A review of Swimming upstream, a book by Shirley Zinn

It’s been a couple of months since I blogged. I’ve been a bit preoccupied. A few weeks ago I attended our company’s awards evening where we recognised the work of our staff volunteers. I was privileged to meet one of the guest speakers, Professor Shirley Zinn, who shared a brief synopsis of her story. She has a book Swimming Upstream, which I read cover to cover on the Saturday after we met. Shirley’s story is both mesmerising and heart-breaking. As the reader you are taken along on her journey which was not easy but her attitude and perseverance resulted in an inspirational tale of how hard work is rewarded abundantly.

Here are some of the highlights from Shirley’s book that stood out for me:

1. Where you start out doesn’t have to determine where you end up. You are not a product of our circumstance.

Shirley was born in Steenberg on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. It is an area that is consumed with socio-economic conditions such as gangsterism, domestic violence, poverty, unemployment and drugs and alcohol abuse. Despite growing up here Shirley was able to rise above her circumstances and because of the good guidance, supervision and strict rules and upbringing she was encouraged and motivated to strive for more.

Shirley has a Master’s in Education and a doctorate from Harvard University among other qualification from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where she also lectured as a Professor. She has worked in top Human Resource Management positions at a number of reputable companies. She was involved in the turnaround strategy for both the South African Revenue Services and Nedbank. She now has a consultancy firm where she still provides HR guidance and leadership insights to her clients. Shirley’s motto has always been to never forget where you come from, to remain grounded and stay true to your roots.

2. Discipline and values go a long way

Shirley reminisces about how strict her grandmother was and how she and her sister Merle would rebel against the rules. She mentioned one incident where her grandmother told her to keep her raincoat on, on her way to school and when she was down the road she removed it because she didn’t want to be teased. When she came home that afternoon her grandmother asked her why she did that. She says her grandmother had eyes at the back of her head.

But the routine of coming from school, washing her uniform, doing chores, playing with friends and doing homework created the structure that she required. The subliminal values that came with these also socialised Shirley into the person she has become. Shirley worked hard and applied herself. She reflects on the routine and structure that living with her grandmother, Monday to Friday, added to her life.  Many of the values that were instilled in her as an impressionable young person has guided her behaviour and the way she carries herself. Shirley’s parents are religious and community-orientated people who believe in the service of others.

3. Continued education is key

Shirley mentions that education emancipated her from poverty. When she was in High School, two of her teachers chatted to her and encouraged her to have the conversation with her parents about pursuing a tertiary qualification. Going to university was not the natural progression for her.
She went on to study Teaching at UWC as she was offered a bursary to do so. She then completed her Honours and later a Masters. It came with great sacrifices. She had to work casual jobs and says that she wasn’t an A-student so she had to work even harder.

4. Have good cheerleaders 

Shirley’s parents, grandparents, her sister, husband and teachers believed in her and motivated her along her journey.  Her father taught her that hard work, discipline and excellence counts and is needed if you want to achieve your goals. Her father also taught her to persevere no matter what came her way and he encouraged his daughters to ensure their financial independence. Her mother taught her the importance of a good work ethic. Shirley says that the combination of good education, a strong personal vision and sound values enabled her to endure extreme hardship, build resilience and ultimately improve the quality of her life.

5. No journey is without its challenges

Shirley shares her challenges throughout the book and you realise that her journey has not been an easy one. She and her husband, Kevin, lost their only child, Jamie, in a horrific accident on the N2. Shirley was also severely injured and it was touch and go for her for a while. Dealing with the loss and trying to hold everything together was tough and she took some time out.

The reflection helped her to reenergise and refocus on what she wanted to do. There was also a time when she was studying at Harvard and the bills were piling up. She and her husband barely had money to cover the essentials and eventually he got a food parcel at the Salvation Army. Kevin was waiting for his social security number so he could get a job to support them. He left home for work at 4:30am and returned in the evenings at 10:30pm. He also completed courses to ensure he could get a better job, which would ultimately mean more money. Shirley achieved a distinction for her dissertation for her doctorate. One cannot imagine how tough it must have been but the fact that they achieved their goals made their journey even sweeter.

6. Live in the now

Shirley mentions in the book that Jamie had a way of creating balance in her life. He would ask her what time she would be home and would wait for her. When he could tell the time he would tell her “mom you are one minute late”. He loved swimming and spending time with their dogs.  When given a task he would complete it with passion and focus, much like his mom. Shirley says that the moments they spent together were priceless and the lesson she learnt was to make sure every moment counts.

7. Surround yourself with positive people

There are many people who Shirley thanks in her book for their support and motivation. Her husband, her parents and her in-laws, her sister Merle, among other family, friends, lecturers, colleagues and confidants. She acknowledges that everyone played a role in helping her achieve her goals and making her journey possible. She says that at times, the peoples’ belief in her grew her belief in herself. Their positivity inspired and encouraged her.

8. Working with inspirational leaders

Shirely worked with amazing leaders. Among them was current Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan whom she joined at SARS and was involved in the turnaround strategy. She cites Pravin’s ability to harness all his people by putting them first. She also says he was a present leader and played a strong communicative role. She says he was tough and demanded excellence and high performance. She says that Pravin’s approach was to drive strategic, systematic and intentional change with a view to achieve the strategic goals for a new culture of delivery within SARS. Shirley also worked with Trevor Manuel and Tom Boardman of Nedbank. You get the sense that they all had a hand in shaping her approach and the way in which she deals with everything people-related. Shirley believes that leaders need to take their people with them and knowing how to influence and persuade people will count in their favour.

I encourage you to read Shirley’s book for the holistic story as this short review can’t do her story justice. The gems she shares are invaluable.