FELLOWS SPEAK

REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship consists of people from all walks of life and age from 7 to 70+. All our fellows are making a difference while they do their day jobs. For example Captain of Industry Anu Aga who is our first award recipient in 2006, is the first business leader to contribute 2% of profits from her company, much before the mandate passed by Government of India. Our young leaders Ishita and Ved inspire children and grown-ups to go for extraordinary and not settle for routine. Corporate Leader Sashi inspires people to donate organs in her own time, besides working with a Fortune 500 company. UN Diplomat and France based, David Dror empowers the poor in his own time. Global Educationist Mark Parkinson from UK, trains teachers to teach better and empowers parents to see the big picture of Education. Fashion Promote Vineet Chikarmane empowers all workers in his garment factory to progress and learn more to grow more. Business leader Madhavan teaches Farmers how to improve on their farming skills with right tools. PVR Founder Ajay Bijli is very involved with time and efforts in CSR initiative and goes beyond just contributing money. Arzell, US Based Jazz Musician is a strong advocate for human rights. US based Ruchira Gupta empowers young students from the sex workers community to go beyond and unleash their potential. Actor Anupam Kher is a passionate social worker. Journalist Syed Nazakhat is changing the world with the power of his pen everyday. And our very beloved Late. Rajinder Johar, whose life has been an inspiration for all of us. Truly embodies the spirit of “My life is my message).

These testimonials are indicative and from all sectors.

To hear Jerry Almeida speak, you’d think you were talking to an emerging marketing guru. Yusuf Begg in a national story in the Business Standard

In Delhi Even though some of the stuff you talk about seems too big for beginners like us; the fact that you’ve pulled it off belts out a strong “it’s doable” message which is far more motivating than just theory on power point. There were ideas that flashed through my mind as you detailed your experiences and it’s thanks to you that we pulled off a very successful ‘World Disability Day’ walk on the 3rd of December. In Dehradun You had a one-on-one going with everyone in the room, which is a rare skill! Jerry, you initiated change for the Latika Roy Foundation and made a difference in our way of thinking. Thank you for coming to us. Ms. Tara Dewan- Trustee, Latika Roy Foundation

When Jerry talks he speaks from the heart, lights a fire in your belly and ignites a spark for action in your mind. He is the most passionate orator I have seen in all my travels and deputation across the world. Mr. Francois Masoullie, Former First Secretary – Political for the European Union Mission in India, Charge D’Affaires of EU in Georgia & Author of Middle East Conflicts.

When we have training programs for our senior management they find excuses not to attend, but when it is Jerry we have people who make excuses to enroll in the program. Jerry makes it interesting by narrating simple yet powerful stories/ anecdotes for engaging people in the training session and does not make it boring or monotonous. Jerry is also a coach to me and core members in my Leadership – India Country Director of a Fortune 500 IT company (name undisclosed for confidentiality purposes apropos our coaching ethics)

With his powerful thought leadership and eloquent facilitation, Jerry helped the senior editorial and management team build a winning strategy together and for the first time Editorial and management are on the same page with various ideas. – Mr. Shashi Shekhar – Editor in Chief , Hindustan Times.

This was a brilliant training workshop. Just the right stuff that one needs to learn to be a leader. Thank you. Ms. Meena Vaidyanathan, Head, External Communications, HCL Technologies Ltd.

We have received wonderful feedback from the students and the audience on your presentation and it kept them mesmerized throughout. It was our privilege to have you as a speaker of your stature. Mr. Rajarshi Ray, President – Net Impact Club, Indian school of Business (ISB)

You have trainers and then you have firebrand Rockstar trainers and Jerry is the biggest Rockstar. When Jerry trains, he connects and changes something within you. Dr. P. Giridharan- Jt. Director, Institute of Chartered Accountants in India.

Jerry helped us to create a focused vision despite having various agendas and agree to work together as one team rather than a network of several organizations. Luke Samson – Director- Indian Harm Reduction Network promoted by the Global Fund.

Jerry created interest in going beyond CSR and understanding Humane Capitalism for people working in PSUs who are members of the UN Global Compact and yet have little to show in terms of impact. PSU managers were just not interested in knowing how to create social impact with the funds they disburse. He took them on a journey in 3 days to understand sustainable development and not to just indulge in chequebook philanthropy. Late Dr. Subir Raha – Founder Chairman, UN Global Compact & Chairman ONGC.

