inspired leaders network

"We've had a rough time at EYLA over the past few months but the positive vibe and support from the ILN evening has eally helped us turn a corner. We can now look forward to 2009 with hope and excitement."

Anne Collard, Executive Assistant to Ray Lewis

There is no hiding place when you fail and the toughest thing in the world is to bounce back.

But in all times of adversity there will always be the loyal few that remain supportive to the cause. With the walls closing in, the best leaders can STILL inspire those around them to their vision and navigate their people through the turbulent times.

One such leader is Boris Johnson’s former Deputy Mayor for Young People, Ray Lewis.

In a fitting and emotional end to the Inspired Leaders Network 2008 programme, we heard from Ray as he took us through unquestionably the hardest year of his life and out the other side on his road to reinvention.

This was inspired and compelling leadership at its best and an evening that left its mark on everyone in the room.

Merry Christmas everyone from all at the Inspired Leaders Network and wishing you a very Happy New Year!

See you in 2009.

Quotes From The Night

Ray’s thoughts on….

Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy

I started the Eastside Young Leaders Academy through sheer strength of character. I didn’t have the capacity to intellectualise it and had lots of detractors along the way but a few people stood by me.

We create an environment where the boys no longer rule and instead we set boundaries for them to express themselves. We are often the first people that have ever said “no” to them.

The short term impact on EYLA is that some people have run for cover and the local authority has hardened its stance against us. Long term, we have nailed our colours to the mast and no longer have to be all things to all people.

Deputy Mayor For Young People

My greatest enemy was naivety. I was failing not at the task Boris brought me in to do but failing at the “added extras”.

I had my share of critical friends but I shut down and didn’t hear all their advice and support.

There was a part of me that didn’t feel I should be in office anyway.

You’re supposed to fit in with the parameters they set you. I couldn’t do it.

It doesn’t matter about the strength of your argument in politics, it matters crudely about power.

Times Of Crisis

It’s very hard to ask for help. And even harder to accept that help.

For me, courage is the willingness to face reality.

In times of crisis it is important to stand still and not panic. One loses perspective but ultimately you are responsible for yourself

I only allow myself 30 seconds a day of self pity.

Community

There are too many people who have become parents that have not stopped being children themselves.

A lack of accountability and community is leading to the problems we have today.

Life After Office

I felt I needed to take myself out of the camp to gain perspective and see new opportunities.

Suffering produces a profound loneliness. It’s a bit like dieting; you’re not alone but only you alone can do it.

Lessons Learnt

Leadership is not about how many people serve you but how many people you serve.

Part of winning the race is to rise each time you fall.

I want to communicate in a way that doesn’t lead to prejudice before I even get to the point.

If anger is not organised, it dissipates. Protests don’t work unless they’re fully thought through.

Facts and the truth are rarely the same.

When it comes to public roles we’re looking for perfection. We’re looking for Jesus. And he’s not looking for a job.