Live to Lead Review

A leader is not one who only inspires by words. They act on their beliefs and encourage their followers to do the same.

The new six-part Netflix documentary, Live to Lead, tells the story of six extraordinary individuals whose actions helped to create a better world. Produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, it was inspired by the late Nelson Mandela.

Among those profiled are Greta Thunberg, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Siya Kolisi.

I enjoyed the series. It is a reminder that the impossible is possible. It is just a matter of courage, having a spine, and the knowledge that this chosen path will be full of pitfalls and brick walls.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Live to Lead is available for streaming on Netflix.

Advertisement

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela Book Review

The unexpected path from ordinary citizen to civil rights leader is full of rocks, pot holes and an untold number of barriers. But with time, work and opening of minds and hearts, perhaps real change is possible.

The late Nelson Mandela is considered to be one of the most respected politicians and civil rights leaders of recent history. In the mid 90’s, he published his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.

Born in 1918 in South Africa, he grew up in a world where separation between the races and apartheid was the social, moral and legal law of the land. As an adult, he became a lawyer and slowly transitioned from ordinary citizen to civil rights leader. Along the way, he was accused of crimes by the authorities, his family was targeted and he spent decades in jail.

Along the way, Nelson Mandela’s legend grew far beyond his native land. As the first President of South Africa, he changed his nation and the world for the better.

I have one word to describe this book: wow. The problem with many autobiographies is that the writer can be very me me me. But in telling his life story from his perspective, Mr. Mandela reminds the reader of our common humanity and that the fight for human rights must continue until we are all free.

I recommend it.

Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela Book Review

The old saying of not appreciating something or someone until it is gone can apply to any aspect our lives. All of my grandparents have long since passed away, but I still miss them. As a child, I did not fully appreciate them and their impact on my life. As an adult, I wish I could have had more time with them.

Ndaba Mandela grew up in his grandfather, Nelson Mandela‘s house. His 2018 book, Going to the Mountain: Life Lessons from My Grandfather, Nelson Mandela, is about growing up with his grandfather. While the world knew Nelson Mandela as a civil rights leader and humanitarian, Ndaba simply knew him as “granddad”.

It was a unique experience. While Ndaba would have preferred to have the household rules relaxed (as many young people who live with strict parents hope for), he also watched and listened as his grandfather interacted with world leaders and local government officials. Along the way, Ndaba absorbed wisdom as only one can with a grandparent who is active in their life.

I really appreciated this book. I appreciated it because shines a light on the human side of Mandela instead of just telling his story as an icon of recent history. I also felt like I related to Ndaba because I too, grew up with strict parents.

I recommend it.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom- A Walk That Must Be Taken

Last night, I saw Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.

The late Nelson Mandela is an icon. Next to Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Mandela, represents the change many wish they could enact in the world, but few are willing to take the steps to make it happen.

The movie starts with brief clips of his childhood. As an adult, Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) is a lawyer, trying to defend his clients in  a country where the native blacks are second class and the whites have all of the power.  He is initially hesitant to join the African National Congress, but circumstances change his mind. After he is charged with treason and thrown into jail for 27 years, his second wife, Winnie (Naomie Harris) is forced to raise their daughters by herself and deal with the constant assault by the police.

I will warn that the movie is long, it clocks in at 2 hours and 20 minutes. But the time is needed to tell this man’s story.

Elba completely transforms himself into Mandela. It’s as if he was born to play this character. Harris, as Winnie Mandela is also perfectly cast. Her transformation from being just an ordinary wife and mother to becoming a revolutionary in her own right is incredible. I wouldn’t be surprised, that when award season comes, the movie, as well as Elba and Harris receive numerous nominations and awards.

I highly recommend it.