JCI London Magazine June 2014

Issue 6 June 2014

ON THE ROAD WITH JCITHE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

JCI London Issue 6 June 2014 2

CONTENTS

4 Leadership in Action with JCI Meet Soraya Bowen

8 On the Road with JCI The European Confernce

10 Light Bulbs, Cucumbers, and the Euro - The European Know-How Transfer Get a unique perspective of European politics

12 TEDxSquareMile 2014 Meet the Team

16 Dare to Dream We WON the full seed fund from the Prince’s Trust!

18 Event Highlights July See what we have planned

half way through the year

June in pictures


L E A D E R S H I P I N A C T I O N W I T H J C IMEET SORAYA BOWEN

Soraya is the 2014 deputy director of JCI London. We sat down to ask her about JCI and Leadership opportunites in JCI London.

Why and when did you get involved in JCI London?I joined JCI London in September 2010, at the time when the NHS was undergoing major or-ganisational restructuring at a national and local level. When my management team revealed re-dundancies would be happening the New Year. I decided in August 2010 that I would jump ship and see where life would take me. I knew it was essential to find a new networks and JCI seem to fit in with my values and interests.

What is your occupation?Public Health Promotion

What would you say is your biggest personal achievement yet?Work in progress but the highlight of my JCI ca-reer, winning JCI World Most Out-standing New Member in 2013.

Can you describe JCI in three words?Opportunity, fun and self-develop-ment

Please describe yourself in three words.Resilient, fun and challenging

Do you have a favourite inspirational quote, if so would you share it?Yes sure!“ Get fit like a athlete. Not just to look good and

become lead. But to live long. So you can in-spire, elevate and serve for many more years.” Robin Sharma

Do you have a funny/inspirational story that you want to share?Call me to meet for a coffee/drink and I’ll happi-ly share one or two stories.

What is most rewarding about being part of JCI and taking on a leadership position?The opportunity to lead on a project that you believe will create positive change in your lo-cal community. Sometimes you might think that idea is just too big and crazy to achieve. When you’re within a large global network like JCI an-ything is possible.

What motivates you to become a leader?Vince Lombardi quote sums my thoughts about leadership:

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”

I have learnt in JCI we don’t need to wait, until we have

reached aspired to that managerial level within your organisation or gained a certain qualifica-tion. We all have leadership potential, but you need to get involved to develop these skills; through taking on a leadership roles or getting involved in a project.


Sometimes you might think that idea is just too big and crazy to achieve. When you’re within a large global

network like JCI anything is possible.

What is the most valuable lesson that you learned during your time with JCI?To believe in myself and ability to be a ‘change agent’ does not mean waiting to get a job in the United Nations. It starts with you observing negative things happening in your local com-munity and committing to developing solutions to solving the problems.

Have you ever had doubts about the time commitment that you put into JCI and the projects?Plenty of times! Especially trying to juggle, work family and JCI projects. It’s about teamwork in JCI so no matter how BIG the project and the deadline just around the corner. We all work to-gether to make the IMPOSSIBLE –POSSIBLE. One of the most intense projects I have worked on this year was our ‘THINK POSSIBLE Gala’ Dinner. In less than 12 weeks we pulled off a gala for 260 people with Michael Rosenblum, Google Glass Explorer as a guest speaker.

What is the most valuable lesson that you learned during your time with JCI?To believe in myself and ability to be a ‘change agent’ does not mean waiting to get a job in the United Nations. It starts with you observing negative things happening in your local com-munity and committing to developing solutions to solving the problems.

Why is JCI worth your time?JCI provides young professionals with a choice of activities, many meetup groups and clubs like Toastmasters offer all under same brand. We all have different interests, JCI allows you to explore so many opportunities to create your own leadership journey that meets your self-de-velopments needs in a safe environment.

If you’re interested joining the team in 2015 get in touch with me to have a chat over cof-fee.

The ‘High Achievers’ team will be kicking off our training series for council elections in late Octo-ber/Early November.

Important dates for our training sessions:Thursday 4 SeptemberWednesday 17 SeptemberSaturday 11 October

Get in touch with Soraya: Email:[email protected] Mobile: 07957592398 - Twitter: @soya_b


ON THE ROAD WITH JCITHE EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

by Ricky Kothari

The huge excitement about the European conference struck me when our team won the debating competition at UK National Level in Leeds in November 2013 and I watched the presentation on Malta. I quickly signed up to the Early Bird ticket in December for JCI Malta European conference for June 2014. Following registration I put my-self forward to be part of the UK delegation entering the debating competition.

