3 minutes before the hour and there are people who actually care about what happens in the world.
It is a very refreshing pleasure to welcome Jonathan McKee to our studio today. I always look forward to reading Jonathan's powerful, youth focused, eZine which is published by his outstanding organization, The Source for Youth Ministry.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
We are www.TheSourceforYouthMinistry.com
We love impacting the lives of kids around the world. And one of the best ways we found to do that is by equipping youth workers who are working with these kids. So our ministry's goal is threefold: Speaking to kids, Training student and adult leaders, and Providing Free Resources on our web site.
What role do you play in your organization?
I am the president, founder, janitor and best boy.
As a successful person, how did you get started?
I started on the front lines as a youth worker. I was a volunteer in the church, then I worked with Youth for Christ reaching "unchurched" kids for almost 10 years. When I looked on the web for some free resources, I found few . . . almost none. I thought, "What a shame. I have a whole file cabinet full of curriculum and ideas that I've developed over the years. Why don't people share these things?" So I did. And the web site was a hit. So we started doing it full time.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
By God's grace. Actually, I've learned about 100 ways how NOT to succeed over the last decade. But slowly, I'm learning a few things that work in youth ministry. And I'm trying to share those ideas with as many people as possible.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I love just hanging out with my family . . . my wife Lori, and my three kids, Alec, Alyssa and Ashley. They're awesome. We like family bike rides, back pack trips . . . or just piling on the coach with popcorn and a movie.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
Eating Pizza! Pizza has made me the man I am!
But I guess I’d also say working with kids on campus. Kids across the globe are hurting and looking for someone to notice them. As I spent years on campus meeting kids and investing time into their lives . . . my life was changed. God used me to share his love with kids. And there's no greater joy than being used by God to make a difference.
What are your concerns about the world today?
MTV. Have you seen that crap?
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Yeah . . . don’t swing your 5 year old around in circles after she just finished eating a spaghetti dinner.
And don't ever stop learning. The successful people I know are teachable. When I meet a guy who "knows all the answers" . . . I meet someone who's reached their limit. Go into every situation trying to learn something. Everyone has something to offer. (yes, some less than others)
Which people have been role models to you?
Ray Johnston, Jim Burns, Chap Clark . . . and Napoleon Dynamite.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
My top 10 favorite books are listed on my web site on the left hand side bar: www.TheSourc4YM.com. My least favorite computer program is Microsoft Word because it can spell and format better than me. My favorite entertainment has to be movies. I’m sort of a movie fanatic. But everyone knows that from my movie review page: www.thesource4ym.com/moviereviews
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
My 7 year old came home from church the other day and told me how she really wants to trust God with her actions. I asked her if that meant that she would stop talking about how the cat’s butt rises when you pet it. She agreed.
The greatest joy in my life is when I see my own kids following Christ. I love it when I see “a light go on” during a family devotions time or when I see my son put $5 out of his pocket to give to a homeless person on the street. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Jonathan McKee
The Source for Youth Ministry
www.TheSource4YM.com
Monday, February 28, 2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Max Ramirez, President of Max Media Worldwide
It 15 minutes before the hour and somewhere in the world people are working collaboratively to raise each other up.
Joining us in our studio is Max Ramirez, President of Max Media Worldwide and Director of New York Entrepreneurs Network. Max is an extemely motivating and inspiring person I have the awesome pleasure of knowing. His organized networking events have empowered the business community in New York City by stimulating growth with positive associations formulated between business owners and professionals.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Max Media Worldwide is one of the nation's fastest growing, 100% Hispanic owned; marketing consulting firms based in New York. They specialize in developing customized campaigns to generate immediate product sales, increased advertising response or enhanced brand-identity for your company’s product or service. For more info, visit our website www.maxmw.com or call us at 212-591-0004.
What role do you play in your organization?
Max Ramirez, President & Chief Marketing Officer
As a successful person, how did you get started?
I have always had the drive to succeed. I started working real hard at a very young age and then decided to work smart. In the past I felt that if I got educated and worked hard I would really climb the corporate ladder and be successful. Although, that wasn't the case. I worked for several well-known advertising and media companies and felt there was a need to offer more to clients than just a specific media vehicle. In addition, the huge advertising agencies were going after the typical "ACME" advertisers and were ignoring the small businesses in the community. That's when I said, I'll help out that small company grow and not only offer them radio. I'll offer them radio, TV, print, creative and consulting. Booom a package that will help their company with increased sales and brand image.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
By working hard every day and staying focused on achieving my goals.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I love spending quality time by myself since I'm single. Weekend getaways are always fun. At the same time, I look for new business.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person? Seeing my family just live an average life has made me work harder every day.
What are your concerns about the world today?
Unity. Everyone is just out for himself or herself. We need to touch as many people as we can. By giving back to our community and simply by sharing a few encouraging words to your teenage neighbor next door. I have been actively involved as a motivational speaker to various local local high schools and colleges in New York City. In addition, I started an organization called the New York Entrepreneurs Network www.nyen.org. We have built a community of entrepreneurs in NYC, where they meet on a monthly basis to share ideas and support each other.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? (Consider money as no object)
I will see to it that every child has the opportunity to a great education and get the support to achieve what he/she wants to become.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Everyone has his or her own way of thinking and personality. All I can suggest is to don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people willing to help. If you don't ask - you don't get!
Are people more interesting than product stories?Absolutely.
We make the product, not the other way around.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Max Media Worldwide offices in every location I own property.New York, Miami, California, Chicago, Texas, Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
It's been a challenge building my team. When you are small it's hard to find dedicated and talented people to work for you. They don't see the big picture.
Which people have been role models to you?
Definitely not Trump. hahaha! I don't admire people that always had the good life and had riches passed down to them. Anyone can hire a good public relations firm or team up with someone like Mark Burnett to produce their reality show. I like to hear and read about true success - starting with nothing, from the bottom - up!
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment? I read most books on self-improvement, successful entrepreneurs, motivational tapes by Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins. Entertainment hmmmmmmmm, I am entertainment. hahaha. I love the nightlife scene. As much as I try to run away from it, it keeps coming back. That is why I am looking for an investor to partner with me on a few nightlife ventures.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
It's the little things in life that give me the greatest satisfaction...
Joining us in our studio is Max Ramirez, President of Max Media Worldwide and Director of New York Entrepreneurs Network. Max is an extemely motivating and inspiring person I have the awesome pleasure of knowing. His organized networking events have empowered the business community in New York City by stimulating growth with positive associations formulated between business owners and professionals.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Max Media Worldwide is one of the nation's fastest growing, 100% Hispanic owned; marketing consulting firms based in New York. They specialize in developing customized campaigns to generate immediate product sales, increased advertising response or enhanced brand-identity for your company’s product or service. For more info, visit our website www.maxmw.com or call us at 212-591-0004.
What role do you play in your organization?
Max Ramirez, President & Chief Marketing Officer
As a successful person, how did you get started?
I have always had the drive to succeed. I started working real hard at a very young age and then decided to work smart. In the past I felt that if I got educated and worked hard I would really climb the corporate ladder and be successful. Although, that wasn't the case. I worked for several well-known advertising and media companies and felt there was a need to offer more to clients than just a specific media vehicle. In addition, the huge advertising agencies were going after the typical "ACME" advertisers and were ignoring the small businesses in the community. That's when I said, I'll help out that small company grow and not only offer them radio. I'll offer them radio, TV, print, creative and consulting. Booom a package that will help their company with increased sales and brand image.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
By working hard every day and staying focused on achieving my goals.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I love spending quality time by myself since I'm single. Weekend getaways are always fun. At the same time, I look for new business.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person? Seeing my family just live an average life has made me work harder every day.
What are your concerns about the world today?
Unity. Everyone is just out for himself or herself. We need to touch as many people as we can. By giving back to our community and simply by sharing a few encouraging words to your teenage neighbor next door. I have been actively involved as a motivational speaker to various local local high schools and colleges in New York City. In addition, I started an organization called the New York Entrepreneurs Network www.nyen.org. We have built a community of entrepreneurs in NYC, where they meet on a monthly basis to share ideas and support each other.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? (Consider money as no object)
I will see to it that every child has the opportunity to a great education and get the support to achieve what he/she wants to become.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Everyone has his or her own way of thinking and personality. All I can suggest is to don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people willing to help. If you don't ask - you don't get!
Are people more interesting than product stories?Absolutely.
We make the product, not the other way around.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Max Media Worldwide offices in every location I own property.New York, Miami, California, Chicago, Texas, Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
It's been a challenge building my team. When you are small it's hard to find dedicated and talented people to work for you. They don't see the big picture.
Which people have been role models to you?
