To download this eBook in full, please visit http://calebstorkey.com/nelson-mandela. I’m a leader who wants to change the world, experience success & see others be successful. If you’re a fan of Nelson Mandela and his sayings - I’m guessing you may have a similar heartbeat & desire. In my pursuit for understanding key principles of success, I’ve looked in detail at the lives, skills & character of many leaders. And it’s led me to an important question: How do we define success in leadership? For some it is compartmentalised into having influence, financial freedom, the recognition & praise of others & being the master of one’s destiny. But sadly, for too few, the focus is not about making a difference in the lives of others. So many people chase after the latest fad and swallow the life numbing success pills that we’re offered. Bigger house. More exclusive holiday. Greater convenience. Life on our terms. I know people who spend more time planning what car they will buy next than what difference their life makes to those beyond their family. Like lemmings, it’s easy to become self obsessed & consumed in the need for more. But there is also an increasing number of people who want more from success. Who want wholehearted success. And many of those people are inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela. I’m guessing you may be one of them. What if success requires discomfort? What if success requires embracing frailty & leads you down a different route? What if this success takes everything you valued from you, with no guarantee that you’ll get it back. Is that success….or stupidity? This was the success that Nelson Mandela experienced, & subsequently there’s so much that todays leaders, entrepreneurs & thinkers can learn from him. Why do you need The Nelson Mandela Way- 21 Principles for Passionate Leaders? Mandela’s thinking is even more relevant for the boardroom, organisation leaders & the start up entrepreneur than ever before, as it points to an authentic, effective approach to leadership. In today’s increasingly transparent culture, it’s no longer possible to hide your failings & the failings of your business. Short cuts get exposed & broken promises spread like wildfire. The Nelson Mandela Way allows you to take a stock check of your approach to leadership, & make necessary adjustments. Without the deep work of personal development & organisational leadership, you are more likely to experience self induced failings that will affect you, your organisation and those close to you. Prevention is better than cure. Here are examples of a few of the principles: Be Courageous Know When To Step Down Be Comfortable In Your Own Skin Lead With Conviction Be The Change You Want To See Think Big Forgive and Love Others Be Authentic Make People Your Priority Don’t Give Up Make The Impossible, Possible Nelson Mandela leaves a legacy that has changed the lives of millions.

1. The Nelson Mandela Way
21
Principles For
Passionate
Leaders
CALEB
STORKEY

2. Nelson Mandela - The Revolutionary Driven by Love
When I was a young child, I remember singing ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ at a
small Christian Arts festival called Greenbelt. I had a Nelson Mandela
jumper with his face on it and I wore it with pride. At that age I knew that
he stood for something that stirred something in me. When he was
released from prison some years later, I remember crying. I didn’t
understand why- but great leaders have that impact.
Years later, I devoured his autobiography ‘A Long Walk To Freedom’ from
start to finish with little sleep in-between. The man was incredible, an
inspiration and became one of my greatest heroes.
I'm in great admiration of all that he has left us and the impact that his life
has had on us. And for someone who is passionate about leadership and
communication, there is so much I’ve learnt and continue to learn from his
life and example. I wanted to share some of my learnings with you.
Thank you Madiba.
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3. There were many dark moments when my faith in
humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not
give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.
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NELSON MANDELA
Photo Credit:
South Africa The Good News

4. Make The Impossible, Possible
#1
Mandela once said: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ During
apartheid, Mandela faced arrest and conviction of high treason by the
state. After many years in solitary confinement, rarely able to see the
sun, he was released, becoming President of South Africa and enabling
20,000 South Africans to share their pain and loss through the truth
and reconciliation process. Many black and white individuals were able
to acknowledge their guilt and start the process of healing. Many would
have thought that was impossible.
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our
presence automatically liberates others.” Nelson Mandela.
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5. And as we let
our own light
shine, we
unconsciously
give other
people
permission to
do the same.
As we are
liberated from
our own fear,
our presence
automatically
liberates others.
MARIANNA
WILLIAMSON
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6. Don’t Give Up
#2
Mandela was focused on irradicating social injustice in South Africa,
and the racial segregation and discrimination that was seen in
apartheid. Mandela knew the power of perseverance. When he was
imprisoned on Robben Island losing his freedom, his reputation still
grew as the most significant leader of South Africa.
He didn’t give up, but instead fought each step of the way, mustering up
the courage to keep going. The symbolic image of his raised fist as he
exited Victor Verster Prison near Cape Town in 1990 is a visual
statement that shows the fight that was in his spirit. After leaving
prison, he worked with then President, F. W. de Klery, to finally abolish
apartheid.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every
time we fail.” Nelson Mandela.
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7. “
The greatest
glory in
living lies not
in never
failing, but in
rising every
time we fail.
NELSON MANDELA
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Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal

