Life's Secrets: Keys to Success - a Coaching Model

INTRODUCTION

Personal invitation letter to and list of previously disadvantaged achievers

When you analyse your present position in terms of the vast progressive steps you have taken and achieved, your ambitious cultivation of opportunities and your overall dedication and commitment to your career, you realise, suddenly, you are a renowned success and a great achiever.

Once in a lifetime, a book project comes along which is so important, so enthusiastically praised by the experts and has the potential to become so outstandingly successful that no well-informed person would wish to miss the opportunity of participating and contributing to it.

As a business economist, management consultant and industrial psychologist, may I use this miraculous electronic medium to submit this very personal request to you, which will undoubtedly influence the minds, hearts and behaviour of millions of young people on a local and international level.

The purpose of this project is to assist me in achieving my life-long dream of presenting some guiding principles, philosophies, values, norms and work ethics essential for Life’s Secrets and its Keys to Success in South Africa to our rainbow youth, young adults and parents. I take exceptional pleasure in calling upon your assistance and cooperation with this project, which I will have the honour of presenting in a book form with the objective to become of the utmost importance and significance to a very wide reading market.

I take special pleasure in calling on your assistance and cooperation with this project, which I will have the honour of presenting your Lessons of Life in book form that will be of the utmost importance and significance to a very wide readers market.

You (and a number of other prominent and successful men and women who stem from all walks of life in our unique the rainbow nation) have been selected to form a small and exclusive, yet intensely influential, reference group. Your input will most certainly guide, lead and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to succeed in their careers by following and practising those lessons you have so dearly learned from life itself. See a list of contributors.

I have researched and reviewed the various websites on which you are referred to (personal profiles, biographic and career details), but need to hone in on one or two other aspects that I believe will enrich and reveal more clearly to our leaders of tomorrow which maps and pointers they need on their road to success.

To enable us to complete and enhance your personal profile in the forthcoming book, will you be so kind as to provide me with your frank comments and personal experiences to the following questions.

- What lesson(s) has life taught you during your childhood and/or career?

- What is your worldview and life philosophy?

- Which principles, values and norms are paramount and have you applied in your life?

- Are there any specific quotations and/or ‘words of wisdom‘ which have inspired and motivated you during your lifetime?

- During your career, which management philosophy, style and work ethics have you applied?

- At times, when you really felt emotionally drained, sorrowful, discouraged or disheartened, were there any rhymes, poetry or spiritual/religious verses, which served as anchors for you?

Your candid opinion and personal sharing of life’s experiences will not only serve greatly as pieces of advice and pointers, but will indeed provide valuable career counselling and contribute significantly towards the life skills of all those who identify with you and regard you as a great achiever, successful leader, prominent communicator and ultimate role model of our time.

On behalf of the youths, young adults and parents all over, will you please do this for them?

Since this initiative is believed also to be the first of its kind, I earnestly request your thoughtful consideration and cooperation with this very valuable and worthy project. This will truly be greatly appreciated by us.

In addition, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see how this potential book also actively contributes to the African Renaissance and becomes as rewarding and enriching to you as to myself?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. However, should you, prefer to convey this information via a personal interview, I look forward to receive communication from you regarding a convenient date, time and venue suitable to you.

We look forward to your timeous e-mail or fax reply.

Invitation list of honourable chiefs, distinguished Achievers and role models in various caterogies

Presidency

Ministers and Deputies

Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Honourable Justices and Archbishops

First-time Space Voyager

Prominent Captains of Industry and the Environment

Other distinguished Leaders and Academicians

Show Business and Sport Superstars

Eminent Communicators and Role Models

Asmal - Prof. A Kader Asmal: Former Minister of Education

Buthelezi - Dr. Mangosothu G Buthelezi: Former Minister of Home Affairs

Chaka Chaka - Yvonne Chaka Chaka: Singer and Musician

Dludlu - John Dludlu: Editor: Sowetean

Jordaan - Danny Jordaan: 2010 World Cup Bid Committee CEO

Langa - Judge Pius Langa: Former President: Constitutional Court

Langa - Mandla Langa: Former Chairman of ICASA, Music Composer, Creative Writer and Journalist

