inspire youth - march 2011

Dan AtkinsSocial Entrepreneur & Founder of Inspire Youth

Sabirul IslamA Young Entrepeneur with a Global Vision

The Popular KidsBy Name & By Label

SashaJackson

Takes on Hollywood and Wins

UniqueMuzic

The Power of Music

March 2011

inspire youthSHINING THE LIGHT ON INSPIRATIONAL YOUTH!

2 inspire youth magazine • march 2011 www.intensifyyouth.com

Creating the DreamBehind every dream lies a team of amazing people who dedicate their time, energy and more fully their passion to the cause. We owe tremendous gratitude to the following individuals and without them our vision could not come to life.

Founder of Inspire YouthDaniel Atkins

Chief Editor and Project ManagerYolanda SoloProject Manager for Intensify YouthEmail: [email protected]

Assistant EditorsDaniel AtkinsNicole Gerlis

ContributorsYolanda SoloShannon FergusonChona FernandezLucia Marginean

Images and PhotographyMichael Ko and Ben Crawford

Advertising SalesIntensify Youth122 Ealing VillageLondon, W5 2EBUnited KingdomT. +44 (0) 203 086 8346E. [email protected]

Image by Wonderlane

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http://www.yolandasolo.com

[email protected]

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http://www.wordsbykeystroke.com

http://www.fanstory.com/homebaker23

http://www.michaelkophotography.com

http://www.yougotpapped.com


EditorialWelcome to the first issue of Inspire Youth MagazineWelcome to the first edition of Inspire Youth magazine founded by Dan Atkins, a teacher whose passion for youth development knows no limits. The magazine is just one of the many projects the Intensify Youth organisation has in the pipeline that will change the way young people look at the world.

Our projects are aimed to make a massive impact in young people’s lives and as a result we need people like you to get involved!

We believe that everyone has the responsibility to motivate the youth of today to believe in themselves and be the best that they can be. They are the future and deserve to start their life journey full of hope and passion. Sadly, this is often not the case. Too often while they have the potential to do what they love, lack of self-confidence, and the negativity of others, stops them from achieving the success they deserve.

Each edition of Inspire Youth will feature those who have defied attempts to stop them from following their dreams and in some cases, overcome huge obstacles to get there. Read the stories and be inspired by the success they have achieved. Discover how they reached their goals and who helped them to do it.

It is humbling and inspiring to read these stories and we look forward to featuring many more young people from around the world.

Dan Atkins / President



Contents

Daniel Atkins 06

Sasha Jackson 26

3 Editorial

4 Contents

6 Daniel Atkins

12 Andre Carter

14 Unique Muzic

19 Sabirul Islam

26 Sasha Jackson

30 The Popular Kids

32 Michael Blair Ko

36 You Got Papped

38 Our Projects



Sabirul Islam 19

Unique Muzic 14

Can You Help?

Do you have a story to tell or do you know a young person who could be an inspiration to others? Let us know and see the story in the next edition of Inspire Youth magazine!



What do you want to be in life?

I want to be known as the founder and the pioneer of a massive change in youth development. Where we encourage and engage young people to believe in themselves and to aspire towards success. Where we bring in a group of experts to develop and deliver programmes and projects that young people want and need.

What are you working on at the moment / what is your dream?

A series of programmes to help young people grow up with the right mindset and then provide them the skills, tools, knowledge and the stepping stones that they need in order to reach whatever level of success they desire. Our whole goal is to help young

people transform their lives, to take responsibility for their actions and to have the right mindset to help them achieve whatever it is they want in life.Our core programmes are the:

Superhero Mindset – is where my passion lies. I believe the education system is failing to teach young people how to grow up with the right mindset for success. The Superhero Mindset teaches youths the essential inter and intra-personal skills that are VITAL to life in general. We’ve brought in a team of experts and developed an incredibly beneficial 14 day programme that we’ve delivered online in order to be able to scale is around the world.

High School Superstar – is an online talent competition for every High School and College in the United Kingdom first,

and then we aim to take this worldwide. Schools have all the resources needed yet this has never been done in the UK. Our goal is to get behind and support the more creatively driven youths in high schools.

Inspire Magazine – this is a unique project and an incredible opportunity to highlight inspirational young people. Not nearly enough of this occurs yet with the power of the internet it is easy to do. Young people need role models to look up to and admire and that is the very reason for the magazine. Again we have used the internet as our medium to ensure we can share our vision and our dream with as many people as possible.

Teen-Trepreneur Trilogy – an entrepreneur education series

Daniel AtkinsSocial Entrepreneur and Global VisionaryDan Atkins, Managing Director at Intensify Youth, is a 30-year old London-based Social Entrepreneur. His company is developing programmes that educate and inspire young people to become the best person they can be. Today’s educational system, he says, fails to give students the one thing they need most: the tools to create a successful mindset.

Interviews



developed by an amazing 20 year old Sabirul Islam. We’re helping Sabirul leverage the internet in order to be able to get Enterprise education in to the hands of EVERYONE on the planet. When we met Sabirul we were struck at the sheer enthusiasm, the drive and the mindset that this incredible young man holds. Already he is an inspiration to many people around the world and Intensify Youth is behind him and his vision to inspire1million people all around the world.

Inspire1million – this is the dream, this is our goal and our mission. My mission has always been to inspire young people. As a teacher my focus is not on teaching young adolescents curriculum knowledge, I’m more focussed on helping them believe in themselves, to raise their aspirations and to become better people. I believe not nearly enough focus is developing them as human beings in schools, yet in doing so we see MASSIVE change.

What is your vision of empowering young people?

Our vision is and has always been to harness the power of technology to get the skills, tools and mindset of personal development into the hands of young people from a very early age and then provide them the action steps for them to take in order to reach whatever level of success they desire.

Once they have the right mindset then young people will be able to be, do, have and achieve anything they want in life. Then with the action steps they will know what they need to do in order to achieve their life goals.

Our aim is to interview as many people as possible that have reached the top of their fields in order to teach the young people their “Superhero Mindset” and then highlight the action steps that they took in order to reach the level of success that they created.

I don’t think young people see the amount of hard work and dedication it takes in order to reach that level of success. One thing that needs to be highlighted is that all of us have differing levels of success. Not everyone wants to bend the ball like Beckham, sing like an angel, or be the next Sir Richard Branson, but what’s important for us is that they become the best person that they can be.

How long have you been doing this?

We’ve been developing and perfect the programmes over the last 24 months in order to ensure that they are extremely beneficial to young people.

What made you start?

There have been a couple of incidents that have really stuck in my mind, both involved knives.

I was a very talented cricket player when I was younger and made all the



representative sides and had the talent to progress to the top level. However one day before a very important game I made a BAD decision and in that slip second my life would change forever. See my parents had gone away and instead of getting an early night we decided to have a party, which lead to a lot of drinking. We then went to another party of a rival school. I stood up for a mate that was being an idiot; the situation got out of control and out came a knife. I was lucky, see had he been standing a foot closer to me it wouldn’t have gone through my hand it would’ve gone through my chest... and that’s why in essence I developed the Superhero Mindset, to ensure that young people don’t follow in my footsteps, to not make the same mistakes as I did.

