Invisible Leadership: How Unseen Leaders Can Succeed in Corporate America
by Blanche Williams, MS
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.” —Nelson Mandela
We can learn so much from the lives of leaders and the success of those who have thrived in their presence. The grueling style of many bosses is glamorized, yet it is the exact opposite for many unsung leaders that subtly influence and inspire individuals to achieve their greatness.
The tyrant style of leadership gives directives but no direction. The bossy boss style barks out orders instead of encouraging and empowering employees to soar. Over the years, many of the participants in my team trainings and coaching sessions have one thing in common; they wish their boss or manager attended the same sessions.
The desire of most members of the workforce to better themselves and, in turn, their performance is a compelling drive that is often undermined by the negativity and lack of support received once they return to their respective departments or positions. Certain styles of leadership are a direct reflection of what the leader sees and feels about themselves, in addition to high levels of pressure to make others perform. This is an example of a corporate or organization’s culture not being in step with its most important asset – its human capital.
However, there is a growing trend of leaders dedicated to allowing their workforce to do what they do best, without micromanaging or diminishing their efforts. Leaders, leading from behind, have success because they are cheering from the sidelines, putting support mechanisms in place, and providing necessary coaching to reinforce training. Why? Because they are confident in their workforce’s abilities and respect their contribution.
This style of leadership might be compared to author David Zweig’s recent book, The Invisibles: The Power of Anonymous Work in an Age of Relentless Self-Promotion. His interviews served to “reveal the quiet workers behind public successes.”
In our corporate landscape can successful leadership be “invisible?” Can a person with influence maintain a high performance culture where the right people in the right positions create collective leadership with accolades focused on the deed and not the person who is in the lead?
Invisible Leaders are capable, confident and natural coaches who see potential and possibilities in those they lead and are willing to lead from the back. These inconspicuous leaders have learned a few secrets.
Don’t undermine the process, it undermines your credibility.
Don’t micromanage, instead manage to stay out of the way and let people do what they do best.
Leave ego and, its twin, aggression at the door and replace it with self-confidence.
Realize you don’t always have all the answers but you have surrounded yourself with capable people who do.
Be quiet and listen sometimes, without waiting for an opportunity to impose your authority.
Support more, criticize less.
Stop taking credit and instead, give credit where credit is due.
Be invisible but stay present.
The hallmark for quiet leadership with powerful results starts with building upon the value of trust through active respect and authentic engagement.
Invisible leadership doesn’t mean its unseen or unrecognized, it’s simply hidden so that the efforts of others become more visible and new leaders emerge.
Can you name someone you’ve worked for or admire who has an Invisible Leadership style?
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Blanche Williams, MS specializes in performance management, team building, communications, and coaching. She holds a Master’s in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from UMUC. Her company, Greatness By Design The Center for Learning, Leadership and Team Development, located in Wellington, Florida, helps companies, executives/professionals and teams optimize, energize and improve their performance. She can be reached at (561) 713-1439 or by email: blanche@greatnessbydesign.com
Story Time, Library Discount Offered at Zoo for the Summer
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is debuting a new event geared towards encouraging children to connect with wildlife through reading, and introducing a summertime discount on admission with a Palm Beach County Library System card. “Story Time at the Zoo” will be held every Saturday in August 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Zoo’s Conservation Station. The event will be included in Zoo admission, and will include a guided tour to an animal habitat featured in the story, as well as a craft activity that can be taken home. From now until August 31, 2014, the Zoo is also offering a $2.00 discount off of regular child admission with the purchase of one regular adult admission when the child can show a Palm Beach County Library System card.
A.J. Dasher, visitor services supervisor for the Zoo, will read to children during Story Time at the Zoo. As a former English teacher with more than twenty years of experience, Dasher hopes these two initiatives will encourage reading during the summer. “When schools are out, many children can get away from reading,” he said. “We want to encourage reading on all levels, but we especially hope children will choose books about animals, zoos, conservation, nature and the environment.”
“We hope this will foster a love of reading and wildlife,” Dasher continued. “Before social media, before computers, before television, there were always stories. I’m excited about keeping storytelling alive.”