Madungandaba - Joe Madungandaba: CEO Malesela Group

Makeba - Miriam Makeba: Musician

Mandela - Nelson Mandela: Former State President and Nobel Peace Winner

Mangena - Mosibudi Mangena: Former Deputy Minister of Education

Maree - Sydney Maree: Former Director Corporate Marketing & Communication JSE

Mbeki - Thabo Mbeki: Former State President of South Africa

Mda - Prof. Zakes Mda: Academic, Creative Writer, Poet, Artist, Musician, Filmmaker, Public Speaker

Mboweni - Tito Mboweni: Former President Reserve Bank

Mokgokong - Dr. Anna Mokgokong: Chairperson UNISA Council, Group Executive Chairperson and co - founder of the Malesela Group and Business Woman of the Year

Mokgoro - Judge Yvonne Mokgoro: Judge Constitutional Court

Motlatla - Dr. Malesela D C Motlatla: Founder Member of the Malesela Group; Entrepreneur, Businessman and Community Leader

Msimang - Mavuso Msimang: Former CEO SA National Parks Board

Ndungane - Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane: Archbishop Cape Town

Phosa - Matthew Phosa: Former Director KPMG

Ramaphosa - Cyril Ramaphosa: Chairman, Johnnic Holdings Ltd

Ramsamy - Sam Ramsamy: President NOCSA

Sexwale - Tokyo Sexwale: Former Premier of Gauteng Province and Chairman of Mvela Holdings

Shuttleworth - Mark Shuttleworth: Africa’s First Astronaut

Sisulu - Walter Sisulu: Former ANC Leader

Small - Prof. Adam Small: Academic, Writer & Poet

Sonn - Dr. Franklin Sonn: Chairman of Africa Group Corporation

Tambo - Oliver Tambo: Former ANC Leader

Tutu - Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Former Archbishop - Cape Town and Nobel Peace Winner

List of participating Achievers

Dr. Louw Alberts - Scientist, Philosopher, Astronomer and Chief Executive Officer

Audrey Blignault - Writer, Teacher and Radio Announcer

Prof. Elize Botha - Academic, Writer and Linguist

Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Singer, Musician and Radio Announcer

Bettie Cilliers-Barnard - Artist and Painter

Frans Claerhout - Priest and Painter

Mimi Coertse - Opera Singer

Willem Cruywagen - Former High School Principal and Administrator

Marinus Daling - Business Leader and Businessman

Rev. Izak de Villiers - Reverend, Poet and Editor

Marius de Waal - Former Chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Chris du Toit - Wine Farmer and former Chairman of the South African Agricultural Union

Prof. Fritz Eloff - Retired Academic, Sport Administrator and Zoologist

Prof. E P Groenewald - Theologian

Bonaventure Hinwood - Priest and Poet

Lourens Jonker - Former Chairman of the KWV and Wine Farmer

Paul Kruger - Business Leader and former Managing Director of SASOL

Mandla Langa - Former Chairman of ICASA, Music Composer, Creative Writer and Journalist

Piet Liebenberg - Banker and former Chairman of Business Bank

Prof. Ben Marais - Theologian

Prof. Zakes Mda - Academic, Creative Writer, Poet, Painter, Music Composer, Musician, TV and Radio Commentator, Film Maker, Story Teller and Public Speaker

Dr. Anna Mokgokong - Chairperson UNISA Council, Group Executive Chairperson and co-founder of the Malesela Group and Business Woman of the Year

Dr. Malesela Motlatla - Founder Member of the Malesela Group; Entrepreneur,Businessman and Community Leader

Prof. Bart Oberholzer - Theologian, Church Leader and Cultural Person

Gary Player - Golf Super Star, Horse Breeder and ‘Travelling Ambassador’

Sam Ramsamy - President of the National Olympic Committee of SA (NOCSA)

