Tip#926: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 4 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

A few years ago I heard about Telus President and CEO Darren Entwistle having his managers watch the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World for several reasons. One of which was for leadership lessons the reason being, "true leadership is evidenced in periods of duress rather than just periods when it's convenient." Read more: Globe & Mail article

Since then I was inspired to explore how I could fit in the corporate world to give my Motivatorman motivational talks on how movies inspire leadership, teamwork, resilience and indestructible optimism in the workplace. That led me to the HRPA Annual Conference where I’d meet helpful people and organizations at the trade show who gave me encouraging feedback on my niche with movie lessons.

I'm with Ildi Arlette, President, CEO and Founder of Women in Leadership & Business Conference and Born to Lead Youth Leadership Conference

At the recent 2016 HRPA Conference & Trade Show I continued to meet many individuals who were excited about my speaking services around films. One highlight was meeting Ildi Arlette, President, CEO and Founder of Women in Leadership & Business Conference and Born to Lead Youth Leadership Conference. She was a fellow movie fan and loved the work I was doing! In turn, I was inspired by her story of passion and perseverance in creating her successful conferences. She was an excellent example of great leadership!

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

The historical drama film, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, is about Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) of the British warship HMS Surprise and his mission to pursue an enemy ship during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. This epic adventure features outstanding examples of leadership and teamwork with strong performances by Crowe as well as Paul Bettany, James D’Arcy, Max Pirkis and Billy Boyd. See: movie trailer

Captain Aubrey demonstrates a stellar list of leadership qualities that include inspiring and motivating his officers and crew to be their very best especially in seemingly hopeless situations. He also embodies the seven qualities of great leaders and executives as outlined by Brian Tracy, top sales, management and business success trainer, author and speaker...

• Vision
• Courage
• Integrity
• Humility
• Strategic Planning
• Focus
• Cooperation

Movies are a fantastic resource for lessons in leadership and teamwork in the workplace. Films can be valuable, creative tools to inspire a vision of what an outstanding leader looks like and the positive results they can achieve. There are many great leadership examples in cinema. What are some of your favourites?

Related Tips:
Tip#604: Recognize Great Leaders - Lincoln
Tip#702: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 1 – Ender’s Game
Tip#766: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 2 - How to Train Your Dragon 2
Tip#882: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 3 - The Towering Inferno
Tip#926: Great Leadership in Movies, Part 4 - Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#925: Movies for Mental Health - Art With Impact - Depression - Anomalisa

As I write this I am going into a second week of an unexpected lapse back into depression after five months of feeling like my old energetic self (see previous tip#924). It also feels like seasonal affective disorder, SAD or even the winter blues (see tip#804). Either way I’ve focused back on integrating my probiotics supplement which I ran out of for about a week (see tip#880). I’ve also been eating more fruit and increasing my hydration with more spring water daily. Read more about dehydration and depression:
• Article 1 
• Article 2

I recently attended an amazing youth event I’d been looking forward to called Movies for Mental Health hosted by Art With Impact and partnered with Healthy Minds Canada. It was a very educational, interactive evening of short films showing what mental illness is like. Director Natalie Daley facilitated a lively discussion that got audience members at OCAD University (where I graduated!) to share movie titles that showed mental illness as well as what that term means to them.

Click to enlarge

I'm with Natalie Daley, Director of Movies for Mental Health, Art With Impact

After each screening of a thought-provoking short film we’d break into small groups to discuss thoughts, feelings and insights about what we watched. During this time and with the panel discussion at the end individuals shared personal stories of their mental illness challenges. It was so inspiring to hear the strength and courage of these individuals.

This incredible evening reaffirmed my own belief that films have the power to educate, increase awareness and open up dialogue on mental illness for those struggling for help.

Anomalisa (2015)

The stop-motion animated drama film, Anomalisa, is about a lonely self-help author and speaker Michael Stone (David Thewlis) and the surreal, abstract depiction of his mental illness and what his world looks like to him. It’s best that this is all you know before seeing this highly creative, haunting and unusual cinematic experience. Also note that this film deals with adult themes. See: movie trailer 

This film was so strange to watch and yet I felt it captured so much of the loneliness and pain that comes from the depression I’ve experienced over so many years. Seeing these onscreen images may not be pleasant and yet that is part of the movie's power. It also shows how uplifting it is to find another person you can make a meaningful connection with to alleviate mental anguish even for just a while.

This is the type of film I hope encourages more dialogue about mental illness much like what Art With Impact is doing with its Movies for Mental Health series is doing for youths. The more people can find ways to educate themselves the faster they can find solutions to living a fuller life again.

