We are pioneers

Thinking of the term “pioneer” may take your mind to something or someone in history, planting a flag on undiscovered soil. But by definition a pioneer is someone who sees potential, an innovator who is willing to try new things. A pioneer pushes boundaries to advance a cause or idea or break a record. These men and women have experienced success in their field, sometimes by overcoming great challenges.

Sounds familiar, right?

GWK’s ambition was redefined in 2017 to capture the essence of what we do and stand for. We are pioneers in the agri and food value chain, committed to shaping a sustainable business, driving growth and providing a better future for all stakeholders, it states. In the previous edition of Rocketeer we explored one phrase from our ambition, “creating a better future”. In this edition we’re taking a deeper look at being pioneers and what it means when we use the word to describe ourself.

To be a pioneer in any field is a responsibility we’re proud to take on. We consider ourself pioneers in the agri and food value chain because of our involvement throughout this chain, and the strides we take to be successful. Why do we feel comfortable calling ourself pioneers?

The mindset and definition

Talking about a modern pioneer is referring to a person or group that originates or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or a new method or technical development.

Pioneers have a clear vision and focus, grounded in their sense of purpose and passion in life. This sense of discovery is fuelled by their curiosity about the unknown or untested. Pioneers are known to be the first to undertake something new in their en- vironment. They have a mindset motivating change, one that is marked by an empowered optimism; they are professionally independent, technologically capable, and personally resilient.

This is usually accompanied by a pioneering spirit: a willingness to endure hardship in order to explore new places or try out new things. This spirit is driving the GWK team to responsibly explore and pioneer the agriculture industry.

Pioneers can be defined by the following traits:

• Bringing a unique take to a product or service: They are willing to take risks as they disrupt established industries and ways of doing things to introduce new ideas or products. However, as innovation and strategy development expert Gabor George Burt has said, “Meaningful innovation does not need to be based on out- right invention. It is based on bold, new combinations of already existing components that simultaneously unlock heightened levels of consumer value and reduce costs.” Pioneers look for gaps in the marketplace where new opportunities exist for improving on current industry offerings. The early innovators tend to become the market leaders.

• Building a business for a more sustainable future: Many entrepreneurial pioneers are interested in more than just the bottom line. They want their business endeavours to have a net positive on society and the world. Pioneers in business aren’t afraid to lead out or take a stand on issues they feel are important. This means pioneering in different ways than might be expected.

Am I a pioneer?

You ask yourself, am I…

1. A self-starter: a person who is sufficiently motivated to move forward without the help of others.

2. Intrinsically motivated: someone driven by internal rewards

3. Able to rally others to a cause: passionate people who always inspire others

4. Persistent and committed: someone who continues on course in spite of any difficulties or obstacles.

5. Creative, innovative and imaginative: exercises critical thinking featuring original and advanced ideas and methods.

6. A bridge builder: someone who brings others together and likes to see them flourish.

You may not feel like one, but being part of GWK makes you a pioneer.

Erik Weihenmayer is an American athlete, adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker. He was the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest and creator of No Barriers – a programme helping people reach their full potential. He says: “There’s an idea that we talk about in No Barriers: what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. We all have something inside of us that we’re trying to contribute to the world. We start out excited and happy and hopeful, and life beats us up. We get crushed and we’re stagnating and, worse than that, our potential can be lost to the world. It’s important to understand that process. The question that we should be asking ourselves is: what does it mean to climb? I’m not talking about climbing mountains. I’m talking about continually challenging ourselves every day until we die.”

It’s a big challenge to take on a pioneering mindset. Not an impossible one, though. The first step is get fully on board the GWK pioneer train –we’re going places.

*Sources:

• ankewebersmit.com

• cerner.com

• entrepreneur.com

• bigcom.com

• propelwomen.org