8. Be Inclusive
#3
Mandela’s leadership style was inclusive. He grew up as a child in the
rural area of the Eastern Cape and subsequently observed tribal elders
address community issues. This led him to understand the power of
consensus in his approach to politics.
Throughout his time as president and during his time in Prison,
Mandela took great care to ensure that English, and Afrikaans, Zulu and
Xhosa, Black and White, Capitalist and Communist were represented
equally. Crucially Mandela knew the important issues for white South
Africans. Having studied their language and culture he impressed many
with his knowledge.
He outworked and outlived his passion for democracy and the necessity
to have a wide group of people making decisions.
“No single person can liberate a country. You can only liberate a country
if you act as a collective.” Nelson Mandela.
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9. No single person can liberate a country. You can
only liberate a country if you act as a collective.
Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal
NELSON MANDELA
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10. Listen Intentionally
#4
Where it’s all too easy to jump in and speak, Mandela would enter the
debate at late stages, often being the one who would speak last. He took
great care to listen to differing viewpoints.
As a result when he spoke he had gleaned the wisdom of others and
therefore could effectively close the argument. He took council and was
therefore confident in his final decision.
“A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most
nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all
along they are being directed from behind.” Nelson Mandela.
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11. “
”
A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the
most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not
realising that all along they are being directed from behind.
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NELSON MANDELA
Photo Credit:
Penn State Special Collections

12. Be The Change You Want To See
#5
Mandela was influenced by Gandhi’s social action in India and his
advice to “be the change” you seek in the world. Gandhi was jailed in
South Africa in 1908 as a “prisoner of conscience.” The South African
Indian community protested and he was released returning to his
homeland.
The impression was later made on Mandela, and his influence ran deep.
Gandhi’s leagacy lived on as Mandela later embraced non-violent
resistance, having initially started with a more aggressive approach. He
recognised he needed to the change, and it may come at a personal cost
to himself and his family.
“One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I
changed myself, I could not change others.” Nelson Mandela.
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13. One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was
that until I changed myself, I could not change others.
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NELSON MANDELA

14. Lead With Conviction
#6
Mandela wasn’t afraid to change approach, and be led by his
conscience when it was in conflict with the viewpoint of others. In the
late 1980s, South Africa’s townships were burning and Mandela
entered into secret talks with this apartheid state.
His ANC colleagues were not interested in talking with the authorities.
Knowing that he wouldn’t have their support, he negotiated discreetly.
It was a risky move, but as one of the prisoners with Mandela said,
‘There comes a time when a leader must lead.’
“Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can
have.” Nelson Mandela.
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15. “ ”
Peace is the greatest weapon for
development that any person can have.
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NELSON MANDELA
Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal

16. Be Comfortable In Your Own Skin
#7
Mandela looked good and carried his appearance with great personal
pride. He was regal, walked tall, chose his clothes carefully and was well
dressed. He wanted to project an image of someone who was sell assured,
trustworthy and successful.
Yet he was not swallowed up in a short term materialistic, fashion
saturated world. He was simply happy to wear clothes and fashions that
he was comfortable with, and that over the years came to symbolise him.
Wearing silk patterned shirts, added to his charm of someone who was
confident in his own identity; which in turn implied a level of mystique.
“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome,
talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” Nelson
Mandela.
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17. “
”
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome,
talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
Photo Credit:
Festival Karsh Ottawa
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NELSON MANDELA

18. Communicate Clearly & Passionately
#8
Nelson Mandela recognised the power of the media and used it to help
further his cause. Many African leaders show suspicion towards the
media, but Mandela took the opposite approach. He wasn’t
defensiveness, but would show a grace and charm in front of the camera,
knowing how to hold a room and yet extend it to those watching through
their TV screens.
Even when he was caricatured, (as he was by Zaprio the South African
political cartoonist), he was able to see past how he was portrayed and
express his admiration of Zapiro’s work.
Comfortable with Presidents, celebrities and the ordinary person,
Mandela created a natural affinity with all those who interacted with
him. Mandela was able to articulate his message clearly, communicate
passionately whilst positioning his message into emotions others could
align with and find resonance with.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson
Mandela.
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19. Photo Credit:
Archives de la Ville de Montreal
Dee Ann
If you talk to a man in a language he
understands, that goes to his head. If you talk
to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
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NELSON MANDELA

