INSPIRING speeches, good music and infectious laughter filled the evening , as veteran journalist, Ian Boyne, launched his captivating book, which highlights the extraordinary achievements of ordinary Jamaicans.
The book is filled with fascinating stories of individuals who have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to rise to the top of their chosen fields.
The publication also presents lessons in achieving personal and professional excellence. These lessons are extracted from the lives and stories of the high-achieving entrepreneurs, scholars, celebrities, entertainers, sports superstars, scientists, leaders and other winners interviewed by Boyne on his successful television programme, Profile, since February 1987.
According to the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, 'Profile of Excellence' comes at the ideal time in the country's history.
"This book has come at a time when many Jamaicans are in danger of sinking in the quick sand of negativity and pessimism," he said, pointing out that it draws on the legacy of optimism, resilience and self-belief, which is derived from Mr Boyne's popular televised programme.
"Its proven principles represent solid ground upon which all Jamaicans can stand, as we resolutely unite to overcome the economic and social challenges we face as a people," he said.
Psychologist and motivational speaker, Dr Leachim Semaj, who presented the keynote address, charged Jamaicans to use the stories from the publication to empower their lives.
He noted that Boyne, through Profile, has used the media as a developmental tool to inspire and motivate. "He takes the best of us and shares it with the rest us, so that this virus of excellence can infect all of us," Dr Semaj remarked. "I believe that this is the right book at the right time," he added.
Dr Semaj further charged Jamaicans to become game changers, to ask provoking questions and to create well-needed change in society.
"The difference between prediction and provocation is the difference between seeing things the way they are and asking 'why' or dreaming things as they never were and asking 'what if'," he said.
He pointed out that the persons highlighted in the book are those who over the last 25 years have asked "what if".
Sponsorship support for Profile of Excellence came from the CHASE Fund, whose CEO Billy Heaven said the publication represented a "road map", not just to success, but also to overcoming tremendous challenges.
"We are a remarkable people, with amazing talents and awesome dreams, who just need to be provided with a road map. And Ian Boyne and Glenford Smith have done just that," he said.
Written in collaboration with author and motivational speaker, Glenford Smith, Profile of Excellence: Strategies for extraordinary achievement from 25 years of interviewing remarkable people, was unveiled during a ceremony at King's House on Wednesday.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (left), Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and veteran journalist Ian Boyne peruse pages of his book, Profile of Excellence: Strategies for extraordinary achievement from 25 years of interviewing remarkable people, which Boyne launched at King’s House on Wednesday.
   Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (left), Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and veteran journalist Ian Boyne peruse pages of his book, Profile of Excellence: Strategies for extraordinary achievement from 25 years of interviewing remarkable people, which Boyne launched at King’s House on Wednesday. #slideshowtoggler, #slideshowtoggler a, #slideshowtoggler img {filter:none !important;zoom:normal !important}  1/1  |
The publication also presents lessons in achieving personal and professional excellence. These lessons are extracted from the lives and stories of the high-achieving entrepreneurs, scholars, celebrities, entertainers, sports superstars, scientists, leaders and other winners interviewed by Boyne on his successful television programme, Profile, since February 1987.
According to the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, 'Profile of Excellence' comes at the ideal time in the country's history.
"This book has come at a time when many Jamaicans are in danger of sinking in the quick sand of negativity and pessimism," he said, pointing out that it draws on the legacy of optimism, resilience and self-belief, which is derived from Mr Boyne's popular televised programme.
"Its proven principles represent solid ground upon which all Jamaicans can stand, as we resolutely unite to overcome the economic and social challenges we face as a people," he said.
Psychologist and motivational speaker, Dr Leachim Semaj, who presented the keynote address, charged Jamaicans to use the stories from the publication to empower their lives.
He noted that Boyne, through Profile, has used the media as a developmental tool to inspire and motivate. "He takes the best of us and shares it with the rest us, so that this virus of excellence can infect all of us," Dr Semaj remarked. "I believe that this is the right book at the right time," he added.
Dr Semaj further charged Jamaicans to become game changers, to ask provoking questions and to create well-needed change in society.
"The difference between prediction and provocation is the difference between seeing things the way they are and asking 'why' or dreaming things as they never were and asking 'what if'," he said.
He pointed out that the persons highlighted in the book are those who over the last 25 years have asked "what if".
Sponsorship support for Profile of Excellence came from the CHASE Fund, whose CEO Billy Heaven said the publication represented a "road map", not just to success, but also to overcoming tremendous challenges.
"We are a remarkable people, with amazing talents and awesome dreams, who just need to be provided with a road map. And Ian Boyne and Glenford Smith have done just that," he said.