I wanted to go to the conference firstly because I enjoyed and got a lot out of Monaco last year and secondly I had never been to the country before so I took the opportunity to have a little holiday with the family as well. Malta had a great line up of keynote speeches, array of workshops and seminars to attend; the networking ability of meeting and making new friends was an opportunity not to be missed. The real value and power of JCI is the ‘like mindedness’ and ability to empower and make a difference in a short space of time. Seeing this first hand at JCI European level is very inspiring and really does sharpen the saw and re-invigorates the mind and body. Obviously the parties with food and drink always go down well with a 3-day confer-ence!


There wasn’t one particular element I enjoyed the most, as they were all very different, here is a little snapshot of the best bits:

• Meeting UK delegation and members from other UK chambers and catching up• Friendships started with Japanese JCI members• Opening ceremony was theatrical and entertaining with a great singer and band• Company visit was excellent to appreciate and learn about a business industry I am not currently

operating in • Conducted my own business development during the conference, sold T-stick concept to Hotels

in Malta (Intercontinental and Raddison Blu), beforehand I set-up meetings with the Food and beverage Directors of these venues

• Entertained by the General Assembly banter!• Closing ceremony outdoor awards and dinner was exquisite in the sun• Celebrating each other’s successes and achievements across the EU is a driver for change and

improvement

In short the money is worth it ONLY if you take the advantage of making use by benefiting from every minute through engagement and learning and by default you will anyway!

Next stop World conference in Leipzig, Germany.


Light Bulbs, Cucumbers and the Euro

The European Know-How TransferG e t a u n i q u e p e r s p e c t i v e o f E u r o p e a n p o l i t i c s

EUKHT in Brussels from 5. - 8. October 2014

The author: Philipp Kardinahl is from JCI Berlin and has participated in the programme at the European Parliament himself a couple of times. Get to know one of JCI’s unique programmes from someone who has lived through it.

I am guessing that not too long ago you were making your way to vote not exactly being sure what to vote for and for what you are voting exactly. Voting for a parliament who reg-ulates which light bulbs are allowed in your home, decides how crooked a cucumber can be and that supports failing countries. Some might even say we really don’t need this money eating Europe. However, being honest we don’t ex-actly know how the EU functions do we? Well, it definitely time to change that!

Every autumn european JCI members meet in Brussels for the JCI EU Know-How Transfer (EU-KHT) modeled and initiated by JCI Germany after the Know-How transfer in their parliament, which has been held successfully for the 20th time this year. The long lasting relationship that JCI Ger-many has created and brought to the European stage highlights the strong link between politics and economy and the vast interest in an exchange of experiences and knowledge. The programme partners you up with a member of the European Parliament that you can shadow for one week. It includes meetings and all other activities a member of the parliament is faced with. It is the unique opportunity to see politics as they are happening and understand the work these MPs are doing.

This year I have participated in the German Know-How transfer for the fifth time and I was in Brussels three times already. I can only rec-ommend you to be part of the European Know-How Transfer! As a regular citizen you never get the opportunity to get so close to politics on this close and personal level as things are happening. It is more than a short meeting with an MP or the visit of the Parliament.The pro-gramme really is unique. We visit the Europe-an Parliament and the European Commission (If you have ever been to Brussels you might know how hard it is to get into those institutions)



and of course every participant is shadowing their own member of parliament. Additionally to committee meeting and plenary ses-sions with your MP there is time for belgian waffles, fries, belgian beer and city tours brought to you by JCI Belgium. Besides looking at the Mannequin Pis, the Grand Place and the Atomium you are going to come to understand the European Union and the idea behind this union of countries as well as learn about the processes in european politics. Moreover, you are strengthening the network between JCI members and members of the European Parliament and make JCI know in the European Institutions.I can only recommend to everyone to experience the week in Brussels. It is one of the best and most unique opportunities that you have as a Jaycee.

Go sign up now!If you have any questions just contact me [email protected] Sara Rueckriemen [email protected], +4930 20308-1519 from JCI Europe

More information about the EUKHT and how to sign up - here is the offical website: www.jci.cc/eukht

Meet the 2014 TEDxSquareMile TeamTEDxSquareMile 2014 will be one of the big events for JCI London this year. It will be, as the last two events, something to look forward to. An event to be inspired and to learn. This year’s con-ference team is lead by JCI London member Akeem Ojuko. The theme of the confernce will be Conflicting Purpose - exploring the differing ideas of what people see as purposeful in life and what people view is important.

Here is the team that will make the event possible. We asked each of them three questions to get to know them. Here is what they told us.

Akeem Ojuko - Curator/ License Holder What does Akeem do?He works within each team to discuss major and final decisions before, during and after the event as well as ensuring all decisions are made on time and correctly.

