-term preparation wouldn’t tell the whole story. If you are thinking of adding value to others and doing something significant in your life, the time to act is now.

Our mentors at JMT constantly share with us to not wait for opportunity to prepare, but instead to prepare for the opportunity.

As for my short-term preparation, it was to simply get to know and love the people I would be adding value to by understanding their needs; this along with the training I received from the John Maxwell Team positioned me to be a person of influence. John Maxwell is respected around the world and it felt great to be able to go to Africa and know I would be representing a world-class organization.

What were the obstacles to making this plan happen?

I would say the biggest obstacles were my thoughts in somehow believing it would be a long process to be able to get to Africa and be a blessing. I believe there weren’t many obstacles because it was in line with my heart’s desire.

What was the impact of your visit?

After one day in the country Maggie had notified the television networks of our event and that a John Maxwell Trainer and Coach was in the country, I was then asked to be interviewed on the morning show of Kenya’s largest television network. I was able to speak directly to the Kenyan people about coaching, the benefits of having coaching and the need for personal development.

The morning show host also provided the information for their viewers to come along to our event. The event went very well and the message was well received. Our host rang us the following morning to say her phone hadn’t stopped ringing from the early hours of the morning expressing ‘how grateful many of the attendees were for being reminded of the potential within’. We were invited to return 2014 to present a 3 to 4 day workshop. We connected with several leaders during our trip and expect to be returning regularly.

In hindsight what would you do differently?

I would plan more events instead of just the one.

What advice would you give someone who would also like to make a difference globally?

I think if you want to make a difference you can; observe what other influencers are doing to make a difference and learn from them.  John Maxwell always encourages us to start with ourselves because we can’t give what we don’t have. My advice is; if you are adding value to yourself then just get out there and serve and if you wish to have the support of a world class organization than join the John Maxwell Team. If you need to work on yourself first then join the John Maxwell Team where you will be supported and encouraged to make that difference.

Would you do this again and why?

Yes I would and in a heart beat because I love living my dreams and making a difference. Thank you John Maxwell Team for helping me live the dream.

About Donniece Greene-Smith and Matthew Nathaniel Smith

Donniece and Matthew facilitate coaching and mentoring programs, mastermind groups and workshops  in their coaching and mentoring business, Lid Raisers. Based out of London, U.K. they are both Founding Partners and Certified Coaches with the John C. Maxwell Team. Their aim is for those who attend their workshops and programs to be empowered and embrace a new awareness in their personal growth, potential and purpose.

Contact Donniece and Matthew at : http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/donniecegreenesmith

                                                                                    http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/matthewnathanielsmith