Definitely not Trump. hahaha! I don't admire people that always had the good life and had riches passed down to them. Anyone can hire a good public relations firm or team up with someone like Mark Burnett to produce their reality show. I like to hear and read about true success - starting with nothing, from the bottom - up!
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment? I read most books on self-improvement, successful entrepreneurs, motivational tapes by Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins. Entertainment hmmmmmmmm, I am entertainment. hahaha. I love the nightlife scene. As much as I try to run away from it, it keeps coming back. That is why I am looking for an investor to partner with me on a few nightlife ventures.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
It's the little things in life that give me the greatest satisfaction...
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Ali T. Curi, President & Founder of Hispanic Professionals Networking Group
It's 10 minutes before the hour. Smile today. It's contagious.
I recently had the opportunity to meet a very dynamic individual, Ali T. Curi. His energy and genuine interest in making me feel comfortable at a HPNG G event was very heart warming. I'm excited about HPNG being on the move in various states throughout the United States with a focus on empowering Latino professionals. Thanx for joining our show today Ali.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Hispanic Professionals Networking Group, we mostly go by HPNG www.hpng.net. We're a networking group for Hispanic professionals of all industries. We also ask Latino leaders to speak at our events to share their personal story and tell us what their organization or company is doing for the Hispanic community. We've been around for almost two years.
What role do you play in your organization?
I'm the President and Founder - Ali@hpng.net
As a successful person, how did you get started?
I just acted. I didn't give it too much thought, otherwise I'd still be thinking about it. Success is also the sum of all parts, so I'd say my fellow co-founders of HPNG were instrumental in helping me succeed. Don't think about how tough its going to be, think about how to solve the problem.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
Sounds cliche, but never giving up. You have to keep your "eye on the prize" in order to know there will be success in two months or two years. The lesson however, is to get up everday and putting in a few more hours and few more ideas.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
Personal activities...? What's that? Because I work in events, quiet time is always special. I enjoy doing things in the Summer, but otherwise, I'm usually pretty focused on "the prize." What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person? Experiencing everything at least once. I really gives you a different perspective than playing it "safe." The trick is to learn from it and applying the lessons.
What are your concerns about the world today?
That we don't portray enough young people as role models for our future leaders. That being mean, vengeful and spiteful, as portrayed in "reality" shows, is considered accepted behavior.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
I'd like have an organization that offers people to take an all-expense paid "time off" from their lives to do 3 things they've always wanted to do. That would make me happy, to see others taking action towards their dreams, writing a book, exploring Africa, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'd go with them on the safari.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Don't hang around negative people, they will drain you. Hang around positive, hard-working people, they will inspire you.
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Some are, but I've met a few where I'd rather hear about product stories. But as a whole, yes, the people factor ranks up there.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
My professional goals are to have an HPNG Chapter in every major city in the U.S. with a high Hispanic population. We're opening our Miami Chapter in April of this year. I believe you can't build unity until people really take time to talk to each other. All this great technology will never replace the experience of, let's say, a networking event where you "connect" at a different level than online communications.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Re-assuring people that connecting in person is a good thing.
Which people have been role models to you?
My dad and Professor Carl Sagan. I learned from my father that people will know when you're truly happy with yourself, in turn, those good feelings are contagious. I learned from Dr. Sagan to look at the skies and seek inspiration.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
I love reading biographies about famous people. I have a facination with Andy Warhol.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
My family, my friends and HPNG. In that order.
Ali T. Curi, President HPNG New York
Email: ali@hpng.net
www.hpng.net
I recently had the opportunity to meet a very dynamic individual, Ali T. Curi. His energy and genuine interest in making me feel comfortable at a HPNG G event was very heart warming. I'm excited about HPNG being on the move in various states throughout the United States with a focus on empowering Latino professionals. Thanx for joining our show today Ali.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Hispanic Professionals Networking Group, we mostly go by HPNG www.hpng.net. We're a networking group for Hispanic professionals of all industries. We also ask Latino leaders to speak at our events to share their personal story and tell us what their organization or company is doing for the Hispanic community. We've been around for almost two years.
What role do you play in your organization?
I'm the President and Founder - Ali@hpng.net
As a successful person, how did you get started?
I just acted. I didn't give it too much thought, otherwise I'd still be thinking about it. Success is also the sum of all parts, so I'd say my fellow co-founders of HPNG were instrumental in helping me succeed. Don't think about how tough its going to be, think about how to solve the problem.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
Sounds cliche, but never giving up. You have to keep your "eye on the prize" in order to know there will be success in two months or two years. The lesson however, is to get up everday and putting in a few more hours and few more ideas.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
Personal activities...? What's that? Because I work in events, quiet time is always special. I enjoy doing things in the Summer, but otherwise, I'm usually pretty focused on "the prize." What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person? Experiencing everything at least once. I really gives you a different perspective than playing it "safe." The trick is to learn from it and applying the lessons.
What are your concerns about the world today?
That we don't portray enough young people as role models for our future leaders. That being mean, vengeful and spiteful, as portrayed in "reality" shows, is considered accepted behavior.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
I'd like have an organization that offers people to take an all-expense paid "time off" from their lives to do 3 things they've always wanted to do. That would make me happy, to see others taking action towards their dreams, writing a book, exploring Africa, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'd go with them on the safari.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Don't hang around negative people, they will drain you. Hang around positive, hard-working people, they will inspire you.
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Some are, but I've met a few where I'd rather hear about product stories. But as a whole, yes, the people factor ranks up there.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
My professional goals are to have an HPNG Chapter in every major city in the U.S. with a high Hispanic population. We're opening our Miami Chapter in April of this year. I believe you can't build unity until people really take time to talk to each other. All this great technology will never replace the experience of, let's say, a networking event where you "connect" at a different level than online communications.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Re-assuring people that connecting in person is a good thing.
Which people have been role models to you?
My dad and Professor Carl Sagan. I learned from my father that people will know when you're truly happy with yourself, in turn, those good feelings are contagious. I learned from Dr. Sagan to look at the skies and seek inspiration.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
I love reading biographies about famous people. I have a facination with Andy Warhol.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
My family, my friends and HPNG. In that order.
Ali T. Curi, President HPNG New York
Email: ali@hpng.net
www.hpng.net
Richard Wolodkowicz, Information Technology Project Manager
It's 25 minutes after the hour. Make today count!!
We are joined in our studio today by a gentleman I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing for almost 2 decades. Richard Wolodkowicz is an excellent role model that exemplifies being able to continuously create a balance between his family and his career. Richard has taught me many things that not only enhanced my career in the Information Technology field, but allowed me to develop better interpersonal skills with people relationships. Thanx Richard for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today.
What profession / industry are you in?
Ok that’s a bit tricky, currently I am in the information technology industry supporting the banking industry.
I work in a global investment bank as an Information Technology Project Manager with 8 people reporting to me. We develop applications to support the Compliance department of this global investment bank.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
Really, this goes back to my college days… I was a math major in college and abhorred the idea of going the statistics tract so I took the Computer option… and the rest as they say is history.
I took a job as a systems analyst in 1986 working for the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation and never left IT.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I don’t know for sure that I know what it takes to succeed. I’ve been very lucky in my career; I’ve always worked hard and done what’s been asked of me and somehow it all turned out for the good.
If you believe that “luck is the residue of design” I can attribute any success I have to my work ethic and my focus. Hard work never goes unnoticed and managers appreciate hard working employees as it makes their job easier.
Add to this that as learning beings our experience is a huge contributor, I’ve learned what I like from the good managers, and how not to behave from the poor managers.
What family activities do you enjoy?
All of them! With two boys I find any sports related activity is always fun, my daughter has taught me that bottle-feeding her “baby” is still a dad’s job… But my favorite family activity is dinner. It’s the time for everybody to share their experiences and get reacquainted.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
There was a time when an answer to this question would include things like Golf (I love golf), fishing, pleasure reading, or even a little bit of television, but currently, all of my spare time is filled with schoolwork. I have always loved to learn and a degree is just another way to formalize study time.
Learning has always been foremost in my endeavors so it is currently the thing I like to do with my spare time.
What are your concerns about the world today?
Outsourcing. Period. End of sentence. My greatest concern today is outsourcing. Not because of the off shoring of work to places like India, Russia or the Phillipines. These are industrious countries seeking to improve their own status. My concern stems from the question “What will the United States become?”
We started the industrial revolution. When low cost providers like, the far east, emerged, we became a service industry. Now we are outsourcing that service component to other low cost providers. What will the United States become when this is outsourced?
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
First, I’d complete my education, with no concern for work or tuition reimbursement. I’d buy two homes, one on the beach and one in the mountains, I’d establish college educations for all my children, and then with a clear mind I would start my own business.