The first three books for Story Time at the Zoo will be the following: “The Great Kapok Tree,” by Lynne Cherry, “Oopsie Otter” by Suzanne Tate and “Edward the Emu” by Sheena Knowles. All books are thoughtfully chosen with the intent of communicating the Zoo’s mission of inspiring people to act on behalf of wildlife, whether that be through a message of conservation or by connecting children to animals that are Zoo residents.
About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.
The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
Five Products You’re Using In Your Bathroom That Contain Harmful Chemicals
By Jon Lipshaw
1. Many brands of deodorant have bad chemicals in them that some people might not be aware of. Some of these include aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine or aluminum compounds. According to Whydontyoutrustthis.com, “there is strong evidence of human neurotoxicity (brain damage) when aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine is airborne.” Avoiding these chemicals isn’t too hard; there are many deodorant brands you can buy without them. Another option if you would rather be chemical free is to make home made deodorant.
2. If you’re trying to stay health conscious you should avoid suntan lotion with the active ingredient Oxybenzonen and other synthetic chemicals. Suntan lotion with active ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide are better for you because they don’t enter your bloodstream unlike Oxybenzonen. Accordong to CNN.com, “the Environmental Working Group says 56% of beach and sport sunscreens contain the chemical oxybenzone” and “the Environmental Working Group and other toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.”
3. Toothpaste has many chemicals in it that you should avoid, one being Sodium Fluoride which is a by-product of aluminum production. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Triclosan, Propylene Glycol and diethanolamine are known to be linked to illnesses such as cancer. According to Articles.mercola.com, “The real problem with SLES/SLS is that the manufacturing process (ethoxylation) results in SLES/SLS being contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product.” Baking soda is a good alternative to toothpaste and there are organic brands of toothpaste which are a good alternative as well.
4. Conventional soap has bad chemicals in it such as Triclosan, Dioxane, Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), Diethanolamine (or DEA), Formaldehyde, Parabens, PEG-6 or added fragrances. According to Beyondpesticides.org, “Studies have increasingly linked triclosan (and its chemical cousin triclocarban), to a range of adverse health and environmental effects from skin irritation, endocrine disruption, bacterial and compounded antibiotic resistance, to the contamination of water and its negative impact on fragile aquatic ecosystems.” If you want to use a more organic soap, choose soap made with lye, coconut oil, lards or other natural ingredients.
5. When it comes to shampoo you should avoid the chemical Diethanolamine (or DEA). According to livestrong.com, “Minimal use of products containing DEA and its compounds may result in mild eye and skin irritation, but recent research suggests that prolonged exposure can cause much more serious problems, even cancer.” According to Preventcancer.com, “DEA by itself is not harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA).”
Classy. Intelligent. Wise beyond her years. Well-spoken. Thoughtful. A survivor. All just a few words to describe the extraordinary person that is Congresswoman and Democratic National Chair (DNC), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (DWS). Miami Book Fair International was the place to be for its 30th Anniversary where this poised Representative was on hand to speak about her book, “For the Next Generation: A Wake-Up Call to Solving Our Nation’s Problems” (St. Martin’s Press) to a crowd that was very pleased to have her in town.
Photo by Marla Silverman.
DWS was born on Long Island, NY, attended the University of Florida, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1988 and a Master’s Degree in 1990. She has been married to Steve Schultz for more than 20 years and together they have three children. The Congresswoman resides with her family in Weston.
She’s the first Jewish Congresswoman ever elected from Florida and introduced a resolution, which passed the House of Representatives and called on the President to declare an annual Jewish American Heritage Month. President Obama subsequently did so, with the inaugural month taking place in May, 2006. Many people don’t realize it, but Jewish people are only 2% of the entire population of the United States of America.
Photo by Marla Silverman.
Her appointment as DNC chair was confirmed in May 2011 when she became the third female chair in its history to hold this honor. She has worked tirelessly for more than twenty years dedicating her life to improving the lives of everyone living in South Florida. DWS represents Florida’s 23rd Congressional district, which includes sections of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. It was on January 4, 2005 when she was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Dan Gelber, a former state Senator and leader in the Democratic Party introduced DWS at MBFI ’13. He was elected to the Florida House in 2000 and unanimously selected by his Democratic colleagues as their Leader. In 2008, he was elected to the state Senate, and in 2010 he was his party’s nominee for Attorney General of Florida. He’s an accomplished attorney, practicing in Miami. He’s not a stranger to the book fair, having introduced former Vice-President Al Gore and many other prominent politics.
