In a world that is constantly changing and facing numerous challenges, the resurgence of Divine Feminine energy holds great significance. Renowned authority Dr. Chopra explores the transformative power of this energy, which helps shift us away from predatory male energy towards qualities like empathy and cooperation – qualities essential for addressing global issues. This interview delves into harnessing the Divine Feminine’s attributes in leadership, examining the seven Goddess archetypes and empowering women with diverse talents to collectively drive positive change. Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Chopra highlights the importance of self-reflection in achieving success while navigating multifaceted roles. Ultimately, it presents a compelling vision of a harmonious and inclusive world where financial well-being aligns with personal values and passions.
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Can you please share your insight on the current rise of the divine feminine energy and why it is considered to be of great importance in our world today?
The rise of the Divine Feminine is significant because it represents a shift away from the dominant, predatory male energy that has shaped our history. This shift is essential as we face numerous global challenges, including climate change, violence, and more. The Divine Feminine embodies qualities like nurturing, empathy, and cooperation, which are necessary for our survival and a more harmonious world.
In the context of leadership, how can the qualities and principles associated with the Divine Feminine be harnessed and utilized in a positive and effective manner to inspire and guide individuals and organizations towards a more harmonious and inclusive future?
Effective leadership can be achieved by embracing the acronym “LEADERS”: Look and listen deeply, develop emotional intelligence and empathy, cultivate awareness, set smart goals, empower oneself and others, take responsibility, and create synchronicity. These principles, when applied, lead to a more harmonious and inclusive future by promoting empathy, compassion, and collective empowerment.
Would you please share and explain the concept of the seven Goddess archetypes and offer guidance on how those here can access and embody these archetypes in their lives for personal growth and empowerment?
The seven Goddess archetypes represent different facets of the Divine Feminine. They are:
Hera (leader),
Mother (nurturer),
Athena (wisdom and culture),
Aphrodite (love and creativity),
Artemis (nature and conservation),
Persephone (healer and alchemist),
and Hestia (homemaker).
It’s possible to relate to multiple archetypes, but identifying your major strengths is key. By recognizing your dominant archetypes, you can align with your true self and find people who complement your strengths to create a harmonious balance.
For women who feel a strong connection to multiple archetypes and possess diverse talents, how can they navigate their journey effectively while embracing their multifaceted nature?
Women with diverse talents and connections to multiple archetypes should focus on their major strengths while appreciating their multifaceted nature. By identifying and prioritizing their dominant archetypes, they can lead more effectively and seek collaboration with others who complement their skills. This way, they can navigate their journey with balance and purpose, using their various talents to create a harmonious and fulfilling life.
How can women harness their multifaceted talents and archetypes to contribute positively to their communities and the world as a whole?
Women can harness their multifaceted talents and archetypes to make positive contributions by recognizing their unique strengths and finding alignment with their passions. They should collaborate with others who have complementary skills to address community and global challenges. By embracing their diverse talents and archetypes, women can create a more inclusive, compassionate, and harmonious world.
In a world where women often juggle various roles and responsibilities, what advice do you have for them to maintain a sense of balance, well-being, and inner harmony?
Finding balance, well-being, and inner harmony is essential for women juggling multiple roles. They should prioritize self-care, practice mindfulness, and set boundaries to prevent burnout. Embracing their archetypal strengths can also help them align their actions with their true selves, fostering a sense of balance and fulfilment in all their endeavours.
How can women collectively harness their strengths and diverse talents to create a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier, and joyful world?
Women can collectively create a better world by recognizing their collective strengths and diverse talents. They should come together, share their visions, and collaborate across different areas of expertise. By focusing on shared goals, practicing empathy and compassion, and leveraging each other’s strengths, women can drive positive change and contribute to a more peaceful, just, sustainable, healthier, and joyful world.
In your experience, Dr. Chopra, what qualities, and archetypes have led to the success of powerful female leaders like Oprah Winfrey?
Oprah Winfrey embodies several powerful archetypes. She’s a storyteller, a nurturer, and a builder. She listens to and validates people’s stories, which has been key to her success. She’s also a feminist and focuses on empowering marginalized women, making her a role model for many.
How can women who identify with the mother archetype and aspire to be leaders navigate the apparent contradiction between these roles effectively?
Embrace the contradiction and ambiguity. Paradoxes are sources of creativity. Being a mother and a leader can coexist. Oprah Winfrey herself is a motherly figure to many and a successful leader. It’s about finding a balance and understanding that people want to tell their stories. Listen and validate them, and you can succeed in both roles.
You mentioned the importance of validation and listening to people’s stories. Can you elaborate on how this approach can contribute to success, as Oprah exemplifies?
Validation and active listening are keys to success. Oprah’s ability to genuinely listen and validate people’s stories has made her a remarkable storyteller and a successful journalist. When you focus on what you can do for others, it can lead to great success.
Oprah Winfrey also engages in philanthropic work, such as educating thousands of children in South Africa. How does her nurturing and giving nature contribute to her impact and influence?
Oprah’s nurturing and giving nature is a significant part of her impact and influence. She has nurtured thousands of children in South Africa, showing that being a nurturer and a leader can go hand in hand. Her philanthropic efforts align with her values and empower others, making her a role model for many.
In the discussion, you touched upon the idea of embracing contradiction and ambiguity. How can this approach benefit individuals and organizations striving for success?
Embracing contradiction and ambiguity is essential for creativity. Without paradoxes and conflicts, there’s no room for growth and innovation. It’s crucial for individuals and organizations to embrace these challenges, as they often lead to breakthroughs and unique solutions.
During the meditation session, you explored the concept of “Who am I?” and encouraged self-reflection. How can this practice help individuals in their personal and professional growth?
Self-reflection, as practiced in the meditation, can lead to self-awareness and personal growth. It helps individuals understand their true selves and their desires. Knowing oneself is crucial for making aligned choices in both personal and professional life.
You mentioned the importance of financial well-being as part of overall well-being. How can individuals achieve financial security while also pursuing their passions and values, as discussed in the conversation?
Achieving financial security while pursuing passions and values requires aligning your work with your purpose. It’s about finding ways to contribute to the world while also ensuring financial stability. This balance can be achieved by understanding what success means to you and recognizing that true success includes financial well-being alongside other aspects of life.
In a world filled with stories of resilience and triumph, Dr. Bilal’s life journey is a testament to the power of determination, dreams, and the pursuit of justice. Born in an Albanian communist concentration camp, his early years were marked by hardship, but they also sparked a deep desire for success drawn from the pages of Western novels.
Motivated by his family’s legacy of resistance against oppression, he made a vow to study law and fight for justice whenever given the opportunity. His journey took him from Albania to London, where he pursued law studies and specialized in international business law.
Completing a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership further enhanced his understanding of leadership and shaped his career in both public and private sectors. As Dr. Bilal embarks on a new journey as a motivational speaker and life coach, his story remains an inspiration for those who truly believe in lifelong learning and pursuing their passions.
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Can you share more about your early years growing up in a communist concentration camp and the impact it had on your perspective and drive for success?
Ever since I started to understand and experience the reality it became more and more obvious to me that being treated unfairly and most importantly being treated differently to other kids was something that I had to get used to, as there was nothing I could do to change the reality of it.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, the phenomenon that caused me the most bitterness, low self-esteem and insecurity was comparing myself to others. I could not even be compared with my peers at the concentration camp. Since the vast majority of the kids at the concentration camp had their father at home, while my father was locked away in political prison.
Other kids at the concentration camp had some of the basics (like food and clothes) while most of the time I went hungry and was wearing ravaged clothes. Then in adolescence, as if putting the seal to everything in relation to comparing myself with others, at the age of 14 as I was prohibited to go to secondary school – I was ordered by the authorities to do heavy labor work in agriculture (during communism internees were categorically prohibited to go to university or college, but they were allowed to go to secondary school – so my case was a special exemption from the exclusionary rule itself).
To this extremely burdened emotional state (due to comparing myself with others) it just thankfully happened that I found the ‘cure’ through what I now call the phenomenon of ‘escaping into books’. So, by reading various novels of western authors (which were indeed very hard to find back in communist Albania), I was inspired and aspired to become like their characters.