With three children, feeding those little mouths comes first, and for me, the best way to do this is with the security of a job. However, if money were no object, I would certainly open my own business.
If you were to ask “what type of business?” well this is a little different. I don’t have all the specifics… It would have to be a consulting business so I could set my hours.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Find a mentor! Mentors are key to your success. They help by providing a sounding board, act as neutral observers, and should be both open and honest with you. These people will help you rationalize your thoughts and feelings.
Second, I talk about feelings, now this may sound strange, but in the business world you must be in touch with your feelings. What does this mean? If you understand your emotional position, you can better control it. Conversely, if you understand your opponent’s emotional position you can move them in your direction.
Who is your favorite sports team?
I have always been a faithful football fan, and to that end I have followed the Dallas Cowboys continuously. I grew up in a time when the Cowboys were consistent winners and as a young impressionable child, my admiration for the team has only grown.
After all, consider the fact that Jerry Jones (the Cowboys Owner) is a financial genius. In a time when the National Football League would not allow teams to serve any soda other than Coke in their stadiums, due to a contractual agreement; Jerry Jones was the first owner to separate the Stadium from the Team and contract Pepsi with the Stadium, not the Cowboys. Loophole? Maybe! Outside the spirit of the contract? Possibly! Genius? Definitely!
Add to this that the team is a perennial winner, and how could you not love the ‘boys?
Are people more interesting than product stories?
People make product stories, so Yes, people are more interesting that product stories. There will always be the story of the man who invented the widget, and Yes the widget is mildly interesting but it’s the work that went into the product, the personal struggle for success, the human factor and the will the achieve that is valuable.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Currently, I’m pursuing a Doctorate of Management so all my future goals begin with Doctor. Once I complete my degree, my primary objective will be to harvest that education through the appropriate marketing and sale of my dissertation (I wish I could talk more on this but it will have to wait).
The appropriate harvesting of my education should lead to improved opportunities, modified employment, and yes, hopefully, more money.
What obstacles do you have overcome to achieve your goals?
I think the biggest obstacle is time. I need a 36 hour day, time for everyone who requires it like the children, time for work, time for leisure, time for school, time to plan, time to execute.
Which people have been role models to you?
Role models aren’t hard to find in my life. Somehow, I have always found someone whom I could emulate.
During my first job out of college, I met a man whose leadership skill was evident (at least to me.) An educated man, with a strong personality, whose military background enhanced his inborn leadership traits; a leader in both business and his personal life.
This man has many leadership qualities; to this day, I still use him as a mentor in various different situations. I think the first leadership quality that I identified in him was the fact that he took initiative; he never shied from a challenge and always rose to meet it. He is transformational and boundaryless. I couldn’t think of a stronger person.
My wife is another, I’ve learned that there is no harder job than that of a stay-at-home mom. She inspires me!
Oh, the transformational leader above is Carl E. Reid.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
As much as I like to read my favorite form of entertainment is television and movies. I just love a good movie. Unfortunately at this time, I haven’t watched television for over a year due to my current school work.
When I do find the time for pleasure reading, my favorites are real life stories, fiction only mildly entertains me. Books I enjoy run the gamut from Richard Feynman (Nobel Physicist) to Leading with the Heart by Coach Mike Krzyzewski, to any real life mafia related history book.
What time of the day are you at your best?
I function best in the morning. I’m at my peak at the start of the day and seem to slowly wind down as the day progresses. Some of this is the influence of work, some of it the influence of children, some of it just a natural process, but I get my best work done before lunch.
We are joined in our studio today by a gentleman I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing for almost 2 decades. Richard Wolodkowicz is an excellent role model that exemplifies being able to continuously create a balance between his family and his career. Richard has taught me many things that not only enhanced my career in the Information Technology field, but allowed me to develop better interpersonal skills with people relationships. Thanx Richard for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today.
What profession / industry are you in?
Ok that’s a bit tricky, currently I am in the information technology industry supporting the banking industry.
I work in a global investment bank as an Information Technology Project Manager with 8 people reporting to me. We develop applications to support the Compliance department of this global investment bank.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
Really, this goes back to my college days… I was a math major in college and abhorred the idea of going the statistics tract so I took the Computer option… and the rest as they say is history.
I took a job as a systems analyst in 1986 working for the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation and never left IT.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I don’t know for sure that I know what it takes to succeed. I’ve been very lucky in my career; I’ve always worked hard and done what’s been asked of me and somehow it all turned out for the good.
If you believe that “luck is the residue of design” I can attribute any success I have to my work ethic and my focus. Hard work never goes unnoticed and managers appreciate hard working employees as it makes their job easier.
Add to this that as learning beings our experience is a huge contributor, I’ve learned what I like from the good managers, and how not to behave from the poor managers.
What family activities do you enjoy?
All of them! With two boys I find any sports related activity is always fun, my daughter has taught me that bottle-feeding her “baby” is still a dad’s job… But my favorite family activity is dinner. It’s the time for everybody to share their experiences and get reacquainted.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
There was a time when an answer to this question would include things like Golf (I love golf), fishing, pleasure reading, or even a little bit of television, but currently, all of my spare time is filled with schoolwork. I have always loved to learn and a degree is just another way to formalize study time.
Learning has always been foremost in my endeavors so it is currently the thing I like to do with my spare time.
What are your concerns about the world today?
Outsourcing. Period. End of sentence. My greatest concern today is outsourcing. Not because of the off shoring of work to places like India, Russia or the Phillipines. These are industrious countries seeking to improve their own status. My concern stems from the question “What will the United States become?”
We started the industrial revolution. When low cost providers like, the far east, emerged, we became a service industry. Now we are outsourcing that service component to other low cost providers. What will the United States become when this is outsourced?
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
First, I’d complete my education, with no concern for work or tuition reimbursement. I’d buy two homes, one on the beach and one in the mountains, I’d establish college educations for all my children, and then with a clear mind I would start my own business.
With three children, feeding those little mouths comes first, and for me, the best way to do this is with the security of a job. However, if money were no object, I would certainly open my own business.
If you were to ask “what type of business?” well this is a little different. I don’t have all the specifics… It would have to be a consulting business so I could set my hours.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Find a mentor! Mentors are key to your success. They help by providing a sounding board, act as neutral observers, and should be both open and honest with you. These people will help you rationalize your thoughts and feelings.
Second, I talk about feelings, now this may sound strange, but in the business world you must be in touch with your feelings. What does this mean? If you understand your emotional position, you can better control it. Conversely, if you understand your opponent’s emotional position you can move them in your direction.
Who is your favorite sports team?
I have always been a faithful football fan, and to that end I have followed the Dallas Cowboys continuously. I grew up in a time when the Cowboys were consistent winners and as a young impressionable child, my admiration for the team has only grown.
After all, consider the fact that Jerry Jones (the Cowboys Owner) is a financial genius. In a time when the National Football League would not allow teams to serve any soda other than Coke in their stadiums, due to a contractual agreement; Jerry Jones was the first owner to separate the Stadium from the Team and contract Pepsi with the Stadium, not the Cowboys. Loophole? Maybe! Outside the spirit of the contract? Possibly! Genius? Definitely!
Add to this that the team is a perennial winner, and how could you not love the ‘boys?
Are people more interesting than product stories?
People make product stories, so Yes, people are more interesting that product stories. There will always be the story of the man who invented the widget, and Yes the widget is mildly interesting but it’s the work that went into the product, the personal struggle for success, the human factor and the will the achieve that is valuable.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Currently, I’m pursuing a Doctorate of Management so all my future goals begin with Doctor. Once I complete my degree, my primary objective will be to harvest that education through the appropriate marketing and sale of my dissertation (I wish I could talk more on this but it will have to wait).
The appropriate harvesting of my education should lead to improved opportunities, modified employment, and yes, hopefully, more money.
What obstacles do you have overcome to achieve your goals?
I think the biggest obstacle is time. I need a 36 hour day, time for everyone who requires it like the children, time for work, time for leisure, time for school, time to plan, time to execute.
Which people have been role models to you?
Role models aren’t hard to find in my life. Somehow, I have always found someone whom I could emulate.
During my first job out of college, I met a man whose leadership skill was evident (at least to me.) An educated man, with a strong personality, whose military background enhanced his inborn leadership traits; a leader in both business and his personal life.
This man has many leadership qualities; to this day, I still use him as a mentor in various different situations. I think the first leadership quality that I identified in him was the fact that he took initiative; he never shied from a challenge and always rose to meet it. He is transformational and boundaryless. I couldn’t think of a stronger person.
My wife is another, I’ve learned that there is no harder job than that of a stay-at-home mom. She inspires me!