This is a summation of his introduction:
“I met Debbie in the late ‘90s and almost immediately became close friends with her because she led a battle against so many things that are wrong-headed in this state,” he said. “This is a person of incredible passion and principles. She has a vision that’s very unique. I was very fortunate to be with her in the legislature and watched her in her career going from the Florida House to the Florida Senate to the U.S. Congress to the Chairman of the National Democratic Committee. It’s really a pretty incredible story for somebody who started as an Aide in the Florida Legislature and she’s our Debbie Wasserman Schultz and she’s no one else’s, and we’re very fortunate to have her coming from this community.”
Then – she took the stage to a load roar of applause accompanied by a standing ovation. “Thank you, thank you so much – it’s great to be home. And I have to tell you that it’s a little surreal to be doing this in front of a hometown crowd and incredibly special. Dan, thank you so much for that really touching and incredibly warm introduction,” DWS stated. “This book and writing it, people said to me, ‘Debbie you didn’t have enough to do, you have to cram a book in, too?’, and the answer is, ‘yes, I really did.’”
MBFI 2013. Collage by Marla E. Schwartz.
In her book she points out how it’s possible for each of us to continue making this a great nation and how to make the future a promising one for the youngest among us. Although DWS is always on a tight schedule she made the time to answer many of my questions. We didn’t get to them all though, which is okay – because they were covered by audience questions after her presentation. If you go towww.www.booktv.org, you can watch the entire event. In the meantime, she did have time to eloquently answer some of my questions.
AroundWellington.com (AWC): First of all, thank you so much for writing your book, it’s very well-written and gives people so much hope.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (DWS): Thank you.
AWC: You’re welcome. How long did it take you to write it?
DWS: It took three years because I have a lot of balls in the air. And when I first thought about writing and then finalized the project in 2010, my reason for writing it was really that I realized with the election of 2010 when the Tea Party swept across the country and then started hurtling out one manufactured crisis after manufactured crisis. My role as a mom and as a lawmaker was really crystallized in the sense that we really need to measure the nation’s success by looking at how well our children are doing, and I felt that if I wrote this book I’d be able to use it as a wake-up call to other moms like me, for regular people who were becoming increasingly frustrated that major issues that will dramatically impact our children which are stalling because of this polarization. But after we finalized the project, about five months later, President Obama asked me to Chair the Democratic National Committee.
AWC: Congratulations. What an honor.
DWS: Thank you, thank you. So it was a real opportunity to take my advocacy to another level. But hard to write a book while helping to re-elect the President. So we put the project on hold for a little while and then I came back to it and we pushed the publication date forward about four years.
AWC: What will it take to open up the eyes of not just the American people but for the Tea Party to realize just how much damage they’re inflicting upon this country? I’m concerned just as a regular American citizen.
DWS: Right – and I wrote this book for the regular person to hopefully use it as a roadmap because the problem is that people are getting disillusioned and frustrated and throwing up their hands and thinking it’s just impossible that there’s nothing they as individuals can do. The book is separated into major issues such a healthcare, education, energy, the environment so people can – because there’s so much – and give people hope so they can wrap their minds around how they can begin to understand and make a difference on all of the things that need to be done now. It’s so challenging. I’m Jewish and I was raised on the values of Tikkum Olam, repairing the world, which is also a big concept to get your mind around. So, while repairing the world seems really difficult to obtain, if you take the challenges on one issue at a time, and shrink those repairs down into smaller parts, it seems obtainable, allowing people to make a difference. So I hope that THE NEXT GENERATION gives people a roadmap on issues that speaks to most of them.
One of the things I say at the beginning of the book is that if you’re a Washington insider who knows the issues backwards and forwards, this book is not for you. It can be, for example, for people who are at the beginning of shaping their political perspective. If they read this then it will help them think about each issue as this books lays out each problem as I see it, what the solutions are, and also gives them some guidance on how to get involved and make a difference.
And I wrote the book because people are really busy and we give them a list of organizations because you know what happens – people read the book – they feel motivated and they’re ready to go – and will try to figure it out themselves. So this is why I put in the contact information, to make it easier for people and to help them save time.
AWC: I like that your daughter works with animals.
