ShareKUWAIT: The Australian University held a TEDx event on Saturday, focusing on ideas worth spreading and exploring how mindset shapes personal and professional development. The event, titled “Mindset: Shaping Tomorrow”, highlighted diverse experiences aimed at inspiring change.
Life’s lessons through mountains and loss
Abdullah Boftain, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times, shared his philosophy, “Pole Pole” (Swahili for “slowly, slowly”), which he adopted after a journey of loss and resilience. He reflected on how the death of his brother Aziz, a teacher deeply beloved by his students despite not being famous, shaped his outlook on life. One of Aziz’s students eventually followed in his footsteps and became part of their family. “It was as if fate and God’s will placed Aziz in the student’s life, shaping him into someone who would carry on his legacy,” Boftain said.
Boftain also recounted how his grieving process led him to running and climbing mountains, which became sources of strength. He recalled donating his kidney to his mother and, 10 years later, his sister’s willingness to donate hers. Although she faced the joy and sorrow of a pregnancy followed by a miscarriage, she was still able to proceed with the donation. Yet, their mother passed away three months later. “Despite everything, we grew stronger and adapted,” Boftain said.
Turning 40 during the pandemic, he decided to celebrate by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. “It took five days to reach the top, and when I did, it felt like I was on another planet. I felt an overwhelming sense of strength and accomplishment,” he said. During his climb, he met Adnan Shehab Al-Deen from KFAS, who was 79 at the time and taught him the “Pole Pole” philosophy — to pace oneself and trust in the journey. “The last mountain I climbed was Djebel Samhan in Oman, this time with my children. Life is like a mountain, full of ups and downs. God knows our strength, and we are constantly being tested,” Boftain added.
Future thinking as a transformational tool
Dr Manal Al-Hasawi, Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Strategic Planning, discussed how adopting future thinking changed her life. She described a period 10 years ago when she struggled with ADHD, and her usual coping mechanisms stopped working. “I found myself questioning: Is this really what I want to do? Even as a parent, I was riddled with anxiety,” she said. Through future thinking — imagining various possible outcomes to influence present behavior — she transformed her approach to life. “There are countless potential versions of your story, and this approach allows you to think in multipliers,” she explained.
This shift allowed her to realign her passions and values with her work and parenting. “Instead of asking my children the typical questions, I asked, ‘What do you think school will look like when your kids go to school?’ They envisioned schools open 24 hours with students as teachers, learning from diverse sources. They imagined cafes, art shops, and libraries run by students. It was a better version of the future,” she said. Al-Hasawi concluded that by changing how we think about the future, we can create a better present and tomorrow.
Overcoming bad advice and finding balance
Asrar Al-Ansari, Public Relations and Media Department Team Leader, shared her journey of overcoming bad advice that led her to pursue strengths she didn’t enjoy. “I once listened to a podcast where the guest said, ‘The more skilled you become, the more people need you, and the less you need them.’ It reminded me of the worst advice I ever received: To be successful, work on your weaknesses until they become strengths,” she said.
After years of striving to excel at things she didn’t love, she reconnected with her passion for writing. “I was told that to be a successful writer, I had to focus on one field. The last literary work I produced was over 10 years ago,” she said. After her resignation was rejected, she took seven months to write and rediscover her passion. “We need to find balance for ourselves. It’s okay to feel lost at times, but eventually, we realize that our existence has meaning,” she concluded.
Embracing maternal bonds without shame
Ali Najim, podcast host and social media influencer, reflected on the importance of mothers and the stigma surrounding the term “mama’s boy”. “I am my mother’s son. Some say it’s a flaw to be known by my mother’s name, but she had a profound impact on my life,” he said. Najim challenged the notion that being close to one’s mother indicates weakness, noting, “In some households, there is unnecessary shame in this bond. But I’ve made it my mission to express my appreciation for my mother, even in front of others.” He urged people to embrace their emotions and recognize the significance of mothers. “I’m here today because of her blessings, prayers, and guidance,” he added.
Progress through passion and persistence
Majed Al-Zaabi, wildlife photographer, emphasized the importance of progress and perseverance. “Never belittle anyone, embrace progress, and avoid hostility,” he said. Al-Zaabi began his photography career in Kuwait and later achieved over 100 global awards in Kenya. He discussed facing rejection in international competitions but encouraged persistence. Now a judge for the largest bird photography competition worldwide, his work has been published in National Geographic. He also recounted how his Direct Aid Organization website was initially rejected by Dr Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sumait. “After gifting my friend the only book I printed, Sumait contacted me to collaborate. Today, the website has over 250,000 registered users, allowing donations within five seconds,” he said.
Education beyond employment
Dr Mohammed Al-Saddani, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the need to rethink education as a tool for personal growth, not just employment. “Knowledge has become something we pursue solely for jobs and financial gain, rather than for values and self-improvement,” he said. He argued that education should foster positive change and help people love and respect others. “The goal is to embrace the good, correct the negatives, and overcome flaws that prevent us from practicing true humanity,” he said, emphasizing that education helps build advanced societies.
Finding meaning amid adversity
Rola Mourdaa, manager at the Teaching and Learning Center, shared personal reflections on standing firm in one’s values. She recounted how, during her childhood, her father refused to donate to a political party, leading to threats and the destruction of their home by rockets. “That experience taught me that no harm can come without God’s will. True survival lies in standing firm in your values,” she said. Although she now lives safely in Kuwait, she explained that peace comes from meaningful moments with loved ones, not material success.
