Book: The Smell of Apples, Mark Behr

Initially when I started reading this book, I thought it was a similar ‘vibe’ to ‘Spud’. But the first publication was in 1993, much earlier than the first Spud book. The reason I thought this, was because the story is narrated from the viewpoint of a twelve year old boy.

Initially, during the first half of the book I thought it’s ‘meh’, it’s ok, and perhaps unnecessary how zoomed into his own genitalia he was. I also found it a bit curious that the book had won several awards. But, it does all tie together rather disturbingly at the end.

Positives, what I did like, the majority of the book plays off in Cape Town, specifically Kalk Bay, St James and Simon’s Town area. Love being able and visualise areas that an author describes in his books, that I know and am familiar with.

Whether I would recommend it, I’m not too sure that I would. The way in which it is written makes it easy to read. It’s a sad, poignant view of the 60’s / 70’s through the eyes of a white twelve year old boy growing up in South Africa at that time, interspersed with his experience in the Angola war.

3/5

Book: Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

Don’t you just love being absorbed by a book? It does however pose quite the conundrum, on the one hand you want to finish it as quickly as possible but at the same time you want to savour the beautiful writing. This tug of war gets even worse as you near the end of the book!

"Marsh is not swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky.  Slow-moving creeks wander, carrying the orb of the sun with them to the sea, and long-legged birds lift with unexpected grace – as though not built to fly – against the roar of a thousand snow geese..."

The book had me at this beautifully descriptive opening paragraph. I absolutely enjoy Delia Owens' writing and the way she depicts things.  For example, how delightful is this?:

“Mad as a mule eating bumble bees”

One of my others, which did make me giggle:

“Female fireflies draw in strange males with dishonest signals and eat them; mantis females devour their own mates. Female insects, Kya thought, know how to deal with their lovers.”

This one too…

“Murky shafts of light streamed through the tiny window... She stared at dust motes, dancing silently in one direction as though following some dreamy leader. When they hit the shadows, they vanished. Without the sun they were nothing,”

If like me, you’ve had a spate of reading very uninspiring laborious books this one will definitely reignite your faith in the joys and magic of a well written book.

Book: The Story of San Michele, Axel Munthe

What a beautifully written book. Axel Munthe takes you on a journey of his life and has the most wonderful way of sharing his story, especially his interactions with animals. 

After the last couple of books that I spent my mornings with, which felt like they were never ending and incredibly tedious, (Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie, and the 5am Club by Robin Sharma, being the most recent ones); the Story of San Michele has been an elixir for the soul. His interaction and description of the reaper is incredibly beautiful.

5/5

Book: Autopsy, Life in the trenches with a Forensic Pathologist in Africa, Ryan Blumenthal

I have just finished reading Autopsy by Ryan Blumenthal. Very. Interesting. What a macabre profession; having to deal with death every. single. day. What I appreciate is that he uses the scientific descriptions, but then explains them, not letting the reader feel stupid. Because ultimately, he is highly intelligent; you are not just a specialist in one area, but you have to be a specialist in all areas. Not just of medicine and the human body, but also popular culture. An interesting take behind the scenes from a South African perspective. It includes what exactly it entails to be a forensic pathologist. It’s a difficult subject, but, an easy read. He has a very entertaining sense of humour and wit that he brings in throughout the book, and having a positive outlook on everything is a non negotiable in this calling. 

Something that I particularly appreciate is that it does not matter if you are rich and famous or a homeless person, you will receive the same amount of attention to detail, dignity and justice to a death.

I can understand why it is a South African bestseller.

[This is how I was going to introduce the book, but realise that it is perhaps a bit cryptic, sharing with you anyway :) ]

Media release: Pitch meetings go both ways

Image source  NYTimes

Recently I was called to help a company with some damage control as a result of negative online reviews they received. During the initial call, I did say that online reviews are generally a symptom of a larger issue. We may be able to help with the immediate containment of the situation, but, this would just be like putting a plaster over an unknown wound; we would need to dig a bit deeper and treat the root cause to avoid similar future situations.

On prepping for the meeting, I found it rather interesting that there was very little information about the company on their website, apart from a generic photo, logo and a telephone number, there was absolutely no information about who they are or what they do. I prepped as best as I could.