DWS: She’s actually doing her community service right now.
AWC: One of my girlfriends wanted me to ask you this question and I debated about whether asking you it or not, but I’m going to go for it. But, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.
DWS: (laughs) Okay. I usually answer everything.
AWC: Who is the most annoying person in the Senate or the House?
DWS: Oh, I’m not going to answer that question; that actually contributes to the exact problem that I wrote the book about – and adding to the vitriol is not constructive.
AWC: Do you have anyone in particular that you hope will run for President in 2016?
DWS: Given my role as the Chair of the DNC, we’re likely to have a primary and I’m neutral because I have to manage the primary process so I cannot appear to have any favorites. But if history is any guide for you, I was national co-chair for Hilary Clinton’s Presidential campaign in 2008 and I think she would be an incredible President. Vice-President Biden who is already doing a phenomenal job as President Obama’s partner and I know that he’d be someone who is also mentioned along with some other really wonderful people in the democratic party who really understand that we have to make sure that we focus on helping people reach the middle class on working together, on focusing on budgeting that takes the balanced approach and doesn’t slash things that are important to the future of our kids.
And you know, one of the things that’s important to me is for people to take out of this book is that politicians often talk about doing what’s right for the next generation, or that ‘this is what we have to do for our kids’, but that’s not an abstract concept for me. I have the next generation in the back seat of my car. So for me what I realized is, because I was in the legislature for seven years before my husband and I had children, and so being a mom changes you. Your friends say to you, ‘you’ll understand when you become a parent’ – and you do. When you become a parent you really do realize that every decision – personal and professional – is done through the lens of being my children’s mom. And it’s a totally different perspective that I had before I was a parent – so whether it’s education, or healthcare or investing in infrastructure or making sure that we have a long-term energy strategy or acknowledging that there is global warming and climate change, should we conserve our environment or protecting civil rights or civil liberties, all things that I talk about in the book. There are huge significant challenges in and if we don’t stop fighting and don’t stop finger-pointing then our children are going to inherit those problems and it’s really going to devastate them, especially since we’re in a global economy, I mean – that’s also sometimes an abstract concept – but we really live in a global economy where our kids are competing with peers their age from around the world. This means we’re really at a disadvantage when we put these issues on a backburner because of the ‘my way or the highway policy’ of the tea Party and their unwillingness to actually reach across the aisle and compromise.
AWC: It’s frustrating because I can even see on Twitter or Facebook when somebody makes a negative comment and they can be so negative, it reaches everyone!
DWS: If you look at my twitter feed (@DWStweets), I get the nastiest comments you’ll ever read.
AWC: I think as a human being that our culture with that meanness in it, and putting it out there – is distressing contemptible.
DWS: I know.
AWC: You deal with it very well.
DWS: (sighs) Yah, but you know – it’s a sticks and stones thing. I mean, you have to consider the source, but it stirs the pot and contributes to this problem. There are huge benefits to social media – but there are also pitfalls, and it can allow people the audacity to inflict their hatred on people; and they’re emboldened by the fact that they can make these pronouncements anonymously.
AWC: What do you think President Obama’s legacy will be?
DWS: I think that there’s many (quite a few); clearly the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the economy – making sure that everyone has a right to quality affordable healthcare and that it’s not just a privilege; I remember my parents telling me my whole life that if you don’t have your health you don’t have anything and having personal experiences as a breast cancer survivor.
AWC: I’m so glad you survived.
DWS: Me too. I think health care reform certainly is going to be a big part of his legacy; and the fact that he brought us back from the brink of economic disaster when he inherited the largest set of problems that one President has ever had to deal with; the automobile industry in America was going down the tubes, without his leadership we would’ve been in big trouble; he pushed through the American Recovery Investment Act which stopped the bleeding and the massive job losses and he started to turn everything around. Without him being bold and doing things even though they may not have been the most popular, we would be very, very dire straits right now.
Book signing. Photo by Marla Silverman.
AWC: Do you have any Presidential aspirations or is that something you don’t want to discuss yet?
DWS: That’s not what’s in front of me right now.
AWC: Everyone wanted me to please ask you that question.
