Nelson Mandela
-Political prisoner, father of a nation, South African President.  Notable for his huge power of forgiveness, his gentle resilience, his passion and mercy.

Famous Quote:
“I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination.  I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together.”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
“you can’t move forward while looking backwards.” (Auckland)

Edward Kennedy
-Democratic Senator for Massachusetts, Presidential Candidate Nominee, part of the Kennedy Dynasty.  Overwhelming personality and presence. Almost larger than life.  Strong eye contact.  ‘Pan handled’ people with ease.  A great orator.

Famous Quote:
“each time a man stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” (Boston)

Edward de Bono
-Met in 2007 as an old man of 74.  Striking by his quiet presence and humility.  Probably the most intelligent man I have ever met.  Stunning ability to reduce complex thinking and scenarios into simple solutions.

Famous Quote:
“traditional thinking is all about ‘what is.’  Future thinking will also need to be about ‘what can be.”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
(on Auckland traffic solution) “simple, start factories at 7.30am, commerce at 8.30am and retail at 9.30am.”    (Auckland)

Helen Clark
-Prime Minister of New Zealand for 9 years.  An absolute consummate, politician, she lives and breathes politics 18 hours a day.  Has command of all portfolios and sharp instincts.  Superbly fit.  Strong intellect.  Ability to be ruthless.

Famous Quote:
“I think the penny has dropped that the All Blacks are not automatically the best team in the world.”

Sir Edmund Hillary
-What is there to say!  Humble, determined, courageous, loyal, compassionate, visionary.  A true man of the people, of simple tastes.  Liked a cup of tea and a beer.  Extremely ‘normal’ and approachable.  Never forgot his beginnings.

Famous Quote:
“we knocked the bastard off!”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
“what?”  (suffered hearing loss in later life and I speak softly!)

Ronald Reagan
-United States President, 1987.  Appeared weak, plastic, distant, botoxed (although not sure it was in 1987).  A script reader and a poor one at that. Always the actor but seemed like a puppet when I met him.

Famous Quote:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
“So you’re from New Zealand eh!” (Washington)

Mary Robinson
-President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.  An absolute lady, sincere, quiet, gracious, gentile.  Takes a personal and genuine interest in meeting people and in their conversations.  A soft but easy laugh. Absolutely at ease and an aura of calmness.

Famous Quote:
“no man can be truly free.  He may have power, but he will not have freedom.”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
“It’s been so lovely to talk with you.”    (Boston & Auckland)

Bishop Desmond Tutu
-A picture in my mind forever.  A small, solid man with a huge, beaming smile and a mouth full of white teeth.  Humble, relaxed, adored, humorous, a story teller, has the ability to laugh at himself.  Inspirational.

Famous Quote:
“without forgiveness, there’s no future.”

Most Memorable Personal Quote:
“Go with God.” (Capetown)