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“Service Above Self means leading with boundless compassion, releasing our egos to serve with love, and planting sustainable seeds that empower communities long after our work is done.”
 | “Leading with boundless compassion…” Anchors the definition in the Seed & Soil foundation, drawing directly from the Four Inspiring Abodes (Loving-Kindness and Compassion) as the primary motivation to meet people directly in their need. |
 | “…releasing our egos…” Connects to Branching Out & Deconstructing Ego, choosing open communication, self-awareness, and non-judgmental awareness over personal recognition or defensive reactions. |
 | “…to serve with love…” Reflects the central ethos of Service with Love, ensuring that volunteer work is energized by genuine care rather than routine obligation or burnout. |
 | “…and planting sustainable seeds that empower communities long after our work is done.” Aligns with Standing Tall & Forest Canopy, shifting the focus from short-term relief to capacity building, radical accountability, and generational impact. |
To understand the ethical core of Rotary, one must look to the life of Herbert J. Taylor. A consummate salesman, business executive, civic leader, and deeply principled philanthropist, Taylor left an indelible mark on the global business community by authoring The Four-Way Test—one of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics.
Full Name: Herbert John Taylor
Lifespan: April 18, 1893 – May 1, 1978 (Aged 85)
Birthplace: Pickford, Michigan, USA
Education: Northwestern University (B.A., 1917); awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Houghton College.
Legacy: Inducted into the American National Business Hall of Fame and featured on the cover of Newsweek (February 28, 1955 issue).
Herbert J. Taylor lived a life entirely aligned with the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”:
Shaped by the dynamic spirit of his native land, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola carries a lifelong passion for service, community development, and peacebuilding to the highest level of Rotary leadership.
Full Name: Olayinka “Yinka” Hakeem Babalola
Current Role: President of Rotary International (2026–27 Term; assumed office July 1, 2026)
Home Club: Rotary Club of Trans Amadi (Rivers State, Nigeria)
President Babalola’s path highlights a unique, grassroots ascent through the ranks of Rotary:
Before stepping into full-time global volunteer leadership, President Babalola built a highly decorated 30-year career in the private sector:
Alongside his wife, Preba, President Babalola is a dedicated benefactor of The Rotary Foundation. They are members of the prestigious Arch Klumph Society and support humanitarian efforts through a named endowment.
His lifetime of service has earned him several of Rotary’s highest accolades:
Fostering cross-cultural dialogue, supporting refugees, and training leaders to prevent and mediate conflict.
Building sustainable water and sanitation systems so communities can thrive.
Expanding access to quality health care, nutrition, and safety for mothers and their children.
Developing community-based, innovative projects to safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems.
Developing community-based, innovative projects to safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems.
Creating opportunities for decent, productive work and empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women.
Strengthening local capacities to support basic education, improve adult literacy, and reduce gender disparities.
Expanding access to quality health care, nutrition, and safety for mothers and their children.
Building sustainable water and sanitation systems so communities can thrive.
Educating and equipping communities to halt life-threatening illnesses, alongside our historic global mission to eradicate Polio.