“Life is bigger than the court.”
This reflection resonates deeply with me, emphasizing that our lives and careers should encompass more than just professional success. Roger Federer shared this profound lesson during his commencement speech at Dartmouth College. As a professional athlete, many of us may believe his life is contained within the tennis court: a small field dedicated to excellence. Federer reminds us that our true purpose extends far beyond any singular arena of achievement.
Federer’s journey is a testament to the importance of giving back. Inspired by his South African mother, Federer created a foundation which empowers children through education in Sub-Saharan Africa. He acknowledges that while tennis has provided him with a platform, the most rewarding experiences have been those of philanthropic nature.
A Personal Connection: Fundación Ruta 40
This philosophy reminds me of my experience with Fundación Ruta 40 in Argentina, my home country. Much like Federer’s foundation, Fundación Ruta 40, founded by Silvia Torres Carbonell and her family, is dedicated to empowering rural communities through education. Located along Argentina’s longest highway, the foundation supports schools in remote areas, ensuring that children who would otherwise be isolated from educational opportunities receive the resources they need to thrive.
Growing up, the concept of giving back wasn’t as prominent in my family as it was for Federer. After moving to the U.S. I truly began to understand the importance of giving back, as it is central to the culture there. My experience at IAE Business School, particularly through the EmprendeIAE program, further reinforced this idea. Through Silvia, a mentor and inspiration, I learned that entrepreneurs should not only seek personal success; we should also help others in their journey.
Unlike my own upbringing, Silvia introduces this concept of “giving back” to her children from a young age. I chose to help Fundación Ruta 40 because I believe in Silvia. Although it’s a small foundation compared to Federer’s, the impact it has on the rural schools it supports is enormous, thanks to the dedication of those who donate and contribute. My involvement with the foundation is part of my personal goal to give back, inspired by Silvia’s example and my own journey into mentoring and coaching.
Finding Fulfillment Through Service
Federer’s message is clear: giving back enriches not just the lives of others, but our own. At Fundación Ruta 40, we see firsthand how contributions — whether time, resources, or commitment — create lasting, positive changes in the lives of the less fortunate. These experiences reinforce the idea that fulfillment comes from lifting others and contributing to something greater than oneself.
Embracing a Collective Commitment
In alignment with these values, all partners at CxO4 have committed to supporting a cause we believe in. We actively participate and donate to initiatives like Fundación Ruta 40, recognizing the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
If you are inspired by Federer’s message or by the work of Fundación Ruta 40, I encourage you to explore ways to give back, whether it’s supporting educational initiatives, contributing to community projects, or simply offering your time and skills to those in need.
I invite you to join us on October 15th, at the Fundación Ruta 40 solidarity event in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Also, you can access the donation links below. Your participation and donations are not just welcome—they are crucial. Together, we can make a significant impact, one small act of kindness at a time.
To donate from Argentina: https://www.donaronline.org/fundacion-ruta-40/suma-tu-ayuda-a-escuelas-rurales.
To donate from any part of the world: https://www.helpargentina.org/en/checkout/checkout/id_ong/118/
For more information about Fundacion Ruta 40, visit https://www.fundacionruta40.org.ar.
Carola Cazenave