DWS: Oh, that’s so nice and I really appreciate the feedback. I hope people like the workI’m doing and I try to make sure that I’m a voice that’s maybe a little bit different because I’m one of the younger women serving in congress, one of eight women in congress with children younger than ten, it’s a perspective and a voice that I think is significantly underrepresented and so issues when moms like me run and are elected, that wouldn’t normally reach the top of the legislative agenda, can – and that’s what is in front of me right now.
It was her battle with breast cancer that inspired DWS to introduce the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act, or EARLY Act (H.R. 1740), a piece of legislation that directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and implement a national education campaign about the threat breast cancer poses to all young women, and the particular heightened risks of certain ethnic, cultural and racial groups. This bill became law as part of the Affordable Health Care Act in March, 2010.
Additionally, as a fighter for South Florida families, she passed the PROTECT Our Children Act, which creates the largest law enforcement effort ever formed for the protection of children, and, the passage of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to combat childhood drowning.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Marla E. Schwartz. Photo by Marla Silverman, MBFI 2013.
In 2011 she joined the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, a bipartisan Members’ organization dedicated to promoting women’s economic, health, legal, and educational interests. The Caucus serves as both a legislative resource on women’s issues and an advocate on behalf of those issues.
Because of all that she has done and all that she will do – she’s also interested in ensuring that our first responders, our local police and firefighters, have the tools they need to do their jobs. And she continues to take up the fight to give our troops and veterans the equipment and compensation they deserve. And when DWS puts her head to setting goals and seeing them to fruition, mark my word, she’ll make them happen.
It’s important to support someone who endeavors to make our society better for everyone. Please purchase her book at any local bookstore. And go to http://www.miamibookfair.com/for more information.
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Marla E. Schwartz is a Senior Writer for Miami Living magazine and freelances for Lighthouse Point magazine, AroundWellington.comand MiamiArtZine. She specializes in interviewing celebrities, including: Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson, Andy Garcia, Sharon Gless, Lev Grossman, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Jeff Lindsay, Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, Brad Meltzer,Craig Robbins, Michael Tucker & Jill Eikenberry, Robert Pinsky, Thane Rosenbaum and now Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Her photographs have appeared in these publications as well as in the Miami Herald, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and Palm Beach Post. She has served as the Playwright-in-Residence at the Broward Boys and Girls Club and has extensive experience teaching playwriting, creative writing and acting at places such as the Fantasy Theatre Factory (Miami), Ft. Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, Lycée Franco-Americain International School (Cooper City),Miami Country Day School and the Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival. Her play HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAMS was produced in Miami at New Theatre’s1-Acts Festival Winter Session 2012; her play BRUNCH SOON was produced three times in Miami in 2013, at PAX MIAMI/WHITE ROSE THEATRE COMPANY in February, at the NEW LIGHT FOUNDATION/GAB STUDIO in the Wynwood Arts District/Miami in November, and in New Theatre’s1-Acts Festival Winter Session in December. Her play, America‘s Working? was produced in Los Angeles at the First Stage and Lone Star Ensembletheater companies, in Florida at Lynn University and then Off-Broadway. Her script, The Lunch Time Café, was a Heideman Award Finalist, Actors Theatre of Louisville. Her full-length play A PART OF THE FAMILY was produced at Venture Theatre in Philadelphia, PA and was part of last years’ South Florida Theatre League’s/WLRN’s SUMMER PLAY READING FESTIVAL. She has been involved with the 24-Hour Theatre Festival produced by Adam and Carrie Simpson at Lynn University for the last five years. Her play THE AGAPE PRINCIPLE was recently produced by The Playgroup at the Lake Worth Playhouse. This script was a third place winner in the 15th Annual Short Play Contest sponsored by The Writer’s Network of South Florida. She was commissioned to write two one-minute plays for the 2nd Annual South Florida “One-Minute Play Festival” 2014. Her one-act play ROADWAY TO HEAVEN will receive a Staged-Reading this summer at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival (http://www.pittsburghnewworks.org/on-stage/staged-readings-week-2/), directed by Joe Warik, produced by Prime Stage Theatre Company (http://www.primestage.com/) in Pittsburgh. She’s a member of The Dramatists Guild of America, Inc. and the South Florida Theatre League.
