Lech Walesa

Last week I had the privilege to meet a man who changed history. Lech Walesa did more than lead momentous change in the ship yards of Gdansk he acted in such a way that changed a country forever.

How was he in the flesh, bloody angry actually?

He was frustrated that organisations like A4e are still needed to support his country. He was angry that the people in his country can not find work and that they are driven to depression and alcohol.

He is on the front page of Newsweek and the day I met him he was giving two interviews. Telling anyone who would listen how angry he is about the situation.

He is a fighter. He was fighting with himself whilst we talked about how A4e deliver our vision for Improving Peoples Lives in Poland. There is a sense of anger bubbling under his skin and it is all he can do to conduct a civil debate.

How did I feel with this angry man? Humble.

He is an electrician who changed the world I live in. He made my world a better place. He achieved this by being focused and speaking his mind, never allowing anyone to throw him off his course, not intimidated, not afraid for his own safety, not being fashionable nor looking for reward himself, but knowing his chance to make a difference had arrived – rose to the challenge.

I take much from meeting him and his raw energy and anger. I hope each of us in our own way can rise to the challenges which present themselves to us.

Thanks Roy