I deeply regret making that one decision that cost me the potential of an international cricket career. But without that then we wouldn’t have created Intensify Youth and any of the phenomenal programmes that we’ve developed. I made a bad decision, have learnt to deal with it, and have now turned my passion towards youth development.

What obstacles did you have to overcome along the way?

There is always the voice in the back of your head saying negative things. There will ALWAYS be things that life throws at you that challenge you and make you question yourself, but with the right Mindset you can control these, even learn to harness them in order to create the passion, the desire, and the burning fire that leads you and drives you towards success.

I left New Zealand nearly 10 years ago and had spent most of that time drifting, taking the easy option and doing everything for myself without worrying about other people and that was getting me nowhere. It wasn’t until

I stumbled across the tools of personal development that my life started meaning something. I found direction and I found what my TRUE passion was, and that’s helping young people develop into amazing young adults.

I’m now working around the clock and have been for the last couple of years as a full time teacher in London and working on my mindset and creating the projects that we’re launching in the beginning of 2011. As this is my passion and my true core values I find the strength to do so, to overcome any obstacles that are in my way, and to continue taking a step or 2 each day towards the end goal.

2011 is an amazing year and I can’t wait to share our message with the world and create a global shift in young people’s paradigms...they need it...that’s for sure!

How did you get through them?

I think the main thing is Belief. Belief that you’re on the right path. Belief in yourself that you know what you’re doing. Belief that there’s light at the end of the tunnel and belief that you CAN be, do, have and achieve anything it is you want in life.

Also finding partners and people who can help and support your dreams. I met my business partner Mike Muller on a course in Hawaii and since then we’ve come on leaps and bounds. Recently we’ve bought in people into specific roles in Intensify. This has been amazing as it allows me to focus on what’s most important and essential for me to work on to push the projects forward.

My inspiration comes from people who are self made. The Bransons, Oprah, sports stars like Beckham and those that have created success out of nothing. I love hearing about new ventures succeeding beyond belief,

stories of people overcoming adversity and I’m amazed by people like Roger Federer, or the Williams girls who reach the top of their fields and stay there for years on end.

What’s your motivation to continue with it?

I love working with and inspiring young people. Seeing them grow, develop and achieve success is amazing. As teachers and educators we have a massive opportunity to leave a long and lasting impact on their lives, and that’s what I want to be known for.

How much time do you spend developing your skill / working towards your dream?

24/7. That’s the main thing, there’s an awesome quote from Will Smith about his unbelievable work ethic that says “I’ve never really viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic. You know, while the other guy’s sleeping, I’m working. While the other guys’ eating, I’m working. The only thing that I see that is distinctly different about me is: I’m not afraid to die on a treadmill. You might have more talent than me; you might be smarter than me. But if we get on a treadmill together, there’s two things: you’re getting off first, or I’m gonna die. It’s really that simple”. .

To me that’s what it’s all about. I work around the clock 7 days a week, why, because it’s my passion and why, because young people need it.

What’s the best moment you’ve had so far?

The best is really the simplest and it’s a progression. It’s seeing everything come to light. To see it go from an idea, to conception, to actual physical products and really coming to life is brilliant. Now to be able to travel the world sharing our dreams and our message,



to interview inspirational youth and be able to connect with global experts is phenomenal. 2011 is an amazing year and the world will hear a LOT of things from Intensify!

How did that make you feel?

AWESOME, phenomenal and really humble at the same time. The more you learn, the more you connect the more you realise that things really do happen for a reason. To be able to connect with and support so many inspirational people is truly a blessing and to be able to share it with the world is the greatest acknowledgement one could ever ask for.

Who do you look up to? And Why?

I look up to people who have made it by themselves. I look up to people that have reached the top of their fields.

My inspiration came from people like Sir Richard Branson, Justin Herald and Robert Kiyosaki. I’m also becoming more and more inspired by young people who create things and have incredible vision. Sabirul Islam and the boys from Unique Muzic are amazing young people who we’re helping in any way possible to help them achieve their dreams.

Why, because their dream is to help and inspire other young people to do the same. I’m motivated by people like that and I am constantly surrounding myself with people and situations where I can do this. It’s inspirational.

Who is / was your greatest source of inspiration? And Why?

This is an interesting one, as the more we progress with Intensify and our projects the more I’m inspired

within. It might sound big headed or arrogant but is an interesting position to be in. That’s what I guess the whole Superhero Mindset aims to instil. When you’re living true to your core values and beliefs and when you find your true purpose you start looking within for inspiration rather than seeking it from others. We are on the cusp of something incredible and we really are inspired at being the pioneers of something revolutionary for the world.

For anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps what would you tell them?

To believe. To be dedicated and to trust yourself and your ability. Commitment comes to mind as well. In order to reach the top or become the best you can be does take time and effort. Learn from the best, read their books, watch their videos and reward yourself with the Superhero Mindset. Take



one step towards your goals daily and you will get there. Live every moment thankful for who you are and who you’re becoming. Challenge yourself to become a better you. Look for the best in people and always in the situation. Ask the right questions and get the right answers and ALWAYS treat other people with utmost respect.

What do you think of the Superhero Mindset Programme?

The Superhero Mindset Programme is a brilliant programme that we created to help young people grow up with the right mindset. We’ve taken the key concepts of personal development and created a practical based programme for young people to follow. The key concepts are so simple yet profound and instilling them in young people will create massive change in their lives.What was your favourite part of the Superhero Mindset Programme? Developing the project to a point where we had all the content and then finding Andre “Coach” Carter to present it. He’s a phenomenal individual who I firmly believe was put on this planet to inspire young people. His passion and his sincerity are second to none and

it’s fantastic having him as part of the Superhero Mindset programme.Why do you think it’s important for young people to grow up with a Superhero Mindset?

Because when they grow up with the right mindset then they will believe that they CAN achieve the life of their dreams. They will be more focussed, be able to overcome any obstacles life throws them and really know and understand what they need to do in order to life the life of their dreams.

Having gone through the Programme what’s the most important thing you could share with young people?

To go through and complete the programme. There are so many incredibly powerful life lessons in it. Things that will make a MASSIVE impact in your life. We could sell the programme for hundreds or thousands of dollars, but for us this project isn’t about making money. It’s about instilling these essential life skills into the hands of EVERY young person on the planet. Why? Because we believe in young people and want to help EVERY single one of them grow up believing in

themselves and aspiring for success in whatever it is they want in life.

How are you working with Intensify at the moment?

I am Intensify. Three years ago Mike Muller – cofounder of Intensify - and I sat down in an infinity pool on a lovely hotel in Hawaii. This is where we began talking about our dreams and our vision. From that moment we both realised that in order to be playing a bigger game we needed to join forces and really push and challenge each other to be greater people. Since then we’ve formed an amazing partnership and continually work on developing exciting and revolutionary projects to inspire the masses. It’s a pleasure to be leading projects that have such an impact on tomorrow’s future leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and people. The more people we can share our dreams with the better.

What do the following 10 letters say: I M P O S S I B L E?

I’m Possible!!!

Today’s young generation needs role models, someone to look up to and admire. But first, young people must develop a powerful mindset that allows them to become successful, no matter the challenges around them. This is what Intensify aims to do: to create a roadmap from where they are right now and where they want to get.

