Newsletter – Issue #99 * March, 2010

International Institute For Global Leadership
Issue #99 * March, 2010
www.global-leadership.com
Asheville, NC. USA

 

 

Guest Editorial

Life Is A Pot Of Stew

Felix Iziomoh

Life is like a pot of stew. We are each given different ingredients. What we create is up to us. Life has its challenges. It is very easy to be influenced by circumstances and situations. The secret to success is how we interpret these and learn from them; i.e. how we use the ingredients. One of the biggest things I have learnt over the years is that you are what you think: ‘as a man thinketh so he is.’ We are able to create our own destiny simply by the things we think about. If we expect to fail and spend time and mental energy worrying about failure, we probably will. If, however, we believe we are going to succeed, then whatever ‘challenges’ we face we will be seen as stepping stones on the way to success.

Financial challenges earlier in life made it difficult for me to gain much confidence in what I was trying to achieve and communicate. My mother supported me but I found that I was very sensitive to the opinions of others. I knew that I had the ability to achieve great things but my expectation was to fail. Therefore, I found that whatever idea I had or actions I started, I would tend to find a reason why it could not work. But I still had this burning desire to understand what life is all about. It is not always easy to let go of negative influences, particularly when they come from loved ones or friends, but doing this is the key to success. It all comes down to your choice of what it is that you allow to influence your life. There are a lot of things we can learn from others, but we need the support of people who are positive minded, if we are to succeed in life.

I have developed the attitude that ‘if it is going to be, it is up to me’, which is the first step I have to taken to assume full responsibility for my life. Taking responsibility for your own actions means success or failure is the direct result of what you do or do not do. Being able to make my own decisive decisions is another attribute that I have found to be important. By ‘decisive’ I mean making a decision and sticking to it. So many times we decide to do something without the necessary conviction to carry it through. If you are not stable in doing anything you will be influenced by the first difficulty that you encounter.

It is good to be aware of all sides of an argument, but not to such an extent that you talk yourself out of doing something. Sometimes you have to just do it and then deal with the consequences, for better or worse. If you want success, you have to find something that you enjoy doing and have a real passion for. Without passion it is hard to stay on track and follow through.

It’s also important to remember that success isn’t just a matter of wealth and fortune. I have met some very successful people who others would see as very poor. The thing is, though they might not have a lot of money, they live their lives with passion, following their dreams and loving every minute of it. I have met other people who have been through unbelievably tough times but considered themselves successful in having survived it all. They looked forward with great expectancy for the future because their past was now behind them.

Life is what you make of it. Perhaps you didn’t choose the ingredients, but the pot of stew you create is up to you. It’s not a matter of ‘luck.’ You create your own ‘luck’ by having the right attitude and allowing the good things to happen. We are all magnets and attract to ourselves people, circumstances and events based on our attitudes and beliefs. How is your ‘attractor factor?” A good test is to ask yourself how much energy you put on thinking or worrying about a problem instead of the possible solutions.

In The News

Colins Imoh (Nigeria)

IIGL Vice President, Colins Imoh is founder/director of “Protect Our Future” an organization located in Port Harcourth in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. POI is dedicated to social transformation, with peace building and training in conflict management being major components of the project. Recently, in cooperation with four other organizations, POF sponsored a Peace Camp in the Niger delta, the richest oil producing state of Nigeria and the scene of a good deal of violence. The primary goal of the Peace Camp was to build a culture of peace and democracy among youth in the country by training students and teachers in conflict

mediation and the basic tenets of democratic process. For more information, contact Colins at imohcolins@yahoo.com or go to www.protectourfuture.org

What Our Students Are Saying

Edwin Akpan Joel (Nigeria)
I have faced so many problems in my life. And when these problems came, I always blamed everything conceivable and curse the day I was born – that was before. My thinking and life changed when I started reading the IIGL books and learnt that whatever problem I am facing in my life is being sent to instruct and not to obstruct me. The knowledge that man is where he is that he may learn to grow is one of the most powerful lessons I have learnt in my life. It’s not only changed my life, but also the lives of the people I mentor.

Students In Action

Dozie Nwankodu (Nigeria)

mation, contact Dozie at doxcomm@yahoo.com

What Our Students Are Reading

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones For Success

(John C. Maxwell)

The author of 24 books on maximizing personal and leadership potential, John C. Maxwell believes “the difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.” In Failing Forward, he offers inspirational advice for turning the difficulties that inevitably arise in life into stepping stones that help you reach the top. Noting that star performers are often those who aggressively push forward after encountering adversity, Maxwell shows how a variety of well-known and not-so-well-known people have forged ahead despite obstacles that could have derailed them.

