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Tau Bada: The Quest and Memoir of a Vulnerable Man
Tau Bada: The Quest of a Vulnerable Man is a true-action memoir (with more than 100 photographs) about new love, jungle confrontations, cross-cultural relationships, and, throughout, a personal journey to establish lasting values. It takes place in the moneyed Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe, along little-traveled Western roads on a motorcycle, and mostly on the other side of the world. The author and his wife set out to develop a sustainable livelihood for themselves and hundreds of coffee and chilies farmers in remote Papua New Guinea. Dangerous, laughable and profound experiences follow – and revelations that connect us all.
John E. Quinlan founded Growth Strategies Global L.L.C. (GSG), headquartered in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1986. As managing director, he has designed the firm to operate from a unique philosophy that balances his broad range of experiences in upper management with tested management consulting practices, underpinned by behavioral science knowledge.
Mr. Quinlan has provided integrated financial, operational and change management services to U.S. and international companies. He was a founding CEO of a publicly traded financial services company. The successes and failures he experienced during that period played a major role in creating the foundation and operating philosophy of GSG. He has been an advisor to for-profit, non-profit and municipal organizations and has extensive experience in executive coaching.
He holds a BA in Economics from Albion College in Michigan and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from the American University, Washington, D.C.
John E. Quinlan founded Growth Strategies Global L.L.C. (GSG), headquartered in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 1986. As managing director, he has designed the firm to operate from a unique philosophy that balances his broad range of experiences in upper management with tested management consulting practices, underpinned by behavioral science knowledge.
Mr. Quinlan has provided integrated financial, operational and change management services to U.S. and international companies. He was a founding CEO of a publicly traded financial services company. The successes and failures he experienced during that period played a major role in creating the foundation and operating philosophy of GSG. He has been an advisor to for-profit, non-profit and municipal organizations and has extensive experience in executive coaching.
He holds a BA in Economics from Albion College in Michigan and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from the American University, Washington, D.C.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2017
156 people want to read
About the author
John E. Quinlan
3 books12 followersJohn E. Quinlan has been a corporate CEO in Detroit and a rainforest entrepreneur in Papa New Guinea. His journey led him to consulting and coaching executives on the power of vulnerability.
John’s first book, Tau Bada, is a memoir of experiences and an accounting of all he learned along the way that can help other executives with self-discovery, growth and the drive to achieve business and personal relationship goals.
John’s TEDxWilmington talk, “Journey Into Vulnerability – Lessons From A Rainforest CEO” gives viewers a sense of his experiences and a glimpse of the adventure that led to his revelations.
“What I realized, after the various turning points, revelations, the hard-won victories and the huge losses, is acceptance and the quest to keep moving ahead.” John E. Quinlan
John lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with his wife Fiona.
John’s first book, Tau Bada, is a memoir of experiences and an accounting of all he learned along the way that can help other executives with self-discovery, growth and the drive to achieve business and personal relationship goals.
John’s TEDxWilmington talk, “Journey Into Vulnerability – Lessons From A Rainforest CEO” gives viewers a sense of his experiences and a glimpse of the adventure that led to his revelations.
“What I realized, after the various turning points, revelations, the hard-won victories and the huge losses, is acceptance and the quest to keep moving ahead.” John E. Quinlan
John lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with his wife Fiona.
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February 8, 2017
John E. Quinlan's memoir, Tau Bada: The Quest and Memoir Of A Vulnerable Man is set in Papua New Guinea, located just south of the equator, 160 km north of Australia. It is here where we find over six hundred islands and more than eight hundred indigenous languages. It is also home to the largest area of intact rain forest outside of the Amazon. Politically, it consists of four regions that are made up of twenty-two provinces and the National Capital District and each of which has its own special character and cultures.
The introduction to the memoir John informs his readers that he wishes to seek refuge from public and personal humiliation after his dismissal from a publicly traded company in 1985. Prior to being cast aside, John had been a successful management consultant and an executive coach who enjoyed all of the materialistic perks that goes along with the job, but also included a hedonistic life style as well as the self-deception and self-absorption that ran high.
After a failed second marriage, riding on his Harley Davidson, John embarks on a cross-country motorcycle trip in August 1999 from his home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. During his trip he meets Fiona Delaney, who is from Papua New Guinea and who becomes his third wife.
