WHAT IS YOUR ICEBERG ILLUSION

According to Judy Garland, "we cast away priceless time in dreams, born of imagination, fed upon illusion, and put to death by reality". When I read this statement, it sent me into one of those thoughtful moments. Truly, how many of us have sat down; day in and day out, simply gazing into the skies thinking to ourselves, "Oh when I grow up, I will be a.....", "Oh if I had a million Ghana Cedis, I will build a..." or "If I were from a rich family, I could have become a....", etc. We waste priceless time which is cast away just daydreaming and making wishes without taking any action. These dreams are surely born of our imagination because we create those vivid imagery in our mind's eye and feed it with illusion. In the end, if we do nothing about those dreams, the flakes drop out of our eyes and we finally realize that alas! we have killed our dreams simply because we did nothing to bring it to life. 

Patricia in a pose with Mr. Michael Cobblah

What are these illusions that we feed our minds with, which makes it impossible to act upon our dreams? The Cambridge English dictionary defines an illusion as an idea or belief that is not true. It was wise to have joined my EMBA Strategic Management Class for a Corporate Round Table yesterday, ably organized by our Lecturer Mr. Bennet Kpentey. We were fortunate to have our special guest of honour, to grace the occasion. He was in the person of Mr. Michael Cobblah a Director at C-NERGY GLOBAL HOLDINGS. He is one of the few Certified Valuation Analysts in Africa (just like my lecturer) and for my readers in Ghana, you would recall that he managed Ecobank Capital for 8 years, changing the face of Investment Banking and more. He presented to the gathering at the La Palm Beach Hotel, on the topic, "The Bird's Eye View", I garnered a lot of strategies in action which I would be applying and also sharing with those who attend my coaching or mentoring sessions. He rightly noted, that being successful at what you do, definitely does not come from luck but by the favour of God and your own determination to learn and overcome your failures. In several of my blog posts, I have had the occasion to mention a few of these illusions. But I love how the "Iceberg Illusion"  he mentioned, puts all of these illusions in a pack. 

And so let me share just four of my own stories on how I face these hurdles, yet keep moving.

The iceberg illusion is simply trying to let us all understand that Success is an iceberg. What we all see, admire and desire is the glitz and glam after one has succeeded and is basking in the spotlight. But there is the unseen under-currents at the tail of most successful people. At least the ones that I have come across. And I liken it to the Biblical quotation that "Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he reap". Hard work pays. Before one can achieve great success, there is a price to be paid. That price is what people don't see or pretend not to see. They simply love and want part of your success. But as Christians we are reminded to desire to see Christ and Him crucified. Yes, He had to pay the price for us and now He is glorified. There is the need to be Persistent, Dedicated, Hardworking, Disciplined, Overcome Disappointment, be ready to Sacrifice, rise from Failure (s), the list cannot be exhausted here. And certainly that leap of faith and prayer will help you launch into the deep.

When I joined the Toastmasters International Organization, through the Accra Toastmasters Club in Ghana, I positioned myself to gain knowledge, to understand what they have that makes leaders. I fell in love with the tagline - "Where Leaders Are Made". But again, to my fellow Toastmasters, we must not be under the illusion that everyone who joins or passes through our clubs would be made leaders. It is those who are ready to pay the price. It is those who would not be under the illusion that beneath the success is luck. Beneath the success is all you see in the above image. So are you ready to pay the price? If yes, then success is yours. The glitz and glam comes after the action, cut, it's a wrap. Please ask the Hollywood Stars how long they spend on set. 

MY DETERMINATION

I had to drink deep the Pierian springs of Toastmasters, guided by what Alexander Pope once said:

A little learning is a dangerous thing ;

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring :

There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,

And drinking largely sobers us again...

And so I read the monthly magazines that were sent from the USA Headquarters regularly. I visited the official website to acquaint myself with the educational materials and resources. I had to put my dream to the test and remain committed to my Toastmasters Promise. I then noticed the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), which happens to be the highest recognition for those who actively pursued the Communication and Leadership tracks of the organization. So I focused on both tracks and did not limit my growth opportunities.