20. Know When To Step Down
#9
Few African leaders happily give up control in the manner Mandela did,
when he would have won a landslide second term Presidency. Mandela
was more interested in South Africa’s democratic development than his
own status, and was happy to step aside after one term in 1999, allowing
room for Thabo Mbeki to take on the presidency.
This is stark contrast to those who spend lives trying to rise to the top
and then cling on this position with manipulation, games and influence.
Great leaders know when to move themselves from power. They know
when it is time to provide space for others.
“Quitting is leading too.” Nelson Mandela.
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21. Quitting is leading too.
NELSON MANDELA
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Photo Credit:
Andres Musta

22. Love People Wholeheartedly
#10
People were drawn to Mandela as an icon and someone they wanted to
sit at the feet of. Mandela had a deep sense of awe for human beings.
He showed the humility to learn from them and understand what was
important to them.
Mandela met thousands of ordinary and famous people throughout his
years of activism and charity work. He recognised the importance of
connection and face to face interaction and was inspired by the
giftedness of other people.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what
difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the
significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela.
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23. What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.
It is what difference we have made to the lives of others
that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Photo Credit:
Archives de la Ville de Montreal
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NELSON MANDELA

24. Be Courageous
#11
Mandela showed courage that inspired others to see beyond their
current circumstances. He never lost sight of his vision to end Apartheid
and this courage was demonstrated throughout his 27 grueling years in
prison.
This courage was also visible when the engine failed on a plane journey.
Instead of being filled with panic, Mandela calmly sat and read his
newspaper. This inspired the other men to remain focused and calm
because they saw his composure. When they landed he certainly had
been afraid, very afraid, but had a responsibility to lead by example.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph
over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who
conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela.
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25. “
Photo Credit:
Adam Fagen
”
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but
the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does
not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
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NELSON MANDELA

26. Be Grateful & Thankful
#12
Despite all the hardship and struggle that Mandela faced, one image
that remains etched in people’s memories is his smile. He had beautiful
white teeth and a wide open face and sparking eyes. Mandela expressed
gratitude through this smile, which put people at ease and created a
warmth around him.
Mandela lived with strong values and beliefs, and was known to have
integrity, purpose and generosity. This personal brand was important.
“Appearances matter — and remember to smile.” Nelson Mandela.
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27. Photo Credit:
Archives de la Ville de Montreal
“
Appearances matter
and remember to smile.
NELSON MANDELA
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28. Embrace Humility
#13
Mandela lived a life of humility and great influence. His wife, Graca
Machel once said, “I found this simple man.” Mandela showed great
humility throughout his life, from the simple act of serving tea to others,
to the humanity of forgiving his captors to the gracious stepping down as
President.
Mandela was able to acknowledge his failings, and in later interviews, he
admitted that the ANC had committed some human rights abuses and
criticised anyone who attempted to deny it. Mandela said: “I am not a
saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” He
would apologise for his faults and be aware of his own weaknesses. He
felt uncomfortable at being elevated to a position of hero worship.
“That was one of the things that worried me – to be raised to the position
of a semi-god – because then you are no longer a human being. I wanted
to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses, some of which are
fundamental, and a man who is committed.” Nelson Mandela.
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29. That was one of the things that worried me – to be raised to the
position of a semi-god – because then you are no longer a human
being. I wanted to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses,
some of which are fundamental, and a man who is committed.
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Photo Credit:
Drew Douglas
NELSON MANDELA

30. Think Big
#14
In his autobiography, a Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela said:
There is no passion to be found playing small in settling for a life that is
less than one you are capable of living.’
Mandela always encouraged people to think big and to live by example.
He refused to give into other’s lack of belief in him or his dreams. He
inspired people to reach beyond their own limitations and grow into
space that required greatness.
When Mandela was in prison he was only allowed one visitor and one
letter every 6 months. During this time, he studied for a Bachelor of
Law degree by taking a distance learning program with the University of
London. Mandela believed that: ‘A good head and good heart are always
a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or
pen, then you have something very special.’
Young black activists were inspired by his imprisonment on Robben
Island, and the authorities ended up separating Miangeni, MiabaKathrada and Walter Sisulu from the ANC Juniors to break what was
called ‘The Mandela University.’
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31. Education is the most powerful weapon
we can use to change the world.
Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal
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NELSON MANDELA