At the time, John never heard of Papua New Guinea and as he becomes more acquainted with Fiona he learns that she has three daughters and is on the way out of a bad marriage. She was living in New York City and when he invited her to go on a motorcycle ride, her response was immediate, but only if it was a Harley. As he recounts, this small exchange marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, probably one he would never have dreamed about. Meeting Fiona was a game changer and one that would lead to a new path where he would view himself differently within this world.
Smitten with love for Fiona, John decides to join her in Cairns, Australia and celebrate Christmas with her daughters in New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is here where he is named by the locals, Tau Bada (Big White Man).
Eventually, the couple try their luck with their first business venture, a lobster and fishing company, which unfortunately ended in a bad fiasco. In February of 2007 they marry and make Tabuane their home base. They were the first white people to ever be married in the village and it should be noted that it was not too long ago that this would never have taken place. In fact, they may have be eaten alive as this neck of the woods was known for its cannibalism.
Their second business venture focused on building Java Mama, which means good coffee, a locally based certified organic coffee enterprise. They were also involved in building a chilies business. The altruistic goal was to help the residents of Papua New Guinea enjoy the fruits of their labor that had been denied them for many years.
Living in Tabuane, John was becoming a member of the community and was being assimilated, though still an outsider and was viewed as the outside boss. And even though at times they were warmly welcomed by farmers and villagers as they crossed the rivers, valleys and mountains of Papua, mounting financial problems, isolationism, corruption, thefts committed by managers stealing payroll funds, cyclones, violence, road wash outs, tribal intrusions, killings in Tabuane, and the threats to their lives all took their toll. In addition, they had also to contend with village sorcerers who demanded that their advice, warnings, threats and poisonings be heeded. This certainly was a recipe for disaster and disappointment, even though John tried putting into practice all of his business skills to help resolve personal, social and cultural upheavals.
Rich in geographical detail, anxiety, longing, and sometimes confusion, Quinlan's memoir is a testament to his tenacity and courage in his choice and belief that there was a sense of destiny to his efforts that led to life-altering decisions. By putting his experiences and reinvention of himself into a colorful narrative Quinlan has given a meaning to the life he lived prior to taking up residence in Papua New Guinea as well as during the time he was there. And I guess one of the lessons to take home here is that deciding to make a major life change does not mean that your world will fall apart, no matter that the outcome may not be as planned.
Follow Here goo.gl/QEVYRt To Read Norm's Interview With John E. Quinlan
The introduction to the memoir John informs his readers that he wishes to seek refuge from public and personal humiliation after his dismissal from a publicly traded company in 1985. Prior to being cast aside, John had been a successful management consultant and an executive coach who enjoyed all of the materialistic perks that goes along with the job, but also included a hedonistic life style as well as the self-deception and self-absorption that ran high.
After a failed second marriage, riding on his Harley Davidson, John embarks on a cross-country motorcycle trip in August 1999 from his home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. During his trip he meets Fiona Delaney, who is from Papua New Guinea and who becomes his third wife.
At the time, John never heard of Papua New Guinea and as he becomes more acquainted with Fiona he learns that she has three daughters and is on the way out of a bad marriage. She was living in New York City and when he invited her to go on a motorcycle ride, her response was immediate, but only if it was a Harley. As he recounts, this small exchange marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, probably one he would never have dreamed about. Meeting Fiona was a game changer and one that would lead to a new path where he would view himself differently within this world.
Smitten with love for Fiona, John decides to join her in Cairns, Australia and celebrate Christmas with her daughters in New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is here where he is named by the locals, Tau Bada (Big White Man).
Eventually, the couple try their luck with their first business venture, a lobster and fishing company, which unfortunately ended in a bad fiasco. In February of 2007 they marry and make Tabuane their home base. They were the first white people to ever be married in the village and it should be noted that it was not too long ago that this would never have taken place. In fact, they may have be eaten alive as this neck of the woods was known for its cannibalism.
Their second business venture focused on building Java Mama, which means good coffee, a locally based certified organic coffee enterprise. They were also involved in building a chilies business. The altruistic goal was to help the residents of Papua New Guinea enjoy the fruits of their labor that had been denied them for many years.
