John Burns’ Post

Congratulations to the Springboks for winning the World Cup last night! I’ve had a bit of soft spot for South Africa since working on the project to open JPMorgan’s Johannesburg office after the end of the apartheid era. It's hard to understand just how odd South Africa was then, with attitudes and language that had hung over from 30 years of segregation. People of different races had lived and worked in the same country but in parallel universes. A hotelier once giving us directions once told us not to take the obvious direct road because “that’s not a very nice road, lots of black people”. She meant that it took us on unpaved roads through deprived townships rather than anything to do with the people themselves. At a work dinner in London, a South African colleague stopped short as we sat down to eat, with the observation that he’d never before shared a table with a person of colour despite living the first 22 years of his life in Africa. The vibe in South Africa then was intensely optimistic. Nelson Mandela was leading the newly emerging rainbow nation into a new era no longer segregated by race. He stressed that there was lots of work to do to rebuild the country; there was no point wasting time to seek revenge for his 27 years in jail, itself symbolic of the 3 decades of oppression. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up allow both oppressors and the oppressed to bring evidence of atrocities committed during the apartheid era with limited criminal liability. The model was used in other post-conflict zones including Northern Ireland. I don’t typically stray into politics on these posts, likening 1990’s South Africa with the world problems of 2023 probably isn't helpful. But at an individual level, whilst we learn lessons from the past, we will make progress by looking to what we want to get from the future. So my suggestion for is to focus less on where you’ve been, and more on where you want to get to. Have a good week. #sundayreads

I recently read "Bowling Alone," by Robert Putnam which discusses the decline of community engagement in the United States since the 1950s and 1960s. Back then, community involvement was strong, with numerous clubs and organizations thriving. However, this trend has gradually declined, resulting in a more fragmented and isolated society. People no longer join bowling clubs and prefer bowling alone, which is disheartening. The implications of this societal shift are relevant to associations. While membership numbers may seem positive, a closer look reveals that growth is primarily in paper membership. Face-to-face interactions and local engagements have decreased compared to the past, posing a challenge for associations today. In a recent workshop, a representative from the Dubai Association Bureau highlighted the perception that associations are not trendy, similar to rotary clubs or elk clubs. However, there is hope in our "un-trendiness." Just as vinyl records or craft beer regained popularity after two decades, associations too have the potential to become trendy again. While I don't have all the answers, I believe we need to think creatively about how to promote our fundamental essence: bringing people together and creating a sense of community. This is what makes working for an association enjoyable. Many of us are driven by the instinct to foster connections and build communities. Perhaps making associations trendy again could be part of the solution. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter and explore innovative approaches to revitalize our purpose and rekindle the joy of community engagement. #Associations #CommunityBuilding #Trends #Innovation #FutureOfWork #TogetherWeCan

In Swahili, the word Harambee means “all pull together.” The word represents a state of mind as well as a giving event. Harambee means people help each other when they face obstacles. Our recent blog explores what Harambee means to our Kenyan colleagues. #Harambee #communitybuilding #communitydevelopment

Can Ireland really embrace and unleash the diverse impacts of diaspora policy for the complex challenges and opportunities it faces in an increasingly contested and volatile world? As we roll towards St. Patrick's Day, we'll be seeing and hearing the word #diaspora much more across the Irish scene which is great. But the question above is the one that should be permeating through such discussions. It is now about strategic purpose, not sentimental platitudes. Ireland is rightly seen as a leader in #diasporaengagement but in telling that story, you find yourself often looking to the echoes of the past to discuss the role of the Irish diaspora in Ireland's economic transformation, their role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, and more. As our current strategy on diaspora winds down next year, now is the perfect time to be assessing whether there is real appetite for a transformative reimagination on what diaspora policy can do for Ireland at home and abroad. Irish expertise leads the way globally on diaspora engagement. If I have learnt anything from my work with Kingsley in over 50 countries on this stuff is that Irish expertise on diaspora is respected around the world. That's such a power for Ireland. Let's not take it for granted and let's not forget to put it to use for where it matters most...in and for Ireland and the Irish diaspora. This might sound simple but you'd be surprised how often the simple things don't get done! To all of the Irish diaspora in my networks, happy Paddy's Day and have a bit of craic. Then back to work to build a new era of Irish domestic and foreign policy with diaspora at the core. After all...if we firmly commit to the belief that "our global diaspora - our community around the world - is one of the greatest resources that we have as a nation," then building a new era of diaspora policy is just the smart thing to do. Onwards.

