Two Area Authors Provide Forward-Thinking Guidance

by KYW's Lauren Lipton

There are many authors from our area, and today we talk with two of them who offer you some help and advice. 

First, Homa Tavangar, based in Berwyn, is the author of Growing Up Global.  She says her work with grownups gave her an idea:

(Tavangar:)  "By the time you're preparing executives for the world, it's a little bit late.  Why not start with our children?"

Tavangar says this should be fun:

(Tavangar:)  "I'm a mother of three.  I'm very busy, and every parent I know is very busy.  What are the bite-sized, fun (things)?  It's not homework, it's not an addition on your to-do-list!  If you love art or music or sports or food, all of these are portals for connecting with the world."

For example...

(Tavangar:)  "We keep a globe handy.  I see my kids, they just spin the globe.  We learn little phrases that are fun in a foreign language.  I have a whole chapter on movies to watch with your family.  You can add snacks from that country."

Also from our region, Alina Wheeler of Philadelphia is the author of Designing Brand Identity.

(Wheeler:)  "There are a lot of books on brand strategy written by the great MBAs of the world.  There are a lot of eye-candy books.  But there are no books that really said, 'If we want to revitalize our brand, what do we need to do?' "

And her advice:

(Wheeler:)  "It's quite simply, 'Who are you?  Who needs to know?  Why should they care? And how will they find out?' "

And that's Positively Philadelphia!