Jodene is the co-founder of:
and founder of:
Published January 19th, 2012
Doug Anderson was given a 2% chance of survival at birth. He was born with a condition called Spina Bifida. Dr’s said that he would never be educated and would have no quality of life. 34 years and 37 operations later Doug is very much “alive and kicking”.
Doug was expelled in grd.1 from a mainstream school because he had a disability. After a lengthy court battle, the then TED forced Doug’s parents to place him in a school that catered for kids with disabilities (Hope School).
It was at Hope School that Doug excelled in sports, leadership and academia, representing Southern Transvaal (Now Central Gauteng) in provincial sports for people with disabilities at the National Championships from 1989 – 1997. Doug also represented South Africa at the World Wheelchair Games in 1996. He has 39 Gold, 16 Silver and 5 Bronze medals to his name and numerous sporting awards including “Sportsmand of The Year 1996”, “Best Wheelchair Athlete 1997” and “Victor Ladorum of the National Championships 1996”.
Doug also excelled in leadership becoming Head Boy in 1996 and winning the Rotary Round Table Award for Best Leadership in Schools across South Africa.
Doug studied Alternative Health and qualified as a Reflexologist in 2000. Doug battled to get employment because of his disability and so decided to start his own business which he ran for 10 years and sold in 2010.
In 2004 Doug decided to do a course on Radio Presenting and shortly after finishing the course was asked to present a Disability Talk-show on a community Radio Station called Radio Today. He paid his dues and learnt the ropes on Community Radio before joining National Radio Station, Radio 2000 in January 2007 and has been with them ever since. He has also worked in TV, presenting the 2008 Paralympics and 2010 Commonwealth Games on SABC.
Doug has always been passionate about Making A Difference and has supported many charities in any way possible for many years. He has been the brainchild of many fundraising initiatives for many charities in South Africa. He is co-founder along with fiancé Madelaine Steyn of TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference which was launched in November 2011.
TheMADNetwork is a Social Networking platform that enables the user to interact and communicate socially with friends and family AND at the same time make money for their favourite charities without it costing them a cent!
The rationale for the creation of TheMADNetwork is simple explains Doug: “750million people are using Facebook, 250 million people are using Twitter and so Social Networking is clearly the way of the future. If you asked these 950million people if they wanted to Make A Difference, chances are they would say yes. Charities in need will always outnumber the companies and individuals that can give. The two things that prevent you and I from giving to charities in need is time and most importantly money”
Doug and Madelaine wanted to come up with a model that made a difference and didn’t require a person to give of their time or money. “Facebook and Twitter have huge followings but are not designed to help charities and until now the traditional way of supporting charities required you to either give of your time and/or money. So we decided to design a social networking platform that enables the user to make money for their favourite charities WITHOUT it costing them a cent, and so TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference was born”, explains Doug.
It took a year of development and it has been funded by the couple. “The way that it works is simple, explains Doug:
1. Advertisers place ads and surveys on the various pages on TheMADNetwork.
2. The user gets exposed to the ads and surveys and earns points by being exposed to the ads and participating in the surveys.
3. These points can then be allocated by the user to any charity of their choice on TheMADNetwork.
4. The charity then exchanges their points for physical money from TheMADNetwork.
So essentially we are using our advertising revenue to help charities in need and in this way, the user gets to make money for their favourite charities without it costing them a cent!
We would like to believe that EVERYONE on the planet cares about something, we may not care about the same thing but we all care about something. We don’t however always have the money or time to help and so TheMADNetwork addresses this.
We are asking people if they go online to download e-mails or if they are on Facebook or Twitter, that they include TheMADNetwork to their list of social networking platforms and help us Make A Difference in the World!
We worked out that if TheMADNetwork had the same number of users as Facebook, that R3.5Billion would have been raised for charities in need in the very first week of launching!”
If you want to Make A Difference, then join TheMADNetwork – The Network that is Making A Difference, http://www.themadnetwork.com
For more on Doug’s life, visit http://www.douganderson.co.za
You can follow Doug on Twitter: dougandersonza
You can follow TheMADNetwork on Twitter: @themadnetwork
You can follow TheMADNetwork Group on Facebook: The MAD Network
Doug tells his project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I believe happiness is a choice – you can choose to be happy or not.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
As you think and say, you are and as you sow you reap
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My mother, my late father, my fiancé, my family, my friends – I am truly blessed!
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Difficult question. I think there are a few: Passion. Generosity. Gratitude.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
I guess from a very young age. I was brought up with the understanding that I could achieve anything if I believed and put my mind to it.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I am living my dream & I wouldn’t change it for the world! I get to make a difference in people’s lives every day!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Just keep smiling!
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I Make A Difference at every opportunity.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I know that it is the fear of failure that holds people back. I believe that true failure is not trying again
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
What you have become is nothing to what you can become. You matter and you can Make A Difference!
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published January 10th, 2012
Jared Orlin aka Gossip Guy has been writing about celebrities since 2004. As the former sub-editor of People magazine and entertainment editor of YOU magazine he’s become something of a celebrity expert, a passion he translated into his blog www.gossipguy.co.za. He recently made the move out of print media (although he still freelances when he gets the time) into PR (he’s the PR Specialist of a major national radio station) and hosts an entertainment.music show called The A-List with Jared Orlin on Wednesday 8 to 10pm on 101.9 ChaiFM.
Follow Jared on Twitter: @The_Gossip_Guy
On a personal note:
Jared is a dear friend of mine who has been an incredible support along my journey as both a blogger and within the social media sphere. Some of the best advice and kicks in the butt have come from this dear soul. Beyond that, so have some of my greatest introductions and I will always be eternally grateful for his faith in me and instilling the important rule of always demanding a stage to stand on when addressing a crowd.
