Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote that the hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity. This opinion piece explores what those two qualities look like when lived out inside a corporation, through the story of Yibrah Tesfazghi, my corporate father and one of the greatest corporate leaders Africa has ever produced. As his memoir is published, I want to ensure his story, long buried by the same institutional forces he stood against, is told with the weight it deserves.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the relationship between spirituality, influence, and solidarity. We live in a time where many voices speak about healing, mindfulness, and inner transformation. And I genuinely believe that inner work matters. It shapes how we show up. It softens hearts. It can change lives. And yet, I wonder:
Can a spirituality that focuses solely on personal growth remain whole in a world marked by violence and injustice?
Does inner transformation eventually ask something of us outwardly?
At what point does “staying in one’s lane” become a way of staying comfortable?

This reflection contrasts the modern obsession with celebrity and fame against the timeless Christian celebration of sainthood. It critiques how digital culture has replaced virtuous role models with hollow idols, while reclaiming All Saints Day as a radical call to authentic holiness, accessible to all through love, compassion, and faithfulness. The article explores the feast’s history, the true meaning of sainthood, and its universal relevance across faiths, urging readers to pursue a life of transformative goodness over fleeting recognition.