Category Archives: Books

Helen Nicholson Releases New Book: “Networking for Introverts”

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I am an introvert by nature. In the past few years, I have forced myself to become less socially awkward by attending media events solo and introducing myself and talking to complete strangers. The experience can be daunting, but it is essential for networking and getting ahead, especially in the corporate world.

Introverts, the world over, find social situations stressful because they often feel drained by prolonged social interactions and large gatherings. Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from being around others, introverts recharge through solitude and quiet time. Additionally, the need for small talk and quick thinking in social settings can be overwhelming for introverts, who typically prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Now, a new book by best-selling author Helen Nicholson, titled “Networking for Introverts” provides a step-by-step guide for introverts, that will not only help them overcome these challenges, but also teach them to harness the introvert skills of listening, thoughtful communication and focus, as super-powers, to connect with people more deeply and build an advantageous network.

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SA Author, Jo Watson, Launches New Book On Board LIFT Flight

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Passengers on board LIFT flight GE131 from Johannesburg to Cape Town received an exclusive first glimpse into author Jo Watson’s new book, Love at First Flight, when they were surprised with a spontaneous book launch in the sky. A few book enthusiasts were lucky enough to receive a signed copy of the new book from Watson herself.

Jonathan Ball Publishers and LIFT collaborated to arrange the launch in the spirit of the month of love, as Watson’s new book aptly involves the story of an air-traffic controller who meets a pilot, culminating in a fake dating pact, with their communications resulting in the unexpected.

Jo Watson is an award-winning author of over ten books, with her book, Love To Hate You becoming an overnight bestseller, reaching #9 on the Amazon UK charts. To date, her stories have accumulated more than 60 million reads on the platform with over 119, 000 followers.

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Oxford University Press Empowers Minds Through World Literacy Day

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Hanri Pieterse – MD of Oxford University South Africa

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually around the world on 8 September and Oxford University Press observes the day in support and endorsement of literacy in all its forms.

Founded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have since taken place across the globe to remind the international community of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. (1)

In its simplest definition, ‘literacy’ refers to the ability to read and write. In broader terms, it encompasses ways of thinking and doing reading and writing with the purpose of understanding and expressing thoughts or ideas in written form within specific contexts.

 Global literacy is a cause for celebration since the rate for adults 15 years and above stands at 86,3% in 2023. (2) While, on the surface, this is a successful statistic, closer inspection reveals a deeply unequal divide.

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MSC launches Ocean Cookbook 2022

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The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the ocean not-for-profit responsible for the world’s leading sustainable seafood ecolabel, has launched its Ocean Cookbook 2022. The free digital cookbook with the message ‘fish for tonight, and for tomorrow’ is a global collaboration between 18 award-winning chefs and 18 sustainable fishers from around the world, united in the belief that sustainable fishing is a must if we are to protect our oceans.

Using seafood from 18 MSC certified fisheries, the cookbook highlights how easy it is to rustle up healthy, sustainable seafood dishes at home. The cookbook is the centerpiece of the MSC’s communications and marketing campaign for the new year, traditionally a time for healthy and more environmentally conscious eating.


Included in the choice of recipes are a simple and delicious Cape hake recipe by Cape Town based cookbook author and food stylist, Georgia East; Scottish haddock recipe by Cornish restauranter and UK MSC Ambassador Mitch Tonks; and roasted flaked Pacific halibut in a salad topped with crunchy seeds from Canadian MSC Ambassador, Chef Charlotte Langley. On the other side of the world, MSC Chef Ambassador, Kaoru Ariga chose whole Icelandic capelin to top her Japanese Somen noodle soup and encouraged us all to minimise food waste by eating the whole fish.

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Mzansi Life & Style Meets …. Daniel Shatty Mashego

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Daniel Shatty Mashego and I

Daniel Shatty Mashego and I

As the year draws to a close, it’s time for some reflection…

Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Why was I born? These are all questions that we have asked ourselves, sometimes at the lowest part of our lives, when we have hit rock bottom, no matter our age.

For me, it was when I was 5 years old and I had my first existential crisis. Of course, I did not know what it was called back then… just this feeling of anxiety that no 5 year old should ever feel. What happens when we die? Is there really a Heaven? What will happen when my mother and grandmother and family die, who will take care of me? Why am I here? Was I a mistake? Continue reading →