Living in Tabuane, John was becoming a member of the community and was being assimilated, though still an outsider and was viewed as the outside boss. And even though at times they were warmly welcomed by farmers and villagers as they crossed the rivers, valleys and mountains of Papua, mounting financial problems, isolationism, corruption, thefts committed by managers stealing payroll funds, cyclones, violence, road wash outs, tribal intrusions, killings in Tabuane, and the threats to their lives all took their toll. In addition, they had also to contend with village sorcerers who demanded that their advice, warnings, threats and poisonings be heeded. This certainly was a recipe for disaster and disappointment, even though John tried putting into practice all of his business skills to help resolve personal, social and cultural upheavals.
Rich in geographical detail, anxiety, longing, and sometimes confusion, Quinlan's memoir is a testament to his tenacity and courage in his choice and belief that there was a sense of destiny to his efforts that led to life-altering decisions. By putting his experiences and reinvention of himself into a colorful narrative Quinlan has given a meaning to the life he lived prior to taking up residence in Papua New Guinea as well as during the time he was there. And I guess one of the lessons to take home here is that deciding to make a major life change does not mean that your world will fall apart, no matter that the outcome may not be as planned.
Follow Here goo.gl/QEVYRt To Read Norm's Interview With John E. Quinlan
March 25, 2017
An amazing adventure brought to life through interactive links.
This is an amazing story, told not only traditionally through the written word, but also ingeniously a visual and acoustic treat via its links to the internet.
It is a fantastic journey John E Quinlan, the author of this book embarks upon, and he takes his reader right alongside him. In his own unique style he opens up his life for all to see, not only his successes and failures, business wise, but also his personal life.
The story begins at the breakup of his marriage and his decision to take to the road on his motorbike. Where this adventure was to take him, he didn’t know himself. However, it was the meeting of a woman called Fiona which was to change his course in life and eventually lead to him visiting her in Australia, and it is this visit to see Fiona and her three girls which was the catalyst.
Their blossoming love opened a new chapter in their lives and then from cobalt blue coral, flying fishes and black volcanic sands of New Ireland emerged a new business venture, South Pacific fishing. Following John on is new business venture gives us a real insight into the nitty gritty of a life aboard ship, and realities of actually running a business are laid bare for all to read.
Undaunted though, the intrepid couple decide to do something about ‘the plight of thousands of angry coffee farmers who were burning their crop rather than continuing to deal with unscrupulous coffee buyers.’ First Fiona, then John, travel to Tabuane in Papua New Guinea, and this is when the reader is really in for a treat as they can in the ebook not only enjoy wonderful colour photographs of this incredible place, but also through the interactive links watch a series of videos, which vividly bring to life the people, places, terrain and customs of this amazing part of the world, for those of us who will never be able to visit it ourselves.
Overcome by the friendliness of the people Fiona and John not only decide to marry there, but they also help them build up a business which will help the people. They set up the export and marketing and John offers advice, sharing first-hand his experience, teaching students about business, agents and farmers.
Throughout the book and with the videos the reader gets a real feel for the passion behind this man, and his kindred spirit, Fiona, and their exciting adventure.
March 8, 2017
Produced on semi-gloss pages, if you are looking for a book that lifts your spirits this is likely not for you. On the other hand, if you are wanting to read a true account of a man's life, failures included, then you may well enjoy this. Having lost his job security along with another marriage, the beginning of this book is not an easy read. Although the temptation to stay down was very strong, John decided that he needed a "cultural and social enema in order to renew" himself thus taking a motorcycle trip in August of 1999. That trip led him to say "goodbye" to Rita and "Hello" to Fiona who was from Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Fiona and John first take on a fishing business venture which turns out to be a big bust. Betrayal by friends hit Fiona hard but it was not the end. Next was the coffee business. John would often find himself back in the USA doing his best to earn money to support Fiona and her three girls plus fight lawsuits etc. Admitting to be self-centered, this book is definitely not an easy read, at times getting a little monotonous as the author delves into his feelings, thoughts etc. He quotes from many different sources: Bible, Buddha, mysticism, singers, authors etc. It is very obvious that he is an extremely learned and well read man.
What this book does give you is an incredible insight in to what goes on In PNG - culture, corruption, danger and more. Being honest business people, John and Fiona expect the same from their employees as they do their best to run Java Mama and Chilies Mama, traveling many difficult miles to various tribal villages, providing opportunities for the local farmers to harvest a cash crop like has never happened before. What happens when John is the first white man ever to enter the village of Kiara? What gift is he given? Vengeance is prevalent among the clans thus frequent "wars" between them? What is the betel nut and the consequences of chewing it? John likens tribal loyalty along with the corruption to being no different that what is found in the western world. (We just wear a few more clothes!) Even getting married in one of the villages brings them no favors in the long run.