Oh, the transformational leader above is Carl E. Reid.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
As much as I like to read my favorite form of entertainment is television and movies. I just love a good movie. Unfortunately at this time, I haven’t watched television for over a year due to my current school work.
When I do find the time for pleasure reading, my favorites are real life stories, fiction only mildly entertains me. Books I enjoy run the gamut from Richard Feynman (Nobel Physicist) to Leading with the Heart by Coach Mike Krzyzewski, to any real life mafia related history book.
What time of the day are you at your best?
I function best in the morning. I’m at my peak at the start of the day and seem to slowly wind down as the day progresses. Some of this is the influence of work, some of it the influence of children, some of it just a natural process, but I get my best work done before lunch.
Francis Lora, Business Development Manager & Mortgage Banker
It's 15 minutes past the hour and every where in the world people are going to work to succeed. No one goes to work to fail.
In our studio this morning we have an exceptional and motivated person named Francis Lora. I was very impressed with Francis as we met at a recent HPNG event in New York City. He enjoys sharing ideas and helping people achieve their goals. Francis is also an aspiring writer. Thanx for joining us today Francis.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it
provide?
I currently work for Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, a medium sized mortgage bank and community lender headquartered in Astoria, Queens that offers mortgages for the purchase and refinance of 1-4 unit residential properties, Condos, Co-ops, Multifamily homes and Mixed Use properties, as well as for the purchase of commercial or other investment properties; Lyons even offers construction loans. Other loan programs that are unique and quite often sought after include our 40 year fixed rate mortgage and our competitive no income verification loan programs. The best part is that I am working for a company whose mission is, “to make homeownership an affordable and sustainable reality for all people” and a company that services the majority of its loans. Therefore, should you or anyone you know be purchasing or refinancing a property in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and think you may need our services or if you would like for me to set up a seminar, please feel free to email me at FLora@elyons.com or to give me a call at the office at (718) 267- 2000 or at (917) 690-8726. We would be more than happy to help.
What role do you play in your organization?
As a Business Development Manager and Mortgage Banker at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, I am finally doing more of what I enjoy: I spend part of my time marketing and part educating people on the home buying process and originating mortgages. I build relationships with realtors and the community and dedicate my time to creating a dynamic where everyone benefits from our programs and services. I even get to enjoy my passion for writing producing articles to educate the community and am currently working on a children’s book to teach about mortgages and the home buying process aimed and young Latino / Hispanic children. My job allows me the flexibility to be creative and help my community as well as the support to accomplish my goals.
As a successful person, how did you get started?
Like most successful people, I started with ambition, curiosity, and several dreams; I started off with a lot of drive, but too many directions. If you were to look at my resume, you would see the evolution of my dreams and aspirations as well as my transition from living with “hand-me-down” values to living life according to my beliefs. The one constant thread and theme that has followed me from one pursuit to the next has been my passion for writing. My ability to write has been a gift and a skill I have always tried to put to good use wherever I go. In everything I have ever done, I have always incorporated some element of my writing; in fact, I continue to do so to this very day and will certainly continue to do so for years to come. Writing has served me well on both my professional and personal journey:
When I was younger, I always wanted to work, so I started as soon as I could. At the age of 14, I was a Library Assistant and a Spanish tutor at my school. I still think my resume and cover letter were the keys to get me the job (even though it did not hurt that I spent a lot of time in the library as part of my community service). In any case, working in the library, I learned to pay close attention to details, and I had access to a wealth of knowledge in the volumes of books I helped organize. Being in a library, I spent most of my free time reading. I particularly liked the Psychology books, the Motivational books, the Business books, and the Self-Improvement books.
Then, because my family always thought that I would be a lawyer, I interned at a couple of law firms. However, my time there made me realize that I did not want to pursue law. Being a lawyer was not as exciting a job as they made it seem on television. I was a big “Matlock” and “Law and Order” fan, but those summers made me realize that being a lawyer and practicing law required more and was about more than they let on about on those shows. Being a lawyer involved a lot of writing, but most of it was writing briefs and “legalese” for contracts and that was not quite how I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
Next, I tried business and Wall Street: I spent a summer working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and a summer interning at Goldman Sachs. I liked business very much, especially working for Goldman Sachs. In fact, I thought that I wanted to pursue business all the way through graduation. But when I did not get the position at Goldman Sachs that I wanted, even after having been a Goldman Sachs Scholar, I changed my plans yet again. I guess working at Goldman was something that was not written in the stars for me.
So the summer right before graduation, I went to work with my cousin, a top producing loan officer, in South Jersey. It was then, working as her assistant, that I realized that I wanted to pursue real estate. I guess I should have known that real estate was in my blood; after all, my father is a Building Manager for Newmark and Co. and my Cousin is a top producing loan officer. But more than that, I had been eyeing real estate with dreams of owning and fixing up buildings ever since I was a young boy. Now I have
finally come to realize and accept my love for real estate.
However, with most of my family living in New York City, I realized that it was not going to be feasible to live in South Jersey and commute to the city every weekend. Therefore, I left my job in South Jersey to return to the city. While I was in between jobs looking for the right company to work for, I became a published Writing Entrepreneur ("Freelance Writer") featured in several publications: I was featured in such publications as Urban Latino Magazine; Sofrito, an insert in El Diario, a Spanish language newspaper; in Latino Leaders Magazine, a magazine that runs profiles of successful Latinos; and the Manhattan Times, a community newspaper serving Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and Spanish Harlem.
The son of Dominican parents who immigrated to New York from the Dominican Republic in 1969 and the first in our family to be born and raised here and to attend and graduate from college here, failure has not been an option for me, especially not after attending and graduating from Columbia University. Finally, now at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., I have found a place where I can combine my two strongest driving forces: my passion for writing, with my love for real estate which is in my blood. Today, I consider myself fortunate to have found my way to Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., a community lending institution with a pleasant work environment that provides the members of its staff with the opportunity to do what they love everyday and the support that they need to succeed in business and in life.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I cannot say how I first learned to succeed or from whom. Probably the first time I learned the lesson was when I fell as I was learning to walk and I got up and tried again until I got it; so, I guess you could say that I have learned from life. However, learning to succeed is a lesson that is learned over and over throughout your life because there is no one route to success or any “cookie-cutter” formula either. Most recently, I have learned to succeed from George Sophocleous, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage
Services, Inc. He has been very much a role model to me and to countless others in the company by taking time out from his busy schedule to help every single one of us strive towards our full potential. He sat with us on various occasions during our training, he invites us to visit with him and to bring him our questions and concerns, and he is a constant motivating force.
Perhaps what I love and respect the most about him is that he constantly reminds us that we must be flexible and be able to think outside the box in this business because as he puts it, “the way we did business yesterday is not the same way we do business today and will not be the same way we will do business tomorrow.” But more importantly, by keeping Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc on the cutting edge with proprietary technology that helps us provide better costumer service, he helps us achieve our mission “to make
homeownership an affordable and sustainable reality for all people,” and to stay ahead of the trends. His other contribution to making himself, me, and Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., so successful is his effort to create an atmosphere at the company where people can, as he says quoting Aristotle, “find pleasure in what they do in life.” I, for one, find a lot of pleasure in what I do at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, and I am not the only one. In fact, it is that same atmosphere and commitment to making our experience and those of our clients “pleasurable” that brings us clients and then brings them back to do business with us again and again.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy writing in my journal, helping my little brother and sister with their homework, and spending time with my friends.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a
person?
When I was younger my parents were very overprotective, so that made me less than popular; in fact, I had very few, select friends because of their standards. They scrutinized all of them and hand picked only the ones they thought would be good for me and criticized the rest. Having been kind of an outsider, some what of a “nerd,” and seemingly socially challenged when I was younger had a tremendous impact on my life. It led me to working even harder on my social skills and focusing on creating more positive social interactions. Also, I think feeling as if I were not accepted has helped me
become a more sensitive person and to be someone who is more aware of other people’s feelings. In short, I am glad that I have had to work at my relationships because doing so and working on my interpersonal skills from a young age has made me even more of a success today. I am grateful to my parents.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I have two main concerns about the world today: the lack of adequate public education and the fact that people have for the most part a low quality of life. I do not think that in the United States in general, and in New York State and New York City specifically, we invest enough in our public education system. Also, with most people suffering from the lack of a good work-life balance or living in debt and with many people living in near poverty conditions, I feel more should be done to improve everyone’s quality of life.
The goal should be to improve education amongst everyone and improve everyone’s quality of life.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things
would you do? Consider money as no object.