For more in-depth information about the Intensify Youth programmes and how you can get involved, please visit:

Website: www.intensifyyouth.com Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/daniel.atkins.nz Facebook Pages: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Superhero-Mindset/106745539353827 Twitter: www.twitter.com/superheromind


www.intensifyyouth.com

www.facebook.com/daniel.atkins.nz

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Superhero-Mindset/106745539353827

http://www.twitter.com/superheromind

http://superheromindset.com/Service/free-trial/


What is your dream?

I have many dreams. My largest dream is of a world where our focus is on learning and creation. For those that know of Gene Roddenberry and the Star Trek saga, I dream of a world like Earth in Star Trek. People were focused on what they loved doing and creating and they were fully supported in exploring the full limits of those loves. It’s important to me more so today because of my children.

How did you get into personal development, training and speaking?

I’ve always loved a stage even as a little boy. So, being in front of people is something that I just enjoy. However, acting was never quite enough. I have also always found myself in a

coaching, counselor, or leadership role. When I thought about how to do what I most loved in life teaching personal development from the stage was the most perfect fit for me.

How long have you been doing it?

Acting, in some way or another for my entire life. Coaching, counseling, and leading in some form or another since 6th grade, that’s when I was `officially´ the ´class psychologist´. It’s funny, I remember a lot of friends saying “You have problems, go talk to Andre.” Actively speaking in the world of personal development began 4 years ago with Frontier Trainings.

How long do you spend developing your skill/working towards your dream?

Not nearly as much time as I should. Funny thing is it’s such a part of me I am always developing something or coaching someone. Even now I put a good 3-4 hours a week towards my skills. That’s been slowly increasing. This year I’ll be on stage fully which means more like 3-4 hours a day will be dedicated to developing my skill and creating my vision.

What is the best moment you have had so far?

Hearing my words and training from my daughter and realizing it was not just repeated, the words were understood. It made me feel confident that she will be one of the people who creates her world based on what she loves doing, not what circumstances hand her.

AndreCarterThe Superhero TrainerAndre A. Carter is a man who is passionate about motivating young people. As the presenter for the Superhero Mindset programme he plays a vital role in changing the mindset of the youth who watch it and are inspired by it. Andre describes himself as “A father of two wonderful children and a dreamer. A divine creation like everyone and everything else on the planet. I am a ball of pure energy defined in a body of my choosing.” His energy and passion for youth development make him an ambassador for lasting change.

Interviews



What did you have to overcome along the way?

Poverty at many stages of my life. The greatest one though is Self Discipline, doing what must be done, when it must be done, without someone prodding me to do it. This one cost me more than anything else. I still battle it daily. Funny how it works, can’t really drop your guard on this one. It’s the basis of your habits.


oth are a daily battle. Poverty can strike in a moment if spending habits outpace financial growth. Self discipline can be lost by just one too many days of “there’s always tomorrow”. The biggest tool for getting through them has been knowledge. Learning how to think and to manage my thoughts and actions. Learning about managing myself.

What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Get to know yourself and be your own best friend. If you do that you will always go after what you love and hold yourself to a higher standard. Realize that life truly is short and that the best way to live is doing what you love every day!

Why do you think it’s important for young people to grow up with a Superhero Mindset?

The Superhero Mindset protects visions,

dreams, goals, and beliefs. It supports young people in developing their dreams and bringing them to reality. Unfortunately, our society often crushes the dreams of the young by focusing on lack, violence, and our current limits of the mind and science.

Having a Superhero Mindset, shifts the focus to what can be created and reminds those with it at a deep level that thoughts are things and so far nearly everything that can be dreamed has been created. Just look at airplanes, submarines, and wireless technology for the physical items.

What was your favourite part of the Superhero Mindset Programme?

Working on the training. I cannot wait

for the live events around the world to begin. Seeing the shift in the next generation.

What’s the most important thing you could share with young people?

You are here on this planet to create and do something phenomenal! You may be part of a large team or out on your own, but you have some amazing to contribute.

What do the letters IMPOSSIBLE mean to you?

Without hesitation, they say I’m Possible! Meaning anything I focus my energies on can be achieved!

Remember the name - Andre Carter. This is one man who is going to revolutionize the way that young people see the world and the opportunities it holds for them.

Andre Carter’s Contact Details

Website: www.superheromindset.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 858-602-6109 Location: San Diego, CA


http://www.superheromindset.com



At a young age Ice and Spynel took comfort in music; the beats, the sounds and melody’s all formed a universal language that spoke loudly but were just an adventure; these artists have turned that adventure into a journey. Ice and Spynel bring you creative verses, highlighted with confident tones all wrapped up with a determined mantra;

Never Give Up because I’m Possible!

According to Ice and Spynel, becoming successful is not something you simply sit and daydream about; you pursue it and create it. “It’s so amazing that society will labor under the false assumptions that we must live our lives less than what it could be…and most

will accept that for what it is; kids today are too easily convinced that they lack the capacity to make their dreams come true.”

Many kids struggle to find their own voice during their youth, bearing their parents architectural path on life which consist of attending a university, career

Interviews

UniqueMuzicThe Message Behind Their Music

We all know there is some trait that all successful individuals have in common; unfortunately it’s not something we’re taught in our traditional schooling. With most kids it’s been a hit or miss concept to find the answers that create the changes they want in their life – until now; The Superhero Mindset Programme is completely changing how young adults view their future. By the end of the programme, they clearly see obstacles but unlike most kids, they look at them differently; they know those obstacles can be eliminated and they now have the mindset to push forward.



then family. Yet, Ice and Spynel, aka Ihsan Ahmed and Francis Moronda realized that picture wasn’t fulfilling. That all changed by simply changing how they thought about success and how to attain it.

A quick snapshot of their resume; Actors, Lyricist, Singers, Songwriters, and Producers, and its obvious they are versatile and motivated to put in the work that’s demanded for this type of success.

After years of negative undertones that shrieked of “that’s impossible”

and “you can’t do this or that”, both artists landed in the recording studios, signed new artists and most currently, performed live in front of the likes of Katie Price, Simon Webb and more.So we ask ourselves? What was that turning point? What gave these artists the conviction and motivation that helped them become such a success in a short time?

How Did They Do It?

How did you two get into the Music and Entertainment Industry?

Spynel: When I was about 6 years old I started listening to old reggae songs like Redrat, Beenie man, Buju Banton and also Michael Jackson songs. I used to practice and sing all the verses and I loved that feeling that music gave me; I realized that I wanted to be a singer and rapper when I got older.

Ice: For me it was the same; I just keep writing lyrics, practicing my singing and style with Spynel.

How did you progress from practicing verses to laying down tracks?



Spynel: About 2002, I started producing my own beats/instrumentals. Even though my voice wasn’t mature enough yet, I still recorded over the music. That was motivating to me; moving forward, learning and progressing. It just made me even more serious about music.

Ice: I was writing the lyrics and practicing the beats; perfecting it and we both would lay down tracks.

What type of obstacles did you have to overcome along the way?

Ice/Spynel: the worst obstacle was no one would identify with what we wanted; we didn’t want the typical 9 to 5 or to attend a university then on to having a family. We didn’t accept that standard blueprint because it wasn’t what made us happy. But telling your family and even some friends of the ideas you have and only receiving discouragement and criticism takes a toll on your psyche. When you’re bombarded with that negative way of thinking it can weigh heavily on your mind and you start to believe it.