With at least one colored photo at the beginning of each chapter, the reader gets a glimpse into some of what John describes in his writings. He's a man who likes his alcohol and is quite detailed about what he drinks and where. I am glad I persevered through the first chapters as the middle and ending are definitely more interesting although it is not a book I would read again. Writing wise the quality is SUPERB! I did not find one editing error which is very unusual hence 4 stars and not 3. My hat goes off to Fiona and him for all the hard work they put in along with the risks they took both financially and personally, trying to ensure that their business succeeded. They most certainly have not lived a boring, what some would call "normal", life. How does it all end? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or will betrayal and corruption continue to follow them? A very open and inward looking book, I was provided this book by the publisher. My review has not been influenced by that fact. What is written above are my true thoughts and opinion. Thanks, Liz
Fiona and John first take on a fishing business venture which turns out to be a big bust. Betrayal by friends hit Fiona hard but it was not the end. Next was the coffee business. John would often find himself back in the USA doing his best to earn money to support Fiona and her three girls plus fight lawsuits etc. Admitting to be self-centered, this book is definitely not an easy read, at times getting a little monotonous as the author delves into his feelings, thoughts etc. He quotes from many different sources: Bible, Buddha, mysticism, singers, authors etc. It is very obvious that he is an extremely learned and well read man.
What this book does give you is an incredible insight in to what goes on In PNG - culture, corruption, danger and more. Being honest business people, John and Fiona expect the same from their employees as they do their best to run Java Mama and Chilies Mama, traveling many difficult miles to various tribal villages, providing opportunities for the local farmers to harvest a cash crop like has never happened before. What happens when John is the first white man ever to enter the village of Kiara? What gift is he given? Vengeance is prevalent among the clans thus frequent "wars" between them? What is the betel nut and the consequences of chewing it? John likens tribal loyalty along with the corruption to being no different that what is found in the western world. (We just wear a few more clothes!) Even getting married in one of the villages brings them no favors in the long run.
With at least one colored photo at the beginning of each chapter, the reader gets a glimpse into some of what John describes in his writings. He's a man who likes his alcohol and is quite detailed about what he drinks and where. I am glad I persevered through the first chapters as the middle and ending are definitely more interesting although it is not a book I would read again. Writing wise the quality is SUPERB! I did not find one editing error which is very unusual hence 4 stars and not 3. My hat goes off to Fiona and him for all the hard work they put in along with the risks they took both financially and personally, trying to ensure that their business succeeded. They most certainly have not lived a boring, what some would call "normal", life. How does it all end? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or will betrayal and corruption continue to follow them? A very open and inward looking book, I was provided this book by the publisher. My review has not been influenced by that fact. What is written above are my true thoughts and opinion. Thanks, Liz
May 4, 2017
This is the true story of a disillusioned American CEO on a personal quest to find a more fulfilling life. Taking off across country on his motorcycle, he finds love, and ends up in Papua New Guinea where the natives have never seen a "tau bada" or "big white man." His new purpose there includes helping the community build a thriving coffee business, but Eden evolves when his life and that of his wife are threatened. An incredible personal adventure that few can even imagine, let alone try. There are inspiring examples of courage, inner strength, and deep faith in mankind here. Tau Bada The Quest and Memoir of a Vulnerable Man
April 4, 2018
Tau Bada was an inspirational story about self-discovery and stopping at nothing to find yourself and explore life and where you fit in - while finding love and adventure along the way. Sometimes we don't know where the road will lead us.
I once read a quote along the lines of, "Be grateful for all the things you didn't get that you thought you wanted." This book proves that true. While the adventure John went one didn't necessarily begin as one of his own choosing, the journey took him exactly where he needed to be.
If you like self-improvement, adventure and romance with a bit of high-powered corporate CEO meets the wild jungle - then this book is for you.
I once read a quote along the lines of, "Be grateful for all the things you didn't get that you thought you wanted." This book proves that true. While the adventure John went one didn't necessarily begin as one of his own choosing, the journey took him exactly where he needed to be.
If you like self-improvement, adventure and romance with a bit of high-powered corporate CEO meets the wild jungle - then this book is for you.
February 28, 2017
A True Tale of Vengeance, Vulnerability, Adventure and Business Sense
Tau Bada, The Quest and Memoir of a Vulnerable Man is a book that surprises the reader with its depth and feeling while working through the mind of a successful businessman.
