Driving with Jack – A Lesson in Dedication and Connection
On my travels to Sydney this week, I met a wonderful Silver Service Taxi driver, Jack.
After only a few minutes of being the car, I complimented Jack on how spotless his car was. He shared with me he cleans it every single day, for two reasons. The first being the experience he wants to create for his clients and the difference it makes for them, getting into a clean vehicle even if it is only for a half hour trip.
He then shared with me that he considers his vehicle his office, and so it is also about the environment he creates for himself, given he is often in his car for 12-hour shifts.
I asked him if he enjoyed his job and he said immediately, “I love it so much. And I have been doing it for 17 years.”
I always find it inspiring speaking to people who love their work. Jack was an international student who moved to Australia from India and has been here for 25 years. His degree was in IT and although he didn’t end up working in that field, now has 434 drivers on an app he created so he can always find a driver to be available for his regular clients, day or night. We had the loveliest chat and in that moment, I asked for a card and I look forward to my next interaction with Jack.
I was reading a passage from Robin Sharma this morning, one of my favourite authors that read:
“I was in South Africa for a series of leadership presentations when I noticed that the gentleman who was driving me to the sessions was flooded with glee every time he saw another human being. His eyes would sparkle. His smile would broaden. Each time he saw someone. It was astounding to see.
Just imagine how our world would look if we adopted his philosophy. Putting down our devices…paying more attention to our collective humanity. And each person in front of us, friend or stranger. Just imagine coming alive every time we spotted human life.”
In an era often consumed by technology and distractions, encountering someone like Jack reminds us of the profound impact simple human connection and pride in our work can have. I believe we can all take a page from Jack's book, striving to put the customer at the heart of everything we do and, in doing so, breathe life into Robin Sharma's vision of a world where each encounter with another human being fills us with joy.
I am reminded us that our collective humanity is the most precious treasure we possess.
Jack, is indeed a testament to the fact that the world needs more individuals like him, dedicated, present, and passionate about making a difference, one taxi ride at a time.
