We all have ambitions in life, certain goals that we want to achieve, heights we want to attain and destinations we want to reach but sometimes we fail to ‘get there’ and that’s simply because we are not intentional! In my opinion, if you don’t have ambition then I don’t think you’re maximising your potential.

I’ve always seen myself to be an ambitious person, but joining JCI has helped me in many ways that are all coming together to enable me to redefine my ambition in a better way. The active citizen framework clearly outlines the path for JCI’s members towards becoming responsible leaders within their communities - for me, getting to know about this was a light bulb moment. This is because it teaches one to be more purposeful, get involved in community initiatives and make an impact for oneself, the community and the world at large. 

2020 has been a very challenging year for many, including myself but I’m glad I made a decision to take the positives that all the challenges came with. It is the year (of all years) that I decided to take on the role of Deputy President of JCI London with the hope of being elected as President for 2021. Though it did not take a lot to convince myself, I had to critically consider my choices. I realised that I had nothing to lose but more to gain!

The weekend of the 24th and 25th of October, 2020, was set aside to virtually train all Deputy Presidents of JCI UK’s local chambers. This is a yearly event organised by JCI UK, famously known as “Deputies' Weekend”. The main purpose is to bring together all Deputy Presidents in one place to network, get to know each other more personally, learn, brainstorm, share ideas, and most importantly, gain requisite skills and knowledge that will usher them for their leadership roles as Presidents of their respective local chambers.

This year, we were honoured to have Sarah Beckwith, former JCI London President, facilitate the training sessions. We also had other brief sessions led by some of the newly elected JCI UK board executives. I must say that I gained a lot from all the sessions. It was a weekend well spent!

It was more than a wholesome three-course meal - that’s the description I’ll give the weekend. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all who made this possible. I look forward to working and collaborating with all the other 2021 Local Presidents towards a successful year, especially for all our members.