Here is Jared’s project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
It’s the feeling of goals attained, of being successful in what you do. It’s the company of close friends – quality time is so important in our fast-paced world. It’s flirting with a complete stranger and them flirting back. It’s spontaneous hugs. It’s a book you can get lost in. Lots of little things add up to creating that happy feeling.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
“You are loved”. I think everyone on this planet suffers to some degree or another from a lack of self love. We disrespect ourselves all too easily and often let others disrespect us too. I’m guilty of it myself. I am utterly convinced that we are all here to learn, grow and experience and that one of humanity’s biggest lessons is to love unconditionally. There’s too much of love’s opposite – hate – out there. Like I’m forever saying “make love, not war”.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My grandmother and my late great grandmother. I was lucky enough to know and be very close to my great gran and she was fond of telling me ‘The sky’s the limit’. I remember this! My grandmother is an amazing woman. We are very close and she’s my #1 champion. She always tunes in to my radio show and whenever I’m being interviewed on TV or radio she makes a plan to watch or listen. That support is amazing and I’m grateful for it.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
How to juggle…kidding! Be serious here Jared. I think we’re all born with big hearts that we should wear on our sleeves . I think society socialises us into holding emotions back because hey, we don’t want to be seen as rocking the boat or being different. Also, I think babies are born with a keen emotional intuition that we lose a bit of as adults. When you’re upset, they pick that up. The reverse is true too, which is why babies smile back when you smile at them. I think we’re all a bit psychic; we just often don’t trust our gut instincts, our 6th sense. But your intuition is the most important thing you should listen to – much more important than listening to your partner J
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
If I had truly reached that moment I think I’d be Ghandi, or Buddha or [insert name of other enlightened souls here]. Believing something, thinking it and knowing it are not, alas, the same thing. I believe we can achieve our goals. Within limits of course. Turning water into wine is probably out of the limits of my capabilities no matter how intently I stare at that glass….but I do believe we have the ability to shape our destinies. I believe that we are the creators of our journeys here on earth. Which is why I have a vision board and on it I put my goals, dreams and aspirations. I believe in writing down my goals, putting a plan into concrete action. If you sit back and bemoan your lack of success, money, a romantic partner etc, the Universe will just keep giving you more of that lack. Celebrate what you have and write down and visualise what you’d like.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Mmmmmmmm, I suppose I have and don’t always realise it. Thanks for reminding me that about two or three years ago I got a taste of radio when I was interviewed by Jeremy Mansfield and Sam Cowen on 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s morning show. I was nervous as all hell but I loved it. The experience left me feeling that radio is my future (at that point I was working for a weekly magazine) and my gut was screaming ‘go for it’. Well, I’m now doing PR for one of the biggest radio stations in the country and have my own show, called The A-List with Jared Orlin on another station. Dreamed it! Living it! And yes, there has been a picture of a radio microphone on my vision board for some time now. It’s still there. No point in taking it down as my radio journey is far from over!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Well it’s a bit of a cliché but I remind myself that everything happens for a reason. Like I said earlier I believe we’re here to learn and you learn via experience. The biggest learning curves are those experiences we choose to call ‘bad’ or ‘negative’ like being hijacked or if a sale falls through. But how often do we stop and ask ourselves ‘What did I gain from this experience? What have I learnt from it?’ We’re often so busy having a pity party that we don’t see silver linings. They’re there. I’ll give you an example. When a now-ex dumped me unexpectedly there were plenty lessons I learned: I learned what I am prepared to put up with in a relationship. I learned that it’s okay to speak my mind. I learned what true intimacy feels like. And I learnt how amazing my friends are when I need them there.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
To be honest I hate this question. I’m not convinced I’m offering the world anything but there’s a little Jodene angel on my shoulder going ‘Yes you do’ so I’ll tell you what someone said to me recently: “you don’t realise how many people respect your work and the way you approach the celebrity scene with such integrity.” I am paraphrasing here but the gist of this mini wake-up call was that I might be The Gossip Guy but I’m also spiritual and I believe in chakras, energy fields, intuition etc. Many people think the two are mutually exclusive – what could possibly be spiritual about gossip? It’s all in HOW you talk about celebrities. If you choose to ne negative and cut people down, that’s your indaba, but I maintain a sense of (non-bitchy) humour plus the ability to see the ‘they’re-just-humans-too’ side of celebrity makes all the difference. Plus I love what I do. That’s pretty spiritual don’t you think? Living a passion, when so many people out there don’t, is proof of that.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Sometimes you just have to plunder forward. Just do it! Ask yourself ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’. Think about it. So you maybe made a fool of yourself but did anyone die? Are you in permanent physical pain? Did you lose a limb? If not, well then have a little giggle at yourself and choose – yes choose – to move on. Because moving on is just that – a choice. You can stay and wallow. That’s your choice. You can also get up, get going and move on. Also your choice. It’s up to you. And if all else fails I remind myself that what happens could make for an interesting blogpost or Tweet.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Loving each other. We focus too much on what we can get out of people. It’s all money, money, money, greed, greed, greed. Fine and dandy to have that mansion but does it make your soul sing with joy? The relentless pursuit of financial wealth worries me. Remember, it costs money to maintain money. You think it’s cheap being a millionaire? Wrong! You’ve got to work extra super hard to maintain that lifestyle. So what’s the point of being wealthy if you just have to work harder and can’t enjoy it…
A personal note from Jared about his support for Hospice:
This blog post is in honour of Hospice, who were beyond incredible when my grandfather was ill a few years ago. They do amazing work and allow the terminally ill to pass on in dignity.
Hospice’s mission statement:
To Promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness by supporting member hospices and partner organisations.
Follow Hospice on Twitter
Follow Hospice on Facebook
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published December 13th, 2011
Angela Guastella’s irrepressible personality blasts through the airwaves on Sunday evenings on 5FM, offering listeners the perfect mix of ‘out of the box’ humour, fun and all-round wackiness. Achieving a seamless balance between music, talk and unadulterated entertainment; Sunday evenings with Angela are the perfect way to see in the end of a deliciously lazy weekend.
Angela was producing and co-hosting a syndicated show entitled ‘Point of View’ with Randall Abrahams when 5FM got in touch out of the blue and asked her to submit a demo. Needless to say, she was offered her very own show on the station and soon found her greatest dream coming true.
Angela studied Journalism for a year at Varsity College in Cape Town before deciding to specialise in copywriting. She then completed a Red and Yellow School of Logic and Magic Diploma in copywriting. After a stint at Ogilvy working as a Junior Copywriter, Angela’s increasing frustration with the corporate world and the desire to leap into entertainment eventually grew so large that she made a decision to change direction. She subsequently moved to Johannesburg and worked any jobs she could while simultaneously working at UJFM to gain as much radio experience as possible. She never dreamt that success in the form of a show on a national radio station would come so quickly.
