TFN Talks with Robert Ian Bonnick
This week TFN Talks with Robert Ian Bonnick, the author of SOUL SURVIVOR - How An Abandoned Child Went From Nothing to Everything , an extraordinary autobiography of a man with an indomitable spirit who grew up in an orphanage and went on to become a successful international model, author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
Robert, you have one of those rare and extraordinary life stories where you were able to transform major challenges into major motivation and consequently become an inspiring figure for many people. Tell us a bit about your story and how it has inspired you to write your book "SOUL SURVIVOR".
My life has been perfectly set up to inspire others, I grew up in two children's homes in London from 6 months to just shy of eighteen years of age. I met so many people, faced so many challenges and had experiences on both extremes of the spectrum. I was able to learn the most valuable insight - the most important journey was within; getting to know yourself at a deeper level. I was always very aware of my role in bridging the divide between black and white, an ambassador of sorts. This came out of the aftermath of a very physical racist attack which I was involved in. In many ways I saw challenges as opportunities to become better, a sort of upskilling, a 2 or 3.0 version of who I was then. I wasn't confident with how I looked so I became a model. I ended up moving to Italy, backdooring into the best agency in Milan and worked with the Supermodels; Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Eva Hertzigova, Christy Turlinghton, Billboard campaigns, became a minor celebrity and the piece de la resistance was working for Madonna (not as a model). Ironically, throughout all this I was most insecure about how I looked ! So that didn't work! I played elite sport, co-ran a business voted number 3 in the world, became an inspirational speaker and coach and here I am now with 2 beautiful kids and a partner in Marina living in Bali. The book is an extension of my keynote from SOUL SURVIVOR - How An Abandoned Child Went From Nothing to Everything ... My life has been my motivation and a promise I made to myself after exiting the Children's home at seventeen. For authenticity sake please be aware it wasn't all smooth sailing, in some later cases I am still making amends and I'm committed to following through.
Do you believe that our destiny is predetermined or that we have some control over our purpose in life and the events surrounding it?
In my opinion it is Both. We are most definitely part of a far larger intelligence, but we also have free will and an opportunity to have an impact into who we become and the situations we attract.
What have been some of your proudest moments in life thus far?
Playing basketball for my country
Learning how to meditate and visualise
Graduating
Working with some of the most famous people in the world and the best in their niche
Being around some incredible leaders spiritual teachers and said to be enlightened masters
Learning to speak Italian
The years running some of the most successful club businesses in the world with Antonio
Becoming a coach and seeing how I can positively impact the world
Realising in my family history (Jamaican Maroons) is Martin Luther King, Malcom X and Marcus Garvey
Marina and our kids most definitely
Writing and finishing my SOUL SURVIVOR - How An Abandoned Child Went From Nothing To Everything
Founding/driving The Berawa Food & Wine Festival and seeing over 4,000 people come through for our launch in one day
Founding SpeakuP Monday (up to number #60)
When we met I was struck with how generous you were in giving me advice that many authors choose to keep a secret (in regards to their writing process). Are you aware of or do you ever think about the positive impact you have on the people who seek your advice, listen to your talks or read your book? How does it make you feel to know that you have the power to help unlock someone else’s potential?
I feel being able to assist and support another into creating breakthroughs for themselves is one of the most rewarding things we can give to another human being. Please understand I have not done this alone. So many people have supported me over the years in many different ways, there were times where I could have died. Times where I was broke and in trouble. Also times where I was lost and people supported me into finding myself again. I've always kept to my promise of sharing / assisting others where I can.
They say with great power comes great responsibility. Do you ever feel the pressure that comes with being known and respected in the community, or is that a non issue?
My ego is sometimes aware of it. But most of the time I go with it not feeling pressure. I acknowledge I'm not perfect nor do I seek to be. I have broken promises, not fulfilled on what I promised before. What I am committed to is mastery. Every day I'm committed to improving. I have an important message to share.
What piece of advice would you give a youth who came from difficult circumstances and wanted to live a meaningful positive life but doesn’t know how or where to start?
I work alot with Intuition. It depends who would be before me. But I would definitely say learn to Meditate and adopt mastery - surrendering to always improving. Sometimes this means learning some tough lessons.
Did you ever have any mentors or people who have lit the way for you over the course of your life?
If a mentor is a person who has lit the way for me - I have had and continue to have many. When I was younger I always said and knew that I could learn from anyone. To this day I'm still fairly close to that.
You are married to a gorgeous, strong and fiercely intelligent woman who I’m happy to call my friend. What would you say are the most important factors that contribute to a healthy, thriving, symbiotic relationship?
Self-Acceptance and understanding of the 3 stages of relationship Honeymoon, MUD, unconditional love
What is the meaning of life according to Robert Ian Bonnick?
Everything happens in its own time
What do you believe are the biggest universal self-limiting factors or beliefs that we have as humans, which prevent us from living extraordinary lives?
Fear
Non supportive, unconscious habits and patterns
Can'ts
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of your career?
Didn't know i had one :-) . Right now I'm in a workaholic creative zone up early and bed late. Playing with kids in the pool. Lying in the sun. Watching a movie documentary with Marina. Riding on my bike taking in all elements of nature in an atmosphere of utter APPRECIATION. Listening to Jazz Coltrane, Byrd, Davis glass of wine :-)
If you could go back in time to when you were 12 years old and give your younger self any advice, or talk about anything in particular, what would you say?
Understand the 100 years war, what caused it and what keeps it still going.
Empathy
Really go for your desires
Don't worry about Bio-Chemistry