One cannot help but admire all of Jerry’s work, ideas and thought leadership where he always make you think about how you can be the change and do your bit to make a difference.. He has been a great asset to our Bank and has helped us with our strategic and visioning planning to tap the potential market at the base of the pyramid – CEO of an International Finance Conglomerate in India. (name undisclosed for confidentiality purposes apropos our coaching ethics)

Jerry has the gift of the voice and the domain knowledge when he speaks on any subject. Hearing him speak is like listening to gurus like Philip Kotler and Tony Robbins. It was a delightful experience. – Chairman, Indian Co-operative Bank Ltd. (Name undisclosed for confidentiality purposes apropos our coaching ethics)

It is a challenge to be on the same panel as Jerry and impress the audience. One cannot match up with his energy, style and speaking prowess. However one must admit that you feel absolutely rejuvenated after listening to Jerry. – Jt. Managing Director, Indian Pharmaceuticals Company. (Name undisclosed for confidentiality purposes apropos our coaching ethics)

When they talk about Just and Noble Causes for Charity and Social Justice, yours is the first and most venerable name that came to mind. Jeroninio, is a man of great integrity and courage, who is an invaluable guide to the best work being done for charitable and social justice causes in India.– Mr. Gregory Roberts, Author of Shantaram

I consider his most significant strength to be his ability to analyze and lead complex businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Almeida is highly qualified as a management consultant & trainer. I rarely have encountered such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, highly intelligent, person with outstanding leadership abilities as Mr. Almeida. He is a delight to work with and a wonderful human being. – Hon. Lester S Hyman, Chairman, Oxantium Venture Fund, Veteran Attorney at Law & Senior American Statesman.

Jerry is a consultant who not only trains your staff and empowers them to perform, but also teaches them to have fun and joy while they work. One of the rare management consultants who besides having brilliant oratory skills, also has a trained voice with the talent for singing and thus adds also value for the evening gatherings in a training program– Mr. E Menezes – MD & CEO, Cosme Mathias Menezes Ltd.

Your talk on “Corporate Governance and Business Integrity “during the 1st session was the most well attended of the Seminar and our faculty, staff and students are still talking about it. It was an honor for the JIMS community to be able to hear your thoughts and ideas. Prof. Bhushan Manchanda Associate Professor & Head, Corporate Affairs, Jagannath International Management School

Of all the training sessions I have attended while at Airtel and other organizations I have worked with, I learnt the most with you. Your involvement with all of us and attention to detail is marvelous. All the examples you gave and the experience you created made the learning easy and engaging. I do wish that we have more sessions with you and thank you for all the wonderful learning. I feel like a better person after learning with you. Senior Vice President- MNC Telecom Company (name undisclosed for confidentiality purposes apropos our coaching ethics)

Jerry is a wizard and mesmerizes you with his ideas and thought leadership. The best part is that he simplifies the most complex issues and provides solutions for sustainability and scalability. He has supported us to create our CSR strategy and facilitated the process of ensuring that all people in various levels of management have contributed to the process and built in joint ownership across board. Dr. Ashok Jhawar, Country Head- British Petroleum

I heard Jeroninio speak at the CSR forum organised by the US Embassy. He has some very provocative thoughts and ignites passion within the business community by making us all think that we can all change the world for the better. Timothy J. Roemer -United States Ambassador to India

Jeroninio Almeida shared their humane capitalism report with us and encouraged the first CSR & Corporate governance forum at Harvard Kennedy School with people from business & governance from the US and India through the US India Business Alliance. The forum was the birthplace for the world’s most ethical companies an idea that adopted principles from the Humane Capitalism report. – Mr. Zachary Tumin, Executive Director JFK School of Government | Harvard University

• The session was very good. Some of the presentations were very good
• Jerry, you were the heart of the session
Thanks, – Mr. Venugoppal Tirmall, GreenPeace India

Hope all is well. Your presentation on the eventful day still fresh in the mind and it is going to be. You did it differently. I recollect what Shiv Khera said: Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently.’ That’s what you did. Mr. Freddy Mendonsa- Founder & Director , Dimensions, Global Christian Chambers of Commerce

When I first heard of Jerry’s ability to engage one on one with each person even in large gatherings from friends at Dehradun, I thought it was being exaggerated. Then when I saw him training over 100 budding IAS officers at my behest in and having a persona one on one bonding with each of them I realized that here is god gifted trainer who has the ability to empathize and work with people, to give them simple solutions. I then saw a video of his where he was engaging with over 5000 people in a event and interacting with them to raise their voice against corruption. Very rarely one gets an opportunity to learn with such a gifted motivational speaker. – Dr. Rakesh Kumar , Retired Bureaucrat & Diplomat and Director of the IAS academy at Mussourie.

I heard him speak at Entreprenet 2012, where 400 + delegates were present and he did a brilliant interactive job. – Mr. Vivek Mendonca, Director, Lawrence & Mayo.

