Before I introduce you to the heroine of our adventure, Dear Reader, please allow me to explain that there is nothing normal, usual or conventional about this story at all. Fables and business do not customarily mix, goldfishes rarely swim in Arctic waters, Goshio is not a typical female name, few entrepreneurial essays talk of Picasso, realism, impressionism and cubism, and in the usual run of things, translators are expected to follow the original, not vice versa.

You will read about the Picture Gallery of Entrepreneurial Realities in the Middleword (yet another fantastical phenomenon), but for now, suffice it to say that this tale is not only a mosaic of entrepreneurial viewpoints, but also of cultural ones.

It so happened that a chance decision to translate the story into other languages radiated like ripples across the Seven Seas. We discovered that each time the story was reborn in a new language, this new "reincarnation" improved not only that particular translation, but also the original and every other version as well. Imagine Homer and Shakespeare, Byron and Dante, Omar Khayyam and Alexander Pushkin giving each other creative tips and advice at one Round Table. This is precisely what happened with Goshio's odyssey – it evolved into an inspiring, "never-ending story."

In every language, in addition to the central business theme, we have also used one main artistic motif like The Little Prince in French, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in English, The Odyssey in Greek and so on. Yet in addition to the main motif, we have also adorned each of the versions with other allusions from that same culture and then sprinkled it with global sparkles for an extra flair (with a flare).

Interweaving German with Japanese, English with Arabic, Spanish with Chinese and so on created a beautiful mosaic, every language adding a jewel or a treasure trove to the lot. Some suggestions considerably help the reader's comprehension and clarity; other insights create new metaphors, cultural allusions, imaginative illusions, and so on. The Little Prince, The Prophet, the Ancient Mariner and Odysseus first banded together in a literary, philosophical, entrepreneurial adventure – brought together by our dearest Goshio – and forged new imaginative realities. We called it "cross-cultural pollination," a term which might – who knows?! – live on and find its place in the world.

The captain of my translation team tells me this is a precedent and novelty in the world of literary translation. So be it – all voyages of exploration start with daring thoughts and daring deeds. But this, Dearest Reader, brings us back to our heroine: will she remain forever a captive of the tenth wave (fearful ignorance), or become a true mistress of her seas? Believe it or not, to a degree that depends on you…



If you are one of those "strange" people who care to change their lot, fate and fortune through first changing their worldview, perhaps this story is for you. In fact, this book is for anyone, eight years old or eighty, man or lady, poor or rich, providing you wish to enrich your own worldview – and shift it, perhaps, a bit or a lot, if you wish.

But what of our heroine? If you succeed, she may also prevail against all odds, and if she succeeds, this just might help you as well. She is, after all, a very magical heroine, as you shall soon see.

Without further ado, please turn the page, Dear Reader, and leaving oysters for a fancy supper – may the world be your goldfish…