Fanus Rautenbach - Former Radio Announcer, Humorist and Writer

Dr. Francois Retief - Former Dean of the Medical Faculty, Rector University of the Free State and Director General of Health

Penny Rey-Coelen - South Africa’s first Miss World, Business Woman and Farmer

Johann Roode - Entrepreneur, Businessman, Nature Conservationist and Cultural Person

Dr. Anton Rupert - Great Industrialist, Philanthropist, Philosopher and Nature Conservationist

Walter Sisulu - Former ANC Leader

Prof. Bouke Spoelstra - Theologian

Dr. Chris Stals - Former Banker and President of the Reserve Bank

Oliver Tambo - Former ANC Leader

Judge Theunie Steyn - Former Administrator – General of the then South West Africa and Judge

Judge Leo van der Heever - First Woman Judge in South Africa

Advocate Christo Wiese - Versed in Law Person, Entrepreneur and Business Leader

International Achievers

Graham Bell - Inventor

Prof. Albert Einstein - Physicist

Dr. David Livingstone - Explorer

Arthur Rubinstein - Pianist

Rick Warren - Pastor

Other great Historical Figures

Aristotle - Philosopher

Augustine - Church Father

Shakespeare - Dramatist

Zeno - Philosopher

QUOTE

"All men seek one goal:

success or happiness.

The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society.

First, have a definite, clear practical ideal, a goal, an objective.

Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends –

wisdom, money, materials and method.

Third, adjust your means to that end."

~ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)

PROLOGUE

Do you have a desire to get to know Life Secrets and Keys to Success?

Are you constantly yearning for a deeper understanding and experience of a more dynamic and richer spiritual life? Which lifetime choice is the right one for you to make, to learn from and follow by using the life styles of a human or spiritual icon?

How can you bridge the deep consciousness of your own inability to believe in the things you hope for and to be certain of the things you cannot see?

Will such a search and consequent realization lead to full certainty and hold everlasting value for you?

What means or keys are available to help you to discover these life secrets and, by utilising them, career success?

Which nature secrets and fine-tuning exist in the universe for man, plant and beast?

What is the Right of Admission Requirements for heaven for you in order to inherit eternal life?

Before these penetrating questions begin to gnaw at you and the full truth of these answers become part of your thoughts and acts, we first need to point out that your outlook towards and the way you think about and believe in your career and life style will certainly influence and radically alter the success thereof, because:

What you believe about yourself is what will happen to you!

Alternatively stated:

Your vision and thoughts will determine how successful your life will be and form you in what you are!

This pious wish and search for the mysterious Success Keys, is the ‘oxygen’ for the yearning and searching young person who is striving for success; and the quoted lifetime examples of the Achievers and the Fitness Tips, form the ‘solid food’.¹

This reference book will teach you how to discover the Life’s Secrets and to unlock the secret of the ‘Kingdom keys‘¹ to success, in order for you to ensure a dynamic, praiseworthy and commendable career and exemplary lifestyle. Through this process, you will discover the desire and need for wisdom that will enable you to experience success on a daily basis. To help you with this, several examples of the Achievers’ lifestyles are quoted and discussed practically herein.

Follow the All-wise advice of the loving Father and develop your career to reshape your life motto into a life changing and spiritual filled discipline. Then exploit the full richness of your heritage, wherever you are.

DEDICATION

This practical work book is dedicated to all those who wish to answer these searching questions that are calling for answers and who desire to enrich and refresh their life philosophy, worldview, values, norms and spiritual anchors with these proven and demonstrated Lessons from Life. These come from a few selected and leading national and international Achievers and most especially from our ‘Weatherman, Helmsman and Guidesman‘ of All-times.

May the imprinted life patterns, ways of life and the ‘do’s, don’ts‘ and ‘good and noble’ that are presented to you in the different chapters, strengthen, enlighten and most of all, motivate you and so also the inspirational spiritual message herein, that you can bravely and courageously make your own!