MY DISCIPLINE

I had to discipline myself to attend meetings regularly. I had to pay the price by sacrificing time and money. Ensuring that speeches were drafted, rehearsed, constructive feedback well taken to hone the next speech delivery, etc. There was the need to engage with the wider West African Toastmasters too, and so financial resources were required to attend District conferences periodically. It was through this discipline, planning and commitment I believe, that Mr. Moses Cofie became my mentor. He would nudge and encourage me to go further and take on leadership roles at the District level, time and again. 

MY DISAPPOINTMENT

You would think that everyone wishes you to excel. Please do not be deceived. Just remain conscious of the fact that, delay is never denial. I encountered several disappointments along the line, when opportunities that could have made me a Distinguished Toastmaster early on, passed me by. But through it all I remained dedicated to the cause. We win some and we lose some. Don't be too hard on yourself. Pick up the pieces when you face disappointment and move on. 

MY SACRIFICE

I had to sacrifice time, energy and resources. I had to be resilient and persistent as I kept my focus on reaching the goal. There were several years, where I had to attend meetings with my little daughter. That weekly routine was to dash down to her school for pick up, pass through the house to get her out of school clothes and to get food, to turn outside lights on at home (at the time, my dear husband was out on a peacekeeping mission in a neighboring country and I was alone with our little girl). And when I rush down to the meeting venue for the Accra Toastmasters to play my role, it was because I knew I had committed to it and I wanted to ensure it was done. That is what leaders do - they keep their word. In that same period, I pursued a weekend degree programme, so stop the excuses and be kind to yourself. There's more you're capable of achieving, if you truly want to make a difference. Over the weekends, I had family and friends to lean on, because they would be away from work. But this added to my challenge and excitement. I had the opportunity to hone my communication and leadership skills. I took on the Secretary position of the Club, when Mrs. Yawa Hansen-Quao went on to scale higher heights. And later took up the hot-seat as the Vice President Education when Mr. Gideon Tsike had served his turn. This was the period Ghana hosted the premier conference & gathering of the West African Toastmasters family, now known as District 94. The teamwork, the coordination, and organization of this event was nothing short of miraculous.

It was a great learning experience under the presidency of Mr. Moses Cofie. I availed myself at every opportunity to act in multiple roles. And I dare say, that it has been of immense benefit to my growth and knowledge.

IN CONCLUSION

Do not feed your dreams with illusions. Face the reality. You must be ready to work hard, be disciplined enough, to stay dedicated, rise up from the failures, overlook the disappointments, support and mentor others to scale higher heights, and stay focused on your goal(s). Yes, you must celebrate your milestones. Don't always wait too long to tell your own story. Because not everyone would want to celebrate your achievements. Just as you encourage yourself through those tough times, be sure to celebrate YOU at each milestone. Your success is possible - Believe it and know that all successful people faced similar if not more challenges. Only if you are ready to pay the price, you too will make it. Do not be envious of the success of others. Celebrate them, for by so doing, you might learn a thing or two for free. I hope when my book is finally out, you would grab a copy for yourself and learn from my experiences, my mistakes, my success stories and all. And I look forward with glee to share with you, more news on my journey through Toastmasters and more. 

PATRICIA DZIFA MENSAH-LARKAI, DTM

FOUNDER, LEAD CONSULTANT - PERISSOS HORIZON

Perissos Horizon Facebook Page

Instagram: @Perissos.Horizon 

Twitter Handles:

 @PerissosHorizon 

 @TheAkosuaDzifa 

My blog - TheAkosuaDzifa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ patriciamensahlarkai/

Disrupting Public Speaking | Laura Penn | TEDxEcoleHôtelièreLausanne

I simply love listening to this TEDx Talk by Speaker Laura Penn. Truly, public speaking is a performing art that can be learnt by anyone who has the mindset to become better at it. We can all learn to improve on our public speaking skills, simply by learning, practicing, honing and refining our own unique presentation styles until we become competent at delivering our message, to any audience.

