"Hameed, AL is downstairs."

It was a close shave, and everything worked out fine in the end.

Hi guys,

Hope you are well. I’m doing okay, Alhamdulillah.

I write this at 5:06 pm on a calm Sunday evening on the back of a pleasant weekend. The past few weeks of Ramadan have perhaps been my toughest yet. While I have been fasting for most of my life, this year’s attempt has been a true exercise in exertion and perseverance. I even took a day off work this week just because I couldn’t see myself lasting the whole day while fasting.

For those of us who are fortunate to eat and drink without worry 99% of the time, periods like these are a reminder of our privilege, and that many people around the world are simply not as fortunate. And if you are working closely with people observing the fasts, then please cut them some slack. They probably need it more than you realize.

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A few weeks ago, I was part of the organizing team for an international business conference. As these events go, there are typically corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and private sector professionals present.

For this particular conference, the team was able to secure sponsorship from an international oil and gas company. And one of the key conditions of this partnership was that the company would get significant airtime during the program, including a keynote speech by the CEO of their Nigeria operations. They were deeply committed to the event and flew out 4 members of the team (CEO inclusive) specifically for the program. So far, so good.

Buttt…our team had also been desperately trying to secure a diplomat for the event. Someone who could serve as a “government representative”, especially on business, trade, and investment. Less than 48 hours to the conference, we got good news. We had confirmed the presence of AL, a senior government official. He also offered to give a keynote speech to open the event. Wahala. 😅

At this time, our brochures and agendas had been printed already, with the oil & gas CEO slated to give the keynote speech x opening address. I personally was a bit confused on what to do. Should we update it for AL (government rep) to give the speech instead? What if he didn’t show up? etc etc.

Image from Shutterstock

On the morning of the conference, the CEO and his entourage arrived early. After settling in, he called for me. It went something like this.

CEO: Hameed, are we going to be on time today?

Me: Yes sir, we should be good for time.

CEO: So I’m speaking at 10 o’clock right?

Me: Let’s aim for 10:10 sir, we want to give people some time to settle in.

CEO: Okay no problem, thanks.

I had barely left him when a team member approached me. Let’s call her TM.

TM: Hameed, AL is on his way.

Me: Great, thanks.

TM: Wait. He has another appointment so wants to quickly give the speech and be on his way.

Me: Ah, the keynote? I just told CEO he’s giving it.

TM: Nah, AL has to give it o. He’s not spending long.

Me: This is 9:54. The speech is supposed to be in 6 minutes. CEO is here, where is AL?

TM: On the way. I just spoke to his PA and she said he’s coming.

Me: I get. But CEO is seated here. I can’t go and tell him to change his time for someone else. Especially somebody that is not even here.

TM: Don’t worry, just do it. AL will be here.

Me: It’s 9:56 now. Are you sure?!

TM: His PA said he is never late. If he said he would be here by 10, he would be.

I grudgingly went over to the CEO, explained the situation and apologized. He was gracious about it and agreed to delay his speech till after AL. I was glad that he agreed to it, but worried that AL would show up late.

Two seconds later,

TM: Hameed, AL is downstairs.

Me: Ah, thank God! It’s 9:58, let’s go get him asap.

TM: His PA was right, he’s never late!

It was a close shave, and everything worked out fine in the end. That experience left me with a huge amount of respect for AL. Not because of his position or the things he had achieved, but because his word meant something. His PA had been very clear on his punctuality and that he always fulfilled his commitments (both increasingly rare traits today), but it was amazing to see it in action.

As you begin a new week, I hope you remember that basic things like keeping your word and punctuality still go a long way. 😊

** Jara content (thanks to HassyTee):

“Who exactly are these people that you want to be admired by? Aren’t they the same people you are in the habit of calling crazy? And is this your life ambition, then - to win the approval of lunatics?”

- Epictetus

Have a great week. ✨