It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your National President in 2020 and I wish Phoebe Benta and her team the very best for 2021. Our theme for the year has been “The Power Of Us” and I am so proud of how members truly embraced that working together more collaboratively than ever before.

Lessons Learnt

It is fair to say that 2020 wasn’t the year that I or anyone else thought it would be! As a leader it is important to learn from situations and just a few of the things I have learnt this year are:

1. Anyone can be a leader
2. Prepare for the unexpected and be adaptable
3. Never assume what other people think about you
4. Put yourself in the shoes of the other person – you don’t know what they are going through
5. A good mentor is invaluable
6. Asking for help can feel hard but it is necessary – you can’t do everything yourself!
7. Through #ThePowerOfUs we have still achieved great things.
   
   

Achievements

Despite the pandemic and the fact I haven’t seen another member face to face since 1^st March we have still achieved great things this year. I was proud that JCI UK were recognised by JCI Headquarters as being 100% efficient this year and particularly proud of the way we have truly embraced the International element of JCI this year. There have been so many great highlights that we have compiled a video here:

Thank you

When I joined JCI in 2012 I never dreamt that I would have the skills, experience or confidence to lead this great organisation. I have gained these skills thanks to the support and guidance of countless members and senators over the years and I know that I am a stronger individual now due to that support so a massive thank you to each and every member and senator who has helped me on my journey.

Looking ahead

All the best to Phoebe for 2021. My tip for all members in 2021 is seize the opportunities that JCI offers you with my hands and make sure you get involved as I wouldn’t have had this great experience if I hadn’t got stuck in projects and events.  Remember that (in the words of Roy T. Bennett) “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone!” 

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2021

James Lambert
JCI UK 2020 National President