Meet Our New Students

We are please to welcome five new active students this during February. They are from Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Mary Anderson (Ghana)

I am a female and a Ghanaian from Elmina in the Central region of Ghana, but currently reside in Kumasi. Upon graduating from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on October 10, 2009, after a 6 year study, I am currently an optometry intern at the St. Michael’s Hospital in Pramso in the Bosomtwe Atwima Kwanwoma district of the Ashanti region of Ghana. While in the University I was one of the founding members of the HIV\AIDS Prevention and Campaign society of the Pax Romana, UCC local and continued as an active member throughout my stay on campus. This society aimed at promoting a high sense of morality among the youth of Cape Coast and Central region as a way to curb the HIV/AIDS menace. More often, I served as a facilitator for our programmes. I proposed and worked out a modality for contributing towards the welfare of the Central regional HIV\AIDS unit of the Central regional hospital. This was done by way of a semesterly donation to the unit. As the adage goes, charity begins at home, and this was made practical by our group when we proposed and established the decent dressing award for females in the Pax Romana, UCC local; this was aimed at promoting modesty among the ladies of the church within the University campus. As a member of the Optometry Student’s Association of Ghana, (OSAG) UCC local we undertook a number of out reach programmes aimed at promoting eye and visual health. My goals are numerous in this life, some short term and others long term. One of which I dream and work so fervently to achieve, is to be in one of the high offices of the United Nations one day. I dream of owning an NGO that serves the needs of adolescents from poor families and a University that offers only two streams of programmes, namely health sciences (medecine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, radiology and medical laboratory

Modibo Dembele (Mali/USA)

My name is M. Modibo Dembele. I ‘am living in US since 2004. I graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor’s in law from the National College of Administration of Bamako in Mali. From 1997 till my arrival in USA in 2004, I taught law, French, ethics, history as well Geography to several Malian private and public schools; all while I was holding a full time job at the City Hall of the District of Bamako as a Legal Advisor to the Mayor. Moreover, I got chance to work as a Social Worker, Freelance journalist. In May 2008, I graduated with an MBA from the University of District of Columbia, USA. For the upcoming fall, I ‘am planning to attend The George Washington University Law School LLM program in Comparative and International Law. I worked as a Law Enforcement Personnel in The George Washington University Police Department. In terms of extracurricular activities , I presided over Malian Immigrants Association in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. As of now, I am the President of an upcoming NGO called ” DEME-USA. Inc” and a member of the not-for profit organization World Citizens Coalition for Children and the Malian Young Lawyer Convention. I also gained multi-tasking skills. To this point, much of what I have learned about governance issues has come through my hands-on experiences. Being a Legal Advisor to the Mayor in a developing country gave me an opportunity to do some comparative study on governance issues, especially corruption and bureaucracy. I tried to influence political practices in my immediate environment through hard work and transparency. I got stuck on numerous barriers; resistance to change was a major one. That was one of the most challenging moments of my lifetime, and taught me a lesson that I will never ever forget… On the other hand, I also realized that my ability to motivate others could lead to significant political achievements. As hobbies, I like reading, writing poems, travelling and excursions. I played soccer and practice martials arts (Taekwondo and Aikido) and I’am a CPR trained. Moreover, I like listening to music as well as dancing and I belief in Universal Peace.

Rotimi Kolade (Nigeria)

I come from a family of seven, three boys and four girls I happen to be the Eldest child and my parent are low income earners and they are still together as at now. We have our problems though but we still love each other. I have a business that I am building right now, and the business is “Book publishing”. Now we have a book in the market that is doing fairly good but I want more. My dreams in life are; to be among the best business men in Africa and the world at large, to be one of the most charitable person in the world and 1st in Africa and to have my own business that have branches all around the world.

Favorite books; Sophie’s world by Jostens Gardner, Lion and the Jewel by Prof. Wole Shoyinka, The prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Rich Dad poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Cracking The Millionaire Code by Mark Hansen and Paul Allen, Awaken The Giant Within by Anthony Robbins, 7 Habits by Stephen R Covey. Favorite Movies, Romeo & Juliet, Titanic, August Rush, Matrix.

My Career Goals – I want to build the best publishing company in West Africa. I want to build the largest emission reduction project in Africa. I want to develop at least five successful businesses in the next 20 years from now. I want to travel to see mountain Everest before i clocked 30 and maybe i could climb it to e certain height. I want to take my kids to visit Disney’s land. I want my children to be educated in the best university at the world. I want to be able to be ranked among the richest in the world.