My desire to achieve success (to become knowledgeable, articulate, polite, famous, rich, etc) has been a deeply ingrained mindset that I have cultivated since my childhood in trying to emulate my role models exemplified in the characters of western authors.
Your family’s history is marked by opposition to the communist regime. How did your family’s experiences influence your academic and career choices, especially in the field of law?
While in the concentration camp, during my early teen years my biggest and wildest dream was to flee Albania and go to the US to study law and become a lawyer. My grandfather had been shot without trial by the communist dictatorship just for being a good patriot and collaborating with British SOEs against Nazis (even though he was someone who had been graduated as a student in Austria), my dad was locked away in a political prison (just for being courageous enough to speak his mind) since I was two years old, my family was exiled in various concentration camps since May 1945.
All these injustices had me fired up inside, instilling a deep passion about law and justice. So, I had sworn to myself – if I ever got free there was no other choice for me but law.
Tell us about the pivotal moments or individuals who inspired you to pursue a career in law and international business law, considering your challenging beginnings.
As I said before, the severe injustices that my family had been subjected to and all the deprivations that I had experienced throughout my childhood and adolescence, had me deeply fired up inside for justice. So, I’ve always felt that given the chance, studying law and becoming a lawyer was the right tool how I could give my contribution to my family and my people.
Thankfully, when communism fell, I was so adamant to fulfill this dream of mine. In 1993, Lord Julian Emery (a friend of my grandfather) came to Albania receiving a medal from the Albanian president of that time. My father met him and thereafter my dream started to become a reality.
So, I started my law studies in London. After finishing my bachelor studies, living in the financial capital of Europe led me thinking that focusing on international business law would give me a competitive edge when I returned to Albania (the scholarship I got with the help from Lord Emery had a condition that after finishing school I had to return to Albania, so I had to honor that commitment I took in front of him).
Your academic journey is quite diverse, from law to international business and aviation law. How did these different areas of study complement each other in shaping your career?
Ever since I returned to Albania I’ve engaged in various interesting projects and works, but all of them revolving on commercial and corporate law. I had the opportunity to study international aviation law while I was working as director legal for the German company operating Tirana airport.
I think that I’ve always held an interest in expanding my professional knowledge and whenever an opportunity has arisen, I’ve never had any hesitation to go for it.
You completed your PhD in Strategic Leadership. How has this advanced degree contributed to your leadership roles, both in the public and private sectors?
Again the PhD in Strategic Leadership was something of an opportunity to me. When I was director legal at the airport company, it just happened that I was went to Vienna very frequently as I was representing my company in an international arbitration case.
In Vienna I’ve met a lot of interesting and influential people and one of them introduced me this opportunity to study for my PhD. But instead of paying the tuition to the university, I could contribute in kind (like a barter transaction) in giving lectures at the same university for its undergraduates in business law.
My PhD degree in Strategic Leadership has been a massive help in structuring and refining my practical knowledge about leadership and making significant strides in my career (I believe leadership skills have a tremendous impact in all walks of life, both professional and personal).
Could you elaborate on your motivation for enrolling in the Executive Coaching program? How do you plan to integrate coaching into your career trajectory?
In the last couple of years I felt that I have taken and given as much as I could in my legal career. So, without saying I’ve felt bored with law it may be worth saying that recently I’ve felt that I have so much more to contribute – beyond being a lawyer – to give and share with enthusiasm and passion with the world about my professional and personal life experiences.
So, as a blueprint for I plan in my career I’ve written a book in the genre of personal development, titled: ’12 MINDSETS to improve life radically’. My career goal now (for which I have a tremendous passion to share with as many people as possible) is to become an international motivational speaker and life coach. However, given the fact that throughout my career I have worked with executives (being one myself for many years) and knowing what motivates them, knowing theirs challenges and goals, I think makes me much more suitable to initially coach them.
Hence, enrolling onto an accredited ICF Executive Coaching program I feel is the right approach for my credentials as a life coach and motivational speaker.
Starting your own law firm is a significant achievement. What were the biggest challenges you faced during this entrepreneurial journey, and what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Judged by my experience, I believe that the biggest challenge an entrepreneur faces is making the decision to start out (when I’ve took the decision to start my own law firm I had a very well-paid job, but I also had much higher ambitions that I somehow wanted to fulfill).
My advice is simple (but maybe not easy): (i) focus on your passions, talents or skills; (ii) come up with a well-structured SMART goal; (iii) be courageous to take that crucial first step; (iv) persist no matter what, because perseverance is always associated with the ‘lucky breaks’; (iv) work very hard until your expertise and reputation will make you work smart.
Then you will most likely experience the true self-actualization. Just like Confucius said: ‘when we do for work something we like, we never work a single day in our life’.
As a motivational speaker and coach, you inspire others to improve their lives. Can you share a few of your key “mindsets” for personal development that have resonated most with your audiences?
On a personal development level I love to share with my audiences how they can cultivate and practice the concepts and wisdom associated with: acceptance and Amor Fati, forgiving everyone and anything, equanimity, gratitude, etc.
On a professional development level, I love to share with them how they can learn and apply the soft skills of leadership, emotional intelligence, public communication, persuasion and negotiation – combining them with the mindsets of ‘every failure is stepping stone to success’, not comparing our first chapter with somebody’s tenth chapter, Ikigai (purpose), etc.
Your involvement in organizations like the Albanian-British Chamber of Commerce and the International Lawyers Association is impressive. How has networking and being part of these associations influenced your career?
Life has taught me to truly believe in this wonderful and wise saying (not only in a financial sense but in its entire dimension): ‘your network is your net worth’.
So, I’m truly blessed to know so many wonderful, kind and talented individuals as a result of my professional networking. It gives me great satisfaction to acknowledge to them (or sharing with others) any contribution (no matter small or big) that I’ve had from anyone of them in my career advancement.
You’ve been an external university professor in Business Law for many years. What aspects of teaching and mentoring students do you find most rewarding, and how does it complement your other professional endeavours?
I love teaching and mentoring for two main reasons: (i) because of the direct positive contribution I have on the life of the students (I actually experience the so-called ‘giver’s high’ when I teach and mentor); and (ii) because I firmly believe in the saying ‘who teaches others, also teaches himself’.
So, my teaching and mentoring always keeps me updated, ‘on my feet’, and what I truly love to be for myself – a life-long student.
In the dynamic world of business strategy and personal development, few thought leaders command attention quite like Simon Alexander Ong. With his work being featured in prominent outlets such as Forbes and the Harvard Business Review, and his debut book ‘Energize’ receiving high praise from renowned authors like Simon Sinek and Marie Forleo, Ong’s impact on the field is undeniable.
In this exclusive interview with Global Man Magazine, Ong offers unparalleled insights into his unique journey, the influential experiences that shaped his outlook, and the key principles that continue to guide his work in helping others unlock their full potential.
As he speaks about overcoming challenges and simplifying complex strategies, Ong’s passion for his craft, his understanding of media’s role in amplifying thought leadership, and his wisdom gleaned from extraordinary career moments, all coalesce to create an inspiring narrative filled with invaluable lessons for any aspiring business strategist.
Dive in as we unravel the energizing success story of Simon Alexander Ong.
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In your book ‘Energize’, what inspired you to write it, and how do you believe it contributes to the field of business strategy?
In the first chapter of the book, I share a personal story of how I reached this point in my life where I was burned out—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I was lost, and I would attempt to avoid facing this reality by bingeing on television shows, drowning myself in alcohol, and gambling my money away. The journey from that point to what I now get to do today—speaking on stages across the planet, coaching those in positions of leadership, and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs—was something that I wanted to share in my book Energize. I wanted to share with readers that when you take responsibility for where you are today and where you want to be, life can unfold in the most magical of ways. Because when you have the courage to channel your energy towards what matters most, you step onto the path towards fulfilment and begin to show up differently in the world.
New York Times bestselling author Simon Sinek described my book as “exactly what we need in this moment,” and I believe it is because many businesses across the planet are currently experiencing a human energy crisis. In surveys conducted by organisations such as Gallup, the majority of respondents share that they are struggling with their mental health, are feeling burned out, and are disengaged. This matters because people are the driving force behind every business, and if they possess little to no energy, then the business as a whole will suffer. It can easily be forgotten, but the first customer for a business is their employees, because the happier and more energised they are, the better the experience for the clients that interact with them. When it comes to productivity and creativity, therefore, energy really is everything.