In her spare time, Angela pursues a diverse range of interests – from dancing to playing drums to cultural activities and plays. “I think it’s incredibly important to grow yourself as a person in order to be interesting on air. That’s why I find it hard to separate ‘work’ and ‘life’, the two are never very far apart from each other. The greatest challenge for me is being patient. I want to learn and know everything now. But at the same time I’m glad I’m impatient, it keeps me pushing harder. You’re only as good as your last show.”
Angela is never one to rest on her laurels: “I’m currently learning to DJ – something I’ve been wanting to do for years – and I can’t wait to be able to get dance floors making ridiculous ‘Woooooohhhh I love this song!’ noises. I still do copywriting on a freelance basis and between you and me, would still love to win a Loerie. I’m currently working on a column, which is very much in line with my on- air personality and which I am planning to pitch to various magazines this year. I want to own my own clothing boutique in the next three to five years; I have always had an interest in fashion merchandising. I’d also, in good time, like to explore television opportunities in order to expand on my portfolio as a broadcaster.”
Something not many people know about Angela is that she was trained in dance, drama and singing from the age of four and desperately wanted to pursue a career in Musical Theatre. When the first production of CATS came to SA, she auditioned and made it to the final cut.
That was the moment when she made the difficult decision to explore a more ‘academic’ professional path and study Journalism.
Angela has big plans for her radio future. “I feel that my strength lies in my passion for sourcing and creating unique content, listener interaction and the fact that I have something valuable, entertaining and often off-the-wall to say, very often about the ridiculous. My ultimate slot would be week days 7pm-10pm. It’s a sexy slot. There’s something a little naughty about it. It’s at a time when you can really push the envelope and be a little off the wall and also at a time where people are very open to interaction.”
Angela Guastella tells her Project Me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
For me, it’s the affirmation that you matter. That you are accepted, loved and appreciated exactly as you are.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
How you doing? (Joey/Matt LeBlanc style).
Ok, seriously though, I’d have them say, ‘Don’t let the world change you, go out there and change the world.’
I really believe that we all have that power in us, even if it’s just making someone feel good about themselves. That is change.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I cannot separate my mom and my dad. They are one, supportive unit in my life that has made countless sacrifices to always give me the absolute best opportunities to reach my full potential. They’ve backed me in absolutely every step of my journey to where I am and have always let me know that I matter, no matter what.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Goodness. We all have it in us. We just need to choose to find and use it.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
To be honest, I don’t believe I can achieve anything, but I do believe I can achieve anything I want to. Let me explain. For example, I don’t think I could be the world’s greatest basket ball player, or the next Calvin Klein model. I don’t have the height or the build. But that isn’t a bad thing. And besides, I don’t have the slightest desire to be either. I believe that everyone is given strengths and talent in some areas. It’s what makes us different and interesting. I know my strengths, and I want to work at developing and achieving in those areas. In that capacity, I know I can indeed achieve incredible things.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I have always dreamed of affecting people through entertainment. I want to make them feel something. Through dance and drama, writing and broadcasting, I have had the privilege of doing this, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say ‘it has been achieved’. I am the kind of person that always wants more.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
That everything happens for a reason and that I know my own worth, no matter what may smack me in the face.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I believe that one unique thing we all have to offer is simply, ourselves. Who we are, our choices, opinions, how we make people feel, how we execute our talents. Each one of us is a unique combination of all of those things, including me.
I also think that we all have the ability to offer the world good and bad – it’s which one we choose that really matters.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I take them on in a staring match and generally they’re the first one to giggle.
I really just ask myself, ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen?’ The answer has never been scary enough for me to quit.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Who the hell we are. Everyone wants to be like the next one instead of embracing and showing the whole world what is so fabulously different about themselves.
The charity Angela supports: POWA
POWA was formed in 1979 by a group of women volunteers in order to provide referral services and sheltering to women who were experiencing domestic violence. POWA was the first organization to establish a shelter for abused women in 1981. The organization also pioneered second stage (or transitional) housing for women in 2009 in Gauteng. The direct services delivery component of the organisation forms the basis of and informs all advocacy interventions, at local, nation and regional level.
POWA currently has 7 physical working sites in Gauteng that provide counseling, sheltering and legal support to women at face-to-face level. Over the years we have become an organization that is considered to be an expert on issues of women’s rights and are consulted by the private sector, government and civil society on educational and decision-making matters pertaining to women’s safety and enjoyment of their rights. As an organisation, our aim is to‘open spaces for us as women in all our diversity to enjoy our fundamental human rights.’
In order to achieve this, we have structured our organization in a manner that allows us to engage with grassroots women’s groups and organizations in various provinces as well as engage and influence national institutional structures such as the legislature, regional forums such as the African Commission on People and Human Rights (ACPHR) and international forums such as the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Working in partnership with other women’s rights organisations and building cross-sectoral alliances with human rights groups has proven to be one of the most successful strategies adopted thus far. POWA plays a leading role in and is the secretariat of the Oneinnine Campaign, a network of 26 organisations formed in 2006 with the following objectives: raising awareness through direct action and public education around the challenges and obstacles confronted by survivors of sexual violence when attempting to access justice; providing legal support to complainants in sexual violence cases and advocating for a more responsive and protective criminal justice system.
In the regional (African) context, POWA is a member of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), a network consisting of 27 civil society organisations and development partners on the African Continent working towards the promotion and protection of women’s human rights in Africa by inter alia, engaging in lobbying and advocacy strategies to ensure the ratification, domestication and effective implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
POWA’s strategic approach is designed to ensure that women in South Africa enjoy the freedoms and rights entrenched in the Constitution and guaranteed in international human rights commitments.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published November 22nd, 2011
Gisèle’s media career spans a broad range of experience, from editorial, marketing, publishing, finance and advertising sales to media innovation and strategy. Her career highlights include, recognition as the leading Media Personality of the Year in 1992, winner of the International Press Distribution Awards for best International magazine launch for ELLE as well as over 30 local awards for magazine publishing excellence.
She was elected Chairperson of the Magazine Publisher’s Association of South Africa between 2003-2005 and over the years has served as a Chief Judge for the PICA Awards for Magazine Excellence.