When John E. Quinlan’s life falls apart, he sets off on his motorcycle to find himself. Once a chairman and CEO of “a very successful but ultimately failed corporation,” Quinlan sees his friends disappear upon the demise of his company. Soon after, his marriage dissolves, separating him from his young stepdaughter. The book is a memoir, written by Quinlan from journals he kept during his journey, which shows the man stripped of his once egotistical and self-absorbed sense of self. What’s left is a broken human being, open and searching for healing and wanting to make sense of what he thought was a great life: living at the top of his game in affluent Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
“The ‘Tau Bada’ tale I’m about to share is not simply an achievement or an outcome, or a recipe for the attainment of goals and self-improvement, or even a romantic happy ending. It is about the quiet transitions to real courage and the soul milieu that connects and binds us as mutual occupants of a shared planet.” Those are Quinlan’s opening words in the book, and the book delivers on its promises as Quinlan’s courage, stamina, and trust are tested repeatedly throughout the next span of his life.
On his motorcycle journey, he meets Fiona Tanner, a beautiful woman who equivocates the “love at first sight” feeling he gets upon meeting her. She’s a native of Papua New Guinea and her visa is expired, so Quinlan sets about figuring out how to help her make a living for herself, her three daughters, and ultimately himself as well, in a foreign country. This eventually takes them into the tribal areas of Papua New Guinea where Quinlan is given the title “Tau Bada” which means “big white man” in the native tongue. They start a coffee business, and tribal customs and native superstitions lead to vengeance, betrayal, and ultimately an attempt on their lives. Tanner becomes known as “The Woman Who Would Not Be Shot” – a title that was hard won.
Tau Bada is an honest memoir, a tale of adventure, a look from a business perspective, and ultimately, a love story. In the Foreword, Detroit Free Press editor Alex Cruden compares it to Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, in that it doesn’t fit easily into any one category. He says it “aims at the human core.” “The Papua New Guinea home of John and Fiona, secluded in a mountain rainforest, becomes a center of both profound joy and constant anxiety. Death is more than a possibility.”
This book is a fascinating and deep read, which takes the reader on a journey of their own self-reflection, and asks the questions “What is it like to really be vulnerable, and what do we do about vengeance?”
Tau Bada, The Quest and Memoir of a Vulnerable Man is a book that surprises the reader with its depth and feeling while working through the mind of a successful businessman.
When John E. Quinlan’s life falls apart, he sets off on his motorcycle to find himself. Once a chairman and CEO of “a very successful but ultimately failed corporation,” Quinlan sees his friends disappear upon the demise of his company. Soon after, his marriage dissolves, separating him from his young stepdaughter. The book is a memoir, written by Quinlan from journals he kept during his journey, which shows the man stripped of his once egotistical and self-absorbed sense of self. What’s left is a broken human being, open and searching for healing and wanting to make sense of what he thought was a great life: living at the top of his game in affluent Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
“The ‘Tau Bada’ tale I’m about to share is not simply an achievement or an outcome, or a recipe for the attainment of goals and self-improvement, or even a romantic happy ending. It is about the quiet transitions to real courage and the soul milieu that connects and binds us as mutual occupants of a shared planet.” Those are Quinlan’s opening words in the book, and the book delivers on its promises as Quinlan’s courage, stamina, and trust are tested repeatedly throughout the next span of his life.
On his motorcycle journey, he meets Fiona Tanner, a beautiful woman who equivocates the “love at first sight” feeling he gets upon meeting her. She’s a native of Papua New Guinea and her visa is expired, so Quinlan sets about figuring out how to help her make a living for herself, her three daughters, and ultimately himself as well, in a foreign country. This eventually takes them into the tribal areas of Papua New Guinea where Quinlan is given the title “Tau Bada” which means “big white man” in the native tongue. They start a coffee business, and tribal customs and native superstitions lead to vengeance, betrayal, and ultimately an attempt on their lives. Tanner becomes known as “The Woman Who Would Not Be Shot” – a title that was hard won.
Tau Bada is an honest memoir, a tale of adventure, a look from a business perspective, and ultimately, a love story. In the Foreword, Detroit Free Press editor Alex Cruden compares it to Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, in that it doesn’t fit easily into any one category. He says it “aims at the human core.” “The Papua New Guinea home of John and Fiona, secluded in a mountain rainforest, becomes a center of both profound joy and constant anxiety. Death is more than a possibility.”