So how did you get through the obstacles? What motivated you to strive for what you wanted instead of that standard blueprint?

Ice: I took part in the Superhero Mindset Programme and it completely changed how I saw life. It helped me to channel all my thoughts and attention to focus on success and what I had to do to accomplish attaining a successful life. Before the program, I would hear “you can’t do this…, this won’t work, and that won’t work.“ You wind up taking a step back and considering all that negativity. But after the program, I listened to negativity and kept on my path to success – the negativity didn’t faze me anymore.

Spynel: For me, I kept up with my music; listening to the words of other artists became my motivation but I still wasn’t

progressing and didn’t know how to move to the next level. Everything changed for me when I became involved with Intensify Youth.

How involved are you in developing your skill and working towards your dream?

Spynel/Ice: We spend every free moment in practicing and doing something to further our goals. Everything from writing lyrics to practicing to marketing and publicity; it’s non-stop.

Spynel: And when I reflect back, I never took any signing lessons or keyboard lessons or recording studio lessons and yet, just from my drive and conviction to know the music industry I have learned how to do all of those things on my own. And I set a goal – I practice a minimum of 5 hours every day on my music.


Spynel: The best moment I’ve had so far is when we supported Gran Master Flash and The Furious 5 and Kurtis Blow last year at Jazz Café in London; Amazing - this was one of the best moments ever; to be able to support the grandfathers of Hip-Hop. Also we went to Bloodlust last year, doing a live performance in front of celebrities such as Simon Webb from Blue, Katie Price and many more. And I cannot forget Carnival! Huge, one of the best moments of my life… being on stage and doing what I love doing best and having the chance to spread my message to the masses

Reflecting back, what was your turning point? What helped you become a success?

Ice: The Superhero Mindset Programme was my defining moment; it helped me focus on my goals and how to overcome

any obstacle in your way. I think that’s one of the things you have to master – clearing away that negative and moving forward.

Spynel: For me, my turning point was Intensify Youth. They showed me how to obtain anything you want in life, no matter what. I like that part – no matter what stands in your way, you are able to overcome and still attain your goals.


Spynel: I think the superhero mindset is great program because it has opened up my mind with the way I think, It has taught me to stay positive about my life which has been very helpful and which has elevated me to the stage where I am now, It has opened up new channels of thinking and dealing with situations that I used to find difficult to cope with.

Ice: The impact of the programme is tremendous; this programme is teaching young people how to overcome obstacles; and everyone has obstacles but how we deal with them makes all the difference. So here’s a programme that you can apply the techniques in the real world and see it working.

What was your favourite part of the Superhero Mindset Programme?

Spynel: “Think Positive and You’ll Get Positive Back” this is one of the best part because it works time after time and if you surround yourself with the things you want you will end up getting them .

Ice: My favourite part is applying what I’ve learned to goals in my life. I look back at a chapter and, Wow, I remember that. Each time it feels great, it’s a great motivator knowing that you’re progressing and you’ve overcome an obstacle.

Why do you think it’s important



for young people to grow up with a Superhero Mindset?

Spynel: It’s so important for young people to grow up with a Superhero Mindset because nowadays they do not have the right mindset for them to be able to achieve their dreams or goals; if they were given the Superhero mindset I’m certain it will transform their lives for the better.

Ice: You never want younger impressionable people to follow the negative patterns in life. Everyone should want to only manifest positive outcomes in life and if I had this program earlier, it would have saved me tremendous time and trouble. I can’t imagine how much further I would be if I had started using the Superhero Mindset Programme earlier in life.

Having gone through the Programme what’s the most important thing you could share with young people?

The most important thing that I can share with anyone out there in the world is that once you take the Superhero Mindset your life will never be the same again; it will transform you, boost you, motivate you to your full potential. Having gone through the programme myself the most important thing is to fully pay attention to the message this programme provides to you and put everything you been taught into practice and you will see amazing results.

How are you working with Intensify at the moment?

I am signed to Intensify Records as an artist and I’m also working with them on few projects like The inspire1million, where our goal is to inspire a million young people all around the world through music and public speaking.

And lastly, I have to ask the importance that surrounds the word IMPOSSIBLE;

Ice/Spynel: For most people, that word means just as it seems – impossible. A negative connotation that in the worse way means it cannot happen; The Superhero Mindset and Intensify Youth show the true meaning of that word;It’s not IMPOSSIBLE – It’s really I’M POSSIBLE

Ice and Spynel are quick to share that the Inspire programme reveals that we all fall into that dark negative space and we have the power to rejuvenate and revive our lives, regardless of how bad the minor setback is.

Inspire Youth and the Superhero Mindset Programme have transformed these artists’ lives. With some stellar performances and reviews, I can’t wait to see how these bright young minds unleash more passion and build upon their successful paths.

BY, SHANNON FERGUSON

Unique Muzic Contact Details

Official Site: http://www.spynel.com Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1674290613 Facebook Pages: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spynel/70469158595 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/spynel


http://www.spynel.com

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1674290613

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spynel/70469158595

http://www.twitter.com/spynel

http://www.uniquemuzic.com


What do you want to be in life?

I always believe success is about exploiting all angles that is available in a certain industry. I’ve always wanted to be a successful entrepreneur, with many titles beside my name. I currently am a young entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker and creator of the Teen-Trepreneur board game...So it is starting to add up!


I’ve always believed in empowering youth around the world. To be able to inspire a young person that anything is possible to achieve in life and to actually see them take your advice and go make it happen, is remarkable! Which is why with The World at Your

Feet, it follows a vision to ‘inspire, educate & provide opportunities’ for ordinary young people to become extraordinary individuals.

I want to develop an empire that directs budding young entrepreneurs from all around the world to a single platform, where they are able to learn about entrepreneurship, express their ideas, gain support both by mentoring and financial backing and put them on course to achieve something special.To be able to become ‘the platform’ for young entrepreneurs to succeed, would be a dream come true...they will no longer say that they are young entrepreneurs but ‘Teen-Trepreneurs.’ Which will surely leave a legacy!

How did all this start?

Funny story...I never thought I’d become an entrepreneur but having seen my cousin set up his first business at the age of 14, I thought that was extraordinary. I’ve never seen a person so young become a businessman! So, I decided that the best thing to do was to ask whether I can work for him. I was only 13 at the time. He gave me a job instantly, and I had the role of designing the calendars for teachers which was his business idea. However, I took the fact that he was my cousin for granted and 2 weeks later got fired!

I really believe that it’s the two moments which really opened the doors for me to become an entrepreneur myself. Firstly, that it’s possible to run a company at a young age, having seen my cousin do it and secondly, the fact that he fired me turned my anger into

Sabirul IslamMotivational EntrepreneurSabirul Islam is a 20-year old who has already accomplished more than most people will manage to do in a lifetime. Sabirul is CEO and Founder of ‘The World at Your Feet’ & ‘Teen-Trepreneur.’ His vision has already touched the lives of young people all over the world and he is helping to create a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

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a positive mentality to prove my cousin wrong, that he’d actually fired the most talented young person living on Earth!That’s the level of belief I had at the time!