Can you share some unique insights that you discussed during your visit to 10 Downing Street and how it may have influenced your approach to business?
I am fortunate to have been involved in visits to the likes of 10 Downing Street and the House of Lords. With regards to the former, it was thanks to Enterprise Nation and Emma Jones, CBE, who helped to make it happen.
They set up a meeting at 10 Downing Street between those in government involved in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a group of business owners, of which I was one. The main points of discussion during this meeting revolved around the challenges faced by SMEs across the country and how the government could offer better support for them in areas such as hiring, international trade, and access to funding.
What was clear during the meeting is that whatever stage of your entrepreneurial or business journey you are at, you will always face challenges. Challenges, however, are important because they set the stage for your personal growth. As the author Haruki Murakami said, “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.” “That’s what this storm’s all about.” There will be things that are in your control and things that are out of your control. When you focus on what you can’t control, it is easy to become paralysed by overthinking and negativity. When you focus on what you can control, however, you feel energised and empowered to take action.
One insight that I experienced during the meeting that has influenced my approach to business is the importance of surrounding yourself with business owners from a diverse range of industries. It creates an environment where you can learn from each other’s different perspectives, lessons, and insights; it allows you, for example, to bring successful ideas from another industry into your own or partner with other businesses to create something unique.
I have since made diversity of relationships a priority in my entrepreneurial journey and, as a result, have been able to learn from the likes of film directors, Michelin-starred chefs, CMOs, property developers, and hoteliers. Some of these have contributed to unique collaborations, such as the partnership with The Connaught hotel in London’s Mayfair district to create a cocktail inspired by my book, with a metaverse educational platform to host one of the world’s first book launches in the virtual world, and with illustrators to visualise my teachings and insights.
How has being a keynote speaker at high-profile organizations like Salesforce, Adobe, EY, Bain, and Oliver Wyman shaped your perspective on international business?
It is always a blessing to be invited to high-profile organisations to share my work, and what these experiences have taught me when it comes to international business is just how important it is to understand your people and audience, from showing those that you lead that they are supported and appreciated through recognition programmes and culture alignment to modelling the behaviour that you would like your organisation to embrace.
Regardless of location, the businesses that ultimately thrive over the long term are those that have a clear and compelling vision that people want to be a part of, that are focused on developing those in positions of leadership into good coaches (a Google study, “Project Oxygen,” discovered that the most effective leaders within their organisation were good coaches who didn’t micromanage), and that cultivate a culture of belonging where everyone feels they are part of something bigger than themselves and where they feel safe to express their full human selves.
Your work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes and the Harvard Business Review. How do these platforms help amplify your message, and how do you determine what insights to share?
Getting featured in well-known publications is a fantastic way to help amplify my message to new audiences because everyone consumes their content through different channels. It’s why, for example, I’m present on different social media platforms (most of my energy is on my two favourite platforms, LinkedIn and Instagram), because I understand people will have a preference on where to consume the majority of their content from.
The readership for Forbes tends to be high-net-worth investors and consumers, as well as entrepreneurs, while the readership for Harvard Business Review is more geared towards those in executive positions within organisations. These platforms help because they act as a conduit for getting my ideas and work onto the radar of people who may never have come across it otherwise. They may, in turn, lead to business opportunities such as coaching and speaking or invitations to media outlets to learn more about what I do and the messages I have to share.
In fact, one article that I was featured in for a national newspaper led to me receiving a call from Sky News, who invited me to their studios for an interview. That opportunity wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for being featured in a publication. With regards to what insights to share, these are driven by the questions I am asked and the audience that will be reading my words. My primary objective with the insights that I share is to always deliver them in a way that is digestible and where everybody can connect with them.
Considering the endorsement of your book ‘Energize’ by renowned authors like Simon Sinek and Marie Forleo, how did their feedback impact you personally and professionally?
Getting endorsements from renowned authors like Simon and Marie was a surreal moment, and it reminded me of the saying that “if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.” It was an incredible honour to have them support my first book and for them to see value in what I had to offer.
Simon’s endorsement was particularly special given that he doesn’t appear to do it for many books. And they certainly helped in the leadup to the book’s publication in April 2022 for people to see the calibre of names gracing the cover of my book.
Each of the endorsements I received for the book had unique stories of how they were achieved, which illustrate the importance of building your network and nurturing the relationships you have. A great example of this is how Marie Forleo’s endorsement came about. One of the habits I have when attending events is that I like to arrive early and get a spot on the front row or as close to the front as possible. At one of Marie’s book launch events for Everything is Figureoutable, I noticed a guy sitting on the front row who had a certain energy about him. Once the talk ended and a queue formed around Marie to get her to sign copies of her book, I approached this guy for a conversation.
It turns out that he was Marie’s hair stylist! We ended up in deep conversation about their trip to the UK to promote the book and how they were finding the experience. I shared tips on places to visit and restaurants to eat at while they were here in London. Before we wrap up, we exchange contact details and decide to stay in touch. Two years later, at the end of 2021, my publishing team reached out to Marie to see if she would like to provide an endorsement for my book.
We heard nothing back—understandable given how many inquiries she and her team must receive every week! I therefore decided to drop her hairstylist a message to see if he could put in a good word for me. Just a couple days before we finalise the list of endorsements for the book, I get a message from my publishing team saying that Marie has provided a blurb.
This was followed by a message from the hairstylist that I had met and stayed in touch with that said, “I kept pushing them! “And then I sent a final push last week reminding them how timely it was, and then I heard they were talking to your publisher!”
As Terence McKenna beautifully said, “Nature loves courage.” You make the commitment, and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. “Dream the impossible dream, and the world will not grind you under; it will lift you up.”
How has your experience on media outlets like Sky News and BBC influenced your understanding of the media’s role in business strategy and thought leadership?
My experience with media outlets such as these reminded me about just how influential their role is when it comes to highlighting issues and bringing thought leadership into the public’s awareness when it comes to business, life, and general wellbeing.
By helping to raise awareness around the work that I do, it acts as a great platform to get my work out to a larger audience. It’s why one of my goals in the coming years is to do more work with media outlets that can help amplify my message to people who may not have come across my work before.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing your début book, ‘Energize’, and how did you overcome it?
Writing “Energize” was one of the greatest challenges that I have experienced. I received the offer to write the book with Penguin Random House in April 2020, which was the same month that I became a father for the first time and the UK entered into its first lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the planet.
To balance running a business, writing a book, and looking after a newborn at a time when our families weren’t able to visit was tough. There were moments where I wasn’t sure I could even get across the finish line with regards to finishing the book, which is why holding the first printed copy of it in my hands a few weeks before its publication was such a beautiful moment that I will never forget.
I believe that we never get far alone, which is why the support that I had around me throughout the book-writing process was so important in helping me navigate the challenges I have shared. My wife is the first person that comes to mind because of her incredible support during what was a difficult period for us both.
I was then intentional about being in regular conversation with other authors who were in the process of writing their own books so we could support one another, as well as getting involved with a mastermind group to keep me focused on the writing journey and to seek help when required.
Setting up this environment around me during the coronavirus pandemic years was crucial in helping me accomplish what I wanted to do. It’s why I believe that one of the fastest ways to make meaningful progress in any area of our lives and careers is to design an environment around us that makes it impossible not to succeed.
Given your broad range of experiences, how do you approach the process of simplifying complex business strategies for different audiences around the world?
Simplicity is key in the work that I get to do; if people find it difficult to understand what I have to say, then it’s impossible to get my message across to them.
My experience of being on stage, on radio, on TV, and in podcast interviews has helped me understand how to distil my thoughts into language that can be easily understood by all and the importance of storytelling. And this begins with understanding the audience that you are speaking to; it helps inform the stories, case studies, and analogies that you draw upon.
When talking to an audience from the film industry, for example, I will use Christopher Nolan’s film Inception as an analogy for how the coaching process works, and when talking to an audience from the executive community, I will draw on case studies with clients from the corporate world and how other leaders and organisations have demonstrated or embraced the lessons I share.
Having a broad range of experiences and insights does make this process easier, though, because it allows you to connect the dots in interesting ways to better engage with different audiences around the world.