Throughout Australia, many community groups and sporting clubs operate as incorporated associations. In Queensland, for an association to incorporate, it must have at least seven members, be not-for-profit and be located in Queensland. This article explores the benefits of incorporating as an association in Queensland and provides a guide as to how an association goes about incorporating. https://bit.ly/3Nq6o0i #incorporatedassociations #organisationallaw #industriallawyers

Reflecting on a Thought-Provoking Conversation with Nico van der Dussen Yesterday, Craig Abel Appel and I had the pleasure of engaging in an insightful conversation with Nico van der Dussen, a business development mentor and social commentator. Our discussion circled around three key themes – each offering a unique perspective on life and decision-making. Here's a brief overview: 1. Politics and South Africa's Future: We reflected on South Africa's journey since the first democratic election in 1994 and its past, going as far back as the Anglo-Boer war. The question raised was: As citizens, can we afford to be passive about our role in shaping the country's future? It's clear that active participation and awareness are crucial. 2. The Art of Parenting: The emphasis was on empowering our children to make independent decisions. This requires us, as parents, to be well-informed guides, helping them navigate through life's complexities. It's not about strict rules, but about making thoughtful decisions. 3. Cricket and Life Lessons: An interesting point of discussion was Nico's son, Rassie van der Dussen, an exceptional cricketer. Rassie's journey in cricket highlights the importance of making conscious choices, even in sports – looking for team spirit, safety, and career viability. The overarching message from our conversation was the significance of making informed and considered choices in life. Understanding the world, staying informed, and recognising our individual roles in shaping it are fundamental. These insights from Nico are a reminder that knowledge and conscious decision-making are key in navigating both our personal and collective journeys. #ThoughtLeadership #DecisionMaking #Parenting #Cricket #SouthAfricanPolitics

A letter to the members of JCI City Zimbabwe JCI City (Zimbabwe) *Keeping the eye on the ball this election season.* What’s your favorite sport? Whichever answer you gave, there is one thing in common to all the ball games sports that is “players need to keep the eye on the ball”. Junior Chamber International is an extremely amazing organization which has been solving problems, developing leaders and changing lives. An organization with robust structures, excellent standards and unique tools to develop leaders for a changing world. An organization with a vision and mission second to none. What’s my point here, for JCI City Zimbabwe you wouldn’t want to put the wrong Chief Operating Officer in the office because there is already a right candidate and it’s non other than yours truly. Friends, I am committed to seeing all of you master the four areas of opportunities in equal measure. A mandate I will be able to achieve working together with your Vice Presidents. I am committed to seeing you becoming multimillionaire business leaders, CEOs and COOs, philanthropists, advocates, etc. It might not happen in the year, but we are going to create a strong foundation that will make it possible. I am committed to seeing JCI City back to its good old days with membership in hundreds, doing classy meetings and members deriving undebatable value and getting the best experience of their lives. In conclusion, keep your eyes on the ball people, vote for an EVP who delivers all that you greatly desire. With this, please members of the general assembly. I ask for your vote this coming Saturday. Vote Joram Uncle Joe for 2024 Executive Vice President

Let’s celebrate Made in UK Day by supporting your favourite local business. 🇬🇧 Comment some local businesses you feel people need to try! #BTGrecruitment #MadeinUKDay

Latest News #business #filipinobusiness #sanfranciscobusiness #sfbusiness #filipino #filipinoamerican #sanfrancisco

Latest News #business #filipinobusiness #sanfranciscobusiness #sfbusiness #filipino #filipinoamerican #sanfrancisco