So having turned 14 myself, I set up my first business called ‘Veyron Technology’ employing six of my friends to design websites for both corporate and private clients! Although I ran the company for only 2 years, as web design was becoming too common, it was the fact that I wanted to be a better managing director than my cousin and to prove him wrong that sparked this opportunity to come along.

My cousin made only £60 profit in one whole academic year, which in fact, to me felt like being a millionaire as a 13 year old! So I wanted to make more money than he did...so with all thatdetermination to be better than my cousin I managed to draw in corporate clients from the City of London and made £2000 profit in the first 2 weeks

of running the business! I felt like I could even retire on that money as a 14 year old!

Having left the web design business at the age of 16, and gone on to become a junior trader for 9 months, it lead to a string of events where I had many young people ask me how on earth itwas possible for me to become an entrepreneur and an investor whilst still at school and from a very deprived community.

This got me thinking and whilst in college, gave me the opportunity to write my first book called ‘The World at Your Feet’ which aimed to inspire and inject self belief into young peoplethat no matter who they are or where they are from, everyone has skills and talent that can be used to become extraordinary. Having self published the book after being rejected by 40publishers, it opened the door for me to become a motivational speaker, having spoken at 379 events in a space of 9

months and going on to sell 42,500 copies of The World at Your Feetwithin the UK.

The success of the book allowed me to truly realise my dream, which is to help and inspire millions of people around the world that anyone, anywhere can bring The World at Their Feet. Which is why I set up The World at Your Feet as a business at the age of 18, which now has 2 brands, both the ‘Sabirul Islam’ brand and the ‘Teen-Trepreneur’ brand. Each offering different levels of inspiration, as well as educating them about entrepreneurship and giving them the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and run their own businesses.

What type of things did you have to overcome along the way?

There have been many obstacles along the way, but I guess that’s what really tells the story and attracts a big audience. If I had gone from



somebody born and raised in a deprived community to becoming an instant millionaire, well I wouldn’t really call that ‘success’ as I will have not experienced journey that one day can tell a remarkable story.

However, having been fired at the age of 13, was the hardest brick wall I’ve ever hit in my journey. But having managed it use the negative attitude around that as a means to do positive things it has made me believe that any other form of failure is really easy to pick up from. Everyone needs to have that sort of mentality in order to succeed.

Having written my first book, I was rejected by 40 publishers, yet I went on to sell 42,500 copies of the book myself! So, I always believe that a form of failure or rejection is actuallyan opportunity to prove people wrong!Having turned 18, I required £20,000 to produce the Teen-Trepreneur board game, but with no one believing that it had a real market, I investment £20,000 of my own money as an 18-year old to produce the game, which is now selling across the UK, South Africa and USAand is also used as part of the BTEC Business Qualifications in over 400 schools across the country!

I’m sure that goes to show, that if people around you don’t believe in you, or your products or even your vision...As long as young have the power and mentality to believe that it will beA success, nothing or no one can or should hinge you from achieving your goal!

There is however, something even greater than people telling you not do things or that you idea is not good enough and that is yourself! Why? Making the right choice and goingon to believe that the choice you made was actually something of a blessing rather than something you regretting it. For example, having left college at the age of 18, I was left with

a choice of going to University or to carry on with the freedom to empower youth around the world...Every single relative I had said university...but I chose not to go university andput 100% focus on my dream and vision...And to date I have family members say that I made the wrong choice.

Sometimes, you have to fight your own culture and beliefs to be able to become successful, and no matter what others around you think, if you made a choice in life which many have thought was wrong, you still be proud of that decision you have taken and live withno regrets. And that’s exactly why I believe that becoming an entrepreneur has got me global recognition whereas, with the wrong decision I’ll probably now be in my final year of university thinking of what my next job would be...Even that is not guaranteed.


The belief I have is really important. No matter what comes in my way, I know there is always a solution. And to think I that mentality is really important. There are people out there who can help anyone solve any difficult problem or situation they may face. So nothing worries me on that front.

It’s the fact that I gain personal rewards from what I do that makes this really special. For me to see a young person come to me and ask for advice or help is remarkable. It often makes

me think...’wow’ why are they coming to me for help.’ And that shows that what I’ve been doing has had an effect on people.

Everything I do, is because I enjoy it...it not a 9 to 5 job! And that the great thing. I can minute work like a maniac and the next minute relax and enjoy. There are no boundaries, no rule and that what I like! Freedom!

But the greatest of all feelings and what keeps me going is to see a person come back to me, and say ‘you’ve changed my life.’ Now, that is something beyond extraordinary! I don’t feel that no matter how much successful I become, or the money I make...nothing beatsthe feeling and joy I get when somebody shakes my hand or gives me a call to utter the words ‘you’ve changed my life.’ It often does bring tears!


Like I said, there’s freedom involved in what I do...depending on what projects I’m involved with, I can one day be



working 5 minutes just to check emails and the next day be working a full 12 hours. But it’s not like I have to do what I do...I do it because I can want and love to! And there is a big difference compared to being under contract where everything is a must!

There are always new ideas which is the fantastic thing...Now that I’ve launched the ‘Teen-Trepreneur’ brand it offer 8 different segments to the brand. They are as follows:

1. Teen-SpirationHelps a person develop an ‘interest’ about entrepreneurship and gain inspiration.

2. Teen-TelligenceTeaches how to develop a strong personal brand and become a key person of influence.

3. Teen-OvationTeaches young people about writing a business plan, market research, accessing finance, and how to set up a real business.

4. Teen-SpeakersA speaking agency which will have on board 25 UK and 25 International speakers who are all young entrepreneurs under the age of 25 with exceptional stories.

5. Teen-Designers10 young and creative web designers to help young people get started in promoting their business.

6. Teen-PublishersWill be launched later this year, to give young people the opportunity to get their books published and into book stores.

7. Teen-Gels DenWill be launched later this

year, to give young entrepreneurs the chance to access investment from business angels as a means to grow their business.

8. Teen-Trepreneur Board GameUsed as part of the BTEC Qualifications in schools across the UK.

So my dream is to develop an empire, which provides heaps of support to young people, and nurtures them to be extraordinary. So, I believe as long as I can empower youth around the world, there is no time limit to how much I’ll spend, as everyday is a new challenge with new rewards!

What’s the best moment you’ve had so far? Everything I do brings moments to remember...but I must say my time in South Africa during May 2010 has to be the most memorable. Both the story in how I landed in South Africa and how much of a success my tour was.

Firstly, to explain how I landed in South Africa goes back to when I was 18, and launched my second book published by Marshall Cavendish in June 2009. My publishers sent 1000 copies of my book to India, to shelve on a few book stores.

A person from South Africa was on abusiness trip in India and he picked up my book, bought it, read it, researched about me and gave me a call, out of the blue! He asked whether he could sell hundreds of copies of my book in Pretoria, South Africa, which I thought was a good enough deal.

However, he couldn’t manage to sell many copies, so he gave his friend a call, to shelve all the books in a massive shopping centre in Johannesburg, and 2 months later I receive an email from the guy from Johannesburg, inviting me to do a tour in South Africa, speakingat 13 events, in 8 days, and reaching out to 2.5 million people. He ordered hundreds more copies of my book, and board game which are now in his store in the heart of the shopping centre.

I must say, that to have reached out to 2.5 million people in South Africa was incredible and my Facebook profile was flooded with friend requests, and to date I just don’t have time to accept them all!