Can you share a unique or surprising moment from your career that significantly influenced your outlook or approach to business strategy?
One of my favourite books within the field of business, which I come back to again and again, is The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It’s a relatively short book with a simple yet powerful message: the secret to success is giving.
Reading this book heavily influenced my approach to business and life. It taught me that our value as humans is determined by how much more we have given to the world than we have taken from it. As a result, money is simply an echo of value; the more value that you bring into the world through your products, services, and presence, the more money you get.
A question I therefore ask myself each day and encourage others to also do is the following: How can I add value to someone’s life today, however small?
If you were to mentor a young aspiring business strategist, what three key pieces of advice would you give based on your experience and success?
A common characteristic amongst the most successful is a strong bias towards action, and so the first piece of advice I would share is to collapse that gap between idea and execution because, while ideas are common, the ability to execute on a consistent basis is less so.
We can sabotage our progress by overthinking and giving in to fear and doubt. The value of any idea, however, is only realised once action is taken. As the actor Denzel Washington shared when receiving an award for his performance in the film Fences, “Without commitment, you will never begin; more importantly, without consistency, you will never finish.”
When you commit to taking at least one step forward each day in growing your business, a year from now, that becomes a minimum of 365 steps forward. Just imagine where you could be and what would now be possible.
The second piece of advice I would share is to design an environment around you that makes it impossible not to succeed—from who you spend most of your time with to the books you read, from the events you attend to the places you spend time in.
Your environment has a significant influence over how you see yourself and what you see as possible, so when you are regularly reviewing and optimising it, you are increasing your odds of success. The third piece of advice I would share is to believe that you have value to bring to the world and that you have what it takes to succeed in the long term. There are always two sales that occur: the second is selling you to others, and the first is selling you to yourself.
And until you can succeed with the first, the second will always remain a challenge. When I started believing in what I had to offer the world, I showed up differently and with more energy in the form of commitment, persistence, consistency, and focus. You will quickly notice this difference, and so will others.
As a publication devoted to the modern, ambitious, and globally-minded man, Global Man Magazine is excited to bring to you a thought-provoking conversation with a man who embodies these very characteristics. We present an exclusive interview with one of the world’s most influential figures in wellness and integrative healthcare – a consultant, a best-selling author, a speaker, and a powerful advocate for self-healing and healthy living, Dr. Fab Mancini.
From advising governmental and civic organizations, including the White House Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, to transforming organizations’ approach to wellness, Dr. Mancini has made waves across different sectors and continents. He has served as the President/CEO and President Emeritus of Parker University, and his bestselling book, “The Power of Self-Healing,” has become a global phenomenon, inspiring individuals to tap into their body’s natural ability to heal itself. In this insightful interview, Dr. Mancini takes us on his remarkable journey, sharing the challenges, opportunities, and powerful stories that have shaped his career and the field of integrative healthcare.
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As a global executive and consultant in wellness and integrative healthcare, what do you consider to be the most significant challenges and opportunities in promoting self-healing and healthy lifestyles on a global scale?
When it comes to promoting self-healing and healthy lifestyles on a global scale, there are both significant challenges and incredible opportunities that lie before us, especially for high achievers. One of the most significant challenges is shifting the mindset of individuals from a reactive approach to health, where we wait until something goes wrong before taking action, to a proactive approach that prioritises prevention and self-care.
Imagine your body as a finely tuned instrument, like a sleek sports car. Just as you invest time and resources into maintaining and optimizing your car’s performance, you must do the same for your body. The opportunity lies in recognizing that your body is a self-healing marvel, capable of restoring and rejuvenating itself when given the proper conditions and care.
To seize this opportunity, I recommend starting with small, actionable steps that align with your busy lifestyle. Begin by incorporating mindful moments throughout your day, whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing or a brief meditation session. Cultivate a nourishing relationship with food, choosing whole, unprocessed ingredients that fuel your body and mind. Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s a dance class, yoga session, or brisk walk in nature.
The science supports these practices, showing that mindfulness reduces stress levels, proper nutrition strengthens immune function, and exercise releases endorphins that boost mood and overall well-being. By prioritizing these practices and integrating them into your daily routine, you can gradually transform your life and inspire others to do the same.
You have worked with various organizations and individuals to transform their approach to wellness and healthcare. Could you share a particularly memorable success story that highlights the impact of your work?
Let me share a memorable success story that exemplifies the impact of my work. I once worked with a high-powered executive, much like your readers, who was constantly under immense pressure to perform and deliver results. She had neglected her well-being for years, sacrificing sleep, healthy eating, and exercise in pursuit of professional success.
During our coaching sessions, we discussed the importance of self-care and how it ultimately enhances productivity and effectiveness. We explored practical strategies to incorporate wellness into her demanding schedule, such as creating a morning routine that included exercise, setting boundaries to ensure adequate rest, and adopting healthier eating habits.
Over time, she began to experience profound changes. She had more energy, improved focus, and a renewed sense of purpose. She became an inspiring example to her team, advocating for work-life balance and prioritizing employee well-being. This cultural shift resulted in increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved overall company performance.
The transformative power of this success story lies in recognizing that investing in our own well-being not only benefits us individually but also has a ripple effect on our organizations and the people around us. By prioritizing self-care and leading by example, we can create a positive and thriving work environment that supports the holistic health of all.
With your expertise in executive leadership, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the wellness industry who aim to create a vision for growth, profitability, and value?
First, it’s essential to clarify your purpose and define your unique value proposition. What makes your approach to wellness distinct? What specific problems do you solve? Understanding your unique contribution will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract clients and partners who resonate with your vision.
Second, embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities for learning and expansion. Stay curious and open to new ideas and research, always seeking to integrate the latest evidence-based practices into your offerings. Continually educate yourself to remain at the forefront of the wellness industry and position yourself as a thought leader.
Third, foster collaboration and strategic partnerships. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and organizations that share your values and complementary expertise. By joining forces, you can amplify your impact and create a collective movement towards a healthier world.
Finally, lead by example. Walk the talk and embody the principles you espouse. Your personal well-being and success serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of your approach. By living a balanced, purpose-driven life, you inspire others to follow suit and become ambassadors of wellness themselves.
As an author, speaker, and media personality, you have been influential in educating and motivating others to improve their health and wellness. How do you ensure that your message resonates with diverse audiences across different cultures and languages?
As a global author, speaker, and media personality, my aim is to ensure that my message resonates with diverse audiences across different cultures and languages. I achieve this by focusing on universal principles and values that transcend cultural boundaries.
One of the key principles is the acknowledgment of our shared humanity. Regardless of our cultural backgrounds, we all aspire to live a fulfilling and healthy life. By emphasizing this common goal, I create a bridge of understanding that allows my message to resonate with individuals from all walks of life.
Another strategy I employ is the use of relatable metaphors and personal examples. I believe stories have a unique power to connect people, and I often share narratives that illustrate the transformative potential of self-healing and healthy lifestyle choices. By providing vivid and relatable anecdotes, I tap into the emotions and experiences that are universally understood and appreciated.
Furthermore, I prioritise the translation and adaptation of my work into different languages and cultural contexts. By working with professional translators and cultural consultants, I ensure that my message retains its authenticity and relevance when shared with diverse audiences.
Ultimately, the key lies in approaching each interaction with empathy and cultural sensitivity. By recognizing and respecting the uniqueness of each individual and community, we can create a more inclusive and empowering dialogue around health and wellness.
Having served as President/CEO and President Emeritus of Parker University, what strategies did you implement to transform the institution into a growing accredited university meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry?
First, I focused on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. By encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships and creating platforms for knowledge exchange, we harnessed the collective intelligence of our faculty, staff, and students. This collaborative approach allowed us to stay ahead of emerging trends and adapt our curriculum and programs accordingly.
Second, I emphasised the integration of technology and cutting-edge research. We invested in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, ensuring that our students had access to the latest advancements in healthcare. By embracing technology, we expanded our educational reach beyond traditional boundaries, offering online courses and virtual learning opportunities.
Third, we cultivated strong relationships with industry leaders and practitioners. Through partnerships and advisory boards, we gained valuable insights into the evolving needs and demands of the healthcare sector. This allowed us to tailor our educational offerings to align with real-world requirements and provide our graduates with a competitive edge.
