Leaders

Please can you state your full name and status:

Describe yourself in 30 words

Faye Freedman - CEO - Eagle- Execu-Cabs and EAGLEAFRICA TOURS - EAGLEAFRICA INC.

I am independent in thought, deed and spirit. I am intuitive and compassionate with a positive outlook on life, although this does not prevent me from speaking out against the many injustice's, ills and evils I see in society. I am a peacemaker and a rebel rouser. One could say I am an unconventional woman, dancing on the edge of contradictions.

What is your idea of perfect joy?-

For me perfect Joy, is the Joy of movement within free-form dance such as Nia, Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms, Yoga and Ageless Grace (21 Simple tools for lifelong comfort and ease - anti-aging exercises for all age groups)- I like to move my body, as a tool to ignite my mind and align my body, mind and spirit.

Which historic character do you most identify with?

- Isadora Duncan - 1877 - 1927 - The "mother of modern dance" and free form movement. Duncan's style was controversial in its time. She defied the constricting conventions of ballet, placing an emphasis on free flowing moves and flowing robes from Ancient Greece within her innovative dance form. She was a trail blazer of her time; she defied social customs and norms and was considered one of the early feminist's. Can you can recognize similarities between her and I?

What do you consider as your biggest extravagance?-

I love to travel, locally and internationally, I am passionate about photography and my photographic equipment doesn't come cheap, lastly I don't comprise on high quality organic wholesome food.

Which words do you most overuse?-

Amongst friends, I have been known to overuse "darling" (obviously not with colleagues - the overuse of "darling" would not go down well in a heated taxi meetings).

What is your ultimate disappointment?

-Disappointment is not in my vocabulary, although over time I have learned humility by realising the implementation of great ideas usually is not as easefully executed as initially planned. In business, I have at times made bad judgements with people, ventures or decisions. I look upon these mishaps as life's lessons, stepping stones to the next adventure in life - leaving me with more circumspection, understanding and insight.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? -

My dad and my uncle were my greatest inspiration, they both encouraged me to be the best I can be, they never clipped my wings, they both encouraged me to follow my dreams and live life to the full.

Where is your most favourite place in the world?

Mt. Shasta in Northern California is my personal Shangri la - a place of beauty to retreat to when the craziness of the taxi industry and city life gets the better of me.

Which talent would you like to have?

Life is my university and I am constantly adding life skills to add value to my life and keep current in today's fast changing world. I am a visionary; I could improve on my organisational skills.

What is your current state of mind?

I am fortunate to have been schooled in the art of "stilling the mind" - In times of stress which are many in the taxi industry - I step out of a heated scenario, take a few deep breathes and think about the spaces between 2 fiery thoughts - in the hope of accessing fresh inspiration for day to day challenges. In contrast to a stilled mind I can also be the exact opposite, wildly creative and fast thinking.

What is your favourite holiday destination?-

As mentioned previously I love Mt. Shasta in northern CA for it's pristine forests, lakes and fresh air. I also love Spain and Southern Europe. In addition I am passionate about Durban, SA and Africa as a travel destination. I love the unique complexities of Africa and its' people. I love the colours, cultures, tastes and textures of our vast continent - and I pride myself on providing unique travel experiences for visitors to Africa.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have managed to maintain my sanity and footprint in a very competitive male dominated environment.

What do you fear most? -

Fear is not in my vocabulary. I face challenges, difficulties, obstacles and fears head on, they have become my bridge to a free and fulfilled life.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?-

I believe that each individual soul is "doomed to perfection" each lifetime is an exercise towards perfection in "the school of life" - our ultimate destiny is "joy and fulfilment without limit" - so whilst it is tempting to consider coming back as a pampered Persian cat, I am sure my next life will be a progression following on from this life, a pursuit towards a higher purpose.

What is your most treasured possession? -

Beyond the special people in my life, in material terms, I value my camera equipment, my laptop, my ipod and my juicer.

Where would you like to live? -

I love Durban, Cape Town, Mt Shasta in Northern California. I consider myself a citizen of the world. I enjoy living in different countries and gaining a global outlook.

What is your favourite occupation?

I love to read, go to the theatre, be out in nature, dance, listen to all varieties of live music, I love the arts and I love photography.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I always seem to have too much to do, I would love to have more time to pursue the arts and the healing arts.

Who are your favourite authors?

One of my favourite authors is Paulo Coelho. He has the remarkable ability of weaving deep spiritual insights into riveting fiction. I also love Eckhart Tolle, author of "The Power of Now" Eckhart strips away the illusions of the material life and the false ego and provides practical tips for personal empowerment in the everyday world.

Who are your real life heroes?

Of course like the rest of the world, I am inspired by Madiba and Ghandi for the sacrifices they made and the exemplary lives they lived. In addition my beloved dad and the remarkable men and women I have had the privilege of encountering who have given their life for the liberation of South Africa.

What do you dislike most in life? -

I dislike the way the media influences the youth to strive for the "golden calf" of materialism instead of encouraging the youth to pursue a life of service filled with meaningful values.

What is your motto?

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - "I am because You are".

The God-Goddess in me honours the God-Goddess in you(this is the essence of the Hindu greeting, 'Namaste') - we are all connected as the breeze is to the wind - Be true to yourself and live your life with integrity and gratitude.