Shrouk Gamal from Cairo, Egypt, is a graduate in Media and Mass communication from Ain Shams University. She works as an Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Facilitator and a Language Coach and is a Youth Leader with MCW Global. She recently started « Yellow vs Blue », an online initiative that helps youth globally with mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts. 

I joined the Creative Leadership conference because I am going to lead a youth project in my community and I wanted to learn something new. 

I have attended a lot of workshops before and I thought this one would be the same as normal. When I joined, it was just weird: it was amazingly effective for me. I got so much information and inspiration. I liked the way you organized it. Tea time was incredible: I met so many people. I am still in contact with most of them and have connected with them on other projects.

The conference showed me how much I really love to socialize with people. The members of our dialogue group asked me questions I never been asked before. This made me think about lots of things, in new ways.  

The members of our dialogue group asked me questions I never been asked before. This made me think about lots of things, in new ways.  

One question was, ‘What do I need to change to be a good leader?’ I mentioned that I cannot be calm when I see someone being racist towards someone else, because I put myself in the other person's shoes. But I know this is not the right way and that I need to advise those people instead of being aggressive. 

A few days ago, I was in a bus and the bus driver acted in a racist way towards someone whose skin colour was black. I got so mad. Then I remembered what I had said in the conference, that I want to be calm and to make a real change. 

 So, I just told the bus driver calmly, ‘Do you think that what you did now is right? If you were in another country and someone did that to you, would you be happy? What would you feel?’ He didn't reply, was silent. Then he said, “Sorry” and left. This simple situation means a lot to me, because I took a step towards being a better version of myself, and that was because of the conference! It was hard, and still is, but I am keeping going!

Thank you for the experience, the chance to meet amazing people and friends. The love and support that I received during the conference days, and after, was so heartwarming. I want to get involved with IofC in other and different ways.

This simple situation means a lot to me, because I took a step towards being a better version of myself.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

If you would like to know more about Creative Leadership 2021 before you register (or even after registering for this year's event), join us for our online OPEN HOUSE event on Sunday 27 June at 15:00 - 16:00 GMT here.

You would like to take part in Creative Leadership 2021 - From Uncertainty to Possibility?

REGISTER NOW