You are encouraged to come, travel and enjoy this journey of discovery with me by reconnoitring the field and the world’s stage of Life’s Secrets, with the aid of these powerful and wise Keys to Success!

PREFACE

PROF. JOHANN COETZEE

To collect and summarize such a treasure of life wisdoms, inspiring perspectives and encouraging incentives in one volume is a unique achievement.

Dr. Urban Lombard has succeeded in this remarkable testimonial not only to write-up these precious moments of the Achievers, but to obtain them especially from the extraordinary individuals who have been recorded in the text.

The material is not merely about individuals, but specifically of the individuals. This lends credibility to the text and consequently, the message is not only impressive, but also inspiring. The elegance with which the material is presented, succeeds especially in not praising anyone, but much rather foregrounding the integrity and boldness with which the individuals transformed their careers and opportunities on both a personal and professional level.

A person learns at best from another person. Ultimately, the credibility lies in that which people have achieved and not the opinions and perspectives relating to it. This text book about life’s secrets is a volume with the objective of inspiring you, but to especially to also activate you, because it does not speculate within predetermined philosophies, but essentially, rather reports on the par excellence of real people. Even more, this is contemporary people, with a voice and a message, who Urban Lombard has intertwined with difficulty and elegance into an exciting presentation.

To receive such a publication in English and Afrikaans is likewise unique. The comfortable style in the idiom of the people and popular parlance style of writing makes the text easy to read, even in the case of some messages, which are deep-seated and philosophical. Without ever being inclined to be flattering, Dr. Lombard is fearless and outspoken on the strong religious undertone and conviction, which underlies and accompanies this volume. Furthermore, religion is utilised as a rule to serve as a vehicle for the messages.

This text is also a sensitive confluence of eras in the history of South African Achievers. Overall, it also portrays a collage of personal and professional successes as a medal of honour for those who have already excelled in a remarkable new South Africa. Therefore, this particular publication is also a minute of an exceptional moment in time that we as readers all have the privilege to be part of.

The philosophies, messages and opinions of the individuals who have been recorded are in essence modest and without any hint of pessimism and negativity, or even a fleeting glance, or a brief reference to bygone times’ inequities and inequalities. The focus is consistently positive and focussed on the future and therefore practically imitable and cordial.

The profiles of the South African Achievers recorded here are representative of the total mosaic of people in South Africa, which succinctly reflect the full range of hues of the South African rainbow.

This is an exceptional volume for young and old, which can serve as an inspirational guidebook from which a salute emerges for South Africa and its leaders and Achievers.

With this particular addition to his list of publications, Urban Lombard proves once more his versatility as academic, professional manager, management consultant, industrial psychologist and author in allowing this publication to flow from his pen in this particularly gripping manner.

JOHANN COETZEE

HENLEY-ON-KLIP

SOUTH GAUTENG

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This guidebook is a product of more than a decade’s composition and presentations to various Publication Companies in order to realise my lifelong dream of making available Life’s Secrets: Keys to Success in a concise manner to people from all walks of life on a national as well as international scale.

Our sincere thanks to Reverend Henno Cronjé, whose ingenious personal interviews with some of the outstanding leaders and the resourceful compilation of their contributions laid the partial foundation for the life’s secrets without which this textbook would not have been so rich in the lessons about what life has taught us.

My eternal gratitude also goes to Bregda, my wife, who initiated this spark in me to write this book. Throughout these years, your interest and encouragement have given me the necessary perspective to adapt to the challenges and troublesome disappointments in life. Part of which was to face boldly the bureaucratic small-mindedness and pettiness of officials and to trump and ignore the arrogance and insensitivity of the private sector bullies, intimidators in companies and parastatal institutions and the intellectual snobs.

To my late mother Ann, sister Amanda, married children Conrad and Renette, Stephan ‘Bossie’ and Tanya, Pierre and grandchildren Nikita, Ruben, Zander and Joané who all gave for their continued and unselfish love, support and motivation to me to help keep spirit, mind and body together and strong.

