Meet Our 2021 Local Presidents JCI Southampton Michael Rothon

Meet Our 2021 Local Presidents JCI Southampton Michael Rothon

Posted By admin |12 Apr 2021
Meet Our 2021 Local Presidents JCI Southampton Michael Rothon
JCI is a place to develop your leadership skills, meet inspiring people and make an impact in your local community. It is a global, not-for-profit organisation for 18 to 40 year olds, run by its members for its members. JCI’s mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
JCI members are from many different backgrounds, cultures and professions, but all share common values and passion to develop themselves and support and improve their communities.

Local President: Michael Rothon

Local Organisation: JCI Southampton

How long have you been a member: 3 years

How did you hear about JCI? I joined a local meetup after moving to Southampton. My first event was Poetic Public Speaking, held at Solent University.

Why did you join JCI? I joined because I wanted to be part of an organisation that gives back to the local community and develop my public speaking skills. I also wanted to connect with like-minded individuals.

Can you briefly tell me about your background in life and JCI? I grew up in the north with a strong interest in the outdoors; frequently exploring the peak district. I studied Electronic Engineering at Reading University. As a graduate, I started work with Rolls Royce which was the starting point for my professional development path. The is something I was keen to continue after moving to Southampton.

At JCI I attended many events in my first-year highlights being; JCI UK Public Speaking Academy and local networking events. I moved into the role of Community Director which involved running campaigns to positively impact the local community. I used this time to arrange beach cleans along Weston Shore, an event that I will be repeating this July (for plastic-free month).

In 2020 I was Deputy of JCI Southampton. I ran the think local campaign which highlighted the need to shop local and support small businesses during the pandemic. Now as Local President I am working with local charity No Limits, providing mentors to young people to improve their employment prospects.

What’s your profession? Aerospace System Engineer.

How I you apply what you have learnt from JCI in work/everyday life?I have improved confidence, which has come from competing in public speaking competitions with JCI. Debating has proved great practice for digesting data quickly and outputting concise points while also being able to see the same topic from opposing viewpoints. I use these skills daily in my career.

What was it that made you put yourself forward for the role as Local President? I wanted I develop my leadership skills by stepping up to a leadership role within JCI. Having seen Southampton’s deputy in 2020 this was the next step for me. I also wanted to give something back to an organisation that has given me so much over the past few years.

I have actually written a blog post about this exact question which can be found here: https://www.jciuk.org.uk/uncommon-amongst-the-uncommon-why-i-want-to-be-a-leader-in-jci/

What has been your proudest moment as an active member in JCI so far? Public speaking competition, Doncaster 2018.

Why should more people join JCI? My answer comes in four parts:

  • To be proactive in self development to help with career progression
  • To help support the local community by taking art in local projects
  • To build a larger professional network
  • To boost confidence, self-belief and personal aspirations, making you realise that you are capable of being better than what you are right now.

Who is a leader you admire? Greta Thunberg for her leadership in environmental affairs. It shows that anyone can be a leader no matter their position, as long as you are passionate for your cause and persistent you can make a difference.

Do you have a favourite quote? A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a moulder of consensus, Martin Luther King

To find out more about JCI Southampton visit: https://www.jcisouthampton.co.uk/