During her media career she has launched and re-launched more than ten magazine titles and was responsible for several new newspaper projects, as GM Advertising Strategy and Sales and then GM Innovation at Avusa, including being a member of the strategic planning team for The Times, Sunday Times first Daily Digital Interactive newspaper. In 2008 she joined First National Bank as Media Director and led a team in FNB embracing focusing on social media and digital projects, for which she received CEO recognition at the 2009 FNB Innovators Awards. Gisèle left FNB to participate in the family’s business interests and is currently a non-executive director of OmniMed (Pty) Ltd.
She recently purchased Longevity magazine and website www.longevitymag.co.za and is living her passion!
Follow Longevity Magazine on Twitter
Follow Gisèle on Twitter
Gisèle tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Walking on a long, preferably deserted beach, with the waves tickling my toes, the sun warming my back, the wind in my hair and nature all around me.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. “ Eleanor Roosevelt
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I’ve had a few mentors in business, family and my partner who have supported me over the years at different occasions in my life, for which I am grateful. However, I firmly believe that if you don’t believe in yourself, then it won’t matter who believes in you, you won’t get there…
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Abundance is the birthright of everyone. However, very few realize it because the term “abundance” is thought of only in relation to money. However, we are born with abundance, no matter who we are or where we are, whether it is in our health, our looks, our disposition, our intelligence, our environment, our religion, our family, to name a few. We all have abundance in one form or another and we just have to see it, believe in it and use it to our advantage!
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
When I launched a school newspaper with a friend. It was a first in the history of the school, we were in our early teens and I believed we would conquer the world
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
No not yet, but I will get get there. I would really like to make a difference to people’s quality of life, not just my own!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
It’s always darkest before dawn and you’ll always come out with more wisdom, no matter how bad it is
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I have more guts than sense
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I meditate on them, debate them with myself (and others) even get angry and depressed by them, but I work at processing them so that I can move forward and not fear them any longer
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
The world we live in has become far too motivated by greed. The gap between rich and poor in many countries is simply too great. So many seem to believe enough is not enough. But how much is enough? We all have to be productive and our societies and economies must move forward, innovate, develop and create. The very imbalances we see are often result of this advancement. However, at what cost?
In ancient greek mythology Erysichthon was a Thessalian king who chopped down the sacred grove of the goddess Demeter in order to build himself a feast-hall. As punishment for the crime the goddess inflicted him with insatiable hunger, driving him to exhaust his riches and finally, in poverty, devour his own flesh. Sound familiar considering our current global financial crisis, growing death rates of lifestyle related diseases and of course more and more natural disasters?
We are living in a world of contradictions. Science and medical advancement is ensuring those with access to education and money live longer. People in developed countries are eating more badly than ever before and there are rising levels of obesity in these countries resulting in lifestyle related diseases which need to be treated at great cost. On the other hand there are millions of people in developing countries dying of starvation. There are more obese people in the world (some 1,5 billion) than there are starving people (around a billion) according to the International Red Cross.
And while this all goes on our environment is taking a beating as we continue to abuse the earth’s resources.
Humanity is its very own ticking time bomb and in a way I am glad I won’t be around when it explodes (and maybe this is just what humanity needs to bring some sense to it). However while I am here I would like to be able to say I tried to do something to make a difference even in the smallest way, if not for now, but for future generations.
Gisèle’s supports The Girl Effect: http://girleffect.org
The Girl Effect is a movement driven by girl champions around the globe. The Nike Foundation created the Girl Effect with critical financial and intellectual contributions by the NoVo Foundation and Nike Inc. and in collaboration with key partners such as the United Nations Foundation and the Coalition for Adolescent Girls.
It is devoted to the idea that the empowerment of girls is the key to significant social and economic change in developing countries. When a girl has the right tools in place, a chance to use her voice and systems set up to work for her, she will transform the lives of everyone around her. Studies show that when you improve a girl’s life, you improve the lives of her brothers, sisters, parents, and beyond.
The Girl Effect is about encouraging people around the world to use their voices, talents, and communities to help girls help themselves—and, as a result, everybody else. It’s about providing the tools and the network needed to spread the word about what girls can do.
Follow The Girl Effect on Twitter
Become a fan of The Girl Effect on Facebook
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published November 9th, 2011
Mr Ntumba was appointed Chairman of the SABT Board in February 2010 having beena member of the Board since 2009. He is a Chartered Accountant, a member of the Institute of Directors and of the Investment Analysts Society of Southern Africa. He is also an Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow (Oxford University, United Kingdom and the African Leadership Institute) and a member of the African Leadership Network.
Mr Ntumba is also Deal Executive at Capitalworks Investment Partners, a private equity investment house recently recognised by the international DealMakers publication as the South African Alternative Asset Management Firm of the Year 2011.
Mr Ntumba has significant Board experience in both the private and public sectors. Some of his responsibilities include the following: for the five years ended August 2011, he sat on the Board of Directors of the Railway Safety Regulator, a department of Transport institution, where he was a member of its audit committee and chaired its finance and procurement committee. The South African Parliament has recently extended his term for a further 3 years on this Board. He also was a member of the Audit Committee of the Gauteng Provincial Treasury. He is the former Chair and still committee member of the Audit Committee of the Energy Sector Education and Training Authority.
He obtained his professional qualifications with Deloitte and Touche Southern Africa where he was part of its Financial Services Team and went on to be involved in numerous leadership development programmes including the Gordon Institute of Business Science ‘s Dialogue Circle, the African Leadership Academy mentorship initiative and the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa JHB (ABASA) – where he co-founded the ABASA Leadership Programme and was the body’s Board Vice-Chairman in the Gauteng province, South Africa.
He holds finance and executive education qualifications from Oxford University, UK and the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
He is multilingual. Some of the languages he speaks fluently are French and Swahili. He is married to Mrs Jena Mukina and they have a wonderful daughter. He is a keen tennis player, an avid football follower, a buddying photographer and a motoring enthusiast.