My precious friends Lorrie and Estelle Raath, Marius and Ria Doman, Count and Alida Lippi, Johann and Irma Coetzee and Mike and Koekie de Jongh: you were all there when needed and who each, in their own unique way, supported me and offered their personal camaraderie and companionship in intensely stressful and turbulent times.

My gratitude also extends to Mlamli Booi and Dr. David Motlatla, for their very special input and editorial comments on the invitation letter to the previously disadvantaged achievers, the suggestions made for contacting them and the approach and style used when interviewing some of these achievers.

Reverend André Fitzgerald’s humble spiritual editorial comments and tactful advice to adopt a more sharing approach in the decision regarding which type of icons’ astuteness and life styles can and should be followed are greatly appreciated.

I particularly owe an immense debt of gratitude to all the participating achievers for their time and personal accounts of their invaluable life experiences.

Special acknowledgement must be given to the persons and organisations listed next for their compilation of the respondent’s personal profiles and CV’s:

Ministerial Offices

Mbendi and their associated Information Providers

The Nobel Foundation and Nobel e-Museum

Insane Tree Promotions

Editors of Publications as cited

Journalists as cited

Researchers as cited and

Achievers’ personal web sites and to the following companies for the use of their art clips namely:

Microsoft Design Gallery Live and CreataCard

For the Scripture quotations from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992 and the New International Version (NIV), 1984 from the International Bible Society (Electronic Version from BibleGateway.com).1

In addition, also to my very special friend, colleague and soul mate, Prof. Johann Coetzee, for his many years of inspiring friendship and distinctive Preface which enriches this book and conveys to the reading public an outstanding, yet simplistic example of this book’s excellent motivational and spiritual message.

Thank you to Wilhelm Crause from Knowledge Resources for his valuable input and recommendation to include a summary of the Life Skills of the Achievers’ and their application values.

I am also very grateful to Prof. Mike de Jongh for refining the content and approach of this guidebook.

For the editing of the original script, a special word of appreciation to Ria Verwey for a thorough job that enriched the contents and made the message of the book much clearer.

In this way and with everyone’s input was this book shaped and created.

A very special word of appreciation and thanks to Kosie Eloff for his professional manner, technical preparation and conversion of this text for e-book publishing. It is indeed an innovative project excellently done.

Lastly, all honour and humble gratitude to our loving ‘Weatherman, Helmsman and Guidesman,’² for all His free blessings and gifts of grace that He has bestowed upon me so generously during the writing of this guidebook. Thank you for all the provision, blessings, grace, protection, support, strength, insights, knowledge and wisdom that I have received from You. We pray that You will bless every reader in order for them to realise their lifelong ideal and guide them to achieve their dreams On the Road to Success," and to make the most appropriate life choices with the main objective to inherit eternal life.

FOREWORD

As a birthday gift from my close friends Lorrie and Estelle, Reverend Henno Cronjé’s book entitled WHAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME, instinctively and instantly awoke in me the realization that this striking and inspiring message needs to be shared with a much wider audience, especially to appeal to the present and previously disadvantaged minority groups. This message is aimed specifically at this specific youth group to encourage, instil confidence and motivation in them.

After more than a decade’s unremitting meditation, reflection and contemplation, it became quite clear to me that this message simply has to be conveyed and made available and revealed to a much broader audience internationally. Particularly, for the youth, students, parents, grandparents and grey heads, especially for its strong motivational value, spiritual significance and prerequisites for eternal life, salvation invitation and deliverance message contained within the text.

The true value of these worldly wisdoms, life pointers and spiritual message lie herein that it must be read irrespective of the different personalities involved as such.

This is a brief summary and synopsis of the most important fundamental underlying principles and guidelines for life as experienced by various prominent leaders, outstanding Achievers and international role models and as personally shared with us.

An additional group of Achievers in South African society is also described more fully in Henno Cronjé’s¹ book: WHAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME and is consequently quoted from at times.

This book is not a comprehensive or all-encompassing account of the great prototypical lives of how life ought to be, but rather a moment’s survey of their lives as they practically experienced life and what it means to them now.