If I had all the money I needed, I would donate even more to the various charities and organizations that I believe in; I would invest a significant amount in Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. to have the company help me distribute my money to the community. I would also purchase several properties, some of which I would dedicate to affordable housing and educational communities and community centers. In addition, I would establish my own school to serve as a model for all of the other schools and a library dedicated to the Hispanic / Latino community, its history and diverse culture. Lastly, I would settle down to continue to teach our community and to write and publish several books I have in mind, not all of which have to do with real estate. Of course, I would
take my summers off to travel the world and rest (I would not want to burn out after all, and I would need to have new experiences to write about and new sources of inspiration to share).
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Although it will sound a little clichéd, I would advise people as George Sophocleus, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. has advised me quoting Aristotle, “You must find pleasure in everything that you do in life.” I think it is excellent advice and one of the best pieces of advice I have found repeated often throughout my career and throughout my life. In fact, I think it is advice that has achieved the status of “age-old wisdom.”
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Of course people are more interesting than product stories; they are without a doubt the foundation of all of our businesses.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I see a long future with Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. ahead of me, and I would like to one day own several of my own properties. At some point, I would also like to settle down and write and publish various books that I have in mind, some of which have nothing to do with real estate. Also, I would love to leave a school, a library, or some other learning institution in our community as part of my legacy.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
The three obstacles that I must overcome repeatedly are people’s negativity, skepticism, and cynicism. Some people just cannot bear to see some one other than themselves succeed, even if the reason those people are succeeding is by helping their community. Also, when I first approach them, most people are very cynical about my intentions and skeptical about my ability to deliver on my promises. I have to be careful not to let all of the negativity out in the world get me down. I have to keep up my enthusiasm by focusing on all of the good that I and my company have helped to accomplish. Luckily, I have a strong support at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.; everyone in the company helps me keep a positive thought, because as I learned from an organization called CityKids, “a positive thought cannot be denied!”
Which people have been role models to you?
I have had various role models in several areas throughout my life; however, I do not have adequate time or space to share with you who they are and to honor them with the praise and thanks that they deserve. I will, however, mention two that I feel have had the most impact in the direction that my life has been taking most recently: my cousin, Madelynn Tejeda, a top producing loan officer, and George Sophocleus, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., and one of the people that I most admire. I am grateful to my cousin, Madelynn, for introducing me to the industry and
showing me what it is possible to accomplish within it. And, I am grateful to George for the guidance and hope that he has given me for what I can accomplish at Lyons Mortgage Services, both personally and professionally; by hiring me as a Business Development Manager for Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., he has empowered me to do a lot of good in my community and to “find pleasure in what I do in life.”
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
My two favorite books are The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck and Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. I love The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck that I have made it a ritual to re-read it every New Years, and I love Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within that I refer back to various sections of the book almost daily. I think both of these works and several others have had a significant impact on the course of my life.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest
enjoyment in life?
What I am most passionate about and what gives me the greatest enjoyment in life is real estate and writing. I am passionate about real estate because it is in my blood and because fixing and owning buildings has been a part of my greatest dreams ever since I can remember. And I am passionate about writing because it is an art of creation, recreation, and communication as well as a gift and skill that has helped me to succeed in most of my endeavors to date and I am sure for years to come. Together, like “Yin and Yang,” real estate and writing help make me balanced, make me whole.
In our studio this morning we have an exceptional and motivated person named Francis Lora. I was very impressed with Francis as we met at a recent HPNG event in New York City. He enjoys sharing ideas and helping people achieve their goals. Francis is also an aspiring writer. Thanx for joining us today Francis.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it
provide?
I currently work for Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, a medium sized mortgage bank and community lender headquartered in Astoria, Queens that offers mortgages for the purchase and refinance of 1-4 unit residential properties, Condos, Co-ops, Multifamily homes and Mixed Use properties, as well as for the purchase of commercial or other investment properties; Lyons even offers construction loans. Other loan programs that are unique and quite often sought after include our 40 year fixed rate mortgage and our competitive no income verification loan programs. The best part is that I am working for a company whose mission is, “to make homeownership an affordable and sustainable reality for all people” and a company that services the majority of its loans. Therefore, should you or anyone you know be purchasing or refinancing a property in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut and think you may need our services or if you would like for me to set up a seminar, please feel free to email me at FLora@elyons.com or to give me a call at the office at (718) 267- 2000 or at (917) 690-8726. We would be more than happy to help.
What role do you play in your organization?
As a Business Development Manager and Mortgage Banker at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, I am finally doing more of what I enjoy: I spend part of my time marketing and part educating people on the home buying process and originating mortgages. I build relationships with realtors and the community and dedicate my time to creating a dynamic where everyone benefits from our programs and services. I even get to enjoy my passion for writing producing articles to educate the community and am currently working on a children’s book to teach about mortgages and the home buying process aimed and young Latino / Hispanic children. My job allows me the flexibility to be creative and help my community as well as the support to accomplish my goals.
As a successful person, how did you get started?
Like most successful people, I started with ambition, curiosity, and several dreams; I started off with a lot of drive, but too many directions. If you were to look at my resume, you would see the evolution of my dreams and aspirations as well as my transition from living with “hand-me-down” values to living life according to my beliefs. The one constant thread and theme that has followed me from one pursuit to the next has been my passion for writing. My ability to write has been a gift and a skill I have always tried to put to good use wherever I go. In everything I have ever done, I have always incorporated some element of my writing; in fact, I continue to do so to this very day and will certainly continue to do so for years to come. Writing has served me well on both my professional and personal journey:
When I was younger, I always wanted to work, so I started as soon as I could. At the age of 14, I was a Library Assistant and a Spanish tutor at my school. I still think my resume and cover letter were the keys to get me the job (even though it did not hurt that I spent a lot of time in the library as part of my community service). In any case, working in the library, I learned to pay close attention to details, and I had access to a wealth of knowledge in the volumes of books I helped organize. Being in a library, I spent most of my free time reading. I particularly liked the Psychology books, the Motivational books, the Business books, and the Self-Improvement books.
Then, because my family always thought that I would be a lawyer, I interned at a couple of law firms. However, my time there made me realize that I did not want to pursue law. Being a lawyer was not as exciting a job as they made it seem on television. I was a big “Matlock” and “Law and Order” fan, but those summers made me realize that being a lawyer and practicing law required more and was about more than they let on about on those shows. Being a lawyer involved a lot of writing, but most of it was writing briefs and “legalese” for contracts and that was not quite how I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
Next, I tried business and Wall Street: I spent a summer working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and a summer interning at Goldman Sachs. I liked business very much, especially working for Goldman Sachs. In fact, I thought that I wanted to pursue business all the way through graduation. But when I did not get the position at Goldman Sachs that I wanted, even after having been a Goldman Sachs Scholar, I changed my plans yet again. I guess working at Goldman was something that was not written in the stars for me.
So the summer right before graduation, I went to work with my cousin, a top producing loan officer, in South Jersey. It was then, working as her assistant, that I realized that I wanted to pursue real estate. I guess I should have known that real estate was in my blood; after all, my father is a Building Manager for Newmark and Co. and my Cousin is a top producing loan officer. But more than that, I had been eyeing real estate with dreams of owning and fixing up buildings ever since I was a young boy. Now I have
finally come to realize and accept my love for real estate.
However, with most of my family living in New York City, I realized that it was not going to be feasible to live in South Jersey and commute to the city every weekend. Therefore, I left my job in South Jersey to return to the city. While I was in between jobs looking for the right company to work for, I became a published Writing Entrepreneur ("Freelance Writer") featured in several publications: I was featured in such publications as Urban Latino Magazine; Sofrito, an insert in El Diario, a Spanish language newspaper; in Latino Leaders Magazine, a magazine that runs profiles of successful Latinos; and the Manhattan Times, a community newspaper serving Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill, and Spanish Harlem.
The son of Dominican parents who immigrated to New York from the Dominican Republic in 1969 and the first in our family to be born and raised here and to attend and graduate from college here, failure has not been an option for me, especially not after attending and graduating from Columbia University. Finally, now at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., I have found a place where I can combine my two strongest driving forces: my passion for writing, with my love for real estate which is in my blood. Today, I consider myself fortunate to have found my way to Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., a community lending institution with a pleasant work environment that provides the members of its staff with the opportunity to do what they love everyday and the support that they need to succeed in business and in life.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I cannot say how I first learned to succeed or from whom. Probably the first time I learned the lesson was when I fell as I was learning to walk and I got up and tried again until I got it; so, I guess you could say that I have learned from life. However, learning to succeed is a lesson that is learned over and over throughout your life because there is no one route to success or any “cookie-cutter” formula either. Most recently, I have learned to succeed from George Sophocleous, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage
Services, Inc. He has been very much a role model to me and to countless others in the company by taking time out from his busy schedule to help every single one of us strive towards our full potential. He sat with us on various occasions during our training, he invites us to visit with him and to bring him our questions and concerns, and he is a constant motivating force.
