CAREER PROFILE : Bringing out the diplomat in you

Motivational speaker Jonathan Ndali says his book ‘The Diplomat in You’ teaches people how to achieve success. The 25-year-old consultant says he wants to give university students and graduates the skills to interact in the global business arena.

His book, which focuses on interpersonal skills, launches on Dec. 28 in Dar es Salaam. Ndali spoke to Success about the writing process.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I had a burden in me to write it. I had a desire to see young people get transformed. When I had the idea, I was focusing mainly on Tanzania and Africa in general because I felt that we are too localised. I want to transform ordinary people into extraordinary people by helping them apply diplomatic skills. Basically, it means leading tactfully and skillfully. There were no speaking platforms … so I thought I would write a book as a platform to send the message.

How did you come up with the title ‘The Diplomat in You?’

At university I was involved in a lot of leadership activities. In everything I did, I was very diplomatic. I was the kind of person where if someone did something wrong, I wouldn’t respond in the way others would expect. I would approach things very lightly, with a sense of love and tender care. I was a people person. So the book focuses on my strength, which is having great interpersonal skills.

Why are diplomatic skills essential?

People are creators of emotions. You have to understand how to deal with people. If you don’t, you can’t succeed in anything you do. People-handling skills are important in every sphere of influence. I have been living in Malaysia. I was involved with a lot of people … they have different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ethnic groups. You have to understand how to interact with all these people. If you don’t, you are not going to be effective in the community that you are in. These skills are important in careers, relationships, networking. Failure to understand that can be catastrophic.

What is the one thing you tell people they need to do to be diplomatic?

You have to be selfless. You have to put interests of others first. If you don’t do that, you will not succeed. Basically, you have to show that you care. This is regardless of background, religion, ethnicity, race, age, gender. That’s the basis of my book. I package the idea of genuine love. If you have genuine love for everyone in the human race, things will work out well for you.

What was the process of writing the book?

I started last December, so it took about a year. It was crazy. I had never written a book before, so when I had the idea I didn’t know when to start. My friend, who had written a book three years ago, gave me some advice. He said ‘go to your computer, open Microsoft Word, and start writing. Write anything that comes into your brain.’ That’s what I did. It was very hard. There were times I didn’t have ideas for a month, and other times I would write from 8 p.m. after work to 6 a.m. in the morning.

Was it hard?

Of course. There were times I wanted to quit. I got discouraged and disappointed at times, and some days I would just feel inspired and pick it up. I would say it was a roller coaster … but worth it. There are no words to explain that. It has taught me a lot as a journey. It has taught me to never give up and always pursue your dreams. It has really changed me. I will find courage to write.

How did you end up in Malaysia?

I went there as a student in 2008 as a student and did a university degree. After I graduated in 2012, I stayed for work. I work as a business consultant for an IT firm. I want to return to Tanzania within the next year because I feel I will be very effective here … it’s time for me to come back and bring everything I’ve learned in terms of principles, in terms of knowledge, excellency. I love speaking, I love training. I’m using the book as a platform but my main plan is to teach and educate others. I do speaking engagements, on a pro bono basis for now, because I want to give back to the community. My main target is university students and young working professionals.

Not everyone in Tanzania has the opportunity to travel, but I can bring that back and share my experiences. That’s why I want to come back.