I was on safari in the Kruger National Park in South Africa and came across this curious bird perched on the snout of a rhinoceros. One quick snap of the mouth and I thought it would be history. Brave or stupid I wondered. But, I kept seeing the same type of bird on the necks of giraffe or hopping on buffalo rumps and found out that these are yellow and red-billed oxpeckers picking off ticks and maggots from their hosts. More research told me they also alert the mammals to any danger like stalking lions by making loud noises. My fascination with their behavior became a metaphor for a business model of taking care of the issues plaguing businesses and steering them away from potential pitfalls.
Throughout the trip, I kept seeing the same type of bird, always hitchhiking and on other animals too, like the necks of giraffe or hopping on impala rumps. I discovered that these guys are either yellow or red-billed oxpeckers who survive by among other things, picking off ticks and maggots from their hosts! No wonder they were tolerated. But not only that, and here is what led me to being inspired by these amazing creatures – they also alert the mammals to any danger whether from stalking prey or poachers by making loud noises. My fascination with their behavior on return trips finally become a metaphor for the business model that I started – that of establishing and nurturing mutual relationships with clients by providing beneficial products and services. And, helping to steer them away from potential pitfalls.