The Village of Wellington is pleased to offer a Senior Home Repair Program to income eligible, senior (62 years and older) homeowners. This program will allow eligible seniors to receive up to $7,500 toward qualified improvements. Funding is limited to urgent repairs, accessibility improvements, energy efficiency improvements and health and safety issues. Outstanding code violations will be given priority.
Assistance is provided as a 5 year forgivable loan at zero percent interest. Twenty percent (20%) of the loan is forgiven each year on the anniversary of the loan. In the event the property is sold or rented during the 5 years following completion of the improvements, the balance of the Senior Home Repair loan becomes immediately due and payable.
In order to qualify for this program, your annual gross household income may not exceed the following:
1 person household $36,650 5 person household $56,500
2 person household $41,850 6 person household $60,700
3 person household $47,100 7 person household $64,900
4 person household $52,300 8 person household $69,050
To learn more about the Senior Home Repair Program or to apply, please contact Meridith Tuckwood at 561-753-2476 or via e-mail at mtuckwood@wellingtonfl.gov
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Manuel A. Lopez, a Cuban-American author living in Miami has written an outstanding novella, ROOM AT THE TOP, A Gay Man’s Search For Prince Charming. (eRIGINAL Books: $9.99, 2nd edition & TheWrightDeal, 1st edition). He’s traveled around the country speaking to crowds of admirers about this book and has made appearances at Books and Books in Coral Gables and Miami Book Fair International (MBFI).
Manuel A. Lopez MBFI 2013. Image by MARLA SILVERMAN.
We’re all familiar with the moniker, Prince Charming, as it’s been used in many folktales such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. And the idea that when we’re young we think about growing up and meeting someone who’ll sweep us off our feet and love us unconditionally, through eternity, is what we hope for from our Prince Charming. And Manny has beautifully applied this hope and desire to the gay community in his very touching book of short stories.
And how wonderful it is to read a story collection about this theme from the gay perspective – as Manny’s voice and style of writing is an important one, which should continue to be nourished and encouraged. He came to the United States at the age of ten with his family in the Mariel Boatlift and his mother worked as a manicurist to support the family. His mother was a strong influence on him and he started writing poems in Spanish at an early age. He believes that the loneliness he found in being different (gay) while growing up pushed him to write poems and led him to compile his personal short stories in his latest book.
When he came out about being gay his mother and sister were supportive. How did he come out? Well, his sister read his personal diary, which at first upset him but they reconciled. One aunt wasn’t supportive; after all, he was raised Catholic.
The title of his book came from the fact that he lived in a loft in the Shenandoah area of the city of Miami. His bed was a bunk bed built toward the top of the ceiling of the loft, giving him a top down view of his living quarters. He loved his loft because it was a place where he got his inspiration and creativity.
It was after his presentation at MBFI 201, that he took the time to answer some questions about his novella.
AroundWellington (AW): Your book is wonderful! When did you first begin to come up with the idea of writing it?
Manuel A. Lopez (MAL): I started to write these stories about two-years ago, and sometimes a couple of them were published in my blog.
AW: Howdid you decide to unite these stories in a short story collection?
MAL: Honestly, it wasn’t my idea. I was in Taos visiting writer Teresita Dovalpage (http://teredovalpage.com/), and she asked me if I had any work I could let her read besides poetry, and I mentioned these stories and she asked me to email them to her, and upon my return, I did. She was working with TheWrightDeal and the editor was interested in publishing them, and I was very much surprised, but thrilled at the same time.
AW: Didyou have a particular writing schedule for writing just this book, or is it the same for everything you write?
MAL: I cannot program myself to write, it happens, and when it does if I can’t seem to do it at that moment, I email myself so that I won’t forget later.
Manuel Lopez with husband Jorge Pino. Photo by Marla Silverman.
AW: The forward of your book is written by Lourdes Simón, isshe from the book’s publisher eRIGINAL Books (2nd edition) or TheWrightDeal (1st edition)? If not, explain your association with Lourdes?
MAL: Lourdes Simón is an excellent actress, singer, writer, and much more who is a dear friend of mine, but she is not associated with any of these two organizations. I asked her to write the prologue because I admire her immensely and she has an incredible sense of humor which I craved for this book.
