Press Articles:
"Inner vision" of man who lost sight encourages firms
A Solihull man who lost his sight at 19 is on a mission for 2010 - to bring encouraging lessons to help British businesses to succeed. John Flanner, now 62, is well qualified to speak, as he has overcome the major obstacle of being blind all his adult life. A hidden hereditary condition took his vision, but training as an audio typist led to him finding his faith, through a teacher he met ? and his fears left him.
He began to appreciate the value of not taking life too seriously, and laughing at his predicaments: and he says that his story has important lessons for people, business owners and their staff as they experience challenging times.
A keen sports fan, he has written to footballers and sporting personalities over the years to encourage them through injuries and difficulties, from Brian Clough, to former Birmingham City manager Willy Bell, who invited him to his home.
He has recently written a book, ?Fear, fun and faith? and he speaks on average 200 times a year, giving inspiring and amusing talks to government and business groups, telling what appreciation and encouragement can do to improve performance in the workplace. He won an Outstanding Achievement Award, at the Civil Service Equality & Diversity Awards in 2006.
John works for HM Customs and Excise, using an electronic voice to read to him the content of letters and emails. Managers there said he had good communication skills, and he began receiving invitations to speak on diversity and encouraging positive attitudes, to counter low morale in areas like health and education. ?Just get by? staff become achievers as John teaches the most important skill of all - learning to operate oneself more effectively, improving morale.
John, of Damsonwood, said: "Like a salmon, I'm going against the flow of cynicism: a lot of people thrive on a dose of encouragement. Appreciation and encouragement are two powerful tools that we can all use every day, and have a mighty impact on people. I often say, "Big doors swing on small hinges" and "It is unlikely that any one of us can change the whole world, but we can change somebody's world".
"I say that I am blind but not without vision. In simple terms my vision is that today by simply being alive to the needs of others, I will make somebody's day brighter.
John can be contacted for speaking engagements at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 0121 603 9438. His book, ?Fear, Fun and Faith? is now available, with more details at www.perfectvizion.com
