Godfrey Masauli's life journey began in a quaint village nestled just beyond the vibrant metropolis of Blantyre, Malawi. The formative years of his life were significantly shaped by his uncle, a trailblazing figure in Malawi's aviation history, who was one of the first black individuals to operate aircraft in the country. From a young age, Godfrey was deeply inspired by his uncle's accomplishments and harbored a strong desire to emulate his uncle's achievements by becoming a skilled pilot himself. However, the economic tumult of the 1990s, which resulted in a severe inflation of Malawi's currency, ultimately led to the demise of his uncle's aviation business. The devastating consequences of this event left Godfrey without direction and, unfortunately, his dreams of becoming a pilot were forced to take a backseat.
After completing his formal education, Godfrey embarked on a journey that would take him down a path of uncertainty, as he ventured into the world of construction while simultaneously supplementing his income by engaging in the entrepreneurial spirit of selling charcoal on the side.
It was during this period of exploration and self-discovery that Godfrey's life intersected with that of Canadian filmmaker Benjamin Jordan, who was in the midst of producing a documentary that would have a profound impact on the trajectory of Godfrey's life.
Under Jordan's guidance, Godfrey delved into the art of paragliding, an experience that would not only rekindle his long-held passion for flying but also equip him with a valuable new set of skills that would shape his future endeavors.
Godfrey, Malawi's sole paraglider pilot, has successfully harnessed his acquired expertise to forge an unconventional career trajectory. By leveraging his unique skillset, he has been able to craft a one-of-a-kind profession that has taken him from school to school, where he delivers impassioned motivational talks to students.
These thought-provoking presentations serve as a catalyst for inspiration, urging young minds to pursue their aspirations and never surrender in the face of challenges. Godfrey's ultimate aspiration is to establish a permanent institution that will serve as the cornerstone for his inspirational curriculum and host Malawi's inaugural motivational and paragliding school, aptly named The School of Dreams.
This ambitious project has garnered significant attention, with a documentary featuring Godfrey's endeavors currently in production.
Godfrey's ascension to the status of a celebrated icon in Malawi is a truly extraordinary phenomenon, as his impassioned orations have successfully resonated with a diverse array of individuals from all walks of life, transcending age boundaries and demographics. This remarkable individual's trajectory has culminated in a prestigious invitation to deliver a 15-minute TED Talk at the outset of June 2013, a testament to his remarkable odyssey and the profound, lasting influence he is exerting upon the lives of those surrounding him.
