Julio’s World

About two weeks ago I received a copy of New York Times best selling author John Maxwell’s new book, “Talent is Never Enough.“

He sent me a copy with a cool note to check out page 173 where he shares a little bit about my personal story about all the different jobs I had growing up and the lessons that came with those jobs. The book is great because it dispels the myth that talent is all you need. The fact is everyone has talent, but one must discover, develop, focus and direct their talent to maximize their potential.  Inside the book Dr. Maxwell shares thirteen attributes people need to reach their full potential and have fulfillment with their work and life. It’s worth checking out.

Our Advanced copies of the newest issue of 225 magazine just came in and it is hot! It is jam packed with info on what is happening around town. This month we took an inside look at the four top candidates running for governor in Louisiana. When assessing the candidates we have to consider their vision, ideas, values, integrity, character, knowledge and experience. Everyone has to make their own choice but mine is simple. I believe Bobby Jindal is the best choice for the future of Louisiana. If you want to know why, just pick up a copy of 225 and read my column.

On a final note, the Special 25th Anniversary edition of Business Report is out and it has the WOW factor! If you have any ties to the Capital Region you’ll want to check it out.

Just got back from four days in Portland with 150 incredible business and civic leaders from Baton Rouge. The trip was insightful but what I discovered the most on the trip is the passion people have to improve the quality of life in our community. Like most places we have tremendous assets and have lots of challenges. The good news is we are making progress on several fronts that will help propel our economy to another level. The bad news is that Louisiana has some of the highest levels of poverty and uneducated people in the the U.S.

As I discussed these issue and possible solutions with some of the  leaders on the trip, it was evident that there is not one answer to combat poverty and ignorance. But we must declare war on these two thieves (they are both the killers of human potential). The battle has to be fought on all levels: government, churches, companies and communities all doing their part to help other people succeed, prosper and have opportunity in life.

As I think about the next generation, I hope and pray that those of us in leadership positions, regardless of occupation or industry, step up to the plate and use our talent, time, resources and whatever else we have to make a positive difference in this world.

We  hear it all the time. The only thing constant is CHANGE. Well today we launched my new website at www.juliomelara.com  and I’ve started this blog. A few years ago my friend Dan Ohlerking was pushing me to start one and then my great assistant Shannon has been on me to get going for the past year so here it is.

Life is happening so fast that sometimes I don’t know if I coming or going but I know I’m running. At the Business Report we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary with the biggest issue in the history of our company.  It’s going to be a 270 page book packed with information on the transformation of the Baton Rouge economy. At 225 magazine the October issue is about to come out and it is a hot issue with an inside look at the candidates for Governor. Lord knows we need a competent leader with vision and guts to do the right thing in Louisiana. It’s an amazing time to be in business in this region. Things are hot and I believe the best is yet to come!