Mr Cedric Ntumba’s project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I define happiness as the ability to be present in the moments which matter most to those who love me unconditionally.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Dream big, dig deep and make it happen.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
Without doubt that person is my wife, Jena Mukina. She has been able to take me to my personal boundaries, then stretch them.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
I believe all qualities can be taught or developed if one is determined and dedicated enough.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
There were many such moments along my life and they were very opportune. Growing up in different countries one has had to adapt to varying circumstances regularly.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
Wow. This is an interesting question. I am passionate about the tangible development of the African continent, including its heritage. I love the continent and its people and its rich offerings. I hope I am playing a part in making the continent a better place for all. I am from the DRC. But it will take many of us to put up our hands and make our voices and actions count, in meaningful ways.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Tomorrow will come. Just do your best.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
Difficult for me to say, but if pressed to answer I would have to say my positive outlook to life. I am the forever dreamer.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Not very well! I have surrounded myself with driven individuals who push boundaries continuously. I am also working on better enhancing my spirituality.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Selflessness.
This interview is in support of: The South African Ballet Theatre
The South African Ballet Theatre is a non- profit performing arts (ballet) company proudly resident at The Joburg Theatre. SABT was founded by six dancers in 2001 and celebrated its 9th year of existence in February 2010. SABT has a Board of Directors, an Executive Committee, an Artistic Team, 16 full-time dancers, nine apprentice dancers, an extra-curriculum Ballet Academy for high schools students and three outreach schools offering weekly classes to 300 children in Alexandra, Soweto and Katlehong with weekly classes also being taught at the Foundation School (for remedial children) in Melville. The professional ballet company gives an average of 80 – 100 performances a year, gives two major seasons a year at the Joburg Theatre and has toured internationally (Denmark, Zimbabwe and Russia) as well as nationally (Port Elizabeth, East London, Grahamstown, Durban, Hilton, Nelspruit, Welkom and Kimberley).
In 2008 SABT was the winner of the 2007 PetroSA Proudly South African Nation-Builder of the Year Award.
The South African Ballet Theatre is committed to bringing classical ballet performances of Quality, Glamour, Escapism and Magic to the South African stage – to make ballet an art form to be known, loved and shared by all South Africans.
Follow SABT on Twitter
Join the SABT Facebook group
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published October 20th, 2011
Johannesburg resident Kona Brown is a national finalist at the crowning event of Mrs United Nations Pageant on 1 – 3 December 2011.
The uniqueness and importance of the Mrs United Nations Pageant lies in the fact that it is not a beauty pageant, but rather is designed for “real” women with a passion to add value to other people’s lives with the finalists being judged on the humanitarian work that they do for the community on an on-going basis.
She is judged and selected based on her family values and established family support and love. She is a spokeswoman, role model, and a recognized leader for married women all over the country and world.
Kona Brown entered the pageant on this basis, and is thrilled to have received the confirmation that she is now through to the final round, where Mrs United Nations SA will be chosen, to go and represent the country in the worldwide competition being held in November 2012 in the USA.
The local competition is part of an international pageant series and has been running in South Africa since 2001 with previous winners including Liesel Krause-Wiid (2005) and Nadine Blom (2006), both of whom went onto represent SA in the International Pageant during their reign. In its short 9 year participation thus far, South Africa has already produced 5 international winners.
Back in 2006, Kona was no stranger to the corporate boardroom, being a successful senior business analyst in the Banking Sector. Even during that time she was involved in charity work and various corporate social investment initiatives where she donated the little time she had spare to volunteering at Mother Theresa’s Hospice in Yeoville.
Leaving the corporate world to start her family at that time, she found such fulfilment being able to make this difference in the community so desperate for help she made the decision to continue volunteering her time, on this occasion at Rays of Hope, and in 2009 start volunteering 4 mornings a week. She has since become the project manager for their Child Headed Households Project. This project focuses on assisting orphaned and vulnerable children in Child Headed Households in the Alexandra Township. (www.raysofhope.co.za)
They currently have over 30 families in the project, assisting over 100 vulnerable children who have been orphaned by AIDS and who now have to take care of themselves and their siblings – basically children raising and caring for children. Through a variety of initiatives the organisation aims to move the children out of the victim cycle and assist them in finding a more hopeful and better future.
Says Kona; “When I left the corporate world almost 5 years ago I never dreamed that I’d be able to apply any of my skills in a non-profit organization. But it has changed the way I see my country and has deepened my love for South Africa and its people. There are so many opportunities to do good.”
She continues; “Now as a finalist in the Mrs United Nation SA Competition, I hope to inspire other regular South Africans to get involved within their communities and to create greater awareness around the ever growing plight of child-headed households and orphaned and vulnerable children and the projects aimed at them.”
About Kona, courtesy of Artslink.co.za
Kona tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Being used for a purpose
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Today I will have grace with myself and others
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
My husband and kids think I’m invincible. It might have something to do with iron-fistedly running a household where I am thoroughly outnumbered by the amount of testosterone. My husband has seen me at my best and at my worst and has always been the person who brings out the best in me and spurs me on to be a better version of myself.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Hopefulness
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
The day I started believing in The One greater than I, who is able to do more than I can ever ask for, hope or imagine.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I’d love to be part of a UN humanitarian outreach or relief effort, especially somewhere on the African Continent.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
To live and be present in the moment.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
My relentless pursuit to better the lives of those less fortunate and my ability to inspire others to do the same
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I spit at them! Quite literally.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
That we belong to each other.
Follow Kona Brown on Twitter
Kona’s charity of choice: Rays of Hope
Imisebe Yethemba (trading as Rays of Hope) is the community based outreach arm of Rosebank Union Church. It is an independent Section-21 (non-profit) organization which manages a large number of social outreach projects with a particular focus on Alexandra Township, northern Johannesburg. Many of these projects have been initiated by Rays of Hope, but we are also actively involved in supporting activities of other NPOs, NGOs and CBOs which align with our vision and values.
We are “hands on” in Alex and have developed close relationships with community leaders, the police, High Schools, the Alexandra clinic and the Department of Social Development in order to leverage appropriate assistance where it is available. Rose-Act was started in Alexandra in 1991 in an effort to enhance education in Alexandra.
Follow Rays of Hope on Twitter
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published September 25th, 2011
After successfully attempting to break the Guinness World Record (although not formerly recognized – long story which he’ll explain over coffee if you like) for the longest broadcast by an individual (125 hours) in September 2006, Rob walked into the Heart 104.9FM offices in Cape Town to enquire about a vacation internship and instead was offered the Weekend Breakfast show.