This book is a fascinating and deep read, which takes the reader on a journey of their own self-reflection, and asks the questions “What is it like to really be vulnerable, and what do we do about vengeance?”
January 12, 2018
The lessons in this memoir of a brave couple are ones that apply to life, leadership and business alike. John and Fiona’s journey is inspiring and the vulnerability theme throughout is one that is often left out of conversations on leadership, but an important theme to consider.
September 5, 2017
3 1/2 stars
December 12, 2016
‘The quiet transitions to real courage and the soul milieu that connects and binds us as mutual occupants of a shared planet.’
Michigan born author John E Quinlan makes his literary debut with a book so fascinating on every level that he calls up the spirit of adventure in all of us while at the same time carrying the standard for being genuine and trusting of ourselves and authentic with others. John is an organization development specialist, having founded and served as CEO of a publicly traded company, a management consultant and a leadership coach. Having graduated in economics from Albion College in Michigan he also earned a Master of Science in organizational development from the American University in Washington, DC.
In the skillfully written Introduction John shares that in 1985 his publicly created trading company failed and it is the seeking of refuge to lick his wounds and avoid public humiliation that started his journey toward self-discovery. He motorcycled from Michigan to the Pacific Coast and beyond to Australia and Papua New Guinea. ‘I ended up in an all-consuming and near fatal struggle at the other end of the world – and learned that the struggle was all the while, within myself.’ ‘The human collage, set against the backdrop of such profound natural beauty, challenged my cultural and social attention-deficit disorder. It permitted me to move into self-reflection and create meaning.’
And with that eloquent overture we are invited to join John on his journey to and through Australia and Papua New Guinea’s Oro Province. He meets (in Colorado) and marries Fiona Delaney from Papua New Guinea and from there a journey through Fiona’s home opens more windows on fascinating experiences at the heart of every true adventure than is imaginable.
In synopsis, ‘Over a period of seven years, John Quinlan and his wife, Fiona, traversed the rivers, valleys and mountains of Papua New Guinea, visiting innumerable villages on a remote plateau located in the Oro Province. During this time, they generally were considered a familiar and welcome presence, greeted warmly by the region’s farmers and villagers as they concentrated on building Java Mama, a locally based certified organic coffee business. And all of this is accompanied by fine color photographs of a culture that is likely new to most of us.
The title of John’s book TAU BADA means ‘big white man’ and while that title refers to John as he explored and discovered the secrets of Papua, the true essence of the book is one of the global similarities in all men. We are all vulnerable, but as John states, ‘What was risky, and what was I fearful of? Was it the untraveled asphalt and concrete roads or the uncharted inward journey? There were no maps for the latter!’ Rich in humor as well as adventure, this memoir should find a very wide audience: everyone searching for meaning to this life will grow as they accompany John, a Tau Bada!
Michigan born author John E Quinlan makes his literary debut with a book so fascinating on every level that he calls up the spirit of adventure in all of us while at the same time carrying the standard for being genuine and trusting of ourselves and authentic with others. John is an organization development specialist, having founded and served as CEO of a publicly traded company, a management consultant and a leadership coach. Having graduated in economics from Albion College in Michigan he also earned a Master of Science in organizational development from the American University in Washington, DC.
In the skillfully written Introduction John shares that in 1985 his publicly created trading company failed and it is the seeking of refuge to lick his wounds and avoid public humiliation that started his journey toward self-discovery. He motorcycled from Michigan to the Pacific Coast and beyond to Australia and Papua New Guinea. ‘I ended up in an all-consuming and near fatal struggle at the other end of the world – and learned that the struggle was all the while, within myself.’ ‘The human collage, set against the backdrop of such profound natural beauty, challenged my cultural and social attention-deficit disorder. It permitted me to move into self-reflection and create meaning.’
And with that eloquent overture we are invited to join John on his journey to and through Australia and Papua New Guinea’s Oro Province. He meets (in Colorado) and marries Fiona Delaney from Papua New Guinea and from there a journey through Fiona’s home opens more windows on fascinating experiences at the heart of every true adventure than is imaginable.