Perhaps what I love and respect the most about him is that he constantly reminds us that we must be flexible and be able to think outside the box in this business because as he puts it, “the way we did business yesterday is not the same way we do business today and will not be the same way we will do business tomorrow.” But more importantly, by keeping Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc on the cutting edge with proprietary technology that helps us provide better costumer service, he helps us achieve our mission “to make
homeownership an affordable and sustainable reality for all people,” and to stay ahead of the trends. His other contribution to making himself, me, and Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., so successful is his effort to create an atmosphere at the company where people can, as he says quoting Aristotle, “find pleasure in what they do in life.” I, for one, find a lot of pleasure in what I do at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc, and I am not the only one. In fact, it is that same atmosphere and commitment to making our experience and those of our clients “pleasurable” that brings us clients and then brings them back to do business with us again and again.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy writing in my journal, helping my little brother and sister with their homework, and spending time with my friends.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a
person?
When I was younger my parents were very overprotective, so that made me less than popular; in fact, I had very few, select friends because of their standards. They scrutinized all of them and hand picked only the ones they thought would be good for me and criticized the rest. Having been kind of an outsider, some what of a “nerd,” and seemingly socially challenged when I was younger had a tremendous impact on my life. It led me to working even harder on my social skills and focusing on creating more positive social interactions. Also, I think feeling as if I were not accepted has helped me
become a more sensitive person and to be someone who is more aware of other people’s feelings. In short, I am glad that I have had to work at my relationships because doing so and working on my interpersonal skills from a young age has made me even more of a success today. I am grateful to my parents.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I have two main concerns about the world today: the lack of adequate public education and the fact that people have for the most part a low quality of life. I do not think that in the United States in general, and in New York State and New York City specifically, we invest enough in our public education system. Also, with most people suffering from the lack of a good work-life balance or living in debt and with many people living in near poverty conditions, I feel more should be done to improve everyone’s quality of life.
The goal should be to improve education amongst everyone and improve everyone’s quality of life.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things
would you do? Consider money as no object.
If I had all the money I needed, I would donate even more to the various charities and organizations that I believe in; I would invest a significant amount in Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. to have the company help me distribute my money to the community. I would also purchase several properties, some of which I would dedicate to affordable housing and educational communities and community centers. In addition, I would establish my own school to serve as a model for all of the other schools and a library dedicated to the Hispanic / Latino community, its history and diverse culture. Lastly, I would settle down to continue to teach our community and to write and publish several books I have in mind, not all of which have to do with real estate. Of course, I would
take my summers off to travel the world and rest (I would not want to burn out after all, and I would need to have new experiences to write about and new sources of inspiration to share).
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Although it will sound a little clichéd, I would advise people as George Sophocleus, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. has advised me quoting Aristotle, “You must find pleasure in everything that you do in life.” I think it is excellent advice and one of the best pieces of advice I have found repeated often throughout my career and throughout my life. In fact, I think it is advice that has achieved the status of “age-old wisdom.”
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Of course people are more interesting than product stories; they are without a doubt the foundation of all of our businesses.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I see a long future with Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. ahead of me, and I would like to one day own several of my own properties. At some point, I would also like to settle down and write and publish various books that I have in mind, some of which have nothing to do with real estate. Also, I would love to leave a school, a library, or some other learning institution in our community as part of my legacy.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
The three obstacles that I must overcome repeatedly are people’s negativity, skepticism, and cynicism. Some people just cannot bear to see some one other than themselves succeed, even if the reason those people are succeeding is by helping their community. Also, when I first approach them, most people are very cynical about my intentions and skeptical about my ability to deliver on my promises. I have to be careful not to let all of the negativity out in the world get me down. I have to keep up my enthusiasm by focusing on all of the good that I and my company have helped to accomplish. Luckily, I have a strong support at Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.; everyone in the company helps me keep a positive thought, because as I learned from an organization called CityKids, “a positive thought cannot be denied!”
Which people have been role models to you?
I have had various role models in several areas throughout my life; however, I do not have adequate time or space to share with you who they are and to honor them with the praise and thanks that they deserve. I will, however, mention two that I feel have had the most impact in the direction that my life has been taking most recently: my cousin, Madelynn Tejeda, a top producing loan officer, and George Sophocleus, one of the partners and owners of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., and one of the people that I most admire. I am grateful to my cousin, Madelynn, for introducing me to the industry and
showing me what it is possible to accomplish within it. And, I am grateful to George for the guidance and hope that he has given me for what I can accomplish at Lyons Mortgage Services, both personally and professionally; by hiring me as a Business Development Manager for Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., he has empowered me to do a lot of good in my community and to “find pleasure in what I do in life.”
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
My two favorite books are The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck and Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. I love The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck that I have made it a ritual to re-read it every New Years, and I love Tony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within that I refer back to various sections of the book almost daily. I think both of these works and several others have had a significant impact on the course of my life.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest
enjoyment in life?
What I am most passionate about and what gives me the greatest enjoyment in life is real estate and writing. I am passionate about real estate because it is in my blood and because fixing and owning buildings has been a part of my greatest dreams ever since I can remember. And I am passionate about writing because it is an art of creation, recreation, and communication as well as a gift and skill that has helped me to succeed in most of my endeavors to date and I am sure for years to come. Together, like “Yin and Yang,” real estate and writing help make me balanced, make me whole.
Donald Kingston, CEO & Publisher of LiVIT Magazine
It's 4 minutes past the hour. Be yourself in any situation. People will respect you more for it.
We are joined in our studio today with an outstanding individual named Donald Kingston. He is an extraordinary person who publishes a very different newsletter that encourages people to think about how they should really live life. Donald also coordinates events that actually creates an atmosphere for people to interact and make their dreams a reality. I have attended events sponsored by Donald's organzation and the energy with the people he brings together is electric. Everyone wins at each LiVIT event. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule Donald to join us today.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
The name of my company is LiVIT LLC. Our tagline is “don’t just dream it. LiVIT”. We provide various forms of support to business start-ups. We also assist existing businesses through network events so they can continue to develop and grow. We believe that through a group effort that anything becomes easier and that much more attainable. Visit our current website at www.LiVITmagazine.com or contact me at DKingston@LiVITmagazine.com. Where you can learn more about us and to sign-up for our weekly newsletter which provides you with daily operating tips for your business, the latest deals to help save you some money, available funding options that could help you grow business and other business topics.
What role do you play in your organization?
I am the founder, marketing director and the voice of LiVIT.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
That’s an interesting question. Based on what I’ve defined as “success” for myself, I wouldn’t characterize myself as a “successful” business person. LiVIT is one of many business ventures that I have embarked on. To date it is the only one that drives me. I started LiVIT because I saw a need. I have so many friends and associates that have expressed a need to take control of their lives by starting a business, but lacked the knowledge. So I decided, if access to information is their only deterrent, why not help them by providing the information for them and creating a network of people who can support each other and share the knowledge? So that’s how LiVIT came into being.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I think I learned with it takes to succeed from my mother and father. They of course had different lessons. My father said education, knowledge and consistency is what it takes to succeed. My mother said patience, passion and a kindness was the way to go. I’ve tried to embody both philosophies and so far it’s been a really interesting and exciting journey.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
LiVIT is my enjoyment. Outside of LiVIT, going to parties, socializing, going to the movies and traveling are some of my favorite ways to pass the time. Also just hanging-out with my family and laughing up a storm is a great way to see the minutes tick by.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
There are so many. But the one that comes to mind first are the many late nights spent talking with my grandmother. She made life simple for me. We talk about everything, more when I was younger than I am now, and she helped me realize that there really is no road map that you have to follow. That I can choose to do whatever I wanted and if I decided that tomorrow I wanted to do the complete opposite that I could do that too. She showed me that I have complete freedom in my choices. She taught me that we are only bounded by ourselves. She helped to free me.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I think my main concern of the world today is that hopefully it’s not the world of our future. I hope that when future societies look back at us 30, 40, 80 years from now, that they will wonder how we were able to kill each other so easily. That they will wonder how we were able to justify giving marriage rights to one part of our population while advocating taking it away from another? That they will try to understand how we sat by and let so many people starve and die because they were poor, and made special provisions for those who had everything in abundance.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
Make dreams come true.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Well if you are interested in starting a business or currently have a business, to visit the LiVIT website at www.LiVITmagazine.com and become a subscriber and get tips every week.
Are people more interesting than product stories?