32. Live Peacefully With Others
#15
Nelson was a firm believer in joining together with others and holding
hands of hope and purpose. He wasn’t crippled with bitterness at the
loss of 27 years but instead preached: “Resentment is like drinking
poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.’ Mandela saw the
power in working with others towards peace and transformation. He
said: “Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person
can have.”
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with
your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Nelson Mandela.
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33. “
”
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to
work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
Photo Credit:
Paul-W
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NELSON MANDELA

34. Forgive And Love Others
#16
After being imprisoned under harsh conditions, many would be craving
for retaliation upon their release. Mandela had the opportunity to take
revenge as president of South Africa, but he instead led the country to
peace recognising the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. He
surprised his opponents by showing belief and hope in them.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom,
I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in
prison.” Nelson Mandela.
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35. “
”
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would
lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my
bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
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NELSON MANDELA
Photo Credit:
Mark Holtzhausen

36. Be Alert And Strong
#17
Mandela had strong personal discipline. Each morning he would run on
the spot for 45 minutes, do 100 finger tip push-ups and 200 sit- ups. He
recognised the need to be physically healthy and alert, and had a
discipled eating regime similar to an athlete. He once said: “Your playing
small does not serve the world. Who are you not to be great?”
His physical health was important to him, which no doubt, played an
important part in how active he was right up to the end of his life.
“We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always
ripe to do right.” Nelson Mandela.
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37. “
”
We must use time creatively, and forever
realise that the time is always ripe to do right.
Photo Credit:
Archives de la Ville de Montreal
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NELSON MANDELA

38. Build Bridges Not Valleys
#18
Nelson Mandela was known to deeply value people and would discover
as much as he could before meeting someone. He learnt all the names of
the Springboks team when he brought the Rugby World Cup to South
Africa in 1995. Nelson presented the winner’s trophy to Springbok
captain Francois Pienaar while wearing a replica of Pienaar’s no. 6
Springboks t-shirt. This symbol served to further heal the very tangible
racial tension, in South Africa.
“There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are
humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all
human beings irrespective of their social status.” Nelson Mandela.
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39. “
”
There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who
are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute
confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.
Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal
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NELSON MANDELA

40. Make People Your Priority
#19
Mandela was very focused on his work, yet allowed space to be
interrupted for impromptu greetings and meetings. Mandela celebrated
the achievements of individuals and groups he was leading which
invited people to achieve even more. As a result of this level of interest
in others and his habit of focusing on the good he saw in others, he was
an inspiration to others.
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them;
one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history,
appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.” Nelson Mandela.
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41. Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand
them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp
their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.
Photo Credit:
UNAMID
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NELSON MANDELA

42. Be Authentic
#20
Nelson Mandela recognised the contradiction of life. Life was a mixture of
hope and hopelessness, success and failure, vision and disillusionment,
joy and pain. He wasn’t defeated by the hardship, was realistic of
struggles, yet pushed to believe in something more.
As a result of this, people were able to identify and believe in his message
because he wasn’t speaking from a place of privilege, or unrealistic
idealism but instead from a place of hope and gritty determination.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way
that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela.
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43. “
”
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live
in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
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NELSON MANDELA
Photo Credit:
Africa Renewal

44. Be A Revolutionary
#21
Mandela was a revolutionary fueled by love for his people and his land. A
big thinker with a freedom to disagree with the authorities, Mandela had
presence, authority and strength of voice to gather people around a bigger
dream.
He was determined, focused, wholehearted and willing to face the hardship
along the way to see this important transformation. He knew how to
communicate with passion, raising the levels of belief in those around him.
The injustice of ‘Apartheid’ was felt widely by national and international
communities, and he was able to connect with this vast growing number of
people who were committed to the same cause. Together they saw the
change and the freedom they’d been looking for.
Refreshingly, his revolutionary passion wasn’t self centered. Today’s
revolutionaries often become tomorrows dictators, yet Mandela was
gracious and humble enough to let go of power after only one term.
“I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not
become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.” Nelson
Mandela.
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45. “
”
I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not
become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.
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NELSON MANDELA

46. Have you been inspired by Nelson Mandela?
Please let us know what you’ve learnt from
him and the ways he’s inspired you...
Please add a comment and encourage others.
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47. Are you a blogger?
I’ve made it easy for you to use these and many
other Nelson Mandela quotes and pictures in a
blogging friendly format. Visit:
Nelson Mandela Bloggers Toolkit
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48. “ ”
I am fundamentally an optimist.
NELSON MANDELA
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49. For a free copy of this
eBook please visit:
calebstorkey.com/nelson-mandela

50. Blog: calebstorkey.com
Twitter: @calebstorkey
LinkedIn: @calebstorkey
Facebook: @calebstorkey
caleb@calebstorkey.com
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