Thursday, March 4, 2010

Room to Read

     Meeting John Wood is only one degree separated from Oprah, the fairy godmother of Room to Read (his charity). Appearing on her show was the "tipping point," he told the wine sipping audience in the Manhattan room at the Tokyo American Club. "I went to Oprah camp before the taping where I was warned that she is moody,"  he recalled. Approaching the stage was like walking the plank until Oprah took his hand. "I love your work," she said and pledged $100,000 on the spot.

     Slumped in the Club lobby it took a minute to put jet-lagged John together with the author photo on his bestseller (How I Left Microsoft to Change the World). Making pots of money before age 35 allowed him to pursue his dream to become the Andrew Carnegie of library building for the developing world. Doubtful that Carnegie had as many female followers, judging by John's entourage and the turnout. Like CNN's Anderson Cooper John leads a nomadic life, trekking  through Asia to inspect library sites and relying on the kindness of ladies to organize his fundraisers.  

     At the end of the talk I invited the audience to buy his book, at which point John inquired if proceeds would go to Room to Read? A quick word with the Japanese librarian revealed that indeed there would be a modest donation from sales. During the course of 60 minutes John received a promise from one NPO to partner in Pakistan, and another promise of miles from a corporate executive. Nice that the Library could act as go-between.

     My public speaking skills meet their next challenge for the ladies social club on March 15th at the International House. The program will be Showa Japan as seen through the eyes of my neighbor, Hans Brinckmann.  As usual, the members will listen to the talk with eyes closed, which is not considered rude in sleep deprived Japan. Eyes open wide at the announcement of coffee and cakes that follow.
    

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