Meeting the Team

On Friday evening the team met for our first dinner together - 11 of the 14 had arrived -with the others arriving later in the evening.  We'd seen each others' pictures - and had talked on our weekly calls -emailed each other and frequently used our Connections team room to share information - and plan activities for our weekends.  It was like meeting old friends - we certainly were not strangers - lots of hugs and cheek busses all around!

We had hired a mini bus - and went to a nearby shopping center - and through it to Mandela Square.  We noted that the upscale shopping center could be just about anyplace - many familiar stores including the iStore!  We selected a Brazilian steakhouse - that had lots of options.  Many were amazed at the generosity of the portions!  Conversation flowed easily  - it was catching up with friends we'd not 'seen' in a while.  All of us are looking forward to our time together.

Saturday morning included a visit to the IBM site and meeting the site executive - and also hearing from Gavin - who recently joined IBM to focus on building relationships and the business.  He helped us understand some of the challenges that came from the legislation that focuses on equality for all races.  He pointed out that although about 90% of the population in South Africa is black, much of the wealth is held by a small number of white families - and shared his focus on building a business case for ways for IBM to work in South Africa.

We also had a briefing from Nicholas - who is the Communications lead.  He reminded us that we are likely to be approached by the media - and we are to refer all inquiries to him - and he will work with us.

We also met Mapule - who has been such a big help over the last 2 months as well prepare for our assignments.

In the afternoon, the team traveled to the Cradle of Humankind - a World Heritage site about a hour from Johannesburg that's near several limestone caves that had yielded artifacts hundreds of thousands of years old. The exhibit is well done and very engaging - and we all participated in the many interactive exhibits - and enjoyed a boat ride 'through the ages' - the ice age, volcanos - and other geological events that have created our earth.