3 days training program – Foundations of Leadership was an eye opener for the effective working not only in professional set up but at personal set up as well. Jerry an impeccable and effective trainer meaningful content blessed with an art of engaging participants throughout the workshop. Reeti has an ability of articulating very complex concept in common man’s language making learning from her intervention easy to apply in day to day operation.– Mr. Manoj Kumar Anand, Head, Bharti Learning Centre.

I had a good fortune of undergoing a Leadership Development training from Jerry. It has not only helped me become a better, more confident leader it has also facilitated the changes in climate and culture that the business needed to move forward. We now have team managers who are better equipped to make decisions and who understand the changes we are trying to implement. Regards– Mr. Arvind Raghav, Director, Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt. Ltd.

I got a better perspective of how India and Indians work at the board meeting of PHFI where Jerry presented his paper. Dr. Amartya Sen- Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard University

Jerry was very effective as a consultant and worked with our senior team at NACO to help us to streamline our country strategy. Ms. K. Sujatha Rao, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India & Former Director NACO

I was invited to this fundraiser in London and I agreed to attend to learn more about the organisation. When Jerry took the stage and began talking about the cause, I could not stop myself from writing a cheque. Dr. Yusuf Khwaja Hamied – Founder & Chairman , Cipla.

I first became aware of ground realities in rural India face after my conversations with Jerry Almeida who has immense first person knowledge about the social issues people face in the India that is invisible to us in the International Community – Dr. L Chen Director of Global Equity Center, Harvard’s Kennedy School

Jerry and I were co-panelists in a Rotary conference. I was amazed with his knowledge and the way he stirred something within people by simply sharing his thoughts by giving pithy examples. Ms. Rohini Nilekani Chairperson, Akshara Foundation, Arghyam Trust, Pratham Books

Jerry you know I am a big fan of yours and every time I hear you speak, I am inspired to commit more time for social justice. I am also thankful to you for having shown us the way to straddle social work while we continue with our Business as usual as Corporate Executives. – Ms. Meera Sanyal – Chairperson & Country Executive of Royal Bank of Scotland and Independent Candidate in 2009 elections South Mumbai, (a decision she made while speaking at the RIGHT every WRONG conclave 2008 after discussing with Jerry.)
The session of value and ethics for me was a waking up session. Where I actually woke up and came to know about my duties and rights towards my country as well as how to stand up firmly against the wrong happenings around me. Being a student of a management school I will be working for any company rather a good company! Good in the sense that I will make sure that the product or services provided by the company do not ruin or destroys’ any one’s life. I also learnt how to lead a how to initiate for anything which is wrong rather than being just pity. I already wanted to join a NGO, but now I’ll make sure I join a genuine NGO which actually helps the nation. Me being a citizen of this country, criticizes the system but never thought to take a stand to oppose or to correct it, all because of the thought that what will happen or what will I change it being alone but now I have learned how to go about it and I am very glad about it. I/we need to begin it from our neighbourhood to reach it to the national level. I had a great experience with Jerry Sir! – Gunjan Kotwani

I learnt that there is a story behind every person and situation. I also learnt many Indians are struggling hard to find their way– Emily K Petra (Autralia)

I thought the presentation was informative and presented a view of NGOs that I hadn’t previously experienced in a presentation before the fact that there is a lot of emotive marketing involved and how disconnected member of wealthy NGOs are to the groups of the people their companies are supposedly helping really interested me. To hear real life anecdotes made me consider how I should conduct myself now and in the future with dignity and the knowledge that I must blow the whistle of there is anything wrong. – Charlotte Besnson (UK)

Coming to India has been amazing. I think this far it’s been more of a holiday. Your talks really shook me out of that mind set, and really opened my eyes to what is really going on around me. Seeing a glimpse of what people go through really woke me up and made want to help make a change, but by changing myself first. Thanks you! – Sarah Nicholson (USA)

That was just the spark the I was looking for, the REX event gave new meaning to our journey ahead. It could be quite shocking to some volunteers on day 2 in India. It was a nice final comments to encourage each to make up their own mind, show or find the dignity in each group or individual they come across. Thanks – Ben Barra (USA)

It was a very powerful experience. It opened my eyes to a lot of things. In particular the scam that is child sponsorship. I believe it has changed and made me think more in depth about my placement and how I plan to contribute my time in India. The injustice saddens me and no one should be subjected to live in such conditions. I would love to be able to listen or support some people in any way that I possibly can. I hope this brings about positive change and lots of introspective thinking which sparks change. All the best. – Aika Watanabe (Japan)