AW: I really enjoy your use of spirituality in this book. I.E: Chapter, “Fourth of July,” pg. 36, where the character discusses two books that he uses as spiritual guides and in chapter, “Weekend Getaway”, pg. 48 – “People passing by, each with a different air; a dark or light aura”, and of course, the ‘psychic’ that you mention on the last page of the book — so I’m wondering are these autobiographical elements that you added into the book? Explain your use of spirituality and why it’s important to you, please.
MAL: These are definitely autobiographical elements. I am a spiritual person. I don’t belong to any religion simply because I detest being grouped, and also because I take what I like from various religions and put them into my very own way of being religious or spiritual; which is very important for my everyday life. At all levels.
Manuel A. Lopez speaks at MBFI 2013. Photo by William Riera.
AW: Do you have any other autobiographical elements in it, such as on pg. 80, when the protagonist meets Chuck in the appropriately titled chapter, The Last American?
MAL: I do, but these were not it at all. There are lots of elements but mostly are focused on the setting, the likes in music, art and film being mentioned and things of that nature. I never met The Last American.
AW: Is there any particular story in your book that moves you the most?
MAL: “Sunday Morning Knocks on my Door”… because there are so many people out there who are unhappy with their lives, with their choices and many other things… and I’ve always been so free about everything, so I feel blessed for that, but there are way too many people feeling miserable.
AW: Can you tell me about your real life Prince Charming? I understand you married him on Tuesday, October 29 at Manhattan’s Office of the Clerk. Is his name Jorge Pino and what does he think of your book?
MAL: I sure did… and it just happened. I never meant to marry anybody. But marrying Jorge felt right. It gave me a lot of peace within me. I was not anxious as I normally am. He supports what I do, but he never gets fully involved in it. Sometimes I might read things to him, and he makes comments, but that’s as far as he goes. I think he is just happy that I found Prince Charming, and it’s him.
AW: When did you first fall in love with poetry and how old were you when you first thought that you wanted to be a poet?
MAL: I was a kid, and I was a reader… and I wanted to write every time I read a book and just blew me away in some way.
AW: Do poets run in your family? Can you tell me a little bit about your family background?
MAL: Not at all. I have always been the “rarito”, or weird one in my family. But I must say I do have a wonderful family that has always supported my weirdness.
AW: Are you currently writing another book, if so, is it in Spanish or English?
MAL: I’m writing my first book of poetry in English, and trying to find a home for it.
AW: Do prefer writing in either Spanish or English and what motivates your choice to choose which language in which to write?
MAL: I don’t have a preference, but in English I am more daring. I feel that I can just let go, and be myself totally. I guess Spanish being my parents language makes me a little bit uneasy if they were to read my work.
AW: What do you like the most and least about being a writer?
MAL: I love what I do. There’s a genuine feeling of love involved in writing, and in reading other writer’s work. The best thing for me as a writer is create stories, mold them as I see fit, color them with my own colors; build them as they pop up in my brain… and that’s a great thing to be able to accomplish. Right now the only thing that comes to mind that I like least is how sometimes your work gets diminished, trampled on by critics and then again that is also part of the process, but nobody wants to be told their child is ugly.
AW: What advice do you have for young poets, particularly poets with a similar heritage at yours?
MAL: I would tell them the same thing I was told by a dear poet friend of mine … Read a lot… immerse yourself and don’t stop.
AW: Where can people find out more about your work? I know that people can read your blog at projectzudotcom, what is Project Zu?
MAL: Project Zu is the continuation of an art gallery that I had for four years in Little Havana which was called Zu Galeria. My blog is a good way to check and see what I am doing, and my Facebook Page, which ishttps://www.facebook.com/ManuelAdrianLopezManny.
How wonderful it is to know that this very gifted writer has found his Prince Charming (and vice-versa), a once-upon-a-time cherished concept for the ideal partner – but sometimes, just sometimes this soul connection is made in real life. To read about the fictional realities in Manny’s book, whether or not you’ve found your own happily ever-after, please go to Books and Books or Amazon.com (paperback and Kindle) to make your purchase.
Additionally, he is the author of the poetry collection Yo, el arquero aque, published by Editorial Velámenes; his poetry in Spanish has been published in magazines such as Arique, Baquiana, Contratiempo, La Peregrina Magazine, LaFanzine, Linden Lane and Ventana Abierta. His short stories in Spanish have also been published by Baquiana and Linden Lanemagazines. His poem, A Calling was chosen along with the work of 40 other poets by Broward County Poet in Residence Anastasia Clark for the Our Poetic Tribute to Amelia Earhart, and published in a leather-bound volume permanently displayed at the Amelia Earhart Museum in Kansas. He has also participated in Cristina Garcia’s, Las Dos Brujas Writer’s Workshop with California’s Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera.