By December 2007 Rob had also held the position of Afternoon Drive show Producer, making Heart 104.9FM his home 7 days a week. Rob had bigger plans though… Soon came the offer from South Africa’s number one Top 40 Commercial Youth Station 5FM. The move to Johannesburg also saw Rob complete a year stint at Super Sport Blitz as a sport journalist, that unfortunately came to an end due to his demanding radio career.
Having started on 5FM’s weekend afternoon slot Rob has gone on to host the flagship 5FM Top 40 and has now become the king of nighttime radio with The Rob Vember Show airing Monday-Thursday 19:00-22:00 for which he won the 2011 MTN Radio Award for ‘Best Night-Time Presenter’ Rob has also been involved with The Chaeli Campaign since 2007. Rob has since faced his biggest physical challenge by cycling the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle not once but twice in aid of the organization. Since his involvement with the campaign Rob has become the official Patron of the NGO.
Check out the official site for Rob Vember
Rob tells his Project Me Story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is so hard to encapsulate as ultimately it relates to a truth that only you can experience and no words can describe. It truly is a ‘feeling’ that is experienced differently by each of us. I believe it is that silent solitary moment where nothing else matters but being. Acknowledging that you are here, you are present, you are living. I don’t believe there’s a single greater appreciation.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
“I am here for a reason” – then spend as much time as possible trying to figure out what the reason is.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I’m pretty sure there’s a few people I could put on that list but I’m not sure that I agree with the premis of the question. You are nothing without self belief and self worth. Perhaps I have both because I have people who believe in me but you are nothing unless you believe in yourself.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
We are not alone. We do not exist separately. We are connected and should strive to live accordingly.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
I’m not sure that I’ve had that moment yet. It is something I still grapple with. I’ve achieved quite a bit at different stages of my life, each with its challenges but I’m not sure that I can as yet say categorically that those achievements came without doubt. I am a sceptic and cynic by nature after all.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I’ve always dreamed of being on my current career path but there’s still so much more in my dream space. I’d still love to enter the world of television in a big way. There’s really so many dreams scattered all over my brain that its difficult to put on paper.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
I can always go home! Everyone needs that one place where they’re always welcome.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
Still searching… (see question 2)
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
The potential pain can only last for so long then it too shall pass. If you want something bad enough you’ll get over the fear and take the leap. If your fear outweighs your ‘want’ then you don’t want it enough.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Back to question 4: somewhere in the hustle & bustle we’ve lost our will and need to coexist. Greed is the deadly sin that is doing us the most damage. If only we realised that we are mere mortals part of a much greater system.
Rob Vember supports: The Chaeli Campaign
The Chaeli Campaign was founded on 6 August 2004 by five girls between the ages of 6 and 12. Chaeli Mycroft, her sister (Erin) and lifelong friends, the Terry sisters (Tarryn, Justine and Chelsea) started The Chaeli Campaign to raise R20 000 for Chaeli’s motorised wheelchair. They managed to do this in 7 weeks by selling cards with Erin & Chaeli’s artwork on them and Sunshine Pots (DIY miniature pot plants).
Although Chaeli is the face of The Chaeli Campaign the spirit on which this organisation is based is the teamwork that exists amongst our five founding members. Our mission now is to mobilise the minds and bodies of children with disabilities and to normalise society through advocacy and education programmes and events.
We run eight different programmes including providing custom-made assistive devices, therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and communication facilitation) and also support special needs children in mainstream schools. The thread that runs through all our programmes and events is the importance of inclusion and diversity in society, based on this definition of disability:
Physical/intellectual impairment is self-evident and can be dealt with. Disability is created by the way in which society responds to the impairment.
Disability is, therefore, a behaviour and an attitude and although we are directly involved in impacting the lives of differently-abled children and their families, an equally important task is to invite able-bodied society to a greater awareness of the essential role that people with disabilities have to play in communities – teaching lessons that only they can teach.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published September 19th, 2011
Having chased a dream of being a fashion designer , Katie Mohamed’s academic background stems from Fashion Design to clients services and eventually Sales and Marketing. Modelling and Fashion shows proved to be part of an exciting journey into the media industry.
Having on air radio experience for a local radio stations in Durban, is where her love for broadcasting began. After years of experience praising the Public Broadcaster of assisting in being the driving force of gaining a wealth of knowledge within the media and broadcasting field. Katie has successfully expanded the SABC brands , within her field and has generated sales worth, widened the client base, achieved client retention and being part of the positive relationship within the advertising trade. Sponsorships then became a driving force within her environments.
Realising the dream of being a talk show host was a highlight of 2010. “No Reservations” was a chatty, honest and real show, delving onto issues and challenges we face on a regular basis, and having a group of friends talking and sharing their experiences. The response has been phenomenal and the girls will definitely be coming back for a bigger and better show.
Since taking on the new and exciting experience, Katie has now left the broadcaster and is now leveraging off her experience in taking the media and advertising industry to fresher concepts, working on innovations for clients and creating 360” implementations for their objectives. Currently hosting and producing a cooking show called “ Food with friends” that is another authentic South African show .
A mother of 3 kids, she believes in constantly chasing her dreams and is driven by ensuring she will leave a legacy for them, following her instincts, that’s were true wisdom manifests itself.
As Oprah says ““I am a woman in process. I am trying like everybody else. I try to take every conflict, every experience and learn from it. Life is never dull!”
Katie tells her project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
I used to think it was about things, but it’s also about experiences.
Material objects and money make life easier (don’t let people say it’s not about money!!!!) BUT in saying that I believe that you can only achieve happiness in being true to yourself, its finding that inner peace. Life and Life’s traumas can bring you down, but if you are at peace, you definitely can overcome most challenges. If you start achieving your goals as humans we seek of own ways of bliss and happiness and whichever it is, I try to find ways to reach my happiness destiny. I am fuelled by passion for everything I am committed to my family, my shows, my clients, my friends, and my home. It brings me peace which results in happiness.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
” I am not happy living someone else’s dream, I will live my own”
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
I need ME to believe in ME. I take care of ME. I’m the best person that knows what’s best for me. I know if I believe in myself I have the power to make my dreams come true. I believe in myself and all that I can trust, love, act, plan and believe that I can achieve anything humanly possible. When I believe in myself I feel stronger, braver and smarter.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Love- our right to give and receive love can never be taught. It is an emotion that just happens. The quality of love is more important than anything you can give or get as a human being. It’s the foundation of any relationship, your family, your partner, your job, your friends….