Of the original previously historic disadvantaged group of 30 Achievers, 27 percent agreed to cooperate and participate: thereby they contributed their inputs unconditionally and freely. The total participating reference group of 38 people is therefore, according to estimate, a good reflection and at best a general and reasonable representative sample of the present South African leaders and her Achievers.

Given the limited sample size of these participants and the nine international icons, it is nevertheless widely considered an unequalled example of South Africa’s and international most outstanding and exemplarily leaders and Achievers from society. Their success stories as conveyed to us herein via e-mail, fax and/or in personal interviews are reflected in various occupational and professional fields during the previous four to five decades

Where possible, the relevant personal information, philosophies, worldviews, values and norms of the international and non-participating Achievers, as extracted from other sources, are included in the different chapters. This increased the total of the general sample group to 54. This represents 70 percent of the total Achievers group! According to available information, this representative survey is inimitably the only one of its kind in South Africa and worldwide to date.

The contributions of the persons who preferred granting personal interviews were noticeably more comprehensive and descriptive in nature as the others, given the latter’s availability, international travel plans and residence abroad.

Some of the respective leaders and Achievers personal profiles and curriculum vitae (CV’s) are presented in Sections B and C in the manual.

Where it was practically possible to use some secondary sources, namely books, other reference sources in professional Journals and Newspaper articles to include certain of their personal information, reference is made to these sources in their personal profiles and CV’s.

A true and sincere leader or Achiever is someone who shares his ideals, dreams and Lessons from Life with his fellow man and particularly, with the youth to consequently alert and stimulate success in their minds and hearts.

We trust that the new generation of young people will not reflect the haughty behaviour of the passive participants and ‘weak-excuses-group’ in their future lives, but will rather adopt principles in order that they will live their lives according to the Lessons of Life from the participating group respondents. We also trust that you will read their views and life experiences with special attention and interest.

The objective of this book’s layout is, on the one hand, to place the Achievers’ Lessons of Life in separate categories which will differentiate and underscore the dimensions of their statements and what life has taught them. On the other hand, another aim is to enable you to recall instantly their life wisdoms from your memory, in order to have them on hand for personal consideration, application and communication to colleagues, friends, family and especially the youth.

The unique features of this guidebook are inter alia:

The very interesting mix of South African and international Achievers in various occupations and their specific life philosophies, values, norms, spiritual and poetic anchors in life.

The wide spectrum of target markets applicable to this volume.

The succinct Fitness Hints that are divided into 22 categories, identifying 29 human body limbs, with a multitude of relevant Bible verses for each limb, which are all based on and from the Bible.

A separate table summarising all the Life Skills and their valuable applications.

The leadership development skills and competencies so essential for the youths of today.

In the discussion of success, the Achievers’ and the Great Master’s wisdoms are highlighted and were practically possible, their applicable values are accentuated.

The Bible and Business Economic principles and guidelines, which are applicable to the young generation in a work situation.

The Christian definition, formula, prerequisites for and description of how success can be achieved.

Each Chapter has its own set of Objectives, Reflections and Discussion questions.

The identification of the Right of Admission Requirements for heaven and eternal life.

The non-fiction, self-help, self-do guide, principles, discussion and reflection questions.

To illustrate further the primary aim of this book, a description is given by an internationally renowned Christian physicist and he further makes a scientific analysis thereof. He demonstrates how orderly the universe was created, the fine balance that there exists between all known chemical gases, material elements, oxygen, carbonic acid gas, photosynthesis processes, physical distances and the regular seasonal time cycles to sustain life for man, beast, plant and other nature life forms. This proves undeniably that there must have been ‘a Super-powerful, Almighty and All-wise watchmaker’ who created this universe and mother earth so perfectly and furthermore, maintains it so good for all of us and besides, and provides everything for nothing!