Adventure Goals – I want to own a helicopter: deadline (7years) this will enable me to travel and execute business without delay or traffic hold back. I want to travel to Fiji Island. I want to have my personal adventure Island. I want to have my personal Ship and a private Jet. I want to own my own personal castle and i want it close to water. And be able to view the sunset. I want to own a music studio so i can record my own personal music and help those who love to sing good timeless music record theirs too.

Achieving these goals will help in boosting my career profile which will affect my moral positively and it will make me to be more confident in myself, i could go out there with the satisfaction that there will be no educational barrier in accomplishing my heart desire both with friends and in business world.

Okolie, Alfred Cosmas (Nigeira)

I am first and foremost a unique person, from DELTA STATE, in the south-south part of Nigeria, known as the Niger-Delta I was born on the 11th December to Mr. and Dr.(Mrs.) Raymond O. A Banwuna, a graduate of Petroleum Engineering, of the University of Benin. Astute and highly analytical, I aspire to be a senator in future, an opportunity I will take to touch lives in a wide Society, I love travelling a lot, having visited almost 20 states of the 36 states in Nigeria and some African countries such as Ghana, Benin Republic and Ivory Coast, as a result I am multilingual, I love leadership programs and positions which resulted in my holding key positions in various student bodies while in school, such as member of congress (Chief Whip, Deputy chairman Welfare Committee) NUESA (Nigerian Universities Engineering Student Association), member of Parliament (welfare committee, SUG) welfare director (student union Government) I love GOD and try to be simple and Honest in all I do. I welcome any opportunity to serve my fellow man which has endeared me to my friends, I love soccer, athletics, volley ball, swimming etc. when am not doing any of the said hobbies, I am either reading a novel(Fictions, Adventures) or watching movies, any movie or novel that builds my creative imagination gets my nod…. Cosmas ROCN (Resident Ordinary Citizen of Nigeria)

Harriet Opondo (Uganda)

I believe one of the hardest things is to describe ourselves but well let me attempt, I’m a trained Social worker and I currently work as a Social worker for Watoto child care ministries which is a organization that looks after Orphans and other vulnerable children in Kampala, Uganda. I love my job because it enable to me to make a difference in a child’s life everyday, it could be just giving a warm smile, a big hug or rescuing a child from a life threatening situation. My job also reminds me that I have a lot to be grateful to God for, as I watch people longing for things that God has blessed me with like joy and happiness. I love to work with children because they allow me to be myself and to actually be silly in some days as I play and giggle with them. I believe that children are fascinating and have a lot to teach us about life. I enjoy reading, almost anything stories, to religious and inspirational books, my favorite authors are Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, John C. Maxwell, Bill Hybels, Karren Kingsbury, Myles Munroe and Dr. Gary Chapman. Reading helps me to learn and relax as well. I guess this explains why I enjoyed literature while in High school. I love Drama and has been a member of the Drama team at my church since I was in High school and has been part of about five major plays where I played a lead role. I particularly enjoy doing parts that are not like me and that allows me to fully use my emotions! I enjoy listening to music and singing though I enjoy singing in the comfort of my bathroom and my bedroom. Singing soothes my soul and helps me to focus on God. I love Gospel, inspirational and Jazz music. My favorite artists are Bebo Norman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Hillsong and Shawn Grooves. I do write poetry, I have written about seventy poems that I actually enjoy reading as well as sharing with close friends, I enjoy classical poetry and the one that talk about God and life in general. I have been involved in leadership especially within my church community where I used to lead other student fellowships while at university and right now I lead a fellowship within my community, this has developed my leadership capacity and turned the naturally introverted person that Iam into a more outgoing person that I’m becoming. I come from a typical African family, to avoid a cultural shock to many of you I won’t tell you how many siblings I have bit I’m my mother’s last child and I grew up in a fun and loving home, a favorite of many of my older siblings. Last but not least, I’m a Christian and my relationship with God is the most important aspect of my life, I think I have the best church community one can have, church is a big part of my life. It has taught me bond and love those outside my biological family. My philosophy in life is ‘Life is what you make it’ I take a day at a time and do all that I do with passion. Life is never a straight line, however the valleys teach us a lot and help us grew in character and strength.

