Into a world filled with the news of job losses, recession and financial crises comes a renewed call to ‘Be inspired’ rather than give in to despair. This challenge comes from Dr. Julian (Jules) Ferdinand in his first publication with the name “Be Inspired” which was launched in St. Vincent at a book signing ceremony on January 13th 2009. Dr. Ferdinand, the former CEO of the East Caribbean Group of Companies, writes a weekly column in The Vincentian newspaper, and has written extensively on the need to cultivate habits that retain a focus on constantly improving one’s personal performances.

Cover of book

His new publication comes as a welcomed addition to the self-help genre of books, from a Caribbean man whose story is indeed one of inspiration and achievement against the odds. Hence the call to be inspired by Dr Jules Ferdinand is not couched simply in ‘good feelings’ but calls for doing the hard work of which success is made.

“When I was finished with the manuscript,” Jules said, “I gave it to my thirteen-year old daughter Sabrina and asked her what comes to mind when she reads it and she came back with the name of the book, suggesting I call the book “Be Inspired.”

Barrister Andrew Cummings Q.C. in his foreword said “Dr. Julian (Jules) Ferdinand has put together a wonderful and timeless collection of inspirational and educational essays. This book comes at a time of rapid change in the world where a sit-down-and-do-nothing approach will not suffice. All dreams require hard work to make them a reality… Be Inspired is required reading for all. Dr. Jules Ferdinand elucidates virtues which are forever relevant providing those who seek out this valuable book with an abundance of uplifting wisdom. It is a must read for all ages.”

Jules has taken time out of his busy rounds as a business consultant to pen this, drawing on the many inspirational quotations made by many before him. He believes that reading the biographies and autobiographies of great persons can form the basis for inspiration in an otherwise depressing world. He, among other things, lectures in Strategic Management at the Cave Hill School of Business (Barbados) and the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (Trinidad). He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and has been recognized as a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

The Anguillian has carried one of Jules’ articles entitled “More Than Just Fishing” in which he tells of a conversation with an elderly gentleman whom he often saw walking to his regular fishing spot. This story, he says “had to be told and supplements a most interesting experience which has changed my life for the better.” In the article, he tells of conducting a training session in Anguilla and in one session focusing on how individuals could be in the same environment but have totally different perspectives of the identical issue. For example, he recounted how his son wanted to go fishing, but he found fishing boring. One of the participants, Director of Social Security Timothy Hodge, promised to, and did, provide him with the story of the 18th century literary genius James Boswell and the one day in his childhood when his father took him fishing. In the article’s conclusion, Jules writes “I am forever grateful to Timothy Hodge for sharing this story… It has had a positive influence on my family and a close circle of friends… This article could very well be a message (a wake-up call) for parents (and especially fathers) to make the effort to provide quality time for children.”

“More Than Just Fishing” is but one of almost fifty inspirational essays in the book which is divided into eight sections on diverse subjects as lessons from nature, parenting, character and principles, exceptional persons, leadership and camaraderie, community and society, general thoughts, and “living right” and the importance of God in all this.

Be Inspired is available at the Anguilla Drugstore at a cost of EC$40 or US$15.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News