In synopsis, ‘Over a period of seven years, John Quinlan and his wife, Fiona, traversed the rivers, valleys and mountains of Papua New Guinea, visiting innumerable villages on a remote plateau located in the Oro Province. During this time, they generally were considered a familiar and welcome presence, greeted warmly by the region’s farmers and villagers as they concentrated on building Java Mama, a locally based certified organic coffee business. And all of this is accompanied by fine color photographs of a culture that is likely new to most of us.
The title of John’s book TAU BADA means ‘big white man’ and while that title refers to John as he explored and discovered the secrets of Papua, the true essence of the book is one of the global similarities in all men. We are all vulnerable, but as John states, ‘What was risky, and what was I fearful of? Was it the untraveled asphalt and concrete roads or the uncharted inward journey? There were no maps for the latter!’ Rich in humor as well as adventure, this memoir should find a very wide audience: everyone searching for meaning to this life will grow as they accompany John, a Tau Bada!
February 10, 2017
Ever dreamed of doing something different, going to exotic places, stepping right out of your safety zone and taking the bull by the horns?
Do you wonder if people really do just change direction, start new businesses in different countries, juggle their lives, just like that? Is it possible?
Well, in this incredible biography the author takes the reader on his remarkable journey. After the end of his marriage he gets on his motorbike, leaves Grosse Point (a suburb of Detroit) and begins an adventure which takes him from the American West, through to Australia/Papua New Guinea.
An established CEO- entrepreneur, the author is not afraid of taking risks, and going with the flow. This bravery takes him on travels to amazing places, where he forges forward with the courage of a true entrepreneur.
On his odyssey, he finds new love and is never afraid to go with the moment, something I truly admire.
The book is beautifully descriptive and I especially loved his account of his life whilst he was running his South Pacific fishing business, which gave some fascinating insights into what life is really about living on-board ship. His first impressions and dealings with the South Pacific island natives and his business dealings with them are interesting, and the great thing is, that whatever the outcome he brushes himself off and starts again.
Juggling life between his business interests in Grosse Point and other part of the world is difficult at times, emotionally and financially draining, however, he copes with everything and is an inspiration to those of us who would love (or imagine they would love) to walk in his shoes.
He was known as Tau Bada, ‘big white man’ by the native farmers of Papua New Guinea where he worked hard to build them a sustainable living through the selling of coffee and chilies.
Travel lovers will thoroughly enjoy his accounts of his visits to different places, and wish they were a fly on the wall watching him meet people from many nations. It is an exciting way to really learn what it is like to live amongst various peoples and learn their customs.
This book is truly an awe-inspiring quest of discovery for one man, re-evaluating his life, taking on challenges, dealing with the consequences and all the time living life to the full. Whatever your dreams and ambitions, I would highly recommend this book, it is inspirational, informative and very thought provoking.
Do you wonder if people really do just change direction, start new businesses in different countries, juggle their lives, just like that? Is it possible?
Well, in this incredible biography the author takes the reader on his remarkable journey. After the end of his marriage he gets on his motorbike, leaves Grosse Point (a suburb of Detroit) and begins an adventure which takes him from the American West, through to Australia/Papua New Guinea.
An established CEO- entrepreneur, the author is not afraid of taking risks, and going with the flow. This bravery takes him on travels to amazing places, where he forges forward with the courage of a true entrepreneur.
On his odyssey, he finds new love and is never afraid to go with the moment, something I truly admire.
The book is beautifully descriptive and I especially loved his account of his life whilst he was running his South Pacific fishing business, which gave some fascinating insights into what life is really about living on-board ship. His first impressions and dealings with the South Pacific island natives and his business dealings with them are interesting, and the great thing is, that whatever the outcome he brushes himself off and starts again.
Juggling life between his business interests in Grosse Point and other part of the world is difficult at times, emotionally and financially draining, however, he copes with everything and is an inspiration to those of us who would love (or imagine they would love) to walk in his shoes.
He was known as Tau Bada, ‘big white man’ by the native farmers of Papua New Guinea where he worked hard to build them a sustainable living through the selling of coffee and chilies.
Travel lovers will thoroughly enjoy his accounts of his visits to different places, and wish they were a fly on the wall watching him meet people from many nations. It is an exciting way to really learn what it is like to live amongst various peoples and learn their customs.
This book is truly an awe-inspiring quest of discovery for one man, re-evaluating his life, taking on challenges, dealing with the consequences and all the time living life to the full. Whatever your dreams and ambitions, I would highly recommend this book, it is inspirational, informative and very thought provoking.
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