I think people have to become the product so they are about as equally interesting.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I would like LiVIT to be the premiere online community for entrepreneurs young and old, novice and veteran. I want anyone who hears about LiVIT to also know of the companies that we helped to become successful. I want our brand to be the “can do” brand. Everyone should know that by becoming a part of the LiVIT network that you are almost guaranteed success in your business endeavor.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Me. I’m usually the biggest thing in my way.
Which people have been role models to you?
There are many. And they all share one commonality. They obtained their goal not against the greatest odds. They obtained their goals by not being too concerned with the fruit, but by making sure that the seed they were planting was strong and that it was planted in fertile soil.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
Well I read, but I don’t really have a favorite book, but I do have a favorite movie, “The Color Purple”. My favorite forms of entertainment are dance clubs, stage performances and movies.
What time of the day are you at your best?
I think I’m at my best before 1pm and after 6pm. Something happens to me between the hours of 1:00PM and 5:00PM. I can’t explain it, but it might have something to do with how much I eat.
We are joined in our studio today with an outstanding individual named Donald Kingston. He is an extraordinary person who publishes a very different newsletter that encourages people to think about how they should really live life. Donald also coordinates events that actually creates an atmosphere for people to interact and make their dreams a reality. I have attended events sponsored by Donald's organzation and the energy with the people he brings together is electric. Everyone wins at each LiVIT event. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule Donald to join us today.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
The name of my company is LiVIT LLC. Our tagline is “don’t just dream it. LiVIT”. We provide various forms of support to business start-ups. We also assist existing businesses through network events so they can continue to develop and grow. We believe that through a group effort that anything becomes easier and that much more attainable. Visit our current website at www.LiVITmagazine.com or contact me at DKingston@LiVITmagazine.com. Where you can learn more about us and to sign-up for our weekly newsletter which provides you with daily operating tips for your business, the latest deals to help save you some money, available funding options that could help you grow business and other business topics.
What role do you play in your organization?
I am the founder, marketing director and the voice of LiVIT.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
That’s an interesting question. Based on what I’ve defined as “success” for myself, I wouldn’t characterize myself as a “successful” business person. LiVIT is one of many business ventures that I have embarked on. To date it is the only one that drives me. I started LiVIT because I saw a need. I have so many friends and associates that have expressed a need to take control of their lives by starting a business, but lacked the knowledge. So I decided, if access to information is their only deterrent, why not help them by providing the information for them and creating a network of people who can support each other and share the knowledge? So that’s how LiVIT came into being.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I think I learned with it takes to succeed from my mother and father. They of course had different lessons. My father said education, knowledge and consistency is what it takes to succeed. My mother said patience, passion and a kindness was the way to go. I’ve tried to embody both philosophies and so far it’s been a really interesting and exciting journey.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
LiVIT is my enjoyment. Outside of LiVIT, going to parties, socializing, going to the movies and traveling are some of my favorite ways to pass the time. Also just hanging-out with my family and laughing up a storm is a great way to see the minutes tick by.
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
There are so many. But the one that comes to mind first are the many late nights spent talking with my grandmother. She made life simple for me. We talk about everything, more when I was younger than I am now, and she helped me realize that there really is no road map that you have to follow. That I can choose to do whatever I wanted and if I decided that tomorrow I wanted to do the complete opposite that I could do that too. She showed me that I have complete freedom in my choices. She taught me that we are only bounded by ourselves. She helped to free me.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I think my main concern of the world today is that hopefully it’s not the world of our future. I hope that when future societies look back at us 30, 40, 80 years from now, that they will wonder how we were able to kill each other so easily. That they will wonder how we were able to justify giving marriage rights to one part of our population while advocating taking it away from another? That they will try to understand how we sat by and let so many people starve and die because they were poor, and made special provisions for those who had everything in abundance.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
Make dreams come true.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Well if you are interested in starting a business or currently have a business, to visit the LiVIT website at www.LiVITmagazine.com and become a subscriber and get tips every week.
Are people more interesting than product stories?
I think people have to become the product so they are about as equally interesting.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I would like LiVIT to be the premiere online community for entrepreneurs young and old, novice and veteran. I want anyone who hears about LiVIT to also know of the companies that we helped to become successful. I want our brand to be the “can do” brand. Everyone should know that by becoming a part of the LiVIT network that you are almost guaranteed success in your business endeavor.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Me. I’m usually the biggest thing in my way.
Which people have been role models to you?
There are many. And they all share one commonality. They obtained their goal not against the greatest odds. They obtained their goals by not being too concerned with the fruit, but by making sure that the seed they were planting was strong and that it was planted in fertile soil.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
Well I read, but I don’t really have a favorite book, but I do have a favorite movie, “The Color Purple”. My favorite forms of entertainment are dance clubs, stage performances and movies.
What time of the day are you at your best?
I think I’m at my best before 1pm and after 6pm. Something happens to me between the hours of 1:00PM and 5:00PM. I can’t explain it, but it might have something to do with how much I eat.
Priya Shah, CEO of eBizWhiz Publishing
It's 20 minutes before the hour. Give your significant other a compliment today.
Ms. Priya Shah is a person whose writings I have followed for over a year. The information Priya provides people is not only informative, but always caring for other people to succeed. Priya is part of a small group of expeditionaries that is blazing trails on the web log educational frontier. I'm honored, Priya, that you could travel all the way from India to take time from your family time and business schedule to join us today in the studio.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Well, my main company is called eBizWhiz Publishing. I call myself an internet publisher because I love publishing websites, newsletters and blogs. On the EbizWhiz website http://www.eBizWhiz-Publishing.com I sell ebooks, products and services related to internet marketing and website promotion. But I also sell wellness info-products and supplements through a number of other sites - Contact@eBizWhiz-publishing.com
What role do you play in your organization?
I used to be everything from CEO to chief bottlewasher J. I basically used to do everything, from creating sites, installing scripts and writing content, but now I am learning to outsource work so I have more time to read, write and grow my business.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
I've worn many caps, but the one I enjoy wearing most is that of a writer and journalist. I started my online career publishing a non-profit website and newsletter on environmental issues, but when money got tight, I had to get serious about earning an income. I prefer being my own boss and I did everything I could to take me in the direction of becoming financially independent. Online publishing was kind of a natural progression from journalism for me. I spent time learning how to promote and monetize my sites, and now I'm happy that I can help others learn how to do that.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
The school of hard knocks J. But seriously, it's a love for learning and the challenge of doing something new that really keeps me going. I don't have an aversion to hard work, as long as I call the shots. I was lucky to have chosen a few good mentors along the way, people whose values aligned with mine. I learnt a lot by observing the way they conducted themselves and their business.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I love music, dancing, playing my guitar, singing. I love reading books and watching movies. Books and music provide me with creative inputs that I could never have got elsewhere. Travel is another thing I would love to do, but never seem to have the time for. My daughter and I love going to the beaches and I hope to buy a house by the beach in Goa someday J
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
I have a lot to thank my parents and husband for. My parents taught me to use my talents and helped me expand my mind with the books and ideas they exposed me to. My husband (with whom I've been since I was 16) has been my best friend and guide. The hardships we’ve gone through together, financially and emotionally, have taught me a lot and I’m a better person for it today. I had health problems that made me realise how precious and transient life is and that we should live for the present because the present is the only reality we have. The future is always uncertain.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I've stopped worrying too much about things that are beyond my control. There was a time when I wanted to change the world and would campaign for every cause I believed in, especially those involving the environment or children’s rights. I still try to do what I can for the causes I believe in. But I don’t waste time anymore trying to change the way people think. Whether it concerns politics, beliefs, ethics, work, the hardest thing in the world is to try to change people, their attitudes and mindsets.If you want something to change, you must do it yourself. You can't depend on anyone else to do it for you. As a wise man from India said, "You must become the change you want to see in this world."
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
Well I guess the first thing I would do would be to buy myself that beach house in Goa. J. But mainly I would just be happy to finally be able to donate my time, money and energy to my pet causes and fund new ventures. Travel would also be big on my agenda. There are a lot of places I am eager to visit and learn from. And maybe I would even find the time to write that novel.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Well I think they would find a lot of those in my articles and newsletters J, but if I had to condense them into a few lines I would say
- Never give up on your dreams.
- Keep learning and adapting. Stay on top of what’s happening in your field.
- Keep networking and building new relationships, both online and offline.
- Find your USP – the quality that will distinguish you from others in your field.
- Attitude is everything! So make sure yours is good J
- Treat others the way you would want to be treated and finally
- Remember what goes around, comes around.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Like I said, I live for the present and I don’t plan too far ahead, except when it concerns my daughter. J I have a lot of ideas and dreams for my business and for life, but ideas are of no use unless they are implemented. I’m a little superstitious (call it my Indian upbringing) about talking about future plans, so I don’t want to go into them in detail here. My goal is to build a business that will create wealth, not just make money. I want to create something of value to others.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
The main obstacle you need to overcome to do anything in life is to get over the fear that comes with doing something new. We get obsessed wondering what will happen if we fail, what if we don’t prove up to it.But attitude is everything. Overcoming your own negative attitude, your own mental limitations, is the biggest challenge. If you think you can do it, you can. If you have a “can-do” attitude, you’re half-way there.