Lastly, I prioritised the well-being and personal growth of our students. Recognizing that healthcare professionals must embody the principles they teach, we incorporated wellness and business education into our curriculum. We empowered our students to embrace self-care, resilience, and a holistic approach to health, ensuring that they were not only knowledgeable practitioners but also exemplars of well-being.
By implementing these strategies, we positioned Parker University as a leading institution that not only met the needs of the healthcare industry but also prepared compassionate and empowered healthcare professionals to make a positive impact in the world.
You have advised governmental and civic organizations, including the White House Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. What role do you see for complementary and alternative medicine in the future of healthcare, and how can it be integrated effectively?
When it comes to the future of healthcare, I firmly believe that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has a vital role to play. CAM offers a holistic and patient-centered approach that complements conventional medicine, focusing on prevention, empowerment, and the body’s innate ability to heal.
Just as diverse ecosystems thrive with a wide range of plant and animal species, our healthcare system can flourish by embracing a diverse array of healing modalities. Integrating CAM effectively requires a shift in perspective, from a narrow focus on disease management to a broader understanding of health promotion and well-being.
To achieve this integration, I recommend three action steps:
First, we must foster collaboration and open dialogue between conventional and complementary practitioners. By creating forums for knowledge exchange and mutual respect, we can bridge the gap and establish a cohesive and comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Second, we need to prioritise research and evidence-based practices in the field of CAM. Robust scientific studies and clinical trials are essential for validating the effectiveness and safety of CAM modalities. By supporting and participating in research efforts, we can build a solid foundation of evidence that allows CAM to be integrated into mainstream healthcare.
Lastly, education plays a critical role. We must equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand and appreciate the benefits of CAM. By incorporating CAM education into medical and healthcare training programs, we empower future practitioners to embrace a truly integrative approach and provide the best care possible.
By integrating CAM effectively, we can create a healthcare system that harnesses the best of both worlds, optimizing patient outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being.
Your best-selling book, “The Power of Self-Healing,” has inspired countless individuals. Could you share a personal anecdote or testimonial that exemplifies the transformative power of self-healing?
A few years ago, I was approached by a high-achieving executive who was struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout. Despite her professional success, she felt trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and disconnection from herself and her loved ones.
During our sessions, we explored the power of self-healing and the importance of addressing the underlying causes of her stress. We delved into the concept of self-care and the transformative potential of simple practices like mindfulness, gratitude, Chiropractic care and conscious breathing.
Over time, she began to incorporate these practices into her daily routine. She set aside time for self-reflection and self-care, nurturing her body, mind, and spirit. Gradually, she noticed profound changes. Her stress levels reduced, and she gained a newfound sense of clarity, resilience, and joy.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. As she experienced the profound benefits of self-healing, she became an advocate within her organization. She implemented wellness initiatives, created spaces for mindfulness and stress reduction, and encouraged her team members to prioritise self-care.
The impact was remarkable. Employee morale improved, productivity soared, and absenteeism decreased. The organization became a beacon of well-being, attracting top talent and earning a reputation as an employer that truly cared about the holistic well-being of its staff.
This personal anecdote exemplifies the transformative power of self-healing. When we embark on a journey of self-discovery and prioritise our well-being, we not only transform ourselves but also have the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change in our personal and professional lives.
In your experience as a consultant to businesses, governments, and non-profits, what innovative strategies have you recommended to expand market share for product-driven companies while reducing healthcare costs?
Here are a few actionable steps:
First, emphasise prevention and wellness. Shift the focus from reactive treatment to proactive wellness by creating products and services that support healthy lifestyles and preventive care. By targeting the root causes of health issues and providing resources for self-care, companies can reduce the need for costly interventions down the line.
Second, leverage technology and data analytics. Embrace digital solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Develop smart devices, wearables, and apps that provide personalised insights, tracking, and guidance. By leveraging data analytics, companies can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, allowing them to tailor their offerings accordingly.
Third, prioritise employee well-being. Recognise that healthy and engaged employees are the foundation of a thriving organization. Implement comprehensive wellness programs that go beyond traditional healthcare benefits. Offer mindfulness training, stress reduction initiatives, Chiropractic care and resources for work-life balance. By investing in the well-being of your employees, you foster a culture of productivity, loyalty, and innovation.
Lastly, cultivate strategic partnerships. Collaborate with other organizations in the wellness and healthcare industry to create synergistic solutions. By combining resources, expertise, and networks, companies can expand their market reach, reduce costs through shared investments, and provide comprehensive solutions to consumers.
By implementing these innovative strategies, product-driven companies can differentiate themselves, attract a broader customer base, and contribute to a healthier society while reducing overall healthcare costs.
Your radio show, “Self-Healing with Dr. Fab,” has reached a wide audience. What motivated you to start the show, and what impact do you believe it has had on promoting a positive lifestyle and self-healing practices?
The motivation behind my radio show, “Self-Healing with Dr. Fab,” stems from a deep desire to empower individuals and promote a positive lifestyle rooted in self-healing practices. The show serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiration, and practical tips for cultivating well-being.
I believe in the power of education and the transformative potential of information. Through my show, I aim to reach a wide audience and provide them with actionable tools and insights that they can apply to their daily lives.
Each episode of “Self-Healing with Dr. Fab” is carefully crafted to engage, inform, and inspire. I incorporate stories, metaphors, and real-life examples to make the content relatable and accessible. I invite guest experts from diverse backgrounds and cultures to offer a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
Moreover, I actively encourage audience participation. I invite listeners to submit questions and share their own experiences, creating a sense of community and shared learning. By incorporating their voices into the show, I foster a sense of ownership and empowerment, reminding individuals that they have the ability to take control of their health and well-being.
The impact of “Self-Healing with Dr. Fab” extends beyond the airwaves. Listeners have reported positive lifestyle changes, improved mental well-being, and a newfound sense of purpose. By providing a platform for education and inspiration, the show acts as a catalyst for personal transformation and a gateway to self-discovery.
With your multicultural perspective, what lessons have you learned about the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity when delivering wellness and healthcare services to diverse populations around the world?
Here are a few key insights:
First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognise and respect cultural differences. Every culture has its own unique beliefs, traditions, and practices related to health and well-being. By approaching each individual and community with curiosity, openness, and humility, we can learn from their wisdom and integrate culturally relevant strategies into our offerings.
Second, effective communication is essential. Language barriers can hinder understanding and trust. It’s important to provide information and resources in multiple languages and utilise interpreters when necessary. Tailor your messaging to resonate with different cultural contexts, ensuring that it is relatable and accessible to diverse populations.
Third, foster partnerships with local leaders and organizations. Collaborate with community leaders, cultural influencers, and grassroots organizations to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by different populations. By working together, we can co-create solutions that are culturally sensitive, respectful, and impactful.
Finally, continuously educate yourself and your team about cultural diversity and inclusivity. Invest in training programs and resources that promote cultural competency and sensitivity. By nurturing a diverse and inclusive mindset within your organization, you can provide better care and services that honour and embrace the unique backgrounds and perspectives of each individual.
Remember, true wellness encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and it should be accessible to all, regardless of cultural background or socio-economic status. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, we can create a world where everyone has equal access to the transformative power of wellness.
Having turned 90 only last month, it’s hardly surprising that Dr Ervin Laszlo has a lot to say – and that’s before taking into account his distinguished portfolio of philosophical work and research.
In part one, Dr Laszlo spoke to Global Man‘s Yassin El-Moudden about his beginnings as a young musician leaving Stalinist Hungary for piano recitals on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Discussion also concerned his influences from Bartok to Plato and parallels between the tumult of the 20th Century and the world crisis today.
With the second and final part of this interview, the intriguing philosopher of science turned to focus on the present and the future. Relating to his involvement in the Upshift Movement, Dr Laszlo takes on accelerationist growth, inaction on climate change and historical determinism.
Q: There’s an interesting point you made at the end (of part one) about making sure we move forward. History is a topic that quite a few philosophers have grappled with – I think of Walter Benjamin and his notion of history. So, am I right in understanding that you see history as being of a cyclical, rather than linear, nature. It can go backwards, instead of always progressing?
