Risk is Just a Board Game

By Mohamed El-Haw*

You wake up in the morning, an idea strikes you. You think about it a little further as you drive to work, college or school. It further matures in your head until you can say it in words. At that moment you become restless and can’t wait to share it with those close to you. You call them on the phone with excitement saying “the best Idea ever stroked me today, if I can do it, I’ll realize my dreams”. You start sharing your idea, the next thing you hear: “It’s too risky”, “It’s not possible”. You hang up with disappointment. Systems, processes and status quo will put obstacles in front of you.

Well you’re not alone. There are others around the globe facing the same issues, and new stories around you are in the making. A Global Shapers Community is being shaped, where young people around the globe will come together to share ideas, practices and make a game plan for global positive impact. A place where “Status Quo" is a myth and "Risk" is just a board game.

I am Mohamed El-Haw, 27 years old, from Egypt. The above story is a repeated scenario in my life journey. In today’s world we are asked to do more with less, to be creative without guidance and to use skills we haven’t had the time to develop. Global issues are becoming more and more complex. Using old methods to solve today’s problems won’t work anymore.

Young leaders around the world can bring profound solutions to today’s problems as they’ve grown up and evolved in an environment where everything moves fast. Driven by their energy, passion and creative muscle, they can bring forward the solutions needed. They need a platform that brings them together and channels their efforts to make their impact exponential. That is why having a Global Shapers Community is so important. The upcoming event in Jordan creates a unique opportunity, connecting Middle East leaders to Global Shapers and connecting Shapers to each other. I look forward to gaining inspiration and learning from the collective wisdom.

*Mohamed El-Haw is the CEO of the social enterprise Taleeda & MEA Learning Manager in Alcatel-Lucent. He is a Global Shaper in the Cairo Hub.