This book also includes a description of the Achievers’ personal profiles that will act as clear and inspirational guiding principles in the target markets for all:

Final year High school learners in Grade 12, which can serve as a farewell gift from School Boards, with the purpose to act as their life atlas and compass. It can also be prescribed by the Department of Education to be used in Grades 8-11 in their Life Orientation courses with the aim of exposing them to appropriate role models, icons and the Great Master’s life lessons and career successes, because it is a contemporary, living and existing truth and reflects South Africa’s and other great Achievers’ lives.

Students as a supplementary academic textbook in various strata of academia: Business Management, Social Science and Development, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Bible Studies, Life Skills and motivational courses.

Travel Agents who can include it in their travel documentation packages for tourists, holidaymakers and passengers on trains, ships, cars and busses or airlines.

Event Organisers who can also include it as a gift and/or handout in their documentation for the following targets groups:

- entrepreneurs and corporate executives

- policy makers

- educationalists

- training and development consultants, instructors and facilitators

- sociologists

- economists

- industrial psychologists and psychologists

- anthropologists

- spiritual leaders and

- representatives or delegates from nations who attend leadership summits, congresses, conferences, seminars and/or workshops.

This summary and division is not a comprehensive and total portrayal of the Achievers’ life experiences, prudence, witticisms and successes, but is at best a practical hat rack and walking stick, compass and reference for all:

senior citizens, young people, lovers and married couples, children and education experts, students and teachers, priests, elders, deacons, church members, catechists, and confirmands, managers and supervisors, industrial engineers, secretaries and workers, judges, advocates, attorneys, architects, quantity surveyors, inspectors, house decorators and clients, captains, air hostesses, crew, passengers and travel agents, doctors, nursing staff and patients, farmers, entrepreneurs and sales personnel, communication marketers, security and safety officers, grand fathers and grand mothers, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, cousins, nephews and dear friends, who can advantageously use and apply it.

The purpose of this volume is to assist learners and other young people to achieve success in their careers and life by referring to and using renowned international icons like: Nelson Mandela, Mark Shuttleworth, Dr. Anna Mokgokong, Dr. Anton Rupert, Gary Player, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Graham Bell, Prof. Albert Einstein, Dr. David Livingstone, Arthur Rubinstein, Rick Warren and many more great historical figures resembling Aristotle, Augustine, Shakespeare and Zeno.

The focus of this reading-book lies in the second part of Aristotle’s quote:

Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends – wisdom, money, materials and method.

In the discussion to follow the Achievers and the Great Master’s words of wisdom will be highlighted and where practically possible, their application value will be emphasised, because wisdom is the foundation and prerequisite for all riches, wealth (whether it be spiritual or material), insight and success.

Given the personal experiences of these Achievers, their success stories are ipso facto subjective in nature and a list of country leaders selected according to different criteria will therefore, produce different Lessons from Life. These success stories are a necessary condition for your career motivation, but not necessarily sufficient to sustain your personal growth or success, because your development is inherently dependent on yourself in order to determine your own horizons and to believe in the power of your dreams!

David and Solomon also state:

"The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind. The worship of the LORD is good; it will continue for ever. The judgements of the LORD are just; they are always fair. Psalms 19:8-9

Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise. Psalms 90:12

It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for righteous, honest men. He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do. Proverbs 2:6-9

To be wise you must first obey the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. Wisdom will add years to your life. Proverbs 9:10-11

Hold on to your wisdom and insight, my son. Never let them get away from you. They will provide you with life – a pleasant and happy life. You can go safely on your way and never even stumble. Proverbs 3:21-23

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined. Proverbs 13:20

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please him. Ecclesiastes 2:26

Furthermore, Isaiah also reminds everyone that:

The LORD is the everlasting God; … He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts (wisdom). Isaiah 40:28

Job, James and Paul also confirm this in these words:

Old men have wisdom, but God has wisdom and power. Old men have insight; God has insight and power to act. Job 12:12-13

To be wise, you must worship the LORD. To understand (to have insight), you must turn from evil. Job 28:28

But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and graciously to all. James 1:5

Think about what I am saying, because the LORD will enable you (with wisdom) to understand it all. 2 Timothy 2:7

Notwithstanding this, we trust that these Lessons from Life will be of value and be applicable to the above-mentioned occupational groups and individuals and will offer common ground to all.