A: Well, that’s the case with any process which is not a deterministic process. There are no laws that define and decide what is to happen. In such a situation, that includes freedom – which in a negative sense is chaos, in the positive sense it is opportunity. There is an element of freedom to choose, to choose the way we want to go.
There are limits to nature – these are the limits of life – but we have to choose if we want to exempt ourselves from the limitations and possibilities of life on earth, which means the ecology of our living systems on earth. To exempt ourselves, go our own way and just try to subdue what is around us, that is the way big business and big government have been moving in the recent period, producing the unsustainability. The crisis – I think, even the health crisis – is human-made, by probably bringing in (for instance, the food chain) elements that don’t belong, because you’re always using everything that is possible to use as long as it makes some profit.
Q: How do you go about changing that?
A: So, I think the opportunity of making use of this freedom, is here and it is now. We need to introduce the values, the mindset, a new paradigm. It’s what the Germans call, Weltanschauung – an overall “worldview”. Right now, it’s become antiquated.
We thought it would be scientific, that it would compete, because “the strongest survive” as Darwin said. It’s a mistake. Not even Darwin said that, but his followers interpreted it like that. Or that everything is moving according to rigid mechanical laws, that the universe looks like this and humans can’t interfere – that’s the Newtonian heritage. So, we thought it was scientific.
It turns out the new sciences talk about interconnection, non-locality and consciousness having a dominant and key role in life. It’s very different. Quantum physics, quantum biology, psychology and now, emerging trends in society and politics as well. This is a time to change. Above all, we need to change our mindset, so we may change our values and behaviours.
If we can change ourselves, we can help the world around us to change. As you know, Gandhi said “be the change you want to see in the world”. That can be contagious, it’s more contagious than any virus – in a good way, of course.
Q: If we focus on Hungary, after the collapse of the communist regime in 1990, how would you rate the transition from communism to liberal democracy?
A: Under communism, the regime belonged to a left-wing extreme and now it is very much of a right-wing extreme, which may or may not last. It is clear that it is not a truly open, democratic system and that has been the case for the last decade or so.
Q: You’ve talked a lot about the need for change from within. Regarding your involvement in issues such as the environment, what is the role of structures in combatting climate change and building a better world?
A: You need a democratic society. You need a society that recognises that there are limits to growth. The role here of being aware of who we are is of great importance. Climate change is a key test, actually. We have ignored our belonging to the systems and ecology of life. We are deforesting, we are over-mining, we are polluting, because we thought that anything can be done – anything that is technically feasible.
New technology can be employed to make a profit and as long as that is the case, there are no other boundaries. Sure, there are some laws that we need to respect, otherwise we’ll be caught, as it were. Yet, within these laws, we can do whatever we want without any regards for the consequences and that is the kind of classical liberalism which has backfired. This is because there are natural constraints on structures, on what we can create, on who we are and what our societies are.
We have to act within the confines of the processes of life. By going beyond, we have created artificial forms of living. Artificial foods, clothing and modes of communication that have created negative feedback. The consequence of this is more unsustainability.
Q: That’s intriguing. It reminds me a bit of what somebody I previously interviewed once said. Essentially, even when we develop new technology, we reproduce old ways of thinking within that. When you mention ‘negative feedback’, is it the artificiality that is the problem or what we, as humans, instil within it?
A: It’s the lack of recognising that not anything we can do, we should do. As long as it makes a profit. That created a human system on earth, that is moving in the direction of being a cancer (even if it is not exactly that). It reproduces itself at the cost of the planet, which is what a cancer does.
Q: Are you optimistic about the near future?
A: The horizons are shorter than we once thought. The problems are becoming much more acute, much more visible and they are not new problems.
Valentine is near! It is an opportunity to express your love with gifts. And when these gifts are made with good taste, even better for your loves. What do women want? What makes them happy? What is that precious memory that they want to carry with them forever? Of course a precious piece of jewelry. We are recommending you 5 gift ideas that for this Valentine will surprise you your partner. For your convenience, you can find 5 of these gifts at Markis Jewelry, now also online.
Necklace
Make her have you in her heart with a diamond heart. This necklace will be ideal for this Valentine. She is in your heart, so this heart can now be in her neck.
Ring
Rings are a great gift, perhaps the most special and important. If you choose to propose on Valentine’s Day, be careful to choose the right ring. Be sure that no one can resist the precious brilliance (nor the desire to say YES)
Earring
Give more finesse and color to this accessory that will make your girlfriend even more charming. The earring are accessories that can be easily combined. And if they have precious stones, the more precise this gift becomes.
Emerald Necklace
If your girlfriend loves gemstones, this ring with emerald stones is ideal. Make her love the color green again and give the feeling that she is special, as much as this stone.
Rings with multicolored stones
Who said the ring should always have a proposal behind it? Maybe your girlfriend will be disappointed when she see that you’re not proposing her, but be sure that she will fall in love with the ring, as much as with you. So give her the ring she deserves.
Find these precious gifts and more clicking on this link
A room full of women and one theme. Success. The Global Woman Summit; an event that targets women and aims to show them the steps and motivation to achieving their goals. The summit which will occur between the 5th and 8th of March usually hosts an in person lavish event which sees women from all over the globe attend. Although it’s had to move online this year that hasn’t stopped the C.E.O, Mirela Sula from hosting a virtual event that is sure to create the next round of successful entrepreneurs and business owners. The event which will feature a colorful panel of speakers all with the experience and knowledge to provide the steps to a successful lifestyle is not one to be missed.
Mirela Sula
CEO & Founder of Global Woman
Think Big & Go Global:
With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Mirela Sula is a woman that embodies the phrase ‘Go big or Go home’ while being the CEO of her own company (Global Woman) as well as an author and public speaker; she has managed to expand her brand to over 26 cities around the world, and she now offers you the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge on how to achieve this for yourself.
Jack Canfield
New York Times Best-selling Author
The Success Principles
With over 2.5 Million subscribers Jack Canfield is an empowering speaker (inducted into the Speaker’s Hall of Fame) who uses his personal life experiences to teach others how to achieve their goals. The Harvard graduate has spent over 50 years teaching his success principles which has helped millions of people and now he brings his expertise to the Global Woman Summit this March.
Veronica Tan
Co-Founder of Success Resources
Find the Key to Your Success:
Veronica Tan is an entrepreneur who although born into the lifestyle of business knew it was not an easy road. Working with her husband, Tan has used her personal experiences to create Success Resources which provides a way of life with the aim of bringing the best out of people. With over 10 million people from over 30 countries impacted by her hard work. Veronica Tan now brings her knowledge and skills to the lucky ladies of the Summit.
Dr. Fab Mancini
#1 Healthy Living Media Expert & World Renowned Chiropractor
How to Create a Fabulous Life
Dr. Fab Mancini is a healthy living expert that uses his knowledge of health and the human body to promote a way of living that is both beneficial for the body and mind. The Harvard graduate is a renowned success with a
best-selling book (Power of Self-Healing) and a popular radio show
(Self-Healing with Dr. Fab). He has also shared his knowledge on multiple media platforms. The Dr’s work has been so inspirational he was honoured with a library named after him by the President of Mexico. The highly sought after public speaker is coming to the Summit and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Kim Kiyosaki
Internationally Acclaimed Keynote Speaker & Author
The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs:
Author and renowned speaker, Kim Kiyosaki of the ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ and ‘Rich Woman’ books, brings her educational and motivating views to the Summit this March. A previous speaker at the event, she has used her platform to encourage women to learn more about their money. Not only has she found success herself but is now using her platform to teach other women how to step foot in the entrepreneurial game and find their own wealth.
Rob Moore
Founder of the Rob Moore Foundation
The Power of Your Podcast:
With 6 Amazon and Audible Bestsellers under his belt Rob Moore is using his platform to create a much needed conversation around entrepreneurship. The prolific podcaster (The Disruptive Podcast & The Money Podcast) is using his platform to change the way people think about business. The self-made multimillionaire and public speaking record holder is on his way to the Summit this March and is ready to share his tips on how to achieve your own success in the business world.
With all these speakers joining us this spring at the Summit, it’s sure to be an impactful, eye-opening event. With many Global Woman members excited to attend it’s due to be an event that will change the way many women view themselves and will open the door to many skills and opportunities they never thought possible. All that’s missing is you.