The other great moment I must mention is my time in Nigeria, as I was invited by the First Lady of Nigeria’s



first President, and the first thing I saw after stepping outside the LagosAirport, was a massive billboard with my face on it! That made me feel like a celebrity!

For anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps what would you tell them?To be something or someone who can leave a legacy in a certain field, you must first be inspired by what others within that field have done. Inspiration is the key to starting a journey. Whether you want to be a doctor, entrepreneur, pilot etc, if you are not inspired by the work of other successful doctors, entrepreneurs, pilots etc...you will find it very difficult to leave a legacy in that field.

For those who want to be a successful entrepreneur, you need always be positive both mentally and in everything you do. Passionate about your work and illustrate perseverance...And of course there are people and organisations out there to help you succeed within the field of entrepreneurship...So become a Teen-Trepreneur and for sureyou’ll leave a legacy!


When asked this question, I always tend to respond with people I don’t look up to, and the reason being, is because everyone out there needs to pull away from the sheltered box in which the western society has created. No, I don’t look up to any celebrities but I look up to people who are not given opportunities to make their lives a success.

People who are so talented, but are not able to express their true talent because of the fact that they are not given the chance too...Mainly because they must live everyday as a form of survival rather than heaps of opportunities.

The fact that I’ve been writing this



article, has given me the opportunity to express my words, my success with many people...those who want to do the same as me, if not even greater aretrapped in a world where this sort of opportunity does not reach them.

So, I look up to people like them and call them heroes! They live everyday as a challenge to survive...and only the very few make it to achieve their lifelong dreams. And I believe that this isbeyond extraordinary and people hat make this world something remarkable!

Who is / was your greatest source of inspiration? And Why?

I look back to the moment I got fired by my cousin and actually thank him for firing me!

Although it may sound strange, but actually, if it weren’t for him, I would not have seen entrepreneurship as a way forward for myself...nor would I have gone on to inspire millions of people around the world!

I say that getting fired was one of the best things that has ever happened to me! And so have always seen my cousin as one of my biggest inspirations!


A fantastic programme that will inject belief, energy, passion and determination into many young people across the world. The power to believe that we can all achieve greatness comes from having a positive mindset that is not scared to exploit all walks of life.

Yes, success is a challenge but for those who see challenge as an opportunity to achieve greatness are those who develop the ‘superhero mindset.’I personally think, everyone is capable and the Superhero Mindset Programme provides the door of opportunity for any to walk through and achieve their ultimate goal.

How are you working with Intensify at

the moment?

Both Intensify and I are working very closely to run the Inspire1Million world tour, which is a target to visit 20 countries within 12 months and inspire, engage and transform the lives 1 million people around the world that ordinary individual can become extraordinary.

Intensify are also helping to develop the Teen-Trepreneur programme, which will enable young people to learn all key aspects of business before setting up a real company.

IMPOSSIBLE

InspiringManyPeopleOverseasShowsSabirulIslamBelievesLeveragingEntrepreneurship

Sabirul Islam is an incredible young man who has achieved such a lot, in such a short space of time. Not only has he achieved things for himself, his focus on young people means that millions will benefit from his projects. Sabirul´s success is an excellent example of just how far belief in yourself, determination and perseverance can take you!

Sabirul Islam’s Contact Details

www.theworldatyourfeet.com www.sabirulislam.com www.teen-trepreneur.com www.inspire1million.org

Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/sabirulislam123 Twitter Page: twitter.com/Sabirul_Islam


http://www.theworldatyourfeet.com

http://www.sabirulislam.com

http://www.teen-trepreneur.com

http://www.inspire1million.org

http://www.facebook.com/sabirulislam123

http://twitter.com/Sabirul_Islam


What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently in the stages of post production and early publicity for the feature film “Blue Crush 2 “in which I play the lead role of “Dana”. Dana is a young American who is haunted by the memory of her deceased mother, who leaves Malibu behind and heads to South Africa to fullfil her mother’s dream of surfing Jefferys’ Bay. Sasha has also just filmed the pilot for sitcom “The Last Resort” as “Maya”, a Geo-Scientist who also trains dolphins.

”I live my dream every day – being a working actress currently living in Los Angeles.”

How did you get into acting?

I first started modelling when I was about 12 and was then fortunate

enough to be cast in a couple of European commercials and fell in love with acting rather than just static posing. From that point onwards there was no looking back for me. I knew that acting was what I wanted to pursue. I then began actively pursuing castings.

How long have you been acting?

For ten years, professionally for three.

What obstacles did you have to overcome along the way?

There is a huge prejudice in the industry against people who haven’t spent years in drama schools being ”taught” how to act. My belief is that you can hone that skill if you have it, but if you do not have that natural affinity with the craft then no amount of training will make you a good actor. It has to come from your heart so each character becomes a

natural extension of you.

It is hard to fight against the stereotypical label in the industry. You are very much pigeon holed simply for having a certain look. I think it is essential to show that you have talent, personality and determination to break through those restrictions.

I have chosen a job that so many people also want to succeed in. There are so many actors chasing a few roles so you are constantly in a type of “competition”. You have to be strong to not let that affect who you are, or how you relate to other actors. If you give respect I believe it will come back to you.

How did you overcome these obstacles?

There is simply no option for me to give up. Acting is something I love and want

SashaJacksonTakes on Hollywood and Wins!Sasha Jackson is a 22 year old British actress who is making waves in Hollywood. She has only been acting professionally for three years, without the years of formal training that other actors have, yet has still succeeded in getting lead roles in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

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to do every day for as long as possible. When you have something you love that much you will do whatever you can to keep it going. Every day I learn something new simply through the experiences I have in casting situations and in the realisation of the roles I am lucky enough to win.

Rejection is part of life in this industry but you have to learn not to take it personally, that you simply do not fill the criteria that the casting professionals are seeking, you detach from roles once you have cast for them, if they come back to you, then you celebrate!

I’ve been inspired by too many people to list. I’m inspired every day by people overcoming situations in their life with poise and dignity.

My mum is my best friend and biggest support system. I couldn’t have done anything without her. My family and friends are wonderful, also. I am very lucky to have such an awesome support system around me to keep me grounded, focused and driven.


I want to have a voice that will be heard and recognised. I want to be involved in a lot of charity work and have the money and stability to help as many as I can. How much time do you spend developing your skill / working towards your dream?

I’m not sure how to evaluate how much time is spent on my job. I can be doing nothing for two weeks then auditioning four times a day every day for 10 days. Shoots can range from 4 days to 3 months to a year. There is not set “time” being an actor. The lack of stability is something you have to adjust to very quickly. You never know



if/when your next paycheque will come and most of the time it’s all on you as to whether it does or not.

It’s tough but I’m 100% dedicated to my career. If I get an audition for the day after (they usually come through at 6.30 pm and the audition will be around noon the next day-not much time to learn scripts) I drop everything, I become a hermit for the day/night and study, study, study. My career is more important to me, and to be honest, more fun than partying or clubbing. My friends and loved ones fully understand and support me. I guess they see it as at their 9am to 5pm jobs - they couldn’t just walk out of the office and neither can I when I have an audition, no matter what the time. Luckily for me, my home is my office!


