Transform your impact: lessons from ‘The Weight of Hope’

CINDY Norcott, one of South Africa’s most respected entrepreneurs and philanthropists, has released her third book, The Weight of Hope.

- LUTHO PASIYA

It is her first book, focusing on the story and work of the Robin Hood Foundation, which she founded over 20 years ago.

Reflecting on this moment, she said, “This book marks a turning point, a moment to pause, look back and pass on what I have learned”

The release comes as she prepares to hand over leadership of the foundation after serving for two decades.

Norcott mentioned that the book was influenced by her decision at the start of the year to step back from daily leadership.

“I decided to hand over the leadership of the foundation to one of our committee members, Tilanie Grote. I have had a year to do the handover,’ she explained.

During this period, she found herself reflecting on the questions that she had received from nonprofit founders and volunteers over the years.

“I love writing, and it struck me that so many nonprofit founders have asked me to coach or mentor them. When I started my nonprofit, I never had a guidebook or a mentor,” she said.

This realisation became the motivation for the book. She wanted to gather the lessons that she had learned and the mistakes that she had made into a resource that new founders could learn from.

“I decided that I would write a little road map and openly share what I have learned. As I pass the baton to Tilanie, it is a gift I want to pass on to people who want to make a difference or improve the nonprofit they are already in,” she said.

One of the themes she explores is the risk of entering communities with assumptions about what is needed.