The people you meet.

It's sometimes easy to overlook what people are trying to achieve on a daily basis, especially when you meet them for the first time, but once you've connected with anyone extraordinary it's easy to share their vision. I'm not talking about global icons, news makers or those striving for celebrity in their field. I'm talking about real people making a difference, with limited resources and unlimited imagination and passion. It's always a privilege to meet such people because they bring a reality to a world occupied by acquisitional behavior, social preening and the "it's all about me" generations being courted by reality TV and online media.

I met a man today, who came back from his first vacation in over decade. A decade in which he rebuilt a zoo because his passion for conservation and his commitment to look after a thousand animals did not waver regardless of the challenges thrown at him. John Radnidge of Symbio Wildlife Park at Helensburgh, decided on a career change from the world of corporate finance to the world of saving animals he saw at risk of extinction, like the Sumatra tiger, estimated to be extinct sometime in the next decade. It took John 5 years of rebuilding before he wasn't embarrassed with a park he saw as essential for todays visitor and generations to come and the good life of weekly wages, company bonuses and public holidays have given way to 364 days with no weekends off, just a Christmas Day with the family, who still have to feed the animals.

The dedication of John, his family and the team of animal keepers cannot be questioned, especially when you consider their lack of remuneration in comparison with even the lowest paid retail shop assistant. The park is at a stage of expansion where John's resources are trying to keep up with his vision of new exhibitions, new enclosures, all to teach the next generation it's important to conserve and to preserve all we have been given when it comes to the animal world.

After talking with John for the shortest time, I felt like throwing in my job and shoveling tiger poo if it would help him out in the slightest. Yet people like John, aren't looking for charity or pity help, people like John need recognition for their sacrifices, people like John need support via attendance and people like John need to know their work matters. The passionate among us always stand out, even for the smallest cause because there are no agendas attached, just the good of all.

The next time you come across a John Radnidge, give him more than just the courtesy of your time, make sure you learn from his humility, make sure you pass on the message and if you are lucky enough to be able to make a difference, then you'll be the one that people will want to meet. John I'm ready to shovel that poo, whenever you need me.