He has already worked with some of biggest stars of the movie and entertainment industry of today and there’s no sign of him slowing down: Lucas Serby is a young Swedish actor, model and creative currently situated in New York City. He is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the oldest acting school in the English-speaking world, and an institution that has previously been home to acclaimed alumni such as award-winning actor, director and Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford and Hollywood Golden Age legend, Oscar winner and Spartacus himself Kirk Douglas. Lucas was the first of his graduating class to book a part in a professional New York theater production, and has been seen on stages all around the city and on TV by millions since then. He talks to us today about what made him take the leap to pack up his things and move to a different country, what drives him as an actor and overall creative, and what it’s like to be a part of one the fastest changing industries in the world.
So I’m very curious, what was it that made you decide to move to a completely new country to pursue your dreams? Because as I understand it, you’d never been to New York City before moving there and you didn’t know anybody there?
Yes, that’s true. You know, I was watching this TV show, Sweetbitter, on STARZ pretty recently. It’s about a girl who moves to New York City to… get away, I suppose, but at a job interview she’s asked why she decided to move there all by herself and her answer is “it’s kind of a calling, moving to New York” or something similar, but I think that that’s definitely what it was for me. It felt like a calling. I’m a big fan of Marlon Brando and James Dean and they both got started in New York, so being the romantic that I am I just thought to myself that “of course, there’s no other place to go or that I should go to”.
And bringing it back to you moving there all by yourself without knowing anybody in the city. Did that scare you?
You know what, it didn’t at all. Looking back at it now I feel like I should’ve been absolutely terrified, because New York City is huge and it was a completely new city to me at the time, and that would have been the normal reaction. But I wasn’t. It just felt right to me, like it was meant to be.
Also, my first night there I was staying at a hotel right around the corner from where I was going to go to school, and this was right in the middle of New York Fashion Week so there was a lot of models staying at that same hotel and I got to talking to one of the girls outside, and she asked me what I was doing there, if I was there for Fashion Week and so on. So I told her that I was from Sweden and had just moved there to pursue acting, and after a bit of talking she told me that she wouldn’t mind introducing me to her manager and she gives me her email address and asks me to send her a picture to forward it to him. So I do, and I get a response from the manager basically saying that he thinks I look like James Dean and that we should work together. Nothing really came of it in the end, but I always took it as a sign that I had made the right choice.
Obviously acting is a big part of your life, what was it that made you want to pursue it?
Well, I started working as an actor professionally in Sweden in my early twenties, but I’d say my relationship with acting goes back way beyond that. If somebody were to ask me about my first love, my answer would always be “movies”. Movies have always been a big, big part of my life for so many reasons, for example one of them being my mom who used to be a movie critic when I was growing up, so I had the privilege of getting to watch a lot of films, many of which that hadn’t even been released yet, so I was very lucky. That definitely fueled my interest. I also had a very vivid imagination as a kid, and I loved to reenact scenes from my favorite films, for instance, one of my earliest childhood memories is pretending to be Simba from the Lion King in pre-school.
A good quote that sums it up, I think, is from an older video I saw of Heath Ledger, another actor that I really look up to, may he rest in peace.
His agent asks him: “So how long have you been acting?”
Heath replies “About… 20 years.”
Steve, his agent, notably confused goes “How old are you?”
“20.”
I always liked that one.
You say you started acting professionally in your early twenties, what made you decide that it was time to really get into it, so to speak?
It had always been there in the back of my head. Always. But life is life, and things happen, and after school I found myself working in an office, unsure of… Well, unsure of a lot of things in general really. But I was lucky. Incredibly lucky even. At the office where I was working we were an incredibly tight-knit group of people, and the CEO and Founder, who is still one of my closest friends today and like an older brother to me, taught me that I was good enough at a time where I really needed to hear that. It really taught me the value of having a supportive group of friends and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that inspire you and always want what’s best for you. So I just want to give a shout-out to Aria Asgari, I love you brother.
So anyway, I think I just realized at one point that I wasn’t supposed to be working in an office for the rest of my life, and, as cliché as it sounds, realized that you only have one shot at life so you might as well take the chance and pursue what it is that you really want to do.
Tell me a little bit about how it is working as an actor professionally in New York and Sweden respectively. What have your experiences been like?
They’re obviously two very different places! But starting from the beginning, I started off in Sweden with not a lot of experience except for a couple of amateur shows, so at first I had no clue what I was doing. I had a few small parts here and there and worked as an extra for a bit, and then it started to finally feel like it was going well when I got a part in the Swedish comedy TV show Jävla Klåpare which aired for a season in 2016. But I quickly realized that as somebody who didn’t have an education as an actor and with very few contacts, Sweden did not have a lot of opportunities, which is why I started looking into moving to the US, which had really always been the plan.
New York City on the other hand is a crazy place. There are so many opportunities, and there’s so much going on, and I’ve been lucky to have met some great people there who have really taken a chance on me. It made me realize that it’s all about who you know. You can have a lot of credits on your resume and a fancy education, but what really matters is if people want to work with you, as a person. We’re also at a point right now where there’s a big shift happening in the entertainment industry, and being in New York City when all of this is going on, you just kind of feel that you’re in the middle of it all, and it’s very exciting.
So tell me about your work in New York, what have you been up to since you started working over there?
I actually started booking jobs even before graduating. I was very eager to start working, and I started going on auditions during the time that the school set up so-called “mock auditions” for us to practice for the real thing. So I’d be in school going on a fake audition, and right after I’d have to leave because I had to attend a real one. It was a very interesting experience.
The first job that I booked was a full rendition of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale with the absolutely fantastic theater company Classics on the Rocks. It was about 3 hours and 30 minutes long, and it was amazing. It was just a great thing to work on right after school because everybody was just so passionate about the work, just like it should be. It’s definitely still one of my favorite productions that I’ve been a part of to this day.
Other highlights include playing Sid Wells on the Investigation Discovery show In Pursuit with John Walsh in an episode that premiered to 1,36 million viewers, and of course working with the Scandinavian American Theater Company. I got to play the part of Jonte in a production of the extremely talented Tanja Lorentzon’s play The Courtyard. I got to work with some brilliant people and the play was seen by a couple of actors that I really admire.
Currently I’m promoting a film called Dead Air which I’m really excited to be a part of. It’s kind of an homage to 80’s horror movies and rock music and it’s a lot of fun. It’ll be playing at several different film festivals this year so I’m really excited about that.
And you’ve also been working as a model over there?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to see what that industry’s like as well. Acting and modeling are similar in a way, but very different in another. They’re both a lot of fun, and I’ve had the privilege to see these big fashion events up close, working with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. I hope to do more of that in the future as well.
Finally, you’ve already achieved a lot in such a short amount of time, what is the source of your drive and motivation?
Honestly, I think that, to me, the entertainment industry is one of the most important industries around. What we get to do is to tell and share stories that need to be told, and it’s just such an honor to me that I get to do that for a living. If I can have an impact on just one person’s life through the work that I do on stage or on screen, then it would have all been worth it in the end for me.
Lucas can currently be seen in Dead Air which premieres July 27th at the Peekskill Film Festival.
Paul Boross – There are no failures, only feedback
By Fatima Gorezi
Paul Boross — aka The Pitch Doctor — is the award-winning ‘Best Corporate Speaker’ who specialises in the “art and science” of corporate communication. Drawing on a career that has taken him from primetime TV, music and stand-up comedy to production, development, consultancy and motivational psychology, Boross works regularly with such power players as the BBC, Google and MTV, training executives in communication, presentation and pitching. His frontline experience of performance — his credits include a 12-year stint at London’s legendary Comedy Store — coupled with a strong commercial grounding enable him to deliver effective and focused skills to clients from a range of industries, from media to medicine. His latest book, Leader On The Pitch (co-authored with rugby legend Scott Quinnell), is rising fast up the Amazon charts.
How did your life look like before being an entrepreneur?
I was an entertainer. I had a band called “Morris Minor and The Majors”, and we had a couple of pop hits. I also was in a comedy and music duo with my good friend Ainsley Harriott, who is now a famous chef. We were an act together for eight years playing at places such as The Comedy Store, The London Palladium and all over clubs in New York and Los Angeles.