At the meeting, I was greeted by a rather monochromatic male-dominated boardroom. Which I found very interesting as their core target market is people living in communities, so I did find it a bit odd that the board wasn’t more demographically representative. For about the first 20 minutes, before I had even started my pitch, Mr Dominant Monochromat (DM) explained to me what he wanted done from a Google Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) point of view.  His ideal scenario is that when people Google his company’s name and include the word liar or crook, he wants articles and keywords to pop up saying,  ‘I thought the company was a crook, but they are not…’ When I managed to get a word in edgewise, I suggested that they should perhaps consider steering away from negative words such as crooks and liars and rather use more positive associations to build a positive reputation. This encouraged Mr DM to mansplain his desired approach, and that he was glad that he could teach me something new. When I at last had the opportunity to pitch my ideas and proposed plan of action; I just wanted to confirm what their vision was as I was not able to find it before the meeting. Mr DM, asked rather defensively, ‘why?! It’s to make money!’. When I went on to ask what their values were, he replied a bit annoyed with, ‘money, money, money, why what is yours?’. I then did something that I have never done in a meeting before. I wasn’t even half-way through my presentation, but I closed my laptop, packed it away and said, ‘one of our core values is respect. It is very clear that you have no respect for your customers, your employees, or for me. Your approach and values do not resonate with ours. We are not the right company to help you.’ I packed my things and left.

The experience made me realise that when we pitch for work it’s very much a two-way pitch. As much as you need to impress the potential client with your methodology and credentials. There must be mutual respect gained. They also need to pitch themselves to you. You need to ask yourself whether this is a company that you want to be associated with; is this someone you can work with.

It is our vision to be Africa’s go to reputation specialists to build resilient businesses. We believe in changing the reputation of our country and continent one person and one company at a time. But, the other party also needs to put in the work, do their bit and respect that the advice and guidance that they are given is based on a track record of years of experience. 

We would have made meaningful recommendations until the cows came home, but Mr DM would only have been happy if his company’s name and words such a liar and crook popped up on Google. Not the reputation building route recommended for anyone.

Sometimes saying thank you, but no thank you, and stepping away is necessary and good.

I think in this current economic climate we need to remember the fundamentals. Compromising your own values will be detrimental in the long run. When you pitch for new work, don’t be shy to ask questions, they have to impress you as much as you have to impress them, it’s a two-way street.

To continue the reputation management discussion, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za or call +27 21 790 0208 or mail research@reputationmatters.co.za. We are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/yourreputationmatters and Twitter @ReputationIsKey

###

The week that was 20200810

PROUDEST | MOST GRATEFUL MOMENT

So grateful to have been able to travel to Gauteng for the first time in five months! So grateful to catch up and spend time with my Mom. Had a wonderful family lunch to celebrate her birthday; don't worry, we social'ed and we distance'd. 

Very appreciative for a great hairdresser, I've been going to her since moving to Hout Bay. She knows me so well. Initially I was a bit dubious about the length; but, I have made peace with is, and am really enjoying it. The long piece is headed (pun intended) to CANSA. 

Learning something interesting

Via: CapeTownEtc. Fascinating to learn about ‘Hawequa’. A unique occurrence that can be viewed once a year in the Western Cape (Wellington), where a ‘man in the mountain’ seems to appear from the mountainside.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

'The best piece of advice I can give a woman, or a man  for that matter is: No matter how hard things are, don't walk away when the going gets tough because, quite simply, you'll never forgive yourself.' ~Karen Boswell OBE, MD Hitachi Rail Europe.~

THIS WEEK I FINISHED READING...

Leaving Before the Rains Come by Alexander Fuller. This is the follow up to 'Don't Let's Go to The Dogs Tonight, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This one, not so much.

As a team we reread, ' The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,' by Robin Sharma. It's one of my favourite books that have great reminders and lessons. Highly recommendable. 

WHAT MADE ME GIGGLE

The week that was 20200801

PROUDEST | MOST GRATEFUL MOMENT

Grateful for a great radio interview with Olivia Sambo on her progam Rand en Sent on Radio Sonder Grense (RSG). Here's the link to where it can be downloaded. 

Such a lovely chat with dynamic and inspirational Margaret Hirsch on her weekly 'Morning Live with Margaret' Show on Facebook. So grateful for her friendship and mentorship. Here's the link to the interview. 

I am not the biggest fan of Winter, but... I do like the delicious citrus fruit it brings. Oranges cut in quarters always reminds me of playing Netball and getting a piece of orange during half time. 

It's been a deliciously warm day today, lay with Bella in the sun. Grateful for a lazy weekend morning. Madam did let me know that she was feeling a bit crowded

BIGGEST LESSON THIS WEEK / REMINDER

Thought this was rather interesting, the French one is my favourite, which one do you like?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

If it's cheap it ain't good; if it's good, it ain't cheap

THIS WEEK I FINISHED READING...

In my search for an audiobook to listen to as a team, I came across Dan Peña, and found his audiobook: Your First 100 Million. He is also known as the Trillion Dollar Man. I always enjoy learning from different people, and I do like his sense of humour, but, be warned, if you do want listen to it, his language is, well, he says it as it is.  

Interesting take on things, as the title suggests, The Soul's Journey into the Mystery of Mysteries. One of the quotes that I particularly liked:

"Doubt is the dry rot of faith," Indian Saint.

WHAT MADE ME GIGGLE