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
You can only achieve anything for the moment. You can exist only in the present, so you can achieve anything only in the present moment. Goal setting is not to control the future, and it improves your present reality. I am constantly trying to achieve for the present and reality is the ultimate judge, so things change, surprises in between. I always loved public speaking, motivating people even if my life isn’t that perfect just helping. So I guess the “No Reservations” was part of my achievements that has taken me on a level that I can speak my mind thereby guiding and talking about real life experiences. So ultimate achievement might be a book… but who knows life throws you curveballs everyday…
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
They’ve changed as well? When you a little girl you dream of the fairy tale, then YOU make decisions that change your dreams. You ultimately want to make your dreams, your destiny, but implement practical techniques, don’t let people fool you into believing the fairy tale. It can only happen the way reality allows you to, no matter how much you dream. Having said that I always dreamt of making a difference in society in what I do, so I will continue to persevere my passion for `Media and not allow the distractions and noise of life to crowd out my dreams.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Get back to reality, what are the tangibles, how can we assess situations, how can we try and fix challenges. I remind myself that we are souls and that there is a divine power that we can tap into. Have faith in God, in which ever way.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
The ability to talk, to care about individuals, to go out of my way to help. So its reliability!
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
When we let fear rule our lives we miss out on opportunities. We have a limited time on earth so if you build self- confidence, immediately you can handle fear. Remind myself that the past does not define my future.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
We’ve lost sight of being human! Kindness, compassion, sympathy. Everything seems to become a commercial transaction. We’ve lost sight of forgiveness, if we can do that we can live. We hide behind screens and phones. We’ve lost the art of being human and humane. The ability to achieve meaningful connections for the human spirit. Life is too short, we need to enjoy our days, laugh at every chance. We need to listen, love, speak, pray, share, trust and have the strength and courage to be human without being apologetic. We’ve lost our sense of conscienceless and awareness of elements around us.
Katie supports: The South African Ballet Theatre
The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) presents the magical fairytale ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ at the Joburg Theatre from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 16th 2011.
Based on the original choreography by Marius Petipa, and set to Pytor Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, this season will feature SABT stars such as Principal dancer Burnise Silvius, international guest artists Lily-Ann Bones, Daniel Convery and Australian Adam Thurlow who returns to SABT for his second guest appearance.
Also appearing in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are a host of surprise local celebrities in the roles of the King and Queen as well as members of the SABT Academy and SABT Development Schools.
The well – known fairy tale of the spell placed on Princess Aurora by the evil fairy Carabosse, is told in four acts with appearances by the Lilac Fairy, Puss in Boots, the Bluebird couple and of course, Little Red Riding Hood.
The season is accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (except for performances on October 6th, 7th and 13th which are performed to a recorded score) under the baton of Sonja Bass. This season marks the first time that SABT works with a female conductor.
The production is suitable for ages three and up.
SABT is the country’s foremost professional ballet company and has established itself as a major player in the performing arts with impressive productions of classical ballets, new works by South African choreographers and collaborations across international boundaries. 2011 marks the Company’s tenth anniversary.
Bookings for ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ are through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com.
SABT management has endeavored to keep ticket prices for the 18 performances as low as possible with prices ranging from just R50 to R320. All tickets for the Sunday morning performances at 11h00 are R110.
For additional information please visit www.saballettheatre.co.za
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published September 8th, 2011
Cito was born in Los Angeles, California on the 18th of July 1974 as Martin Rafael Otto. Most of his childhood was spent in a Hispanic Christian community in New York City. Both parents influenced Cito with their musical abilities – especially with the Spanish guitar. Up until his teenage years he acquired most of his singing experience through his church upbringing.
For missionary purposes his family immigrated to South Africa where Cito continued his high school education. His musical interests took over most of his attention. Cito started composing songs and music and was involved in several bands. When he left high school he joined a ten-piece classic R&B outfit called Heart & Soul as bassist. A year later he left the band and started his own rock band called Moonchild. He then joined 8 Legged Groove Machine, a funk rock band, as lead vocalist.
In 1996 WONDERboom was conceived. Headlining festivals and releasing chart-topping hits, WONDERboom’s fan base grew. They were nominated five times for Best Rock album at the SAMA awards. In 2004 Wonderboom won Best South African Rock Band for the Global Battle of the Bands and went on to achieve second Best Rock Band in the World at the finals in London. WONDERboom have just released their eighth album, The Automatic Shuffle.
In 2004, Cito formed an acoustic side project called Absinthè with Sugardrive frontman Paul E Flynn and best friend, Paulo Rego. Debut album, a Rendezvous at Nirvana was released in December, 2010.
In 2006, Cito was cast for the role of Jesus of Nazareth in the Pieter Toerien production of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Paul W Griffin. The production ran for 20 weeks in SA, with Cito singing at every performance. A bigger production of JCS toured Greece & Korea in 2007 and was received with great appreciation. Unsurprisingly, Cito was nominated for a Naledi Award as Best Newcomer in the South African theatre 2007. In 2008, the musical theatre stage saw Cito perform a lead role again as Frederick Trumper with Pieter Toerien’s new production of Chess, The Musical which boasted full houses throughout the run. Due to popular demand, JCS was brought back to the SA stage in 2010 with Cito’s reprise of the lead role. Again, receiving rave reviews.
Cito is also the founder of Peace Starts, an independent, non-profit, event organization that promotes the International Day of Peace, a United Nations’ commemorated day dedicated to peace, which falls on the 21st of September. Peace Starts is endorsed by Peace One Day and the International Day of Peace.
He also runs his own recording studio where he composes, produces and does sound design for radio and TV and is currently working on his first solo album.
Cito’s project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Performing on stage, having a sense of purpose and dancing…
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
I love you..,.
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
We should believe in ourselves but sometimes we don’t. it’s wonderful when that someone who knows you really well believes in you. That person is my wife, Linda.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Peace.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
Auditioning for the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar, with no training or preparation for what was thrown at me.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I’ve always dreamed of running an independent alternative rock/dance radio station and owning my own coffee shop. Haven’t achieved either… YET!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
I have no control.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
My voice is probably the most unique thing I am aware of.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
It may sound obvious but confrontation is the only way. There’s a serious power in overcoming a fear that debilitates you. It’s liberating.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
The value of life and the need for each other.