Whilst it wasn’t a traditional business, it was still reliant on having an entrepreneurial spirit with getting gigs, marketing and working to convince record companies to sign us. We got a deal with Virgin and that was when all the hard work started, because I realised that getting into business and making those kinds of commitments means that other people have much higher expectations of you.
Have you always been entrepreneurial? What led you to taking that first step and setting up your own business?
I think that the entrepreneurial signs have always been there in me. As a child, I used to buy raw materials like felt and make soft toys which I would then convince parents to buy for their younger children.
Whilst in my youth I had various jobs – like working at the post office at Christmas and doing a few weeks on a building site – for periods of time, to earn money. I really was a self-starter and preferred to create my own enterprises. When I was at school most of my friends had jobs working in shops on a Saturday or newspaper delivery rounds. I found out that you could earn more by being in teenage ‘photo-love’ magazines. Once I had been in a couple, I discovered that you could earn three times as much as my friends earned by also writing and directing the stories. Basically, I was always a person who said ‘I can do that’ and had the courage to go for it. I think there was certainly an element of showmanship in this too, but I don’t think you need that to be an entrepreneur. I think you just have to find something that you get a buzz out of, because that gives you the energy to keep going.
What has been the role of luck in your success?
Of course, I am lucky. I am lucky to have been born in a country where, if you worked hard and smart, you could achieve. I believe that luck is an attitude.
My father – who was a Hungarian refugee, arriving in this country with nothing but the clothes on his back, – always said that he was lucky. That was despite the fact that he had been in the 2nd world war at 17, gone into Berlin with the Russians in 1945, been put into a prisoner of war camp for six months. Then, eleven years later had to escape from Hungary and spend 5 months in a refugee camp. He had many more tough times in his life but he always told everyone how lucky he was. I believe that luck is all about that attitude, of seeing the opportunities that life presents, to know that while you’re still breathing you’ve still got a chance to get to where you want to be.
What is the one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am not sure that I have achieved it yet! Like most people who succeed, I am always looking forward rather than backwards. I suppose part of the entrepreneurial spirit is the belief that you can always do a little more, or a little better. Or sometimes, a lot better!
Overall, I am proud of having raised a son I love and admire. I am proud of making my living in some of the toughest professions, namely, music, comedy and the media. I think we can only judge our life’s work looking backwards. Perhaps this is what drives me to achieve more.
If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently? And what advice would you have given to yourself if you could only relay one piece of advice to your former self?
I genuinely wouldn’t do anything differently. There are no failures, only feedback. When I failed, I learned to get up quickly and move forward. Everything that didn’t turn out how I planned was part of the journey, and I would not be where I am today without those faltering steps.
As for advice to my younger self… I would remind myself that nothing is so important with the perspective of time. The old saying of, ‘this too shall pass’ is something that you should live by as much as possible. This applies to good times as well as bad times of course, and I think it helps to have a perspective that averages all of the ups and downs. Even thinking of a time as being good or bad is only a matter of perspective, because we never know where something will lead.
The only things I ever regretted were things I didn’t do but thankfully they were few and far between. At 19 years old, there was a very tall beautiful Australian woman that I didn’t ask out when I had the chance. I still think about that from time to time!
What is your experience of working with women? And what is your opinion about their talents and skills?
I have always had a very good easy relationship with women. As a teenager, I had both girlfriends and friends who were girls. Being able to share and talk with young women gave me an insight that I think hold me in good stead today. I now work with very influential and powerful women and men and I treat each with equal respect.
It is a generalisation but many women are better at listening to their intuition than men. Men can be overly analytical and practical at the expense of trusting their innate feeling. In business, it is crucial to be in touch with your instincts. Perhaps that’s a result of the environment that we’re working in, where many men feel that they are expected to be strong and decisive, and women are given more leeway to be intuitive and emotive. In that regard, I think men and women equally benefit from expressing those capabilities.
Where I do see an issue at times is where someone is trying to fit in with a cultural stereotype which doesn’t fit them. Whether that’s a female executive thinking she has to be tough and ruthless, or a male executive trying to be emotive and gentle. These stereotypes don’t help the individual to be at their best, and I don’t think that, in general, we take enough notice of the individual’s unique strengths.
I don’t see that men and women in general have any different skills; certainly when it comes to mental or creative skills. Of course, there are some physical jobs which are better suited to the male stereotype, or vice versa. But in terms of the majority of jobs around today, I don’t see a difference, and certainly the world of work that younger generations are getting into now is a much more level playing field than it was a few decades ago.
Ronny Barthel – The passion that drives to success
By Fatima Gorezi
Ronny Barthel is a professional photographer, very talented specializing in media design, photography and video production.He has worked for some insanely powerful companies and from 2018 he has worked as photographer for coaches, speakers, coaches on the way in the field of personality development and spirituality. He shares with us some great details from his life and speaks about the passion that drives him to do what he does every day. Photography is his muse, his true profession. He says that he don’t photograph things, but only the way they make him feel. He aim to engage the reader through his photos; to focus on interesting subjects. He also loves snapping quicky and unusual things encountered in daily life. Portraits are a particular favourite. He says that it’s a joy seeing individual history reflected through people’s eyes and mapped on their faces.
Can you tell me a bit about how you became a photographer? What was your first exposure to photography?
My beginnings in photography were more than 10 years ago. At that time, I photographed portraits with analogue cameras and developed them myself in black and white labs. Then, over the years, I’ve been more and more concerned with photography. When exactly I get the first camera and why I do not remember exactly.
How big a role did photography play in your life before? When did you start taking photographs?
The role of photography has always been there but not the primary one in my work. I think that was due to the fact that I had to gain experience first of all because even with me this was not laid in my cradle but through much practice and repetition.
Who were your early influences?
I do not really have big names from photography that influenced me. I’ve always been an outsider in my youth, doing my thing in my own way and not looking at others that much. I still do that now.
Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?
Basically, I photograph everything that has to do with people. Photographing beautiful landscapes does not really motivate me. I would like to capture people with emotions and hold them forever. In my work, I like to do the most idle snapshots as well as my lifestyle shoots. These are already provided but should nevertheless look as natural and unimpressed as possible and depict the person in front of the camera as authentically as possible.
Whose work has influenced you most?
Most have influenced me rather good wedding photographers but these are rather not so known in public. I have photographed weddings for several years, sometimes up to 40 per year.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
There is no special thing because I now know that all things are related. Capturing people with emotions is very complex and I do not mean that in terms of technology. In order to capture someone authentically and in the emotions, there are many qualities that one has to possess. You have to be authentic yourself, have a certain empathy, your own energy has to be very positive and attractive, you have to own personality yourself.
How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Movies, books or magazines? Or is it just what’s around you?
Meanwhile, I am most inspired by myself and my environment. I try to be as outside as possible, but simply with me, to see where I want to go, what I want to achieve and implement this easily. The environment is a very important factor, which Feedbach gives you for your work, supports and guides you.
Has the industry changed a lot since you started shooting, or is there still a lot of work there?
Yes, of course, like everything else in the world, everything is always changing faster and faster, and it’s important to stick to it so you do not lose yourself. Twenty years ago, technology was still the limiting factor, it was expensive and harder to learn. Today, in the age of cell phone cameras, photographers are in need of completely different skills. It will only be successful and stay with the times, dealing with the new technologies and using them for his benefit.
What can you recommend to other photographers trying to find their niche?
You should just try different things and not stiffen. Especially with photography it is very important that you love the thing that you do otherwise it detects the opposite and there is simply no connection. For example, I had thought about making money with travel photography, but I did not know how to do it. Now I have come to the niche by chance coaches, speakers, coaches and entrepreneurs to photograph and photograph in Germany and also at their events, retreats and create your images for all social media channels.
What are you passionate about besides photography? What do you do in your free time?
In my free time I like to do sports (jogging, swimming, snowboarding), I like to listen to podcasts and I am also involved with personality development. I like to go to the movies and spend time with my son. I like to travel and experience crazy adventures and meet new people.
What are three things that people need to know about the photography business?
– Make the photography out of passion
– Be the best in your niche
– You have to be authentic to represent people authentically
