AIESEC 60 years, a book and an alumni event

Yesterday it was time for a national alumni event to celebrate AIESEC's 60th birthday. Held in a beautiful location at Amsterdam's Keizersgracht, some 500 people gathered not only for this birthday but also for a book. Eske, former member of AIESEC Amsterdam got it into his head that we wanted to write a book on leadership and youth. He pitched the idea to a publisher and it worked. Yesterday we all got a copy of this book.

I was reading trough it this morning and again so impressed. Some of my friends are in this book,Atma Mumbai is in this book, AIESEC is in this book and big names like Ruud Lubbers, Tex Gunning and Ben Verwaayen are in this book. Many elements of my life of the past 5 years come together in this book. Very proud of Eske for taking this initiative.

At moments like these I remember how special and amazing my time in AIESEC was and the people I met were. It is hard to think about these lessons in everyday life but at least I learnt them. The way I feel about leadership and good ways of doing business make me stand out. I already expressed earlier my struggles to combine a career in a world where everything revolves about money and my own beliefs and motivation. Nights like these at least make me wonder.

It was also great to talk to some long lost friends. Joost, who flew over from London especially for this. I had no idea who to talk to first since I knew almost everyone in the room.

It was a very good night.

For Dutch readers:
"Jij maakt het verschil- inspiratie en leiderschap voor the next generation, Eske Scavenius en Patrice van Riemsijk"

Students do not read newspapers

“Students do not read enough newspapers. They should put more effort in analyzing current affairs and apply what they learn in universities to the news events; “ says my boss.

Here a small exercise to prove his point, using “hot” news issues and relate this to current reality for AIESEC, a global student organization.

· One of AIESEC’s biggest Global Partners is involved in merger talks. The question asked in the AI-ER application just gained a lot more significance. What to do when your partner company merges with another company and your champions lose impact in the organisation? What is to happen with the ABN-Amro partnership?
· Top management renumeration is a controversial topic in numerous countries at the moment, including The Netherlands. A top executive of a Dutch company was heavily criticized for cashing a huge bonus after bad performance in the board. In the end he gave the money back. This man happens to be an AIESEC-alumnus (1985).
· An African business men is donating a huge reward for the best African leader. He is going to develop an index and thus create a benchmark for accountable leaders. Interesting initiative for the GN Africa.
· Political leaders are quarrelling about total liberalization of the job market for Polish workers. New legislation is expected.

These are just a few examples. I think though that my boss has an excellent point.

Warmth of an LC

When Adrienne starts to talk about HER NGO and HER children, her face just lights up. Imagine a small, messy room above a cafe packed with people. They are all making jokes, screaming at eachother and being loud. She stands there and tells the story about her India and the work she does. Everyone goes quiet and they all stare at her. They can see the enthusiasm and passion in her face.

Yesterday me and Adrienne went to LC Tilburg to promote Atma Mumbai. The story above illustrates the atmosphere. At the end we showed them a movie about children in India. We said they did not need to stay if they wished, it was optional. Everyone stayed and they all watched the video in absolute silence. A lot of them wanted to buy scarfs to support Atma and some were thinking of giving monthly donations.

What makes this so powerful?
The people in the LC were so supportive and warm, their reactions amazing. I was sincerely touched. I know in AIESEC lot of people talk about making a change but Adrienne (and Hayley ofcourse) are really doing it. Sometimes it feel that people so not realize the impact these activities have on Adrienne's life and the appreciation is very low. She could have gotten a well-paid job by now but she chose to live a modest life and dedicate all her time to helping children at the other side of the world. That is why the reaction of this LC is so touching, they acknowlegde her efforts and supported the ideas. There is nothing more rewarding then taking a night of from your thesis or work to do this and get such feedback.

Natco AIESEC NL: back in the game

Again, I was back in AIESEC for a few days. I was asked to do a training on conference management and for logistical reasons, this meant staying at the venue for the entire conference. I was the only alumna and it was a bit weird being part of the conference and at the same time not at all.

The most fun is seeing my successors, MC 06-07 doing their thing. I really think they are doing an amazing job and I am very proud of them.

Personally it was nice to hear that people really liked my training and it was fun talking to the VPs that I trained at the beginning of the year.

Finally, it was really cool to see the new MCP, Mohcine on the stage and in his new role as MCPe. I met him as a new VP on our transition weekend and we have always got along very well. Seeing him transform into a new role is interesting and fun.