Why Do I Not Forget July 18? The 5 Leadership Lessons I Learned From Nelson Mandela
Updated: Mar 8, 2025
Written by: Casimiro da Silva Santos, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Why do I not forget July 18 every year?
First is the birthday of my nieces, they are twins, and they are fantastic. I love them dearly. Second, on July 18, we celebrate International Mandela Day in honour of Nelson Mandela, my long-standing admired and inspirational leader.
On July 18, 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the Xhosa Thembu royal family in Mvezo, Union of South Africa (now the Republic of South Africa). Before practicing law in Johannesburg, he studied law at the Universities of Fort Hare and Witwatersrand. In 1943, he joined the ANC and was active in anti-colonial and African nationalist movements. Following the Rivonia Trial, he was detained and condemned to life in prison for plotting to overthrow the government in 1962. Between Robben Island, Pollsmoor Jail, and Victor Verster Prison, Mandela spent 27 years deprived of freedom. President F. W. de Klerk freed him in 1990 despite mounting local and international pressure and concerns over a potential racial civil war.
He served as South Africa's first president from 1994 to 1999. He was the first entirely representative democratic election to elect a black head of state in the history of the nation. His administration concentrated on promoting racial harmony to erase the effects of apartheid. He served as the African National Congress party's president (ANC) from 1991 to 1997.
Nelson Mandela International Day 67 Minutes Dedicated to Others
We celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day every year to shine a light on the legacy of a man who changed the XXth century and helped shape the XXIst.
"On July 18 every year, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the World for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change" - United Nations.
On this day, World citizens are encouraged to spend 67 minutes of their time in service to others in need. These 67 minutes appreciate the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent fighting for justice, equality, and human rights.
To Celebrate His Legacy to the World, I'm Listing and Sharing My Five Leadership Lessons From Nelson Mandela.
Lesson No.1: Courage is not the absence of fear.
It's inspiring others to move beyond it. Mandela experienced fear on numerous fronts, including 27 years of intimidation and brutality in prison. I have learned from knowing not to let fear show in a way that would hurt others, including my clients, my team, and the organization. More critical than prevailing over my fears as an individual was the ability to stand resolute and focused on the vision and mission we have created.
Lesson No.2: Lead from behind and let others believe they are in front.
When asked to move faster, to be more radical, Mandela would listen to his collaborators, friends, and people. When he finally spoke, he slowly and methodically summarized everyone's points of view. I had learned that when I unfurled my thoughts and ideas, I could subtly steer the decision in the direction I wanted without imposing it. The humble part of leadership is allowing yourself to be led too. "It is wise," Mandela said, "to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their idea."
Lesson NO.3: Quitting is leading, too.
I hate quitting. I do. Saying this, knowing when and how to abandon a failed idea, task or relationship is often the most challenging decision a leader and ourselves must make. Understanding that you lead as much by what you choose not to do, you'll empower yourself to be able to fail and move forward. More importantly, you'll inspire your team and your community. Knowing this was very liberating for me.
Lesson No.4: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the World.
Education allows us to understand better the world in which we live. Through education, we have become thoughtful about what happens around us. We observe things from multiple perspectives, not only from the one they tell us. Education interconnects and equates to us as a species.
Lesson No.5: It always seems impossible until you've done it.
Like Audrey Hepburn, who said, "nothing is impossible. The word in itself says I'm Possible" Mabida was a great believer that everything was possible. I have learned that we often refuse to do things only because of our mindset. We think we cannot achieve the goal we have set for ourselves. We must understand that it may seem impossible sometimes, but that's not just the end of our lives. We can always attain heights, and all we need is to keep our focus intact. Never label something as "impossible" before giving it a go. You could be hurting yourself. Recognize that nothing is impossible in life and that all you need is patience to persevere. Believe in yourself and keep turning the stones one after the other on the path to achieving your life's purpose.
Bringing It All Together
Writing a piece about Nelson Mandela is humble and risky. One of the most admirable leaders and figures in the XXth century, Nelson Mandela continues to be an inspiration in the XXIst century and will continue to be for the centuries to come.
I have decided to do it to celebrate his legacy and the impact his leadership lessons had on me. Sharing the five most important leadership lessons of my life with you is not only rewarding, humble, and hopefully inspiring. To recap them:
Courage is not the absence of fear.
Lead from behind and let others believe they are in front.
Quitting is leading, too.
Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the World.
It always seems impossible until you've done it.
From my five life goals when I was 29 years old and a young professional starting my career, I am fortunate that I accomplished all except for one - meet Madiba. Saying this, I am grateful to have been inspired, and still am, to have lived and worked in his homeland, where I could feel his presence and aura of inspiration for fighting for justice, equality, and human rights.
Now, you know one of the reasons I do not forget July 18!
This year, I will dedicate my 67-minutes to coaching bright, young African entrepreneurs. And you, where will you be spending your 67-minutes with others?
Casimiro da Silva Santos, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Casimiro da Silva Santos, better known as Cas, uses pronouns he/his. He is a dad, a business and climate action leader, a coach, and a speaker. His mission is to create a perspective of abundance, alleviating scarcity so that we can live a brighter future. After a transformational coaching experience with Simon Sinek Inc., Cas decided to create Bring the Best®, a coaching and consulting firm for personal development and business growth. Through individual, career, and executive coaching, Bring the Best transforms lives so that each person can live the life they want and dream about. His coaching style is authentic and empathetic, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.
