— in recognition of his strong leadership qualities
AT A time when motivation and leadership are at a premium the world over, one of our very own is doing Guyana proud in far off South Africa, where he is regarded as an international inspiration. Astell Collins has represented Guyana with exceptional integrity and character. The once practising Medical Technologist (Clinical Pathology Specialist) is now regarded by many as a leader, affecting change, giving hope, and transforming lives.
So, it is from obscurity to distinguished significance that Astell Collins sits as the CEO of Astelley’s Pen Empire, founder of Kingdom Ambassadors and now the president of his ‘Be the one (BD1)’ Leadership Development Initiative.
As an inspirational conference speaker, he takes people on a journey from self-discovery to self-mastery, helping them to identify and develop their unique talents, abilities & gifts (TAGs). This, he suggests, empowers people to maximize their potential as they are introduced to their true identities.
Using his “Be the one” (BD1) Leadership Development Initiative, he is disseminating the idea that you are the one responsible for the change you are seeking. Furthermore, the objective of this initiative is to help the participants to realize that they are all leaders, because he believes that leadership is a function rather than a position or a title, for it is a matter of self-discovery.
His passion is to encourage and inspire the youth attending his seminars, conferences and workshops to embrace the idea that there is a destiny that made them necessary.
He has accomplished this by helping them to transcend the self-limiting idea of their being an insignificant drop in the ocean to the liberating reality that they are in fact an ocean within a drop.
Additionally, Mr. Collins is a columnist for the Parable Magazine, a Christian lifestyle magazine that is currently distributed throughout South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, with over 30000 readers. He also blogs for LeadSA, which is one of South Africa’s leading advocates for social change.
Astell was featured on both private and national media platforms in South Africa. He has been interviewed on various radio stations and television channels, and has appeared on globally-broadcasted programmes as a news analyst sharing his views on international affairs. Collins, along with his poems, has also been featured in magazines and on websites.
He has worked with both the government and private sectors of the South Africa society, and he says that conversations with his father, Selwyn Collins, have significantly contributed to his revolutionary ideas, and helped sharpen his focus on solutions.
His extraordinary seminars on leadership development, and his dynamic self-discovery conferences have created a global demand for his services; and he has received invitations from across the continent of Africa to Pakistan, the UK, North America and the Caribbean, which he will honour in the near future.

Background
Astell Collins was born in humble circumstances and lived in Campbellville Housing Scheme in Georgetown, Demerara. He attributes his success to his mother, whom he loves, cherishes and respects. He said, “My dearly beloved mother, Barbara Waldron, is my greatest motivation. I only have to think of her and I get emotional, for it was her years of sacrifice that drives me to go further. Her perseverance, coupled with my late grandmother’s love, provided me with an environment that made me believe that anything was possible.”
Astell describes his twin brother, Allister, as an “amazing human being who embodies the best of our humanity.”
Another remarkable influence in his life was his uncle, Edward Collins, the former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. Astell said, “It was my uncle who really moulded my thinking; and to witness him with such power, such authority, and how he was respected had a great impact on the way I saw myself. And, besides, the conversations we had challenged me to become more than I thought possible, hence I say that moments with him navigated me towards my destiny.”
Astell’s mentor, Gavin Robertson, also played an important role in his life. His philosophy is influenced by the teachings of Dr. Myles Munroe, and he, along with Charlie Masala, is involved with the Myles Munroe International Office in South Africa. However, it is his pastor, Apostle Balgobind Ragnauth, who remains his spiritual father, as he is an ambassador of Lifespring Ministries.
Astell Collins has impacted thousands through his BD1 leadership seminars, his self-discovery conferences and his inspirational speaking engagements. So significant is his interest in South Africa that he has been awarded the Ikusasa Special Recognition Award (as non-citizen to recognize his achievement, special contributions and acts of bravery to promote role models for the South African society) in the first South Africa National Youth Awards. Another significant form of approval came in the form of his bottled water endorsement with Aqua Crystals Beverages SA. This will see his logo, which bears his image, appearing on bottled water.
Asked about his intentions for Guyana, he replied, “Guyana is my home, and I will be conducting my BD1 leadership seminars and self-discovery conferences upon my return later this year. I plan to spend some time in the Region, which will allow me to do a BD1 Caribbean Tour.”
Astell Collins says his wife, Marcia Blake-Collins, remains his greatest inspiration among his most significant achievements, many accolades and growing influence; and their son is his greatest reward. “I could not have survived without the love and support of my wife, so my life is lived in dedication to her honour.”