Of Springboard, Albert And A Phoenix…The Story Of How A Giant Was Awakened

It was a lovely Sunday evening in 2008 and as usual, those who tuned their dials to Joy, 99.7 FM at 19:00 GMT were treated to the ever-inspirational talks of one of Ghana's finest ambassadors in the motivational speaking arena, Albert Ocran. The program, 'Springboard' has brought and continues to bring enlightenment to many who spared the time to listen. No wonder it is dubbed the 'virtual university'.

On this particular Sunday evening, I happen to tune my dial to Joy FM as have become a routine for me. On this Sunday, Albert's message was about educating oneself to be relevant in today's 21st century world. 'Education', not referring to the brick and mortar type, but rather one that goes on outside the walls of institutions. He stressed the need for conscious and advertent self-development through reading, critical listening and observation. The acquisition of skills such as people skills, public speaking skills, etc were the focus of his message. Albert was at his usual best as he gave anecdotes to buttress his points.

Students, he noted only read (that is if they even try to read) their academic course notes and books, and have no time to read motivational and life-transforming literature that inspires genius as well as awaken giants in people. Also, these students fail to join groups to learn the essentials of teamwork and human relations. Their confidence, he said diminishes or vanishes when they meet crowds and are also asked critical questions.

Albert went further to state that these students usually graduate with good academic classes but fail to land jobs after the mandatory national service because, outside the domain of their knowledge of courses pursued, they possess little/no employable skills. This, Albert noted, is due to their failure at developing themselves through other learning opportunities. Timidity during interviews and shallow views on critical contemporary issues are some of their traits.

The famed writer, motivational speaker, life coach and business consultant ( and now Pastor) rounded up with an admonishing to students to completely develop themselves by attending seminars, reading motivational books, listening to inspirational tapes, joining groups to learn the essentials of teamwork and human relations as well as getting tutorials in excellent oral communication.

At the end of the program, he gave out a problem for listeners to provide a solution to. The problem was a story of a graduate who was having difficulty finding a job. This young graduate had failed many interviews and is now frustrated. Albert's challenge was for listeners to give this gentleman the best advice to turn his situation around.

I accepted the challenge and proceeded to give my advice which I sent via email to Albert as he instructed. My advice went like this : “ the graduate should read more about passing interviews, attend several mock interviews with friends and HR groups, be conversant with most –asked questions in interviews, be abreast with current and contemporary issues and know more about firms he has scheduled interviews with by going to their website and asking employees of the firm. He should also read motivational books and get inspired, because one key to passing interviews is believing in oneself. When it so happens that he couldn't pass any of the interviews again, he should get a marketable idea, document it as a well-crafted business plan with the help of professionals and present it to family, friends or venture capitalists for capital to start his own business”. I sent the mail and went about my normal routine as a level 300 student of the University of Ghana Business School.

On the Thursday following the program, a good friend of mine called with the information that my name was announced on Joy FM as prize winner for giving the young graduate the best advice. I was to report at Joy FM for my prize. This took me by surprise but I was happy nonetheless. The thought of getting a prize raised my anxiety. I quickly took some money from a friend for transportation to Joy FM with the promise to repay him when I got back with the prize. In my mind, the prize has to be 'physical cash'.

I rushed to Joy FM at Kokomlemle but was told to go to Combert Impressions for my prize, which I was made to understand was a book. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't 'money', but was comforted that I won something.

I sluggishly moved towards the office of Combert Impressions at Kanda. On reaching the office, I introduced myself to the Front Desk Personnel as the one who won the prize for the Springboard Radio Challenge the week earlier. She confirmed my identity and courteously informed me that the CEO, Albert, was not around and that I should come the next day at 9:00 GMT. At exactly 8:55 GMT the following morning, I was at the front desk of Combert Impressions and saw the charming lady I met a day earlier. She recognized me instantly and put me at ease. After making a call, she told me the CEO will soon be with me. Excitement began welling inside me as I looked forward to meeting this ardent and recognized motivational speaker that I adored. My anxiety was immediately noticeable by anyone who cared to look.

Within five minutes, the vivacious speaker inched towards me with a glowing smile. I stood up and soon, our hands were locked up in a handshake. Albert first welcomed me and then congratulated me for my wonderful advice to the young graduate. My prize, he mentioned, was a book he co-authored with his wife, Comfort Ocran, titled 'THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE BETTER IT GETS'. I thanked him for the prize and he encouraged me to continue listening to the program and as well practice the virtues he preaches. I indicated how glad I was to have met him and bid goodbye.

Back to campus, I switched immediately to reading my award package. The title of the book itself was like a mouth-watering delicacy that whetted my appetite. On that day, my journey of reading motivational and life-transforming books began. Ideas in the book are revolutionary, and emphasis was placed on the fact that acquiring information and using such information to proffer solutions to problems of the world is the way to go in the 21st century.

My hunger and thirst for information and knowledge was unleashed after reading this wonderful book. Since then, I have read countless books and continues to read voraciously.

Today, I speak to varied audiences across Ghana for which I am paid for most of the time and was also a conference speaker in Togo in September 2013.

As a writer, the thirst for knowledge is what keeps me going and I know it won't be long before the world starts drumming my name as a motivational prodigy. My audacious purpose as a speaker is to inspire genius in others and awaken the giants in them. This I do every time I get the opportunity or create one.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my true potentials are being unleashed courtesy Albert and Springboard.

Thank you, Albert Ocran.
Paul Edem Kuenyefu, is a Conference Speaker, Writer, Lay Preacher and Business Strategist. He is the author of 'TO THE ZENITH', a motivational piece.

Email:
pedem99 [at]gmail[dot]com