It is a distinct honour to introduce to you one of Guyana’s distinguished Youth Ambassadors, Dr. Astell Collins. Collins is the UN Goodwill Ambassador and Global Representative for the Golden Rule International and Interfaith Peace-Building for the Caribbean States and its Territories. He is the C.E.O. of (Better Defined One) BD1 Leadership and was the youngest Chairman of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Guyana.

Collins was the Youth Advisor for PANCAP Coordinating Unit (CARICOM) and was appointed as the Special Envoy Representative to the Government of Guyana on behalf of the United States Global Leadership Council. He is now assigned to the Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Dr. Collins is the recipient of several prestigious awards. He served the nation of South Africa with excellence for 4 years 6 months and was recognized with their national youth award, the “IKUSASA-Special Recognition Award.” This ranked him as one of the most influential non-citizen youth. He also developed a Transformational Leadership Development Module, which was adopted by the CIDA City Campus University. Collins taught this programme to students that were from various African counties, not just South Africans. The programme was so effective that professors from the esteemed WITS University arranged for him to teach them the principles he used to achieve that level of impact.

Collins was also awarded the United Nations’ “Golden Rule International Award”, the USA’s “International Champions of His Community Award” and Guyana’s “Award of Excellence;” and was included in an elite group of world leaders when he was awarded the Global Leadership Award at Capitol Hill, Washington DC. Additionally, he received the World Civility Award and was appointed as a Civility Ambassador. Moreover, in 2018 the decision was made to commemorate the Golden Rule Civility Day on his birthday in September, and he received the Ruben West Voice of Change Award.

In recognition of his commitment to service, the founder and executives of IChange Nations developed the Astell Collins Global Inspiration Award. Ambassador Clyde Rivers traveled to Guyana to officiate it accompanied by a delegation of 12 deserving recipients from the USA.

Further, as a result of his exceptional work internationally, Collins was awarded two Honorary Doctorates of Philosophy in Society and Human Rights from the United Graduate College and Seminary International and recently from the Latin University of Theology.

Collins is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for conferences, seminars, and workshops for Government institutions, religious and international organizations, universities, schools, etc., both nationally and internationally.

Questions

How did you arrive at the idea for your business?
While living in South Africa, I was in partnership with one of South Africa’s successful entrepreneurs who became my mentor. And during my mentorship sessions, we discussed the power of an idea. It was at this moment that he challenged me to develop a business idea that would make my voice invoiceable. At that time as well, my brother visited and I shared with him what I was tasked with. As we deliberated, “Better Defined One” (BD1) was birthed. Additionally, a slogan emerged to “Be the one”. This meant don’t just hope for the one, become the one, don’t hope for a change, become the one who will be the agent of change.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
Being afforded the opportunity to travel and being exposed to an alternative reality other than what I was accustomed to here in Guyana, I witnessed first-hand the power and freedom that comes as a result of self-discipline and self-mastery. Therefore, the key driving force to becoming an entrepreneur was to add value to humanity through my existence. This meant that I had to become a person of value because only a person of value can add value.

What is your greatest challenge being an entrepreneur?
My greatest challenge thus far is my inability to respond to the increasing demand for my service. Thus as a result of my dedication and commitment to create an environment and an atmosphere of transformation where seeds of possibility can be cultivated, my seminars are usually an experience that fosters mental reformation.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The most satisfying moment in business was to witness mental emancipation through the teachings of self-concept, self-esteem and self-worth. (A journey of self-discovery to self-mastery).

What piece of advice would you give to other young people who want to become entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to become a person of value and don’t seek to become a person of success. Since the difference between a diamond and a pebble is the value of the diamond due to its rarity.

How do you define success?
Success should not be defined by the value of what you can charge in exchange for your products or services, but rather whether you are creating or providing the opportunities that allow your consumers to progressively realize worthy ideas or manifests the purpose.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I have been influenced by a number of thought leaders but my greatest inspiration was the late Dr. Myles Munroe.