Rugare Gomo on Personal Growth, Inclusivity, and Unity

Rugare Gomo’s mission is to inspire and empower all people to dream, forge their paths, and be leaders in their own lives. He is a high-performance life and business coach, author, and speaker.

One of Rugare’s superpowers is making things happen. At 16 years old, he arrived in Australia with about $300, a suitcase, and a backpack.

He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Honours). He practiced in a top-tier law firm, joined a start-up, and negotiated cross-border, multi-million-dollar contracts as General Counsel.

Rugare is also the Founder of the Gomo Foundation, which provides scholarships for girls to go to school in rural Zimbabwe, and he has run his corporate law firm.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rugaregomo

Website:  https://RugareGomo.com

 

Rugare's Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

Rugare shared his journey of self-discovery and growth, starting from his early age of moving to Australia with limited resources. He discussed how this experience helped him overcome his initial shyness and self-doubt, leading to increased self-confidence and self-love. Rugare also highlighted his ability to raise capital for his university education and his decision to be his authentic self as a gay man, despite the potential risks. Michael acknowledged Rugare's journey as foundational and praised his ability to take risks and adapt to new environments. Both Rugare and Michael emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and living in the unknown to achieve personal growth.

Creating Inclusive Environments Through Acceptance

Rugare shared a personal story about having an open conversation with his uncle, who is the head of a village in Zimbabwe, about gay rights. The uncle's acceptance and welcoming attitude towards his partner and other members of the gay community could potentially create a more inclusive environment in the village. Michael agreed with Rugare's perspective, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and acceptance in communities and organizations. Both Rugare and Michael expressed their hope for a world where people can be themselves without fear of judgment or condemnation.

Fostering Unity and Understanding Conversations

Michael and Rugare discussed the importance of creating an environment where people feel heard and welcomed, regardless of their differences. They emphasized the need to understand others' perspectives, rather than demonizing them. Rugare shared a personal experience of a friend who supports Trump, and how she plans to have a conversation with him to understand his viewpoint, rather than trying to change his mind. They both agreed that living their lives in a way that promotes unity and understanding can have a more significant impact than trying to convince others.

Curiosity and Research in Voting

Michael and Rugare discussed the importance of curiosity and research in making decisions, particularly in the context of voting. Michael emphasized the need to understand the reasons behind one's support for a particular party or candidate, rather than simply following family traditions or party affiliations. He suggested doing one's own research on the issues that matter to them and comparing the positions of different candidates or parties. Rugare agreed with Michael's approach, highlighting the need for open conversations and understanding rather than polarizing attitudes. They also touched on the potential of technology to provide access to information and resources, which could lead to the tapping of untapped talent pools.

Leadership, Unity, and Personal Growth

In the meeting, Rugare and Michael discussed the importance of leadership and unity, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy in personal and professional relationships. Rugare shared his personal journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes. They also discussed the need for psychological safety and the importance of not demonizing others, but rather seeking to understand their perspectives. The conversation concluded with Rugare sharing his website and social media handles for further connection.