Seldom is one so privileged to peek through this most intimate and private window into a legend’s life.

There is so much to ponder here, so much to be grateful for, and so much to learn.

My favorite quote comes from Robert Greenleaf who said, “In saying what I have in mind will I really improve on the silence”.

In this case it will not.

Growth and Employment Models

The policy prescriptions, industry models and performance incentives that emerged from an era of consumption and debt-driven growth must be transformed to deliver quality growth. Growth that is sustainable, entrepreneur-driven and employment-creating should be the outcome of the rebalancing and deleveraging of the global economy.

Leadership and Innovation Models

The leading countries and global governance institutions of the Cold War era must create space for major emerging economies, private sector institutions and multi-stakeholder partnerships. These new actors should have the responsibility not only to address important global and regional challenges but also to introduce innovative solutions.

Sustainability and Resource Models

The realization that human activities have a major impact on Earth’s ecosystem must drive future changes in behaviour and policies. Our ecological footprint will have to be fully internalized in business models.

Social and Technological Models

The next wave of technological innovation, particularly in life sciences, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, will not just deliver productivity gains but will also transform us by adding new dimensions to our lives. As the “Internet of things” that connects billions of sensors and devices becomes a reality, stakeholders should work together to safeguard the knowledge, data and networks that are critical resources for our future development.

_______________________________________________________________

…and I say all of these are laudable.

AND, let’s add one more – one that perhaps could become an umbrella “model” for all the others because it is a condition for the success of them all:

A Spiritual Model

The world needs a reinvention of current thinking in order to move us away from a competitive model based on separateness, to a new one based on collaboration and the recognition of oneness. Economic, climate, religious, technological and intellectual events are no longer local – everything is global. We are our brother’s keepers. This new model can simply be described as one where we first consider the impact our decisions, conversations, laws and actions before we introduce or implement them.  “Will this inspire others?” is a prerequisite condition that, if asked, can help us to build the world we are all seeking. We can begin here.

World leaders have a responsibility, along with all of the rest of us, to assume responsibility for setting the tone and the pace of this change of thinking.  We need it today more than ever.

How often can you say you are so engaged in activities that inspire you, that you are “flying without a license”?  And if the answer is seldom, what is holding you back?  How do you ensure that you do not die with your music still inside you?  Here is a way to help you find your Calling.

The New York Times review of this book can be found here.

In 2008, 42% of workers leaving an organization said they would definitely not recommend their former employer to a job seeker. According to a new survey by the Corporate
Executive Board this number has jumped to 75% today.

The principle reason for these disappointing conditions is that for millions of people, work is no  longer an inspiring part of their lives.  And I mean inspiration – not motivation.  See the difference here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL-Zf4b972Y.

But we can change this. Try this experiment today. Start your day with this commitment: “Today, I will inspire others with all my thoughts, communications, and actions.” That means in meetings, phone calls, e-mails, conversations, facial and body language, and with colleagues, strangers and family and friends. You can make that commitment here: www.inspirepledge.com. If you make this simple pledge and then follow through on your intention today, your impact on those around you will be remarkable and you will change their lives - and yours. If your department makes this pledge today it will transform your entire department. If you organization made a system-wide commitment to behaving this way your entire organization would change, together with everyone with whom you organization connects. If a million people took this pledge, we would change the world. Are you prepared to make this commitment? And are you prepared to take action by enrolling your friends and colleagues in this simple endeavor? With your help, support, encouragement and passion, you can help to create a movement.

Try it: As you begin your day, repeat the mantra,  “Inspire!” The word “inspire” is from the Latin spirare, which means to breathe. Breathe in the word “Inspire” and take it fully into your entire body. Circulate the energy of Inspiration through your heart, pumping the life force of Inspiration through your veins to all your organs and every part of your body. Make a commitment to be that word for the rest of the day. Say to yourself, “Inspire! I pledge to be an inspiring person in every thought, word and deed.” Breathe in the awareness of Inspiration every chance you get; after all, it is always only a breath away. As you practice this declaration, the world will become richer for having experienced you. This is how you can make the difference that you, like all of us, yearn for. The word “conspire” means to breathe together (con=with; spirare=to breathe); let us breathe together; let us conspire to change the world – especially at work – and make our experience of being alive more inspiring.

One more tip: give someone an inspire change today – watch the smile and gratitude illuminate their face – as you create an inspiring memory they will never forget!

Today, she launches her new book The MAP: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life.† In this excellent work, she points out that we all†have a powerful personal map that reveals our lifeís journey and she shows us how to†plot points on this map to discover all the archetypal landscapes we have been throughóthe plains of pain, mountains of joy, mirages, beautiful oases, wastelands, and moreóthe reader becomes the mapmaker with the ultimate capacity to shape their own destiny.

When Colette first began working as an intuitive counselor some 22 years ago, she help my wife and I make dramatic shifts by encouraging us to envision our lives as a Map and look at the details of our inner landscapes. Since that time, Colette has worked with over 33,000 clients using this process and has helped many achieve remarkable inner and outer transformations. These discoveries and successes led to the design of the MAP described in her new book, The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life!

With The Map, Colette shows you how to use the magic of metaphors to delve into the most profound aspects of your subconscious, the places within you that light the way to lasting change. As you discover the details of your inner landscapes, you can transform negative experiences from your past or present. Whatís more, you can also choose to navigate to a desirable location on this interior map, to a place where youíll find joy, excitement, balance, and serenity. Change where you are on the inside and the emotions and qualities you experience internally will†take form in your everyday life.

My life work is about creating inspiring lives and inspiring corporations, which, in turn, can†lead to an inspiring world.† Colette has added a great gift to this cause by writing this book.