And that is one reason why I personally love being a Toastmaster. As the current Area Director for Ghana Toastmasters, who fall under Area 3 of Division A - District 94, I have had several opportunities to refine, hone, improve and fine-tune my public speaking skills. Members of Toastmasters have the platform to learn about best practices in communication and leadership skills development, apply tips and techniques in communicating &leading our teams, and a host of other related aspects of public speaking. Leaders, we all agree, communicate their vision and mission with their followers. And so it is imperative that a good leader becomes a good communicator, if they desire to excel. So if you need to inspire, inform, entertain or persuade your audience, you would know just what to do and what not to do, after receiving guidelines in perfecting your unique art of public speaking.

As the Founder and Lead Consultant at Perissos Horizon, I love researching and sharing my knowledge with others; together with my team, we help our customers overcome their fear of public speaking and gain confidence to do more than enough. Aside having over 7 years experience as a Toastmaster, with an Advanced Communicator Gold and an Advanced Leader Bronze award from Toastmasters International, I love incorporating my experiences from the Airline Industry, Finance Sector, FMCG and International Diplomatic Missions, etc., to Mentor, Coach and Train my clients to not only find their voice, but to gain that level of confidence which creates that engaging interaction between them and their audience. An experience with Perissos Horizon, only leaves you desirous of accomplishing big things and scaling higher heights in your own area of interest. Whether it's about marketing yourself, your products & services, or simply sharing ideas, you also definitely need to develop and hone this art of public speaking and become a competent communicator & leader. Do not be caught delivering a "BAD" or "Broken And Dysfunctional" Speech as rightly described by Laura Penn, ever again!

You can #ScaleHigherHeights, by contacting us via Email: Perissos.Horizon@gmail.com and allow us to help you become the authentic you. Please feel free to follow us, via our Social Media platforms below, or simply click on the links:

PATRICIA DZIFA MENSAH-LARKAI, DTM

FOUNDER, LEAD CONSULTANT - PERISSOS HORIZON

Perissos Horizon Facebook Page

Instagram: @Perissos.Horizon 

Twitter Handles:

 @PerissosHorizon 

 @TheAkosuaDzifa 

My blog - TheAkosuaDzifa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ patriciamensahlarkai/

PERSEVERE UNTIL SUCCESS HAPPENS (P.U.S.H.) - CONCLUDING PART

Have you ever felt like giving up when you meet road-blocks, delays and discouragement? I hope as you read along, you will resolve to persevere until you see your success. Someone once said, there's no testimony without a test, no message without a mess, and so when things are seemingly impossible - that's when you need to look yourself in the mirror and say, 'I'M-POSSIBLE'. If you didn't read the earlier post on "P.U.S.H" then you may want to pause here, go through my blog and read that first. It would help you follow this concluding part.

With Mum and Dad on graduation day

Now the long day spent, in order to be screened, at 'White Avenue' had finally ended. Life of course must go on. Each passing day without any news diminished my excitement a bit. I kept hoping for news from my dad's office, requesting me to pick up a letter addressed to me, yet no such news came.  Luckily for me, I stayed in touch with Adwoa whom I had met on the screening day; we kept encouraging each other to expect good news. Well one day she shared her good news with me, the long-awaited letter had finally reached her and delivered to her the joyful news of being a shortlisted candidate for the next stage. I became excited once more because now there was news and I knew mine would be no different. And since sometimes good things come to those who wait but better things come to those who chase, I decided to visit the 'White Avenue' for further information. Upon reaching the office, I introduced myself and someone asked if I was related to one staff member known as Bro Eric. The person assumed that bearing the same surname, we were related. But that wasn't the case. I was asked to wait for him, since he would know about the list of those who were to receive letters or so. After a brief period, he walked in and was informed of my presence and reason for being there. He kindly agreed to check, and scrolled through a list and said 'Ah you should have received your letter by now. I took the number to the office and oh boy, I'm sure madame Beatrice got tired of the caller who was always asking of Bro. Eric ever since that day. He was helpful and I would say my angel sent from above. 