If you’ve been feeling off-balanced or not yourself for weeks, months or years and don’t know what’s wrong then please know that you are not alone. Be open to movies, local events and resources that could make a life changing difference in guiding you out of the darkness. You’ll discover that others may be on a similar journey as you. Knowing that could bring bright, uplifting comfort to your heart and mind.

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

Related Tips:
Tip#855: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 1 - Depression & Mental Health - Tomorrowland 
Tip#863: How Movies Saved My Life, Part 2 - Depression & Mental Health - Inside Out
Tip#900: Resilience in the Workplace - Depression & Mental Health – HRPA Toronto – The Martian 
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression, Winter Blues & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#924: Choose A Path, Part 2 - Pleasure Activities - Brooklyn

Upon flying home from my Las Vegas holiday trip a week ago I was jet lagged which put off my mental state for a few days. Unfortunately it then led to a lapse into depression symptoms. I experienced a loss of concentration, feelings of hopelessness and extreme heaviness in my arms and legs. It felt like being slowly embraced by the Dementors in the Harry Potter movies. Author J.K. Rowling actually created these dark creatures based on her own experience with depression.

When I realized I had slipped into a dark state I remembered my own tools for refocusing a positive mindset that is also similar to what I learned from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs I completed (see tip#863). Engaging in pleasure activities or passions is the first step. For me taking soothing hot showers and enjoying the taste of favourite foods or drink are powerful, uplifting stimulus.

Movies, of course, are another pleasure activity on my list of re-energizing, refocusing tools. This led me to a wonderful film called Brooklyn that allowed me to escape into a beautiful cinematic world for a few hours.

Brooklyn (2015)

The period drama, Brooklyn, is about the journey of an Irish immigrant named Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) who lands in 1950’s Brooklyn. She finds a new life and a romance there but eventually must choose between that life and an unexpected new one back in Ireland. This visually attractive film has wonderful performances by all its cast that includes Ronan, Emory Cohen, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent. See: movie trailer

The movie hero Eilis demonstrates the many aspects of taking a frightening journey by yourself: loneliness, fear of the unknown, homesickness and finding support along the way. She was also inspiring in her resilience and inner strength to make important choices that would change the course of her life and those closest to her.

Inspiring Themes:
• Resilience
• Courage
• Adaptability
• Facing fear of the unknown
• Supportive Relationships

The authentic 50’s feel of Ireland and Brooklyn helped me be immersed in this fictional film world for a while. And I was able to do this because I remembered to choose this path of a pleasure activity rather then to sink deeper into a depressed state. This comes from training your mind to remember key steps that can help you move forward.

Choosing paths in life or for work can sometimes be a challenge. And when you get stuck remember your pleasure activities can help clear your mind. Remember there are movies you can watch that can take you away for a while. This can help open your thoughts to receive answers or inspiration from the movie heroes. These characters will remind you that you are never alone on your journey!

Related Tips:
Tip#84: Choose A Path, Part 1 - The Matrix
Tip#924: Choose A Path, Part 2 - Brooklyn

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#923: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 4 - Alan Rickman – Top 5 Films

On January 14, 2016 I woke up and read online that actor Alan Rickman had passed away. I was in shock and couldn’t stop crying. I just felt crushed that an actor whose work I loved for so many years died without warning. And this was just four days after rock icon David Bowie passed away, both because of cancer and at the age of 69.

Ever since I first saw Rickman in his breakthrough villain role in 1988’s Die Hard I was amazed by his suave presence and distinctive voice. Since then he would appear in many memorable roles that are now the legacy he leaves behind. Here are my top five favourite films from Alan Rickman.
 

A Little Chaos (2015) 

This period piece is about a landscape-gardener Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet) assigned to construct the grand gardens at Versailies in 1682. Rickman plays King Louis XIV and has many memorable moments both touching and engaging with Winslet’s character. He also directed this lavish film. Read more about the film 

Die Hard (1988) 

This action thriller is about Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) dealing with terrorists in the office tower. Rickman plays Hans Gruber leading the terrorists with a highly memorable performance with impeccable style and class for a villain. His intonation and delivery of his lines were like sweet, dark poetry! Read more about the film 

Galaxy Quest (1999) 

This science fiction comedy was a parody of the TV series Star Trek as well as the show’s real-life actors. Rickman plays actor Alexander Danes who plays alien crew member Dr. Lazarus of Tev'Meck which mirrors Leonard Nimoy’s character Spock. Such a fun and funny role for Rickman! Read more about the film 

 Harry Potter film series (2001-2011) 

Rickman will forever be remembered by Harry Potter fans as the perfect actor to portray Professor Severus Snape in all eight features. Again his intonation and line readings were so memorable that it’s impossible to picture anyone else in this role. Read more about the films 

Love Actually (2003) 

In this romantic comedy, Rickman plays Harry, managing director of a design agency who becomes attracted to his new secretary at Christmas time. Though married with children his actions lead to emotional scenes with his wife Karen (Emma Thompson). Even when playing everyday characters, Rickman still creates memorable performances with his simple facial expressions and, of course, unique voice. Read more about the film

I used the word “memorable” many times in this tribute to Alan Rickman because it was the perfect word to us about him. That is his legacy in all the wonderful performances he leaves behind for us. And future generations will also be able to discover his amazing talents for years to come.

