Founders’ Fiesta With Nigel Fernandes- A Visionary Leader in Spiritual Publishing
by Anoop Sequeira
Founder’s Fiesta, an initiative by Kanara Entrepreneurs (Bangalore Chapter), provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to glean and share insights and experiences, and forge meaningful connections on their entrepreneurial odyssey. At the 7th edition of Founder’s Fiesta, attendees were treated to yet another captivating narrative of entrepreneurial resilience and success. Nigel Fernandes, the CEO of ATC Publishers took center stage to impart his invaluable wisdom garnered from years of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
Nigel’s journey resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted the trials, triumphs, and transformative moments that shaped his entrepreneurial trajectory. His story served as a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering passion in overcoming obstacles and achieving entrepreneurial excellence.
Nigel Fernandes, a luminary in the realm of spiritual literature, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of passion and profession. His journey is not just about running a successful publishing house but about fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share a deep reverence for spiritual exploration.
Born with an innate love for spiritual matters, Nigel’s affinity for reading, exploration, and appreciation of beauty set the stage for his lifelong pursuit. His professional voyage began at ATC Publishers, a venerable Catholic Publishing Organization based in Bangalore. Over the past 30 years, Nigel’s stewardship as CEO transformed ATC Publishers into a beacon of excellence, earning it the distinction of being one of the most esteemed Christian Publishers and Distributors in Asia.
Through candid anecdotes and insightful reflections, Nigel illuminated the path forward for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering practical advice and invaluable lessons learned from his own experiences. His profound insights into business strategy, leadership, and resilience left an indelible impression on all those in attendance, inspiring them to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys with renewed vigor and determination.
For Nigel, the convergence of passion and profession was not just a stroke of luck but a divine blessing. His avid consumption of spiritual literature inspired a noble thought – why not extend a helping hand to others who share his penchant? Thus, under his leadership, ATC Publishers embarked on a mission to cater to the spiritual needs of readers worldwide.
Beyond his role at ATC Publishers, Nigel’s influence extends across various spheres. As a member of the Board of Brilliant Printers Pvt Ltd and ATC Online LLP, he continues to shape the landscape of spiritual publishing. Moreover, his involvement in numerous esteemed organizations such as the Bangalore Archdiocesan Commission for Bible, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, and the Bible Society of India, underscores his commitment to advancing spiritual discourse on a broader scale.
However, Nigel’s most profound contributions lie in his pivotal role in the creation of two seminal Catholic Bible translations – the New Living Translation and the English Standard Version. Additionally, his involvement in the preparation of the Lectionary for the Indian Church stands as a testament to his dedication to making sacred texts more accessible and relevant to contemporary readers.
With palpable emotion, Nigel revealed that he had received a personal letter from none other than Pope Benedict XVI himself. In this poignant correspondence, Pope Benedict expressed his heartfelt desire to see his seminal work, “The Spirit of the Liturgy,” published in Asia in an affordable edition, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience across the continent.
For Nigel and his team, this letter was not just a validation of their efforts but a profound affirmation of their mission to promote spiritual enlightenment and intellectual discourse. To be entrusted with such a monumental task by one of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church was a humbling honor, one that they would cherish eternally.
Nigel Fernandes embodies servant leadership in spiritual publishing. His unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the industry and readers worldwide. As attendees left the Founder’s Fiesta, Nigel’s inspiring narrative illuminated the path to success, reminding us of the limitless possibilities for those who dare to pursue their dreams.