ORT NXT Launch with Sir Trevor Pears

06.02.20

Sir Trevor Pears, executive chairman of the Pears Foundation, discussed ‘what it means to be a Jewish leader’  at the first ever ORT NXT event on Tuesday evening.

NXT is ORT UK’s new lay leadership training and development programme, which explores the Jewish leadership landscape and the work of ORT UK.

ORT UK Chair Simon Alberga, Trustee Mark Mishon and CEO Dan Rickman, also addressed the participants, who met for the first time at ORT House.

The group will gather for a further five exclusive talks and will take part in a mission to Israel to visit some of ORT’s schools and training programmes.

“Being a Jewish leader begins with finding something you really care about, then leading by example and focussing on making an impact. Leadership is not a destination, it’s a journey. As Margaret Mead said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’”

Sir Trevor Pears

“ORT is in the business or assuring a secure and sustainable future for the next generation so it is wholly appropriate and essential that it makes this a priority for its own longevity.  A charity with such a distinguished past deserves an equally assured future. This programme shows a vital commitment to meeting this aim.”

Mark Mishon, Trustee 

“What a way to kick off our NXT programme, hearing insights from one of UK Jewry’s most influential philanthropists. We also heard some inspiring words from Mark Mishon and Simon Alberga, who between them have given over 50 years’ service to ORT UK. NXT reflects ORT UK’s values of empowering through education and I am so thrilled that we have 17 members of the community taking part in our inaugural lay leadership programme. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

Dan Rickman, CEO, ORT UK

“I really wanted to be part of NXT because of the great opportunity to access inspirational speakers and also to network with likeminded people that are willing to make changes in the community. The programme is very organised and it is a privilege to take part in it.”

Betty Encinales, NXT participant

“I arrived at ORT House, excited to get to know a new organisation on a deeper level, walk into an environment where I didn’t know if I knew anyone (of course I did though, it’s the Jewish community) and listen to experts in the field speak about education, philanthropy and empowerment. It was extremely refreshing hearing from all of the speakers, as well as the participants, sharing different views on these topics, and I can’t wait to learn more in the upcoming sessions!” 

Talia Goldman, NXT participant