In this Edition
1. A Terrific Story of Opportunity and Turning Your Life Around
2. Monthly Inspirational Quote
3. Recommended Reading
A Terrific Story of Opportunity and Turning Your Life Around
A homeless man in Manchester, England, has been given an opportunity to turn his life around after a chance meeting with movie casting agents for the upcoming Guy Ritchie production of Sherlock Holmes starring Jude Law and Robert Downey Junior.
Raymond Emanuel, 56, was walking on the streets of Manchester, ironically on the way to the movies (or cinema as it is called in the UK) to escape out of the cold for a few hours when talent scouts for the upcoming movie noticed his distinguished looks. They thought he might be a good fit for the part of a Victorian Member of Parliament and asked him if he would be interested to come to an audition a few days later for a part in the movie.
Raymond not only showed up but he got the part, beating hundreds of other people who were also auditioning for the part. Since completing the filming, Raymond has now gotten himself an apartment in Manchester and an agent to hopefully find him some TV and movie work. After years of living on the streets and in shelters, Raymond’s life is on the upswing.
What can we learn from this inspirational story? Well, as we start into a new and challenging year, it is not to forget the simple things. In the words of Raymond, ” Everything about the day was perfect. We had a fantastic breakfast before we got in to costume and started filming.”
Another message is to never forget the opportunity to learn. Again in the words of Raymond, “It was amazing to be in there with all the cameras, to see what it’s like making a film behind the cameras. There were people making sure everything was in place. There must have been 400 people on the set.”
Finally, you never know when opportunity is going to come your way, so stay open and ready to embrace opportunity when it comes. “It was magical to be in something like that. Being in the film was a great experience and it was an inspiration to me. None of this would have happened if I had not gone to the cinema that day”
FOOTNOTE: Besides this being a terrific human interest story which warms the heart and touches the soul, it also has a very personal connection for me as Raymond is my cousin from Manchester, England. We are family and grew up together. I had lost contact with Raymond when I moved back to Canada in 1990 and had no idea until I read the story about him that he had fallen on hard times. I am proud of Raymond and hope this will be the inspiration he needs to get his life back on track. He is a terrific guy and I always enjoyed being in his company. Good luck to you cousin! I am in your corner and cheering you on.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
“Change is like rain, everyone knows it is good for us, but nobody wants to get wet” Author Unknown
RECOMMENDED READING
WINNING by Jack Welch with Suzy Welch
This is not a new book, but could easily be considered a classic. Jack Welch knows how to win. During his forty year career at General Electric, he led the company to year after year success around the globe. Welch’s optimistic, get it done approach is riveting. The book is packed with personal anecdotes and written in Jack’s distinctive straight forward style. “Winning” offers deep insights, original thinking, and solutions to nuts and bolts problems that will change the way people think about work and business. There is much to be learned whether you are supporter of Jack Welch’s leadership style or not.
