In this tome, part autobiography, part educational treatise, Salongo Robin Kibuka, explores his life’s journey and the lessons garnered therefrom. His quiet, winding journey has been one of serendipity and has impacted on his beliefs about managing for the greater good and building a lasting impact/legacy more than he would have ever thought possible.
Robin’s upbringing, as he makes clear from the get-go, was heavily steeped in the culture of the Baganda and the Church. His modesty and humility, despite a slight advantage over most of his peers, enabled him to surmount barriers that would have seemed insurmountable. These traits also enabled him to live in foreign lands and rise to the top echelons of an international civil service career.
This autobiography is a lesson in the power of networks and goodwill, borne out of integrity, service above self, and fortitude in the face of life’s vicissitudes. It also shows us that there is indeed life after such a high-flying career if we purpose to let go of the trappings and artifacts of the jet set life, as Robin did after a sterling tour of duty. Indeed, life’s best gifts and fulfillment come from self-mastery and a good dose of emotional intelligence! As Robin writes, it is important to plan and have a balanced life, taking into account one’s physical, social, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs. The material things we acquire in the journey of life are, in the end, worthless if we have no purpose for which we live. Life is transient, and that is an immutable fact. Our freedom comes from giving ourselves to the world, especially the less fortunate. This became Robin’s purpose, even if he stumbled upon it in a serendipitous way!
We all need a purpose, and that purpose, difficult as it may be to discover, requires us to have a vision. Our vision must then be turned into action and not remain passive thoughts. This is what gives meaning to life. This is the very essence of a life of service to others.
Ultimately, we are all leaders, but we must choose how to impact and influence society through the ability to serve others. Along the way, we all discover that ‘calm seas never make good sailors,’ and the tribulations of life have a way of forging in us a fortuitous spirit. A spirit of resilience and tenacity in the face of doubt. Robin’s way is through service above self and the use of his soft skills to give back. That is how to build a legacy.