If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
- John Quincy Adams

 

As a new year is about to begin, I’ve been reflecting on the past 12 months and ther many memories I have to look back on. 

Becoming the 2022 JCI Ireland National President was a position I never dreamt of going for. When I first heard of JCI in 2014 I joined to develop my personal development, public speaking and leadership skills, as well as meet new people and be part of a supportive and collaborative environment. I was fortunate to get many opportunities in all these areas, and so much more, since becoming a member. 

‘Leading Is Our Duty’ and after receiving so much support and encouragement over the years, I felt now was the time for me to step up, give back to the organization and inspire the future leaders of JCI Ireland. It has been an incredible honor to lead our members & work alongside some amazing people over the past 12 months.

 

The theme for 2022 was to #InspireGrowth  - growth in the JCI Ireland brand, in opportunities for members, and in our members confidence & skillset to develop the leaders of tomorrow. While it was a challenging year in many ways, it also was a year that provided numerous opportunities.

Throughout the year I have worked closely with many of our members to encourage them to ask questions, push themselves out of their comfort zones, accept every opportunity, lead events and projects, attend and learn from different academies and trainings, and take an active part across all 4 pillars (business, individual development, community and international) of our global, member-led organization. 

While always there to give advice and lend an ear, the accomplishments of JCI Ireland members and local organizations were down to their hard work and determination. I was delighted for them when their efforts were recognized at the European Conference and World Congress awards where the following awards were received: 

European Conference 

  JCI Ireland Debate Team European Champions
  JCI Mayo: Best Local Growth & Development Program - Meet the Members Series
 JCI Cork: Best JCI RISE Project - JCI Cork Tourist Guide
  JCI Galway: Most Outstanding Local Organization
  JCI Cork: Best Local Community Impact Project - International Women's Day

World Congress 

  JCI Ireland Debate Team World Champions
   JCI Galway: Top 3 Finalist for the Most Outstanding Local organization 

 

After the last two years navigating our way through the pandemic, and beginning the year still in restrictions leading to more uncertainty, our members continued to persevere, thinking outside the box, making the most of collaborations with members globally via online formats, before reconnecting with members as we slowly emerged to in person events again, and embracing hybrid opportunities.

Massive thanks to everyone on the national board for their contribution to Inspire Growth as well as senators, past presidents, international peers, friends and family. There are way too many to mention as I was lucky to have a massive background team offering support and advice at every turn.

I want to wish the incoming board the best of luck and have no doubt that they will also continue to Inspire Growth in our organization. I’m excited for the future under Neve’s leadership in 2023 and look forward to seeing her plan become a reality in the coming months. 

 

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year and all the best for 2023.