Which people have been role models to you?
I have had many role models many of whom have nothing to do with the field I’m in. But with all of them, what drew me to them was their persistence, integrity and amazing attitude.People like Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking inspired me when I was growing up, mainly because I shared their thirst for knowledge. Indira Gandhi, Barbra Streisand, for being the strong women they were. Anil Agarwal (of the Center for Science and Environment) for his tireless fight for environmental justice in India.In the field I’m in today, I admire Dan Kennedy and Jim Edwards for their attitude and Stephen Pierce for his persistence and determination to succeed. But I’m not star-struck. I respect anyone, famous or not, who stands up for what they believe, leads through example, has learnt a lot from life, and is willing and open enough to share that with others.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
My favourite forms of entertainment are reading, music, dancing and movies. I’m a child at heart I love reading novels and non-fiction as much as I love reading fairy tales and Pooh bear books to my daughter.
Favourite books:
Contact by Carl Sagan
The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
The Golden Gate by Vikram Seth
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
A River Sutra by Gita Mehta
Exodus by Leon Uris
The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success by Deepak Chopra
No Rules by Dan Kennedy
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
I have too many favourite movies to list, but am partial to sci-fi, sfx, comedy and musicals.
A list of some of them:
Frida Yentl,
Funny Girl
Contact
The Star Wars series
The Thomas Crown Affair (and almost anything starring Pierce Brosnan J)
Gone With The Wind
Romeo and Juliet (starring Leo de Caprio)
The Cider House Rules
Guess Whose Coming To Dinner
Phenomenon
Alfred Hitchcock’s movies
The Three Amigos and Charlie Chaplin flicks
The Wizard of Oz
Disney Musicals
Singing In The Rain
Gigi
Fiddler on the Roof
The Mummy & The Mummy Returns
Spiderman
The Day After Tomorrow
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Pyasa
Chalti Ka Naam Gadi
Sholay
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
Arth
Lakshya (Hindi)
What time of the day are you at your best?
I’m a night owl - not a morning person at all. I can often be found up working at the same time as my subscribers and customers in the US. J I’m most active and get my best ideas at night.
Ms. Priya Shah is a person whose writings I have followed for over a year. The information Priya provides people is not only informative, but always caring for other people to succeed. Priya is part of a small group of expeditionaries that is blazing trails on the web log educational frontier. I'm honored, Priya, that you could travel all the way from India to take time from your family time and business schedule to join us today in the studio.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Well, my main company is called eBizWhiz Publishing. I call myself an internet publisher because I love publishing websites, newsletters and blogs. On the EbizWhiz website http://www.eBizWhiz-Publishing.com I sell ebooks, products and services related to internet marketing and website promotion. But I also sell wellness info-products and supplements through a number of other sites - Contact@eBizWhiz-publishing.com
What role do you play in your organization?
I used to be everything from CEO to chief bottlewasher J. I basically used to do everything, from creating sites, installing scripts and writing content, but now I am learning to outsource work so I have more time to read, write and grow my business.
As a successful business person, how did you get started?
I've worn many caps, but the one I enjoy wearing most is that of a writer and journalist. I started my online career publishing a non-profit website and newsletter on environmental issues, but when money got tight, I had to get serious about earning an income. I prefer being my own boss and I did everything I could to take me in the direction of becoming financially independent. Online publishing was kind of a natural progression from journalism for me. I spent time learning how to promote and monetize my sites, and now I'm happy that I can help others learn how to do that.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
The school of hard knocks J. But seriously, it's a love for learning and the challenge of doing something new that really keeps me going. I don't have an aversion to hard work, as long as I call the shots
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
I love music, dancing, playing my guitar, singing. I love reading books and watching movies. Books and music provide me with creative inputs that I could never have got elsewhere. Travel is another thing I would love to do, but never seem to have the time for. My daughter and I love going to the beaches and I hope to buy a house by the beach in Goa someday J
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
I have a lot to thank my parents and husband for. My parents taught me to use my talents and helped me expand my mind with the books and ideas they exposed me to. My husband (with whom I've been since I was 16) has been my best friend and guide. The hardships we’ve gone through together, financially and emotionally, have taught me a lot and I’m a better person for it today. I had health problems that made me realise how precious and transient life is and that we should live for the present because the present is the only reality we have. The future is always uncertain.
What are your concerns about the world today?
I've stopped worrying too much about things that are beyond my control. There was a time when I wanted to change the world and would campaign for every cause I believed in, especially those involving the environment or children’s rights. I still try to do what I can for the causes I believe in. But I don’t waste time anymore trying to change the way people think. Whether it concerns politics, beliefs, ethics, work, the hardest thing in the world is to try to change people, their attitudes and mindsets.If you want something to change, you must do it yourself. You can't depend on anyone else to do it for you. As a wise man from India said, "You must become the change you want to see in this world."
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? Consider money as no object.
Well I guess the first thing I would do would be to buy myself that beach house in Goa. J. But mainly I would just be happy to finally be able to donate my time, money and energy to my pet causes and fund new ventures. Travel would also be big on my agenda. There are a lot of places I am eager to visit and learn from. And maybe I would even find the time to write that novel.
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Well I think they would find a lot of those in my articles and newsletters J, but if I had to condense them into a few lines I would say
- Never give up on your dreams.
- Keep learning and adapting. Stay on top of what’s happening in your field.
- Keep networking and building new relationships, both online and offline.
- Find your USP – the quality that will distinguish you from others in your field.
- Attitude is everything! So make sure yours is good J
- Treat others the way you would want to be treated and finally
- Remember what goes around, comes around.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Like I said, I live for the present and I don’t plan too far ahead, except when it concerns my daughter. J I have a lot of ideas and dreams for my business and for life, but ideas are of no use unless they are implemented. I’m a little superstitious (call it my Indian upbringing) about talking about future plans, so I don’t want to go into them in detail here. My goal is to build a business that will create wealth, not just make money. I want to create something of value to others.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
The main obstacle you need to overcome to do anything in life is to get over the fear that comes with doing something new. We get obsessed wondering what will happen if we fail, what if we don’t prove up to it.But attitude is everything. Overcoming your own negative attitude, your own mental limitations, is the biggest challenge. If you think you can do it, you can. If you have a “can-do” attitude, you’re half-way there.
Which people have been role models to you?
I have had many role models many of whom have nothing to do with the field I’m in. But with all of them, what drew me to them was their persistence, integrity and amazing attitude.People like Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking inspired me when I was growing up, mainly because I shared their thirst for knowledge. Indira Gandhi, Barbra Streisand, for being the strong women they were. Anil Agarwal (of the Center for Science and Environment) for his tireless fight for environmental justice in India.In the field I’m in today, I admire Dan Kennedy and Jim Edwards for their attitude and Stephen Pierce for his persistence and determination to succeed. But I’m not star-struck. I respect anyone, famous or not, who stands up for what they believe, leads through example, has learnt a lot from life, and is willing and open enough to share that with others.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
My favourite forms of entertainment are reading, music, dancing and movies. I’m a child at heart I love reading novels and non-fiction as much as I love reading fairy tales and Pooh bear books to my daughter.
Favourite books:
Contact by Carl Sagan
The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan
Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
The Golden Gate by Vikram Seth
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
A River Sutra by Gita Mehta
Exodus by Leon Uris
The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success by Deepak Chopra
No Rules by Dan Kennedy
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
I have too many favourite movies to list, but am partial to sci-fi, sfx, comedy and musicals.
A list of some of them:
Frida Yentl,
Funny Girl
Contact
The Star Wars series
The Thomas Crown Affair (and almost anything starring Pierce Brosnan J)
Gone With The Wind
Romeo and Juliet (starring Leo de Caprio)
The Cider House Rules
Guess Whose Coming To Dinner
Phenomenon
Alfred Hitchcock’s movies
The Three Amigos and Charlie Chaplin flicks
The Wizard of Oz
Disney Musicals
Singing In The Rain
Gigi
Fiddler on the Roof
The Mummy & The Mummy Returns
Spiderman
The Day After Tomorrow
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Pyasa
Chalti Ka Naam Gadi
Sholay
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
Arth
Lakshya (Hindi)
What time of the day are you at your best?
I’m a night owl - not a morning person at all. I can often be found up working at the same time as my subscribers and customers in the US. J I’m most active and get my best ideas at night.
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