Emerging Leaders Forum and ICP Council

Biographies

Robyn Evans
Robyn Evans serves as the President of the NSW Primary Principals’ Association in Australia. She has been involved in various roles related to education and is a key figure in the New South Wales educational landscape.

Janusz Korczak
Janusz Korczak, born Henryk Goldszmit, was a Polish Jewish educator, children’s author, and pedagogue. He ran a Jewish orphanage in Warsaw from 1911 to 1942 and is known for his commitment to children’s rights and welfare. He died in 1942 during the Holocaust.

John Hume
John Hume was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland and served as its leader from 1979 to 2001. He was a key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998.

Retired Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum
Rhonda Cornum joined the U.S. Army in 1978 and served as a flight surgeon with the 101st. She was involved in various combat and medical roles and retired from the Army at the rank of brigadier general in 2012.

Professor Eric Mazur
Eric Mazur is a physicist and educator at Harvard University. He has been involved in various technology start-ups focused on education and technology. His research interests include ultrafast optics and peer instruction.

Jürgen Klopp
Jürgen Klopp is a German professional football manager and former player. He has been the manager of the Premier League club Liverpool since October 2015. Known for his tactical acumen and man-management skills, Klopp has had a significant impact on modern football.

Mahatma Gandhi
Born in 1869 in Porbandar, India, Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He popularized the concept of nonviolent resistance, also known as “satyagraha,” and led the Salt March in 1930. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948 but remains a global symbol of peaceful resistance.

Mother Teresa
Born in 1910 in Albania, Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor and sick in Kolkata, India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization that runs hospices and orphanages. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016.

Ken Robinson
Born in 1950 in Liverpool, England, Sir Ken Robinson was an educator and author who gained fame for his advocacy of creativity and innovation in education. His 2006 TED Talk on the subject is one of the most-watched of all time. Robinson passed away in August 2020.

Aleksej Navalny
Born in 1976 in Russia, Aleksej Navalny is a lawyer and political activist known for his opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been arrested multiple times and survived a poisoning attempt in 2020, widely believed to be orchestrated by the Russian government.

Nelson Mandela
Born in 1918 in Umtata, South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary who spent 27 years in prison. He became South Africa’s first Black president in 1994 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela passed away in 2013.

Simon Sinek
Born in 1973 in Wimbledon, England, Simon Sinek is a motivational speaker and author best known for his concept of “The Golden Circle,” which emphasizes the importance of understanding ‘Why’ in leadership. His book “Start With Why” has become a bestseller.

Brené Brown
Born in 1965 in San Antonio, Texas, Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston. She specializes in studying vulnerability, courage, and empathy. Her TED Talks have garnered millions of views, and she has authored several bestselling books, including “Daring Greatly.”

Angelina Jolie
Born in 1975 in Los Angeles, California, Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in films like “Girl, Interrupted” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” She is also recognized for her humanitarian work, particularly as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

Paul McCartney
Born in 1942 in Liverpool, England, Paul McCartney gained fame as a member of The Beatles, one of the most successful bands in history. He is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, responsible for hits like “Hey Jude.” McCartney was knighted in 1997.

Sauli Niinistö
Born in 1948 in Salo, Finland, Sauli Niinistö has been the President of Finland since 2012. Prior to that, he served as the Minister of Finance and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament. He is known for his pragmatic and balanced approach to politics.

Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent resistance. He is best known for his “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. King was assassinated in 1968.

Jacinda Ardern
Born in 1980 in Hamilton, New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2022. She gained international recognition for her empathetic leadership style and effective handling of crises, including the COV

Values and Traits:

  1. Leadership: Nearly all the individuals on this list have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their respective fields. Whether it’s leading a nation, an educational institution, or a sports team, their ability to inspire and guide others is evident.
  2. Commitment to Social Justice: Many of these individuals, such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi, have fought for social justice and equality. Their lives serve as a testament to the impact one can have by standing up against injustice.
  3. Innovation and Creativity: Figures like Professor Eric Mazur, Sir Ken Robinson, and Paul McCartney have pushed the boundaries in their fields, bringing new ideas and approaches that have had a lasting impact.
  4. Resilience and Courage: Aleksej Navalny, Retired Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum, and Janusz Korczak showed immense courage in the face of adversity. Their resilience is an inspiration for many.
  5. Empathy and Compassion: Mother Teresa, Jacinda Ardern, and Brené Brown are known for their empathetic and compassionate nature, whether it’s in serving the poor, leading a nation through crisis, or researching human emotions.
  6. Dedication to Education and Knowledge: Educators like Robyn Evans, Janusz Korczak, and Eric Mazur have dedicated their lives to the betterment of education, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth.
  7. Global Impact: Individuals like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. have left a global footprint. Their philosophies and actions have inspired people well beyond their countries of origin.
  8. Humanitarianism: Angelina Jolie, Mother Teresa, and John Hume have been involved in humanitarian efforts, aiming to alleviate suffering and improve the conditions for disadvantaged groups.
  9. Integrity: Many on this list, such as Sauli Niinistö and John Hume, are known for their integrity and ethical standards, which they have maintained even in challenging political landscapes.
  10. Effective Communication: Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, and Jürgen Klopp are known for their ability to communicate effectively, whether it’s to inspire a team or to make complex ideas understandable to the general public.
  11. Cultural Influence: Figures like Paul McCartney have had a significant cultural impact, influencing music and popular culture for generations.
  12. Strategic Thinking and Vision: Leaders like Jacinda Ardern and Nelson Mandela have shown strategic vision in their leadership, effectively navigating complex challenges to achieve long-term goals.

In summary, the people admired by this group seem to embody a range of values including leadership, social justice, innovation, resilience, empathy, and integrity. They serve as role models in various ways, showing that impact and inspiration can come from many different quarters.