First things First….WOW!! What fantastic presentations! It was a fascinating, heartbreaking, inspiring and so much more. A true eye opener. To hear so many life stories was so inspiring, through all the obstacles people faced, yet never gave up on what they believe. I was wrapped around every word people spoke at the REXperience and learnt so much. I never really saw suffering and poverty passed Africa which is incredibly ignorant of me. That is why I am here in India, to see for myself the suffering that is so easily ignored by so many people. I wish to stay in India until the end of my visa and want to volunteer in a children’s home in Goa, You have given me much more motivation to do anything I can to help. Please keep in touch! – Kayla_Daniels (South Africa)

I found the presentations very powerful and interesting and I would love to know more about the REX organisation and how we can volunteer and help and make contributions with time, effirts and funds that I would like to invest. – Nat Hyman (Canada)

Eye opening – Inspirational – Heart Breaking.– Shari Louise (USA)

Thank you, very insightful and intelligent presentations, appreciated that you didn’t try and make everything seem idealistic. The fact that you were so open about your personal journey inspired others to be more open about their journeys while speaking at REX. This made us think about our own, helped to make me think honestly about my perception of my life. Thanks. – Isobel (USA)

I found the all the talks and presentations interesting, insightful and well thought out. This is a once in a lifetime experience. – Katharin Vasiliev (Russia)

I really enjoyed listening to the stories and your views on social justice. The videos that were shared with us was very moving and impacted greatly on my emotions. You all presented greatly and I loved the jokes Jerry you threw I, while moderating the sessions. Kept it very light hearted and engaging.– Riffat Zaman (Bangladesh)

I enjoyed listening to the great and highly successful life experiences and it really touched me and seeing the videos was overwhelming. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to feel the Rexperience. The talks were powerful and your Jerry’s moderation kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. Truly a super one of its kind learning experience. The sessions were well organised in terms of material and example to aid in the learning. Very good practical exercises which enabled us to feel more about the concepts rather being totally theoretical. Also good knowledge on different aspects other than the subject. Good to know about the various concepts and examples in practice. Helped to identify my own SWOT in term of interviewing skills.– PARTHA CHAKROBORTY – (India)

I find the 3-days at the REXperience useful and it helped me a lot in understanding the techniques and process to lead a great life. The workshop opened up many aspects of my mind which I never used to exercise before. Overall it was a very great experience for me and a good learning.– EMELE MUKHERJEE – (Netherlands)

In these three days I have came to know about what exactly our fundamental rights and duties and responsibilities are and according to these fundamental rights and duties what are our duties which we have to follow or perform as being an Indian citizen. In the span of three days I came to know about that doing business or any activity to get your target or to win is important but the more important this is to perform that activity or business ethically. I have also learned that mutual respect and understanding is necessary to perform a task in a group and it’s not all about to become a leader but the right thing is to make or form more leaders within your group. Ethics and values are very important and essential for us because these are basically the principles and moral values by which we came to know about that what we are doing is right for ourselves and as well as for the society too. And if you want to do something than you have to take an initiative you cannot wait for anyone to take initiative if you want become leader. – Christopher Robinson (Canada)

Learning jn the 3 day REX session (Value & ethics)

• Always do things which give positively effects to the society and the citizens.
• Be proactive and try to start the things, others will automatically follow you if it is good & right
• Never lose the hope. Hope will definitely lead to success.
• Have mutual and equal respect or all. No matter he/she is rich or poor.

Importance of Values and ethics –

• For the success, values and ethics are very important. Values come from within. Hence for doing good, values are important
• To be proactive values are important,
• To get respect from other having respect and values are important

– Utkarsh Bhawsar (India)

In 3 classes of REX, I learned of value and ethics, about what is a purpose of one life and how we should work upon to achieve the purpose through value and ethics rather than by money. I learnt that how we should perceive the world how to differentiate between realities and the things which we want to see. It teaches is how to build our self to change the world to take an initial step by various examples. It teaches us how to achieve the purpose by realizing the potential which we have or which everyone has but the thing is we have still not realize the potential. We learnt to realize the potential that a man can do everything what he want to do. – Jagriti Singh (India)

The values and ethics as we understood more better now is an important part of life which cannot be put aside ever irrespective of whatever we are. We can be proud and feel good once we know to apply those in life. These 3 days teaching has given a new understanding of what is life and how are we supposed to live it. I have been able to know the parts of life which was previously unknown the joy of living does not lie in huge or big things but small things that we can do for others and the society. I have also learnt that to see the around me I have to be the change, take the initiative and stand against the wrong and act selflessly. Because what they are suffering now will affect us someday. And comparing our little suffering to the lakhs and crores of the people outside who share are ill and lack basic amenities, my suffering are nothing. All I can do is contribute to a little to up bring the society around me and do a little good and go back home with a happy face and send back few home with happy face. The class overall has given a new perspective to life and the way of living it. This all is really going to help me throughout my life to bring positivity in my life and do some good to the society. As it is said “What you give comes back to you“.– APRANA SARKAR (India)