Bekithemba Madzivayika (Zimbabwe)

I am a vibrant, dynamic, principled and self motivated Zimbabwean young man who has a belief of being one of tomorrow’s great leaders. I have always believed that if I want to be where ever I want I should not be a follower but a leader because when following you live by the vision of the leader. I have always been in love to have people listen to me as much as I listen to them. I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Operations Research and statistics with the National University of Science and Technology. I respect people in as much as I want to be respected myself. I am a young man who has learnt to invest my time with men who inspire, invest my time with men who produce and of course invest my talent with men who create. In short I believe in the mentorship subject. I live on Zig Ziglars’ words that “Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with seeds for greatness” I am a dreamer and action man looking forward to be the top of the history when I am long gone. I see myself the owner of a Multi-Billion worth business.

I have never traveled much but it’s not long before I set my foot on my dream places like USA, Canada, France, Australia and Japan only to mention a few. My favorite movie of all time is “The Pursuit of Happiness (Will Smith). I have read some few books beginning with the Holy Bible, Think Big by MD Ben Carson and It’s time to unleash your greatness by Milton Kamwendo. I am looking forward to reading Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill; Robert Kiyosaki’s The richest man in Babylon and The Rich dad Poor dad series of books. I am currently a board member for the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe Cowdray Park Central Young People’s Union and moving towards becoming the Youth Leader for the same Board. I am also the Managing Director of a small young men’s project that was found in November 2008, BQT Graphics. To my friends and relatives I always say “see you at the top” because I know I rightfully belong there. Being part of IIGL is the first step towards my rise and I believe in no time I will see myself there.

Thanks!

We extend a special thanks to the following 24 individuals and/or organizations from four countries who contributed to IIGL during February. Your ongoing support makes this work possible.

Deb Silver (Israel)

Edmee DiPauli (UK)

Lale Eterm (Turkey)

Lily Ann (USA/NC)

Deb Rosen (USA/WI)

Ron Walker (USA/VA)

Margie Tice (USA/NC)

David Banner (USA/NC)

Marsha Clark (USA/CA)

Dina Kushnir (USA/NY)

Corine Wilson (USA.FL)

Heidi Stewart (USA.NC)

Marsha Shearer (USA/FL)

Julie Loosbrock (USA/WI)

Gregory Burazer (USA/NC)

John Hornecker (USA/CA)

Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ)

Jesse Syverson (USA/WA)

Candace Schwam (USA/WI)

Unity of Huntsville (USA/AL)

Rommy Banaszczyk (USA/AZ)

Michael Lightweaver (USA/NC)

Wanda Gail Campbell (USA/AL)

Janae & Barry Weinhold (USA/NC)

Student Progress

We had 21 students from 9 countries complete a total of 38 books in February. These students were from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Togo, Uganda, USA & Zimbabwe.

Ntobo, Valentine (Cameroon)

* The New Dynamics of Winning

Mary Anderson (Ghana)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Collins Odhiambo (Kenya)

· Keys to Succcess

· Giant Steps

Erick Omari (Kenya)

· Power of Intention

Modibo Dembele (Mali/USA)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Joseph Phillip Abue (Nigeria)

· The Ecology Of Commerce

· The Art & Craft of Feature Writing

· What God Wants

· You Can’t Eat GNP

Akpan, Joel (Nigeria)

· Keys to Success

Ayoade, Anthony Ayodeji (Nigeria)

· Real Magic

Afere, Lawrence (Nigeria)

· Demystifying Grant Seeking

Reis, Pius (Nigeria)

· Unlimited Power

· Power Of Intention

Rotimi, Isaac Kolade (Nigeria)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Okolie, Alfred Cosmas (Nigeria)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Elebiju, Sunday (Nigeria)

· Giant Steps

· The Winning Attitude

· Real Magic

· How To Win Friends

Ijalana, Olubunmi (Nigeria)

· Real Magic

Davui, Kosi (Togo)

* Money & The Law Of Attraction

Lindholm, Lindzee (USA)

· PsychoCybernetics

Babirye, Prima Maria (Uganda(

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Bisanda, Immaculate Vivien (Uganda)

· The Winning Attitude

Opongo, Harriet (Uganda)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Kirabo, Noeline (Uganda)

· Goal Setting 101

Kisangala, Andrew (Uganda)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Bekithemba Madzivanyika (Zimbabwe)

· Jonathan Livingston Seagull

· As A Man Thinketh

Graduates

The following student(s) complete one level of study last month:

Sunday Elebiju Tope (Nigeria)

Level One

Statistics

New Enrollments

6 enrolled in February

16 enrolled in 2010

Book Assessments

38 in February

69 in 2010

Books Shipped

12 in February

48 in 2010

Cost of books

$215.58 in February

$736.88 in 2010

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