Cito’s story in support of: Peace Starts
Join a host of leading South African bands, artists and celebrities to show your support for peace in South Africa at the “Peace Starts 2011” Concert taking place on Saturday, 24th September at Crawford College,
Benmore, Sandton and enjoy a jam-packed rocking concert too.
The line up will include well known South African bands and artists such as, The Graeme Watkins Project, WONDERboom, Kwesta, Shugasmakx, Slikour, Flash Republic, Josie Field, Paul E Flynn, RedButton, Sifiso, The Honey Droppers and more. All of these artists, as well as all of the people that have put the event together, have given of their time and talent free of charge, and all have the same belief; that each and every one of us have the responsibility to play an active role in bringing about the harmony we desire in our community.
Entrance is free to the Peace Starts 2011 event; all you need to do is register on www.peacestarts.co.za. A unique code will be mailed to you, which then must be presented at the entrance.
We encourage you to bring picnic baskets with your own refreshments, food (to avoid queues at the food outlets), blankets and sun protection as the concert will keep you rocking till sunset.
Food and drinks will also be available from various fast food outlets, but no alcohol will be sold (so please bring your own). Security will be present and will not allow weapons, drinking of alcohol for under 18 years of age or unruly behaviour.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
Published August 19th, 2011
Follow Gary on Twitter
Gary Max Wright was born in Liverpool and started dancing at the age of Ten in a local dance school. He trained in all styles of dance such as Disco, Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet, Ballroom and Latin American.
He spent much of his spare time working hard, training and competing. With much support from his dance teacher Margaret Redmond he quickly established himself as one of the top Ballroom and Latin American Junior Dancers in England which gained him a place representing England in the Great British Junior Team at the British Open to the World Championships held in the famous Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.
Gary then went on to represent England in Junior Ballroom, Latin and 10 Dance World Championships all in the same year. He has also visited many other World Championships events in places such as Turin, Moscow, Prague, Italy, Holland, Sweden, America and Singapore where he gained 7th place representing England in the World Youth IDSF Championships.
Gary has also won the British National under 21 Championships, UK closed under 21 Championships, Celtic classic Amateur team match, runner up in the International under 21 Championships, Celtic classic under 21 Championships 2nd place in the World in the Dutch Open Championships in Holland and another of his successful results include being placed 7th in the British Open under 21 championships in Blackpool Winter Gardens which is the biggest competition in the world after dancing with his partner Victoria Burke for 2 weeks. He has also won and been a finalist in many more Youth and Amateur National and International Competitions.
2006 saw him taking part in the highly acclaimed production of Simply Ballroom with Lionel Blair were he did an extensive tour in the UK and also South Africa, Dubai followed by Gary making his first West End debut at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane . He then topped off his amazing year by performing in the Qdos pantomime, Cinderella in Hull. This was one of the best-selling pantomimes Hull New Theatre has seen to date. Not only did he get a chance to work with the Chuckle Brothers but he also understudied one of the Main roles.
In 2007 and 2008 Gary returned back to Simply Ballroom to do yet again a very successful tour which also included two American tours which gave him the opportunity to work with the legendary Miss Debbie Reynolds.
2009 saw him appearing in ‘Cheek to Cheek’ with Anton du Beke and Erin Boag in the amazing London Coliseum and then immediately followed by a brand new Latin American Show called ‘Latin Fever’ with Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Bennet and Lilia Kopylova at the Peacock Theatre London.
2010 Gary also Performed on Broadway with the hugely successful Dance Show Burn The Floor followed by London’s West-End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2011.
On a personal note: Gary, it’s been a joy spending inspirational moments with you and watching the passion with which you dance and live. I wish you health and happiness with each move you make and hope we keep in touch because I’m not done watching you dance yet! Best of luck for opening night at Perth tonight and for the rest of the Burn the Floor tour.
Thank you for sharing your project me story with myself and my readers. You are an inspiration for anyone who has the power to dream:
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness for me is having a loving Family and Friends who are always there for you. As long as i have that I’ll always be Happy. It’s not about materialistic things at all.
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Be Happy with yourself! PMA Positive,Mental,Attitude that’s a saying me and my Friend on Tour say to ourselves if we feel a little low. Everyone from time to time gets a little down you just have to turn that Frown upside down ha ha!
We all need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
For me it’s my Family i have such a good Relationship especially with my Mum and Nan and as long as they believe in me that’s all that matters. They believed in me when i first started to Dance at 10 years of age and now look at me.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
I believe every person has different qualities that’s what makes people special and the way you are brought up tends to mould people into what they are. For example Different experiences in life. For me i have experienced things from a Young age i was travelling on a plane at 11 on my own for my Dancing and had to grow up a little quicker than others my Age.
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
I think because I’ve Danced since i was 10 in Competitions in Latin and Ballroom and been very successful i kinda grew in Confidence and then by the Time i was 21 i made practically every U21 Latin American Top 10 so that’s when i thought if I’m being placed in the Top 10 in the entire World the Sky is my limit and now I’ve Danced on Broadway and London’s West-End. And it still isn’t finished 
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
This might seem kind of silly but i wasn’t one of those Kids who dreamt of being something… I have taken Life as it comes i think I’m very laid back. Like i said i would never have Dreamt of performing on Broadway and West-End, but something i would love to do is appear on Strictly Come Dancing in England aka in South Africa as (Dancing With The Stars) At the moment though I’m loving my Burn The Floor adventures for me this Show is the best Dance Show out there and i love everything about it. As long as my Body lets me I’ll do this!!!
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
Easy question! That I have the best Family and Friends back in Liverpool who will always be there for me.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
I hope that mine is bringing pleasure to people who watch me Dance!
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
I think the biggest thing for me is that i miss all my Family and Friends so much back at Home, but i know that as long as I’m Happy they will be Happy too. The other thing that kind of scares me is Injury’s because what i do is very demanding on my body and one serious injury it could all be over. You have to take care of yourself so much and you know more than anyone your own body.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
Well you know at the moment being from England we have had all these Riots. I’ve been so disappointed in reading or seeing on the News what’s going on because some people just don’t care about anybody else or who they hurt along the way. There will always be issues in the World its how we deal with them is what is important.
With courage, consciousness & a sense of humour