First here is a little about Akeem as a leader:

What is your motto leading the team & What is your leadership style?To make something different - to be different. My leadership style is very democratic, we are strong-er together (the sum of all parts). I want all of the team to experience as much as possible so they too can become licence holders and run TEDx events in the future too. To do this it means trusting people a lot more to get on with the respective tasks, but of course making sure I have the final say over what I think is the best option if there is dispute.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx? I got involved with TEDx from always having a massive passion for TED since 2007 as well as run-ning a company previously where public speaking was the most important part of my day, I have always wanted to be involved in curating TEDx events.2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference? In short, the idea of being able to stage an event that can change or questions so many thoughts and experiences, as well as explore fantastic ideas from great speakers, made me really want to get involved in the organising of the conference.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? Creating Change. One of my favourite quotes is from Winston Churchill. “We are all worms, but I believe I am a glow-worm”. Believe YOU can be the difference, you can be the one to make the change.


Zehra Mir - Speaking Team Leader What does Zehra do?Her role is to grow a shortlist for the speakers and performers, develop a speak-er pack, communicate with them and help mould their talk before and during the day of the event.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx?I have always been passionate about TED and TEDx, I attended a Kick Start event at JCI London and at the event JCI showcased what projects they were involved in and one of them was TEDx. I jumped on board straight away as I wanted to be part of something so innovative and creative and being involved in TEDx event provides exactly that.

2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference? In summary, being able to use the TEDx platform, where thought provoking ideas are shared and showcased is a unique and unforgettable way resonated with me hence my desire to be part of something that is one of a kind. The opportunity of being part of TEDx legacy also motivated me to now that TEDx doesn’t just share new ideas but changes lives for both speakers and audience alike.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? There are many quotes and keeping in line with TEDx message I would say “Everyone Becomes a story, Be a Good Story” Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (AS) and the other one is “Aim to live in this world without allowing the world to live inside you, because when a boat sits on water it sails perfectly, but when water enters inside the boat, it sinks” Imam Ali (AS).What inspires me is knowing my purpose and living it each day.

Audrey Williart - Marketing/Sales Team What does Audrey do?She is the leader in managing the website and all social media, pub-licize the event, manages and drives ticket sales, collects feedback post event.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx? I volunteered last year for TEDxsquaremile during the day, and I en-joyed so much the experience that I wanted to get involved from the beginning to enjoy all the steps of the project. 2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference? I really share TEDx’s objective of spreading idea and to engage with your community. I love market-ing and communication so it is a great way of learning more for a great cause and to meet inspiring people.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? “Procrastination is the thief of time” Edward Young - always do what you have/want to do, explore,-discover now before it is too late


Godfrey Junior - Finance Team Leader What does Godfrey do?He develops the budget, liaises with the other teams to monitor spend-ing and develops updated plans and ideas on where to spend funds and raise funds.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx? I attended TedxSquareMile last year and I jumped at the opportunity to help the legend Roy Leighton on stage with his talk on the subject of Education. I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from the speakers at Tedx-SquareMile last year. This year I jumped ‘again’ at the opportunity to help out with TedxSqaureMile 2014.

2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference?This is the third ever TedxSqaureMile and I want it to be the biggest yet! I believe in challenging yourself to learn new things, for me that is putting together a watertight budget. Also, making a difference and giving something back to the City of London opening it up to the wider community of London, which is my hometown. Lastly, being part of something as amazing as TedxSqaureMile is priceless.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? Bruce Lee - “To Hell With Circumstances. I Create Opportunities”Make It Happen.

Juwon Layiwola - Sponsorship Team LeaderWhat does Juwon do?He develops a sponsorship pack and shortlist of sponsors, contacts and meets them, decides on the best sponsors to suit our TEDx brand. Liaises with sponosors that are chosen on the day, and posts event also.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx?I was one of the organisers of TEDxSquareMile 2013 and loved the experience so much that I wanted to take on greater responsibility and help make this year’s event bigger and better.2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference?TEDx allows different members of the community to come together and put together a conference with thought provoking speakers; I couldn’t think of a greater opportunity. I’m excited and moti-vated to create and establish the foundations of long lasting partnerships with our sponsors who share our TEDx vision.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it.... When you give some-one your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back... That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time - Rick Warren. This quote is how I live my life; I want to change the way we think about certain aspects of our world and change lives. As a result, I’m inspired by aspirational people who I would happily give up the greatest commodity of all.


Egle Valeikaite - Audience/Venue Team LeaderWhat does Egle do?She develops a venue shortlist, approaches venues, assesses oppor-tunities about the stage of the venue (design, props etc.). Looks into AV/Video options for the day, assesses the experience of the audience before the event, after the event, ensures, and all of the breaks inbe-tween.