Booking Blue Crush 2 and waking my mum and dad up in England to tell them.

How did that make you feel?

Elated beyond belief. I paced my apartment for 40mins calling their mobiles and house phone to wake them up, it was a feeling I can’t describe. I was grinning from ear to ear and shaking. It just made every trial and tribulation SOOOO worth it. I recall that feeling every time I start to doubt myself or lose my drive in any way. It puts me right back on track.


Don’t give up. Also, do it for the right reasons. I am not an actress because I want to be famous. Fame actually puts me off my career. I’m a private person, I like watching TV, getting take away and not wearing makeup. The paparazzi unnerve me, but it all goes with the territory. The most important thing to remember is to never take rejection personally.

Who do you look up to? And Why? Who

is your inspiration?

My parents. My mum is the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She’s forever an optimist and inspires me every single day to be a better person in every way. My Grandma was a total badass all through her life and luckily both my mum and I inherited a lot of her qualities. My father is the reminder that even when things go wrong I have the power to turn it around. I have the intelligence and strength to make the best of every situation. He has taught me the values I need and the sacrifices I should make. I am truly blessed to have such incredible people in my life every day.

Sasha´s mindset has obviously been a major factor in achieving her dream life – remember she said ”There is simply no option for me to give up.” With this unshakeable determination to do what she loves, and constant action to achieve her goal, Sasha has achieved what others only dream of.

Find out more about Sasha by visiting her website at www.sashajackson.com or join in the message boards on her IMDb (Internet Movie Database) profile at www.imdb.me/sashajackson.


http://www.sashajackson.com

http://www.imdb.me/sashajackson

http://www.highschoolsuperstar.co.uk


The Popular KidsPassion ForFashion…instead of pursuing a career in numbers, Ruslan put up an online store first, with hopes of setting a trend in street wear clothing…

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In every beginning, there is always an idea. In every idea, there is always a vision. And in every vision, there is always a dream. Like Ruslan Latysovic, a 17 year old student of Interactive Media BTech at West London College who said, ”I always had a dream of owning…a successful business.”

But then, he had no idea about what kind of business he would put up. His passion was in numbers and hoped to pursue a career in accounting. Yet he saw an opportunity. So he got together with his two close friends who shared the idea of becoming entrepreneurs like him. After a series of brain storming, net surfing, latest trend browsing, and deliberations, they finally agreed to create a clothing label called… ”The Popular Kids”.

It was in the early part of 2010 when ”The Popular Kids” was conceptualized as a street wear which would always portray popular kids in school; a line of products comprised mainly of logo t-shirts and hoodies with graphic designs. But the first step was made on September when Ruslan and his partners needed a logo for their products to be identified. Finding a supplier through extensive research, they went ahead with their very first creation — The Popular Kids white polo-shirt.

Sales did not go as well as expected and the product did not

become popular at all. But for Ruslan, there was no time to brood in despair. Selling one item in a week was more of a challenge rather than a blast. They had to redefine what went wrong along the way. In the mean time, they could only buy a box of t-shirts. They could not stock up as they had to adopt a new marketing strategy first.

Now, he fondly recalls that the key to their success was just around the corner yet nobody realized until it was offered. One of his colleagues who knew about web design suggested the creation of a website. Without much deliberation Ruslan agreed, so on November 1st, 2010, www.thepopularkids.com.uk was launched. Their vision was ”to set the trend rather than follow it”.

The website helped a lot. And as to date, “The Popular Kids” have sold over 100 items with the Black and Gold Hoodie the most popular item sold. They only keep a small quantity of each line so you better grab the ones you like before someone else does!

The best and worst of times

Starting a business is not an easy task. Ruslan and his friends had to overcome the obstacles that came along



the way and the problems inherent in the process. First at stake was the limited cash at hand. Much as they wanted to, they could not order more stock. Second, the criticisms of those people who tried to pull them down rather than support what these youths were trying to prove. Third, the differences among the partners. They all want better results and have different ideas about how to achieve this which made them argue… a lot! In the end, they did resolve the issues knowing all of them were on the same track and objective.

Albeit some of the people around were negative, a handful of friends and the closest of kin were supportive. Ruslan’s dad, who also owns a business, taught him to strive, to be good in what he does and to love what he does. His mum was always there for him adn his greatest mentor, Dan Atkins of Intensify Group, motivated him to go on defy the obstacles.

Asked what’s the best moment he have had so far? Ruslan answered, “…I think when we opened up an online store, on our website, and… we had our first site sale. It really felt good that we are doing it and doing it successfully.” He also felt good knowing you could still have some free time while giving your heart and soul to something worthwhile.

Getting the right attitude

Ruslan lives in London where the youth spend more time in the streets joining gang wars instead of worrying much for their future. While these kids are resorting to violence, he is studying Interactive Media, a two-year course that involves art skills. If you think operating an online store conflicts with his studies, the answer is definitely ”No” because Ruslan knows how to divide his time and manage it well. In five years time, he sees himself settled down, with a kid, a successful business, his own car and a house.

When and how did he get the right attitude towards life? Well, aside from his caring parents, Ruslan met Dan Atkins who introduced him to the Superhero Mindset Programme. For him, it is a great inspirational programme to help people, particularly young people, improve their lives for the better. And his favourite part about it “is that, you can get your inspiration in a click of a button!” Ruslan further reiterated that no matter what others tell you, don’t look back and do your thing. ”Hard work and determination will get you wherever you want to be. Believe in yourself and everything will come true.”

And he believes that after earning his diploma in BTech he could pursue his true passion — to be an accountant!

For more information about “The Popular Kids”, log on to

www.thepopularkids.com.uk or follow them at Facebook fan pages and Youtube (Sofreshsopopular).

Written by Chona Fernandez



Michael’s passion for photography is second to none and we were struck by his idealism and genuine sincerity to use his photography to make a difference. Already he’s travelled the world in pursuit of his dream and is now combining that with opportunities through Youth With A Mission to ensure that his dream becomes a reality. Step inside the creative world of Michael Ko.

MichaelBlair KoPhotographer




At the moment, I am working on my photography and videography. I have just returned from a year long trip to Cape Town, South Africa, where I was with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) doing missions work as well as studying Video Production and Photography. Trying to find a job at this time isn’t easy, but I am sticking to passion. It is no time to be picky about the work you can get. I am taking every opportunity that comes my way, whether they pay or not, because I am doing what I love to do and in doing that I will never have a boring day.

My Dream is to become a Cinematographer and a professional Photographer. I want to travel around the world making the most beautiful films and taking the most beautiful photographs anyone has ever seen. A cinematographer is also known as a Director of Photography, he/she is the one that decides what the shot looks like in a film; lighting, framing, what style of shot, what equipment to

use etc. As a photographer I want to focus on the ocean and photograph waves, surfing and the coastal lifestyle. I also want to travel the world and use my photography as a means to connect with people from all walks of life, to learn their stories and to share mine with them.

What made you get into photography and videography?

