WE LOST A PRECIOUS DOLPHIN THIS WEEK

WE LOST A PRECIOUS DOLPHIN THIS WEEK As Kitty so eloquently put it…”An unabashed dolphin amongst the sharks.” This is my reflection on this gentle giant who touched our lives at PSI and beyond. Powerful moments like this provide a rare opportunity to PAUSE and RESET our lives. David may have moved on, but by integrating his essence into mine, he continues to be a part of me. This morning, I pulled out the albums and surrounded myself with the pics mainly going back to the early 90s in Zambia….and a floodgate of memories came streaming in. The metaphor of the dolphin for David is so apt – intelligent, playful, affectionate, elegance personified and embodying goodness. At a personal level, David opened so many doors for me: 1. To social marketing and PSI: The amazing launch of MAXIMUM in a few months after his getting to Lusaka stands testimony to his quiet efficiency. And what a success it was! No wonder David was awarded the ‘Marketer of the Year’ by the Marketing Association of Zambia. The country launched a MAXIMUM postage stamp! Zambia was a shining star in the PSI family in the early/mid 90s and it was mainly thanks to the Dolphin! I first met David as a 26 year old intern/consultant in Zambia in 1993!!! He was PSI’s Country Director of an eight month fledging operation. The three months there were a life-changer in so many ways. While there were many factors that contributed to such a fabulous experience, it was David’s warmth and confidence in me when I was just starting off that made ALL the difference! Reporting to him and working with the young team in Lusaka was dream…I was hooked. In 1994, David once again gave me my first technical assistance gig as a communication professional for a month long visit. A year later, I was ecstatic to move to Zambia! 30 years later, the journey with PSI still continues. David opened Zambia and his home to so many of us neophytes - Kyle, Clayton, Barry and Mitchell to name a few! . 2. To a world where the professional and personal merged so magically David not only made me feel welcome at work, but 10 days into my first visit, he and Jodie Olson opened up their home and invited me to stay for a month when they went on vacation. That was truly special. Two years later, when I returned to live in Zambia, the four of us (Lata included) immediately hit it off and spent so many fun times together. In fact, we moved into their home as Joshua had entered their lives and they needed a larger place. Looking back, this organic connect at a personal and professional level set the tone for so many similar relationships over the years across the world. Truly precious. 3. To leading a life of balance David was so so ahead of the curve. When most of us sharks led frenzied lives, a memory stands out for me. It was my first day in the office. At lunch time, David shut his office door, pulled out a magazine, ate his meal in silence. That one hour was sacrosanct! When I was the acting CR, we had a theft in the office. I was upset. I told the key culpable individual – “Mr. Olson will be very angry upon his return.” Honestly, I was a bit worried as this incident had happened under my watch. Upon his return, David just listened, shook his head briefly and the topic was closed! The ‘dolphin’ epitomized perspective indeed! 4. To Optimism: The dolphin was always cheerful and upbeat. Even this July when we connected over email, he was confident that the treatment was working. A part of me wishes that I had seen beyond this trait, reached out and spoken to him. Mpundu Mwanza Jeff Kawana Kawana Chris Mukkuli Chilufya, Thinking of our journey together in Zambia with much fondness! Dear Jodie Olson Emmaline Mendez Joshua and others feeling his loss, am sending hugs from across the oceans in India! Jodie, will call you soon. Mindfully, Sanjay