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Darren Richards is the Global Fundraising & Marketing Director for Mercy Ships; an international charity based on Christian values that operates the largest non-governmental hospital ships in the world.
They provide humanitarian aid like free surgical procedures, community development projects, community health education, mental health programs, agriculture projects and palliative care for terminally ill patients. We're proud to have worked with them for many years.
Who Is Darren Richards?
Through his role with Mercy Ships, Darren has managed to mobilise thousands of volunteers to help others and has led teams that have raised millions of pounds for charitable causes and community projects. He has also worked in other voluntary and professional positions throughout his career.
In addition to his current 'day job', Darren is also an international speaker, broadcaster and advisor with twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector, his passion is telling stories that empower others to make a difference.
This passion helped him to realise his latest venture which sees him become an author thanks to the global release of his first book; The Plane Parable.
The book aims to empower readers to become emerging leaders in order to make a difference and achieve their own 'someday' dream in a world where technology is making many qualifications obsolete.
Some social commentators predict 40% of professions could soon be “displaced” (replaced or made redundant) by AI technology.
In the book, Darren shares a modern-day fable about a jet plane, to inspire and equip those emerging leaders for a new future: where character, courage, vision-casting and people skills, will be more important than technical know-how and college certificates.
While millions of children are still going to bed hungry, people are trafficked across borders and life-saving drugs are out of reach for the sick, human leaders with soft skills and moral authority will always be needed: to speak up, take action and dream big dreams of a better future.
The book itself is divided into three main sections, based on the movement of an aircraft:
PITCH: leading yourself, finding purpose and communicating your idea.
ROLL: leading other people, through the highs and lows of a project.
YAW: leaving a lasting legacy, seeing others run with your vision.
With his feet firmly on the ground, we were fortunate enough to sit down with Darren to discuss how the book took off and how he stuck the landing and, with all the other things he does every day, how he found the time!
What inspired you to write this book?
I love seeing people stepping out into their idea and dream, and I’m so inspired by seeing people’s lives changed. What if a generation of new and emerging leaders had the courage to try and change something in their community or nation? To make a difference for others, overturn an injustice or start a project that helps those in need. That excites me."
How long did it take to write the book?
I was thinking about it and making notes for over 5 years, maybe 6. I only really started properly just over 3 years ago. I toyed with different models and images for the main allegory in the book, to make the points memorable.
What is the genre of the book?
Mmm, tricky. I suppose it’s leadership development and self-improvement, but could easily be classified as promoting justice and Christian love for your neighbour. Not sure!
What are the main themes explored in the book?
Having the courage to start your “Someday” dream. Getting that idea off the ground. Recruiting and leading a team. Ensuring you keep your character and humility. Seeing your dream outlive you.
Who is the intended audience for the book?
Anyone really. I know that’s bad marketing, but it really is for 9 to 90. My young son is reading it. I kept the language accessible, and the point is ANYONE can make a difference.
What are the unique features of the book that set it apart from other books in its genre?
I suppose using a modern-day fable. I’ve not seen that before. A parable about a jet plane that conveys some truths about life, fulfilment and leadership.
How does the author develop the characters in the book?
The little plane has a literal ‘arc’ from take-off (start-up), cruising, overcoming setbacks and resistance, and then landing (ending well).
What is the setting of the book and how does it contribute to the story?
It’s a fictional short story where the chapters unpack 9 ‘needs’ - for new and existing leaders and dreamers.
What message does the book convey to the readers?
DON’T WAIT.
START NOW.
YOU CAN DO IT, i.e. MAKE “SOMEDAY” TODAY
What challenges did you face while writing the book?
My father died last year and my family suffered a couple of health issues/scares. My life and day job meant I had to write it on Saturday mornings and then early mornings and late at night.
How has the book been received by the critics and readers so far?
I’ve had some lovely feedback. But too early for official reviews!
What is the author's next project or book in the pipeline?
Audiobook next, then we’ll see!
For someone so busy, we'd like to thank Darren very much for taking the time to sit down with us. If you'd like to keep up-to-date with him, you can do so on Twitter, where he's @DarrenvRichards.
He is also a trustee of Young Emerging Leaders and he also hosts the “Someday Arrival” podcast, to equip emerging leaders and encourage 'Someday' dreamers.
If you're interested in buying Darren's book on Amazon, you can just click* the cover. It's available as a paperback and on Kindle.
(* Please note this is an affiliate link)
If you enjoyed reading this interview with Darren and would like to support the work we do, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider buying me a virtual coffee by clicking the link below. The ends justify the beans.
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