Business Bermuda kicked off its 2012 Personal Empowerment Seminar Series last week with a seminar focusing on the importance of lifelong learning.Twenty-six people attended the seminar entitled, “Think education ends with a degree: The value of lifelong learning,” presented by Dr Janet Ferguson, executive director of the Seniors’ Learning Centre at Bermuda College.In the course, Dr Ferguson explained the value of traditional educational experiences juxtaposed with the skills learned through life experience.“We need to be able to read the environment that we are in and respond to it and effectively readjust,” she said.“Part of learning and development is learning how to live with and manage uncertainty. These are the skills that aren’t taught in University but are essential to being successful in today’s work environment.”“Today’s seminar was enlightening. It provided insight as to the challenges that we are all facing as well as steps to overcome these challenges, said attendee Amoti Nyabongo.“The presentation made a significant emotional impact as it encouraged people to think proactively about where they need to be in life instead of just being along for the ride.“Dr Ferguson reminded us that once we get over our fears we can figure out what we really want out of life.”Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda said that the group has planned an exciting year of informational presentations that they hope will appeal to many in the community.“Business Bermuda’s Local Awareness Committee has done an excellent job of following the very popular 2011 luncheon seminar series with a more impressive line up of topics and speakers for 2012,” she said.“From professors to business executives, 2012’s seminars promise to be exciting and informative and, as always, complementary for anyone who chooses to attend.”In recognition of Black History Month, Dr Clarence Maxwell will present Part II of his seminar on The Contradictory Lives of Enslaved Black Capitalists of the 1600-1700s, which explores the dual lives many entrepreneurial slaves led.The presentation will be held on February 16.As spaces tend to fill quickly, Business Bermuda strongly encourages anyone interested to register ahead of time.For more information or to register, visit www.businessbermuda.org/seminars, e-mail Carmen[AT]businessbermuda.org, or call Business Bermuda’s office at 292-0632.