1. How did you get involved with TEDx?I heard about the opportunity to get involved with TEDx through one of JCI’s events. I was already involved with another project, but decided to jump in as didn’t want to let TEDx pass me by!2. What is your motivation to be part of the team and organise the conference?I am a huge fan of TED talks. I know they gave me a lot of insight into thinking differently and chang-ing my views. I wanted to inspire the same feeling in others.3. Your favourite inspirational quote/ What inspires you? Don’t ever give up pursuing what’s gonna make you feel most alive!

JOIN THE TEAM & LEARN MORE on the website www.tedxsquaremile.com or like TEDxSquareMile on facebook www.facebook.com/TedxSquareMile

IMPRESSIONS FROM LAST YEAR


Dare to DreamWe W O N t h e f u l l s e e d f u n d f r o m

t h e P r i n c e ’s Tr u s t !By Ling Jin

Who are we? And what are we trying to do?We are 10 passionate JCI London members, who have formed ‘JCI London Dare to Dream’ team, and entered the Million Mak-ers’ challenge to raise at least £10k during the period from July to December this year, for the Prince’s Trust who have been striving to transform disadvantaged young people’s lives and help them move into work, education or training.

This year, we are competing with 17 other teams in the South West region, including teams from Zoopla Property Group, EMC Computer Systems, Top Right Group, etc.

What is this winning thing all about?In order to obtain the seed fund of £1,500 from Prince’s Trust to kick-off the series of fund-raising projects, on 20 June 2014, Matt, David, Vassili and Ling represented JCI London Dare to Dream team, pitched their business ideas, plans and financial projections to the judging panel – Prince’s Trust Dragon’s Dens. The end result?! We got the full seed fund of £1,500!

The Dragons have provided many constructive suggestions, helped us to develop a more concrete plan, and have challenged us to aim higher:

“LOVED the enthusiasm - it is amazing, and it is definitely the key to success.” – Dragon Louise

“Solid ideas, shoot for the stars! Make yourselves uncomfortable.” – Dragon Holly

“Set up the target to £50k and think about how to get there.” – Dragon Alison

Wow!! So… what are the big ideas?We have come up with a series of ideas and after rounds of evaluating processes, as well as in-corporating Dragon’s suggestions, 4 projects have ‘survived’ and surfaced with solid foundations. They range from fun, outdoor team-building activity ‘London Adventure Race’, to ‘Buy Cheap and Sell High’, from high profile and exclusive Gala dinner & Auction to creative invention of JCI cocktail.


The Corporate challenge

Million Makers is an entrepreneurial competition which challenges teams

of up to 10 individuals to turn an initial investment of £1,500 into at least

The aim is for all the teams to raise a combined total of £1 million for The Prince’s Trust.


If you are interested in knowing more about the initiative, the team, the project, or you’d like to con-tribute your business ideas to this project, or want to be part of the team, for whatever reason, we’d love to hear from you! Please drop a line to the Project Lead Matt Beaven at [email protected]

Look forward to hearing from you ☺

All the love from JCI London Dare to Dream team.

Left to right: Alison Mihail; David Khanna; Ling Jin; Holly Wren; Matt Beavan; Vassili Dagiakidis; Louise Mitchell, post-pitch at Prince’s Trust

Netwoking

every

month

31st July 2014

Directors’ Academy Organization Meeting

90% of the world’s top investors rank the board of directors as the most important factor in whether a business succeeds or fails.Business success is no longer only about the ‘bottom line’ num-bers and the profit, too. It is also about Leading Teams, Sustaina-bility, Risk Management and Social Responsibility. Whether it’s the advisory board of a Start-Up, the non-executive board of a Corpo-ration, or the executive board of a Non-Profit Firm, it is the board of directors’ collective wisdom that helps an organisation grow and sustain itself. There is a high demand for this collective wisdom: a wisdom that comes from all age groups, backgrounds and skills sets. In today’s competitive business climate, organisations are constantly on the look out for knowledgeable directors.

JCI DIRECTORS’ ACADEMY 2014This year’s JCI Directors’ Academy will take place in November. The purpose of this full day pro-gram will be to prepare aspiring professionals for the boardroom. The day will be filled with Case Studies, and a simulation of a real Boardroom experience. We will have a board of experts on the day to guide us, and share their stories and wisdom.JCI Business Team now needs a team of driven individuals to plan and see this fantastic programme through. This project is a great opportunity to get involved with a legacy JCI program. Participants will improve their skills of organization, creativity, finance, leadership, working as part of a team, problem solving, and networking.Book here: http://www.kweekweek.com/directors-academy-organization-meeting/f719f2f6c8

16.07Event Highlights in July

Next issue coming July

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JCI London Magazine June 2014

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Transcript of JCI London Magazine June 2014