I have always been fascinated with photographs and what I call the “Ability to stop time.” Photography has run in my family for generations and my grandfather had also done some freelance work for National Geographic. I have had a subscription to National Geographic magazine since I was born and growing up I would just marvel at the photos that people were taking. I loved the idea of national geographic magazine and always wanted to become a photographer for the magazine one day. I think the thing that really made me start taking photographs was looking through the national geographic magazines and always saying I want to be featured in that magazine. I did take a break for a while where I wasn’t taking it as seriously, but as I started to spend more



time around the ocean, I realized that I wanted to capture the unique moments that happen at the beach or in the sea.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

One of the obstacles I had encountered over the years wasn’t directly affecting my photography, but they distracted me from seeing that this was what I was supposed to be doing. I have been drinking alcohol since I was about 14 years old. I never thought it really affected me much more than a physical level. But as I continued to drink for the next 7 years, it started to infiltrate every part of my life and in doing so I lost a lot of my freedom and a lot of my drive to follow my passion. More than anything I held myself back from pursuing this any sooner. I let my surroundings dictate my attitude and my attitude decided my outcome.


I overcame these obstacles with self motivation and determination. Ultimately I looked myself in the mirror one day and asked myself, ”is this the life I should really be living?” Drinking and partying everyday wasn’t getting me anywhere except in debt and steps further away from my passion.

I write down my goals and constantly remind myself of them I surround myself with the right people who encourage me and who also share the same passions and dreams as me We all have this thing called free will and no one, nothing can take that away from us. It is up to us to make the choice for our lives, for our own futures and ultimately those decisions will affect those around us.

My mom was a huge support for me to get through my hard times. She has always had my back and provided me with great mentoring and I know she always has my best interest in mind and would do anything to make sure that my dreams and passions become a reality.

My motivation to continue with my photography and ultimately pursue cinematography is the support that I have from family and friends. I just know in my heart and soul that this is what I am supposed to be doing and I know that I can reach millions of people with my photos and eventually with my films. I want to encourage others with their photography and help people that are serious about making this their career get started.


Right now I am putting in about 10-12 hours a day working my passion. Whether its writing goals, taking photos, scouting

places to do shoots, getting my name out there, offering my services, or just getting inspired.


I have had so many amazing experiences as a photographer and just returning from a year long trip to south Africa, one could imagine the stories I have. But in my photography school we were given the opportunity to go into a local township elementary school in Cape Town . We brought the kids disposable cameras and taught them how to take photos and then the next day we developed the photos for them and brought them back. It was such an amazing feeling sharing my passion with others who had never even seen a camera before. The smiles on the children’s faces were priceless and so amazing. I love to spend time mentoring children and playing with them. At one point I had 3 kids on me, two in each arm and one on my shoulders. It was at that point I realized just how precious life and that I was truly happy and so were the kids. I hope to recreate moments like that for the rest of my life.


Well first of all, believe in yourself and believe in what you do, if this is something you find that you want to do for the rest of your life, don’t give up.

• As soon as you hit your first ”road block” say ”thank you for this challenge, now move out of the way!”

• Surround yourself with like minded people. Driven people. People that have been where you want to go.

• Never stop learning Don’t be afraid to go back to the basics. As soon as you think you know something, go back and review it.

• Pride will always come before the fall. Find your niche.• Master your craft.• Everybody Love Everybody.


• Michael Jordan – ”You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.

• Roger Federer – I am a sports enthusiast and especially love tennis and he is the true definition of a champion. He mastered his art and became the best at what he does, not just by chance, but because he has worked at it tirelessly.

Who is / was your greatest source of inspiration?

My greatest source of inspiration is God. It is a beautiful world



that we live in. He is so creative and earth is God’s art piece and I am so glad to be a part of it. Photography allows me to capture his art one frame at a time.

What was your experienced with the Superhero Mindset Programme?

I think the Superhero Mindset Programme is phenomenal. It is exactly what the youth today need to get motivated in such seemingly down times. We have everything at our disposal it’s just a matter of speaking truth into our lives and the lives of those around us to get things going.

My favourite part of the Superhero Mindset Programme is that it’s simple, easy and the fastest way to get started towards a better life today! This is such a unique and rare

opportunity for millions of young men and women to take control of their lives.

Why do you think it’s important for young people to grow up with a Superhero Mindset?

I know that what we say about ourselves ends up being how we live our lives.

What’s the most important thing you could share with young people?

Believe in yourself! You have the whole world at your disposal. There is no one that can give that to you or take it away from you. Its free will and it is yours. Choose only the best for yourself because you deserve the best, we all do.

Michael Blair Ko’s Contact Details

Website: www.michaelkophotography.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaelko5 Email: [email protected]


http://www.michaelkophotography.com

http://www.facebook.com/michaelko5


Club LifeLife is for enjoying...

There’s not really too much to say other than that, when you feel good and you know that you are living your life FOR YOU, you’ve got to get out there and enjoy yourself...and these people certainly are.

This spread comes to you from our friends YOU GOT PAPPED in Brighton, UK.

YOU GOT PAPPED showcases photo-graphs from a whole host of festivals, events and life in general that occurs in cities all around the world. Recent nights featured here include events across London’s best venues and even on the high seas themselves!

Each month You Got Papped will keep you up-to-date with what’s hot in towns near you in a specially created feature for Inspire Youth.

Check out www.yougotpapped.com to search through thousands of photos of young people, quite simply, having a great time.

PS. If you or your friends have some cool shots by all means email them to us and we’ll endeavour to include them in our next issue:

[email protected].

You Got Papped



Our ProjectsProjects

Superhero MindsetThe education system is failing to teach young people how to grow up with the right mindset for success. The Superhero Mindset teaches youths the essential inter and intra-personal skills that are VITAL to life in general. We’ve brought in a team of experts and developed an incredibly beneficial 14 day programme that we’ve delivered online in order to be able to scale is around the world.

Visit www.superheromindset.com and get 3 free lessons!

High School SuperstarAn online talent competition for every High School and College in the United Kingdom first, and then we aim to take this worldwide. Schools have all the resources needed yet this has never been done in the UK. Our goal is to get behind and support the more creatively driven youths in high schools.

Visit www.highschoolsuperstar.co.uk - show the world your talent and get noticed.

Inspire MagazineThis is a unique project and an incredible opportunity to highlight inspirational young people. Not nearly enough of this occurs yet with the power of the internet it is easy to do. Young people need role models to look up to and admire and that is the very reason for the magazine. Again we have used the internet as our medium to ensure we can share our vision and our dream with as many people as possible.

Do you know someone inspirational? Let us know so we can feature them in the magazine.

Teen-Trepreneur Trilogy An entrepreneur education series developed by an amazing 20 year old Sabirul Islam. We’re helping Sabirul leverage the internet in order to be able to get Enterprise education in to the hands of EVERYONE on the planet. When we met Sabirul we were struck at the sheer enthusiasm, the drive and the mindset that this incredible young man holds. Already he is an inspiration to many people around the world and Intensify Youth is behind him and his vision to inspire1million people all around the world.

See how you can be a Teen-Trepeneur at www.teen-trepreneur.com.

Inspire1millionThis is the dream, this is our goal and our mission. I believe not nearly enough focus is given to developing them as human beings in schools, yet in doing so we see MASSIVE change.

Help inspire millions of young people around the world at www.inspire1million.org.



http://www.highschoolsuperstar.co.uk


http://www.inspire1million.org

inspire youth - march 2011

Documents

youth development

inspirational youth

youth organisation

youth magazinewelcome

way young people

young peoples

young person

dan atkins president4