Lo and behold, the day slated for the aptitude exam came, my dad dropped me off at the WAEC hall an hour before time and wished me luck. I had still not received my letter which was going through my dad's office postal address. It was the numerous calls to the office, to make inquiries, that made me aware that I had been shortlisted for the exams - although the location was not fully confirmed. After waiting for half an hour and not seeing anyone coming towards the WAEC hall, I decided to walk to the Christ the King Hall some few meters away; since that was periodically used by institutions to conduct examinations as well. At this time, I was quite worried. I could only see people cladded in black at the main entrance of the Church and the place was crowded with others who seem to have attended a funeral service. But I didn't turn back, I kept walking further towards another group of people; everyone seemed to huddle round in circles reading one newspaper or magazine, and others were in engaged in some sort of discussions. The sheer sight of newspapers, books, etc. that people had on them was enough to get me panicky. I thought to myself, didn't daddy say an aptitude test was going to test my logical reasoning, etc. and he asked me to even practice essays on  why I wanted to be an air-hostess in the first place? So why the frenzy as if it was a current affairs examination about to take place here. Well, I managed to calm my nerves as we were ushered in, to take our seats for the exams. Let's just say it was what I hoped for - and the essay daddy asked me to practice on, was exactly what came. Ever since that time, I always ensure that at least the reason why I want to do something is always at my finger tips. I did my best and left the rest to God. 

Unlike previous times, only a few days had passed by, when I got information from Adwoa, confirming receipt of a medical screening letter; I quickly placed a call to the office and by God's grace, my name was among the selected ones to be screened - as you can tell, I had given up on checking the postal service from my dad's office. Only God knows how often I would walk down to that office to ask the clerk about letters addressed to my dad or myself; just to return home empty-handed. To cut a long story short, none of the letters reached me before their intended dates. Let's just say, my letters got to me only after the effect. 

I'm glad to say that, when you have God's grace paving the way for you, there's nothing that man can do to stop your breakthrough. God being so good, the medical screening was a success and this time around, I got a call to come for the final interview. The message said, I should only approach the interview area when it was an hour to my time slot. So at the appointed time, I walked in and met a Baba Zachariah and others seated on a sofa in the waiting area. 

If you can identify the tallest - then you've seen Baba

I greeted and everyone responded. Suddenly Baba  asked me, 'why are you here at this time? Don't you know you're not supposed to be here until you are called? Hoping that didn't mean I was going to be disqualified at this eleventh hour, I quickly said, 'Please I was asked to come up when it's an hour to my interview and....'  before I could explain any further, the rest suddenly burst out laughing and told me not to mind him because he was also a candidate waiting to be interviewed. Pheew - that was close. He spoke so confidently when he questioned me, so I thought he was a manager there or something. Well as they say, the rest is history. That became a joke that was shared among a few of us from time to time.


During our very first year as the Millenium Cabin Crew of Ghana Airways, two air-crafts were involved in accidents. But we did not give up. Learning to serve customers up in the sky, always preparing your mind for an emergency, etc. was quite an experience. The friends, the flights, the frights though scary, and even the petty fights when your expected schedules changed suddenly or you got a hint of an attempted international flight with your coded name was being swapped for a local flight, to destinations you weren't so much into hahahahaha....well it all made the experience what it was! Having the opportunity to work with other crew during leased-aircraft periods made me realize the similarities in the nature of the job, as well as the differences we all had that was unique to our cultural backgrounds, as Ghanaians. And that is why I still dream of our own National Airline in operation one day soon. A few scary flights here and there, always made me think about the long-term nature of my dream career. I begun to realize that when one dream is achieved, you don't simply relax and sit back. But you dream of bigger ones to come. I now entertained the idea of returning to school so I could work in the administrative department of the company. This led me to question others on what they were doing aside just picking rosters and marking their flight schedules. I was blessed to be on a flight with Sister Helen and she told me about the IATA courses she had enrolled in. She encouraged me to do same and I took her advice; I got enrolled in the programme which was by distance learning via Singapore. I pursued these self-study courses until I earned the Diploma in Airline Studies Certificate, for having completed 4 courses (Airline Marketing, Station Management, Customer Service & Introduction to the Airline Industry) in three years. If you have read my post about my late father, you would notice that my final IATA paper was written on the very day his one week celebration was being held at home, after his demise - that was a tough one, but I made it through by divine grace. The Lord has always been faithful and I passed that final stage to earn the Diploma. 