Manny Lopez and Marla E. Schwartz. IMAGE by MARLA SILVERMAN.
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Marla E. Schwartz, long-time staff writer, has only been turning in assignments periodically because of her recent marriage to her long-time boyfriend. She met the love of her life as she was trying to rescue a dog trapped in a railroad crossing. He saw what she was doing, stopped his car and saved the day by helping her free the animal before a train hit and killed both of them; this stray has now found a permanent home with this couple who split their time between residences in Miami, FL and Naples, FL. We send our congratulations to this lovely couple. The pair has asked that in lieu of any gifts, to please make donations in your own name to the charity of your choice. But, if you need help in finding a charity, please donate to any of these: the Big Dog Rescue Ranch in West Palm Beach, The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, The Elephant Family, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International,Tri County Animal Rescue, The National Fibromyalgia Association, The Lymphoma Foundation, The Children’s Alopecia Project, The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The National Parkinson Association, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the British-based HALO Trust, which clears land-mines around the world, the Joyful Heart Foundation, or Women Against Abuse Advocacy in Action which offers a 100-bed safe haven and is the only emergency shelter in Philadelphia, PA dedicated to the needs of abused women and their children.
STIMULATE YOUR SENSES AT ANNUAL E4 LIFE: HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and City of West Palm Beach’s e4 Life: Green Health and Wellness Expo to take place on July 26
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and co-presenter, the West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability, welcome you to stimulate your senses at the 5th Annual e4 Life: Green Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests will be treated to sensory overload as they taste, smell, feel and hear what healthy living is all about. The day-long event will feature fun and educational activities for the entire family – all promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle – while reducing your ‘footprint’ on the planet!
“Science is proving now more than ever that health and wellness are critical to longevity,” said Lew Crampton, CEO of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. “We are excited to see that our annual Green Health and Wellness Expo has grown to such popularity over the years, as we continue to be a community resource. Our participating vendors and sponsors are top-notch and visitors will surely delight in all of the samples, tips and quality experiences. This year, we are particularly pleased to welcome the West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability as a co-presenter, bringing a greater focus on energy, water and natural resource conservation and Climate Change. With their support, we know this year will be our best yet!”
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, recently named the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ nonprofit of the year, features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit.
e4 Life: Green Health and Wellness Expo activities will include: seed planting, rain barrel workshops, fresh fruit samples – provided by Whole Foods (while supplies last), scouting for insects workshops, scheduled tours of Palm Beach Zoo’s Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex, a variety of knowledgeable guest speakers and a lady bug release. Additionally, the Science Center and the Office of Sustainability will be premiering a new planetarium show “Earth and Me.” FPL’s electric vehicle and the City of West Palm Beach’s Nissan Leaf will be on display.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium,” said Penni Redford, manager of the Office of Sustainability. “Our mission to enhance the viability of West Palm Beach as a modern model of a healthy, environmentally progressive and ecologically sustainable community, coincides well with the Science Center’s annual health expo. We look forward to a fun-filled afternoon with tons of activities for the entire family – offering both entertainment and education!”
Sponsors and vendors include: FPL, Acure, Whole Foods,WPB Office of Sustainability, Grassy Waters, Farmer Jay, Daggerwing Nature Center, Green Cay Nature Center, Palm Beach Zoo, Juice Plus, Bee Keepers Association, Planned Parenthood Health Source of Palm Beach Gardens, Downtown Lake Worth Chiropractic, Fuel Food Inc., Thirty One Gifts, Solar Quest USA, Sprouts, Elf Boxes, Beach Body Contouring, Resource Depot and Hippocrates Institute.
The e4 Life: Green Health and Wellness Expo is included with paid Science Center admission, and West Palm Beach City residents receive 50% off admission with a valid ID. Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is $14 for adults, $10.50 for children ages 3 to 12, and $12.50 for seniors over the age of 62. SFSCA members are free.
Located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, the Science Center is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. For more information, please call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.
