Between the years of 1850 and 1860, Harriett Tubman helped over 300 people escape Southern slavery by relocating them to the North through the Underground Railroad. As a “Conductor”, Tubman never lost a passenger. Despite having a sizable bounty on her head, she would bring more people out of slavery than anyone in American history.
I thought a lot about Ms. Tubman recently when I read this story about Naoki Iwabuchi.
Iwabuchi lives in the town of Chiba, Japan, located about 32 miles north of Tokyo. Iwabuchi would appear to be your average businessman. He dresses in a fine suit, carries a briefcase, and speaks in a low and measured voice. But it is his actual business which makes Iwabuchi uncommon.
Iwabuchi helps battered and stalked women disappear. He then helps these “evaporated people” start a new life of safety.
5 Factors Needed for a Leader To Change Someone’s Life
Leaders like Iwabuchi who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others often find it is easier said than done. There are several factors needed to help change someone’s life. The following are just five we learn from Iwabuchi:
1. Changing Someone’s Life Requires a Deep Burden
Iwabuchi began his service 16 years ago with a deep burden. He said abused women “just couldn’t run away.” So Iwabuchi decided to do something about it.
2. Changing Someone’s Life Requires The Right Tools
Regardless of the industry you are in, there are tools of the trade needed to change someone’s life. For instance, if you want to change someone’s financial life, you need an understanding of how money works. Counselors need proper educational training. In Iwabuchi’s unique line of work, safety is paramount. His briefcase opens up into a layer of armor. In addition, he has a retractable baton for additional defense.
3. Changing Someone’s Life Can Be Messy
Iwabuchi said, “Night moving is sloppy and there’s always trouble. I don’t think a day goes by without trouble.”
4. Changing Someone’s Life Requires A Price To Be Paid
Disappearing from society obvious require a significant emotional, psychological, and physical price to be paid. There is also a sizable financial price required. It was reported Iwabuchi’s “yonigeya” services cost between $2,000 and $20,000 depending on the risk and complexity of the extraction.
5. Changing Someone’s Life Requires A Team
Tubman needed a vast network of individuals to help slaves safely relocate to the North. Similarly, Iwabuchi has a team of people who often appear to be window washers or mat tradesman who are actually there to assist with the relocation efforts.
If you have a deep burden to solve a problem in society, acquire the right tools, put a team together, and pay the price needed. This is how leaders can change the lives of others.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
