I had an incredible time at ZEG Tbilisi Storytelling Festival. It was an inspiring event full of laughter, tears, and thought provoking stories that moved and energized me.
I spoke on a number of topics near and dear to my heart, including the Magic of Memoir Writing and Narratives That No Longer Serve. But it was the presentation with my daughter, Beti Essa, that I will remember forever.
On Day 2 of the event, I had the honor of taking the stage with Beti to share our family’s story. It’s an African story—a human story—about the journey of a mother from Liberia adopting a child from Ethiopia. It’s also a central story of my forthcoming memoir.
We shared our universal story of love, luck, and destiny that so many people regardless of race, gender, and nationality can relate to. Perhaps that is what for me was the most gratifying. After our presentation, members of the audience came up to me and said:
💬 I’m a man, and I say I never cry. You made my cry.
💬 I am from Ukraine, and we are suffering a lot and your story gave me hope.
💬 Boy, did Monique and Beti have me weeping!
💬 I looked around the auditorium, and there was not a dry eye—thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
As I reflect on the weekend, I am so deeply proud of my beautiful daughter, Beti. She continues to light up the world with her smile, courage, and brilliance.
An unexpected encounter and a small act of kindness
I had the privilege of meeting some remarkable individuals at ZEG. As I was leaving, an unexpected encounter at the airport left a lasting impression.
I ran into two familiar faces at the Tbilisi airport after the festival. I was on the same flight as Malala Yousafzai’s parents, Ziauddin and Toor Pekai. During the festival, I had the opportunity to get to know them, and their warmth and genuine nature made a strong impression on me.
I’m always traveling with heavy bags (unfortunately), and Malala’s father, Ziauddin, insisted that he carry my bag for me. Despite my protests, he finally convinced me that he likes carrying heavy bags—and I relented.
It was a kind gesture by any person, but keep in mind that this is the father of a Nobel Prize winner. There were no video cameras, no reporters. Just a small act of service to a new friend. There was something so unassuming about it all.
This simple act of kindness speaks volumes about the values that have shaped their family and Malala’s journey. Thank you, Ziauddin, for your kindness. It is a testament to your character and how you and Toor Pekai raised such an incredible woman—a Nobel laureate.
It’s a powerful reminder that true greatness often manifests in small, everyday actions. The Yousafzai family continues to inspire, not just through their global advocacy for girls’ education, but through their personal interactions as well.
A note of gratitude
I am grateful to the entire ZEG team for bringing such an amazing group of accomplished and gifted people together—all of whom are doing remarkable things to change the world. ZEG is the Georgian word for “the day after tomorrow,” and today I’m confident the future is bright.
Finally, I would like to thank the amazing Georgian people for their generous hospitality and kindness, including fellow HBS alumnus Nugzar Kachukhashvili and his amazing group of friends for the wonderful day of Georgian food and wine tasting at Telavi and Kakheti in the lead up to ZEG.
