Dr Yana Johnson MBE
I went out looking for inspiration this week at the ‘most improved school’,
St Matthews Academy, in South East London for their Believe to achieve evening, which was amazing. I took my 12 year old and a mentee and we found the inspiration we were looking for.
A young man by the name of Nathaniel Peat. An astute, sharp character with an Usher smile and an inner bling, self confidence and warmth that makes you wonder who he is and what he is on, when you first see him.
Well let me tell you, people who are fulfilled in life usually have this look about them, further more it rubs off when you stand next to them as they exude positivity, love and charisma. There was no fronting. When you read Nathaniel’s credentials, it makes you think of all the days you spent watching TV unmotivated, unfocused and uninspired.
When I was standing online waiting to receive my MBE I remember an older gentleman gazing at me saying, you’re so young, you have done so much. I am almost fulfilled, just 1000 more things I haven’t done yet. However Nat, as he signs off his website doesn’t seem to be intimidated by height, depth, breadth of challenges life presents, as a talented Entrepreneur, Professional Pilot, Martial Arts Sensei and Musician, are a few of his excellences in life would be to label every side of the box and not box him in.
Although Nathaniel is based in the UK, his work extends beyond the shores of the UK and this week he will be heading to Jamaica as he has tirelessly worked to connect the Diana Awards to Jamaica. Nathaniel who is the Chairman of 
‘Jamaicans Inspired UK’, saw the need for outstanding Jamaican young people to be recognized connecting the University of Technology Jamaica to the Diana Awards;
(http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=34878). CEO Maggie Turner OBE and the Diana Award Operations director Theresa Ojo will be travelling to Jamaica to speak on February 4, 2012, the University will confer the highest order of the University award the Chancellor’s Medal to Asafa Powell, an Alumni of UTech and an outstanding world leading Athlete and Olympian to have produced in history to date the most sub 10 fastest times in 100M sprint in Athletics in the world.
So as I was standing next to Nathanial watching him encourage the young people and inspire a young Black Female Air Cadet into her prospects as a female pilot, I stole a few minutes to profile some questions which could rub off on you too.
Favorite song
TOO hard a choice! I love so much music I have too many but here are a few…
– Gospel – William McDowall – I give myself away
– Reggae – Beres Hammond – I feel good/Alaine – Love of a lifetime
– Jazz – Dave Brubeck -Take 5
– Neo Soul – Jill Scot – Golden
– Classical – Schubert – Ellens Gesang #3, Op. 52/6. D 839, “Ave Maria”
– Soul – Percy Sledge – When a man loves a woman
– Motown – Sam Cooke – Change is gonna come
Favorite Scripture
Philippians 4:13
Fears
None
Weaknesses
Trying too hard
What/who do you call on for strength?
God. In this life there is a source that everyone can grab strength from mine comes from above, Faith is a powerful thing, If you believe you will receive..
Worst moment
Losing an engine after takeoff, luckily I got it back to the ground effectively.
World Changing Desires
Remove trade borders, eliminate Poverty.
Passions
Flying, Martial Arts, Music, my family, business…
Statement of inspiration
The only limit that exists in this life is yourself, believe and you will achieve it. Success is there for the people that want it. Imagine it in your mind and then you will have it. Never allow your dream to become a regret but work as hard as you can to become successful and live your dream.
To read more about Nathaniel, and get your own inner bling inspiration, please visit; www.nathnielpeat.com