Wherever Aunty Shirley, Bro. Eric and Aunty Beatrice are, I pray that God would remember them too for their support in making a young girl's dream come true. And to sister Olivia, who coached me in how to walk, talk and dress up and be presentable, and guided me throughout the recruitment stages I say may God continue to show you His favour. Isn't it amazing that all who took an active part in helping me bared similar names to mine? This goes to tell you that God works in mysterious ways. 

I am fully conscious of the fact that my success has been by the favour of God. Because in Christ I have a heritage; and he makes the boundaries to fall for me in pleasant places - Psalm 16:6. And I know, that he who has begun a good work in me, shall complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. I now look out for bigger dreams to achieve. Let's keep hope alive. Let's put our trust in the Lord. Let's look up to Him - and above all through fervent prayers, let's persevere until success happens. As you can tell, the sky is not even our limit. Let's scale higher heights.

And that was one of my 'offices'  - now a restaurant on the ground

PATRICIA DZIFA MENSAH-LARKAI, DTM

FOUNDER, LEAD CONSULTANT - PERISSOS HORIZON

Perissos Horizon Facebook Page

Instagram: @Perissos.Horizon 

Twitter Handles:

 @PerissosHorizon 

 @TheAkosuaDzifa 

My blog - TheAkosuaDzifa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ patriciamensahlarkai/

Lessons from our little beginnings

On many occasions, we hear people talk about their little beginnings. These are references made of their past experiences in life that taught them a lesson or two. These can also be called humble beginnings, because they serve as the stepping stones into our greatness or weakness. Yes, because based on how we apply the lessons learnt along the way, we can advance into greatness or land into failure. 

We are cautioned not to despise those humble beginnings, because it is out of these humble or little stages of our lives, that we adopt, change, mature, and come to appreciate the advice we get from those who have walked similar paths. When we come to appreciate our humble beginnings, we tend to remember those events and take a stance in our present situation not to repeat a mistake that was made in the past. It also enables us to remember and improve upon the good steps we took, to achieve success or a good recommendation from someone or a group. 

The seeds of maturity, are sown during these humbling stages of our lives. We all must have gone through stages in life where we felt, "oh she can't tell me what to do", or "who does he think he is", etc. well these are the very moments that key lessons in life are exhibited, taught and learnt. You may learn some things from children, some from adults, and some from your peers. When Jesus had to feed thousands of people, he got the five loaves of bread and two fishes from a child. What does that tell us? Well it could be that some adults brought food along, but ate it all before it was time to return home. It could be that some children had bits of food but just didn't want to share. So many assumptions can be made around this encounter with a little boy who had saved enough food, that could be turned into MORE THAN ENOUGH, for many to benefit. It simply goes to say that it is not the quantity you begin with, but what becomes of what you've been given as a starter; and in gratitude, giving thanks to the actual SOURCE of that seemingly little resource you have in your hand, it becomes a multiplication of resources needed to resolve a situation. We read that  after receiving it from the boy, Jesus gave thanks unto his Heavenly Father and it was blessed and multiplied until everyone had their share, with still more scraps left to fill 12 baskets!

The powerful thing that happens when we appreciate those little beginnings is that, we appreciate the source of the lessons we need to learn. We share the goodness of what becomes of us, as we go through that experience. The lessons we share with others, makes them mature and overcome similar encounters with ease, and this becomes the good fruits we share as we go along in life.

It is my desire, that you remember those humble beginnings with me.

PATRICIA DZIFA MENSAH-LARKAI, DTM

FOUNDER, LEAD CONSULTANT - PERISSOS HORIZON

Perissos Horizon Facebook Page

Instagram: @Perissos.Horizon 

Twitter Handles:

 @PerissosHorizon 

 @TheAkosuaDzifa 

My blog - TheAkosuaDzifa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ patriciamensahlarkai/