JP Lawson

Mary’s story reminds us of the many things we do not know about our own lives. Like her, we may find ourselves on paths we never expected, making decisions that ripple outward in ways we cannot foresee.

Often, it is only in hindsight that we recognize how our actions have shaped our journey and touched the lives of others. It’s a wise one who said: ‘it will all make sense in retrospect’.

Carlo Ancelotti's "Quiet Leadership" offers valuable insights into effective management. Listen to glean five (5) key lessons.

Amid the chaos of daily living, it is important to take a step back and focus on personal growth and fulfilment. One powerful way to do this is through creative work.

Africa is currently home to the youngest population in the world. Over 60% of its 1.4 billion people are under the age of 25. But youth, in itself, is neither a blessing nor a curse. The demographic dividend—that is, the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure—only comes when we invest wisely in our young people.

Silence enables violence. In this podcast, we highlight a harrowing issue of human rights and sexual and gender-based violence which requires attention. Most importantly, it speaks to practical ways in which men, who are often perpetrators, can lead the way in changing the negative narrative.

The 50th Law, by Robert Greene and 50 Cent, explores the concept of fearlessness as a key to success. The book examines historical figures and Curtis Jackson's own life to illustrate how overcoming fear, embracing challenges, and adopting an opportunistic mindset can lead to achieving one's goals. It emphasizes developing a fearless attitude, understanding the power dynamics of various situations, and mastering the art of calculated risk-taking. The authors advocate for self-reliance, cultivating one's individuality, and strategically using aggression when necessary. Ultimately, the book promotes a proactive approach to life, viewing obstacles as opportunities and embracing calculated risk to achieve mastery.

In this episode, The Poetic President, we explore the remarkable life of Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal’s first president, whose leadership brought together the worlds of poetry and politics. Senghor’s vision of governance, rooted in deep intellectual reflection and artistic expression, mirrors Plato’s ideal of the "philosopher king"—a ruler guided by wisdom, justice, and a love for humanity. Much like the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose Stoic philosophy shaped his rule, Senghor approached his presidency as a philosopher and poet, viewing leadership as an art that could elevate society. Tune in as we uncover how Senghor’s devotion to both African identity and universal human values echoes the ancient notion that the wisest rulers must also be the most reflective.

At Long Last is the sequel to The Hard Decision, exploring the enduring impact of a family's decision to send their son to school amidst a community resistant to education. The story centres on Neri, who flees with his mother after facing hostility from his village, Lawriman, and their subsequent journey to Miamia, where Neri eventually returns to school and excels, earning a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom. This book examines the themes of poverty, tradition, perseverance, and the transformative power of education, particularly in the context of a rural African community.

The Hard Decision is a novel written by JP Lawson that tells the story of Papa Koto, a farmer in the village of Lawriman, and his struggle to reconcile tradition with his desire to give his son, Neri, a formal education. Despite the strong opposition of his kinsmen, who believe education will disrupt their culture, Papa Koto ultimately chooses to send Neri to school. The novel explores the themes of education, tradition, and societal pressures through a vivid narrative, drawing upon Akan folklore and imaginative storytelling.