These wisdoms are especially applicable to those persons who hold a Calvinistic view of the Christian values and Protestant Work Ethic and who believe in a free market system and capitalistic dispensation, where the principles of non-discrimination, justice, fairness and rewards, according to performance, apply.

The ideas on work ethics, management premises, business economic values and the business declaration on business beliefs, starts with the fact that the writer naturally thinks, writes and breathes as a Christian. Understandably, then, these sections are written from a Christian perspective and therefore the reader must be aware of that from the outset.

In juxtaposition to this, is the notion that the author has always been acutely aware of and sensitive to the reality that we live in a pluralistic society and a rich multi-cultural community: thus some readers may not necessarily have or share the same spiritual beliefs and convictions as those mentioned.

Notwithstanding this view, these human life secrets do not intend to exclude those who are mainly of another opinion, differently minded, or who have different religions and/or who may still have an interest in the true and real life secrets.

We trust that this volume will be courteous and considerately polite taking into account the feelings of the reading public and, at the same time, expecting from those to adapt and apply these Christian convictions and views into their own religious thought patterns, or spiritual order of thoughts. Despite these principles and lessons of life that have a South African orientation and perspective, they are nonetheless, universal in nature and applicable worldwide to everyone in a democracy and capitalistic system, irrespective of their:

Language (which involves the use of vocal sounds in meaningful patterns to form, express and communicate in words, thoughts, ideas and feelings to another person with the same background, experience, understanding or comprehension)

Tribe (a specific social group which possesses a definite territory, having a distinct dialect, a homogeneous and distinctive culture)

Race (a biological unit and human group that, on the basis of a combination of more or less similar hereditarily determined and specified characteristics, is grouped together)

Nation (a political and cultural unit and human group that, on the basis of a common and joint culture ownership - having its own language, culture, practices, customs, traditions and historical development which has been established over long lasting co-habitation and that belongs together)

Creed/Faith (a specific religion) and/or

Continent (any of the principal land masses of the earth, usually regarded as including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America).

It is our sincere wish that these life jewels will dramatically influence you, your family, circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances and that every reader will find inspiration and motivation in these rich experiences of the Achievers from whom we all can learn.

We have therefore attempted especially to present this text as captivating, graceful, tactful and helpful as possible.

LAYOUT

The Chapters in this book are compiled as follows:

The Introduction mirrors the Invitation Letter to the previously disadvantaged Achievers to identify them and list their participation, as well as a classical quotation, prologue, dedication, preface, acknowledgements, foreword and the layout of this book. The Foreword also identifies the different target markets for this book.

Section A (with its various chapters on Life Philosophies, Worldviews and Worldly Wisdoms of the leaders and Achievers) also portrays their statements, attitude of mind and personal beliefs in alphabetical order. A very practical and useful example of a life philosophy is illustrated with the metaphor of a Fruit Jar in this Section.

Furthermore, the different Values and Norms on which the Achievers strongly voiced their opinions are identified and listed separately.

Since all the leader figures found themselves in a working environment, they also emphasised and expressed certain work ethics which are further highlighted with some personal views on Management Philosophy, Management Premises and Ethics, Management Axioms, Business Economic Values and a Business Declaration.

In the Lessons from Life and Life’s Secrets, various leaders quoted Bible texts, which have been inspirational to them throughout their lives; they quoted and referred to poems and poetic verses that provided them with inner strength in times of profound trails and serious tribulations.

In the Concluding Remarks, all the common factors and the most suitable and striking Life Philosophies, Worldviews, Life Wisdoms and Religious Anchors of the leaders (which will indicate further to you a clear road to success and which can also serve as a common compass) are identified specifically. In this section, the importance of Time, its definition, fundamental characteristics and nature are highlighted in particular.