Let this legacy inspire you to think about how you’d like to be remembered. What will your legacy be?

Related Tips:
Tip#354: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 1 – Iron Man 2 
Tip#709: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 2 – David Bowie Exhibit – Paul Walker – Good Ol’ Frida
Tip#734: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 3 – Harold Ramis – Alice Herz-Sommer – The Straight Story
Tip#923: What Will Your Legacy Be? Part 4 - Alan Rickman – Top 5 Films 

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016

Tip#922: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 4 - Spotlight

“We’re going after the system.” 
Spotlight (2015)

When I got home from my vacation in Las Vegas I discovered through online news feeds that David Bowie passed away from a battle with cancer. I was in shock. I later remembered a bed sheet banner illustration I did of Bowie back in 1983 for his Serious Moonlight tour and so happy I had photographed it. I am also grateful for my foresight of scanning this photo for my digital archives because now I was able to quickly access it and share online in tribute to this creative, multitalented genius.

I’ve found over the years how extremely important it is to keep personal and work files organized whether it is digital or in paper form. Taking time to regularly label and categorize documents, tax receipts, correspondence, website bookmarks, etc. helps to save so much time when its time to access these items. And when there is a specific assignment or goal I have to achieve quickly I have my resources all at my fingertips.

Here is a film that demonstrates how having organized files helps a team of investigative journalists find success with their immediate task.

Spotlight (2015)

The biographical drama film, Spotlight, is based on the true 2001 story of a team of journalists and their investigation into the widespread child sex abuse cases in the Boston area. Editor of The Boston Globe, Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber), leads his fantastic Spotlight team that includes Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), Matt Carroll (Brian d'Arcy James) and Ben Bradlee Jr. (John Slattery). A highly engaging and emotional film experience! See: movie trailer 

Though this movie involves sensitive topics of child abuse, cover-ups and the Roman Catholic Church it is an absolutely powerful example of many inspirational and motivational life lessons. These can be applied to your personal development and in the workplace.

Great leadership and teamwork are highly demonstrated with Baron having the vision and focus for “going after the system”. The Spotlight team then shows how fluid their teamwork is with their support in each other’s jobs and how they persevere with their individual tasks. Each person demonstrates excellent communication skills with one another and the key people they need interview. They also benefit from well organized records and files within their own newspaper offices.

Inspiring Themes:
• Having a Vision & Focus
• Goal Achieving
• Believing
• Courage
• Passion & Perseverance
• Persistence & Tenacity
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Supportive Relationships
• Leadership & Teamwork

“We gotta nail these scumbags! We gotta show people that nobody can get away with this; Not a priest, or a cardinal or a freaking pope!”

The Spotlight film cast with real-life reporters they played.

These movie heroes may have been just doing their jobs but in the end their passion and focus achieved their leader’s vision and goal and helped save the lives of many people in the Boston area that then spread around the world. Ultimately they helped change the system of the Roman Catholic Church.

“The Globe reporters made themselves examples of their most pure vocation, that of finding the facts, verifying sources, and making themselves—for the good of the community and of a city—paladins of the need for justice." 
Luca Pellegrini, Vatican Radio website

Real-life heroes in movies can achieve seemingly impossible tasks and demonstrate skills that can inspire you to excel in your own life, workplace and career. They may even inspire you to organize your filing systems in your workspace or home! Whatever it is let their stories motivate you to improve who you are or achieve the goals you desire today!

Read more about the facts and fiction of this film here:
History vs Hollywood

Related Tips:
Tip#690: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 1 – Steve Jobs & Apple - Jobs 
Tip#897: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 2 - Bridge of Spies 
Tip#921: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 3 - The Revenant
Tip#922: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 4 - Spotlight  
Tip#1039: Real-Life Heroes in Movies Inspire, Part 5 - Maudie  
Tip#817: Be Inspired by Amazing True Stories, Part 6 – The Imitation Game

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes

GET EMMANUEL’S NEW eBOOK,
MOVIE MESSAGES of HOPE for THE HOLIDAYS:
15 Films for Overcoming Depression & Difficult Times
Only $2.99 exclusively at: www.motivatorman.com

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Inspiration, Insights & Epiphanies 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016