Chikako Fujita is a 2011 Acumen Fund Fellow. Chikako was raised in Japan and majored in forestry before starting a solar start up in India, where she is now based as an Acumen fellow. In her post, Chikako discusses the importance of defining yourself and finding the talent within if you are to effectively serve the developing world.
Have you ever told yourself, “Oh, I wish I was born with his talent!” Whether its singing, running, public speaking, sense of humor, or charisma…Or have you ever wondered (rather desperately), “Do I have leadership capabilities enough to make a difference in the fight against poverty?” Many times, my spirit is high with strong passion and commitment. Equally many times, I feel insecure and repeat these questions.
As a 2011 Acumen Fund Fellow, I just finished two months of training in New York and am now working with one of Acumen’s investees, Dial 1298 for Ambulance, for the next nine months. I plan to take time to reflect upon the training and share my thoughts before I am swallowed into the noisy, sleepless, and chaotic streets of Mumbai. The training has been a process of self-“re”discovery for me. Of all the “Aha” moments, I want to share the most recent one with you.
One morning, I become an improv actress (during a workshop on leadership presence by the Ariel Group). Read more »
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