First Leadership cohort culminates with essential retrospective

Niraj Mistry - Where I’m From

I am from muddy bikes dripping in the hallway​​, free taxi service for tabletennis/volleyball/whatever practice, from constant unread emails​ ​and Sisyphean in-trays​.

I am from open plan, “hot desks”, atop the behemoth, the mothership.

I am from “first man”, a biography of quiet industriousness and dedication.

I’m from resilience ​and determination,

from ​​Martin Turner and Nikos Evangelou.

I’m from ​respecting your elders and standing up when your schoolmaster enters the classroom, tidying my desk, with everything at right angles (especially when stressed)​.

From ​​​​​​​​​​being straightforward, calling a spade a spade and always very critical.

I’m from ​​​​​​​​​​​looking after the team (and the team will look after you),

I’m from ​Ashton-Under-Lyne, Coventry schools foundation, too many nights out in “Cindys” in Cambridge, ​

and gadgets, gizmos, connected everything, everything needs Bluetooth (even the thermometer for the barbecues).

From the ​Nottingham training programme (sink or swim), then 9 months pretending to be an epilepsy consultant, a Birmingham team who welcomed me into the specialism of my choice. ​​​

I am the product and remnants of what they made,

I am from those moments – ​look after your team, and hopefully your team will look after you.

Ruth Stross - Where I’m From

​​I’m from Africa, from sitting under frangipani trees and swimming in the Indian Ocean with my sister,

from watching my parents care for others, they were and still are passionate about teaching, only just retiring in their 80s!

To the strength, compassion, humbleness of a colleague in foreign parts who gently brought together a fabulous team of healthcare professionals to make a difference to people with MND.

Carnage is how many see my corner of the house,

I think of it as my journey, my learning and ‘Yes’ my brain feels the same sometimes,

Would I change anything? No, all of it is me; it has brought me to this moment, with all of you, here in Oxford…..what an outing!

I am from happy beginnings, building a church with everyone on our compound, brick by brick, together….

Leonora Fisniku - Where I’m From

I am from the lotus flower, in search of light, sun and life itself; ready to give unselfishly and joyfully to all those who need, who ask and seek,

from the sound of soothing classical music and ready to listen, accompany and become a shoulder to those who need and perhaps my eyes, the window to the soul, the only tool I or them will ever need.

I am from resilient, persevering, non-compromising but always consulting, always inclusive, always listening.

I am from love, love, love your fellowman, love is how the world began.

I’m from truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues and no victory without dignity and no means should justify the end,

from my beloved parents and Abdu'l-Bahá.

I’m from don’t do to the others what won't be done unto you and always seek the beauty in whatever you see or do.

From deeply caring for those who cross my path and I’m from leading by example and always being inclusive

I’m from the land of Mother Theresa believing in the service to humanity and giving the opportunity to those that are less fortunate than me, from the land of eagles, where the word of honour and keeping your promise is our Pledge to faithfulness, honor and loyalty.

From the believing in the beauty and goodness of humanity and unity in diversity,

I am from those moments - uncompromising in the search of the truth, yet infinitely gentle in the manners.