I have learnt a lot from this session and class not only about ethics and values , I also came to know what alone I can do or what can I do in group or in team. I came to know like all of other person. I am also having leadership quality I am also having that much potential to do a change or to take initiative. I felt much more confidence in myself after attending this session. And I also came to know much more about the ethics and values, what are our fundamental duties, rights and responsibility. Blaming others is not going to make any change, if you have to blame someone then first blame yourself and take initiative to change that. Without ethics and values everything is going to mess up, which will be more horrible than we thought. So make right to every wrong thing, atleast contribute how much you can but please contribute, It was really a pleasure to learn form you sir. – ANKITA GUPTA – (India)

The very first thing that I have learnt during these 3 days is behaviour is a direct response of your values and principles, ones processes or possesses are reflected by their behaviour. Today we all can identify the problems as others problems but we do not own them considering we would be able to flee but someday its surely going to affect our lives in a apparent way. So we first need to own all those problems. I must take initiative to bring my bit in existence, to earn my own respect first. I should be all those changes that I want to see. I can tell a lie to everybody but not to myself. So I’m going to be honest to my own self first. Honest in terms of efforts irrespective of others whether they come up with their responsibilities or not. – Donovan Benest (UK)

By REX values and ethics I understood the basic code of conduct which should be followed in life. Values are basic of behaviour which is shown to the society. The values and ethics can contribute to the behaviour of ones personality. Values are created by environment and surrounding of the person which leads to creation of behaviour of a person. The conduct we should be maintaining should be equal for each and every one i.e for rich and poor( strong or weak ) we should also be ethical in doing the things or any work. We should be performing our duties to the constitution society and family in a ethical mean. Good ethics and values creates confidence in ones personality and makes him to feel better and enjoy his job and work which does not burdens ones with work, and when he enjoys the work he excel and succeeds in that work. By this session I understood that we should also do something for the society and for needy people, we should be humble in work and that would help me in future endeavour and we should enjoy our work. We should also have a mutual respect for each and everyone in society.– Rohit Pandey (India)

The past 3 days were very enlightened. I had a wonderful experience having interactive session with you. To be frank I was unaware of my rights and to practice them; my duties and realising the importance of standing up to them. Truth brings confidence. Initiating and starting things is the only way to bring someone good to us and the human kind. I learnt we fail only when we fail to try. I really enjoyed the activities and understood the motive behind them. Its about nurturing our values and practicing then in lives in our behaviour. We can put mask for something but being true human brings the power within us. There’s a lot I coud be able to learn, understand and think ablout. I am really very thankful to you for giving me this wonderful experience and the chance to be enlightened. I would surely keep practice these values and keep the spirit high inside. – BHARAT NARYANI –(India)

Values and ethics are the most important part of one’s life. Without values and ethics a person can become rich, wealthy but can never earn respect for himself/herself. I a person earns money with all the fair means and nurtures his value and ethics, even though he is not the richest but surely the most respectful and happiest person. The values and ethics of a person show what kind of individual he/she is and what he does and wants from his life. As the values and ethics teaches an individual the moral principles and how he should behave. A person with the good values and ethics will always think about everyone and not himself only, he can never be selfish. So we should have and improve & nurture our values and ethics so that we can live a life which is worth living and enjoying and let others also live their life with respect and joy. As every individual has the same rights and we are no one to destroy others lives. So living our life and letting others live their lives with happiness, love and peace. We should work and live with good values and ethics. Rather than being selfish and thinking about our good only and destroying the lives of others, one should think about every single individual and the world. – SAMREEN KHANAM SHAFI (India)

The learning acquired during the classes of value and ethics was firstly one of the best as for the 1st time today we got time out to truly know ourselves which is the most important aspect. We understood the most important aspect of life i.e. to be right and do not support wrong. Secondly, as an individual I also supported the cause for which sir has stood and enjoyed to know more about the hard core reality which we are not aware of. I helped to move out of the idealism and truly face reality. Thirdly, the initiative that was brought was the best part. The cleaning of roads was the best experience which created the spirit of giving the ignite to take a step ahead and do something. Fourthly, the 1st session was also a good experience where we learnt so many things like respect others the importance of being attentive, knowing that performance is a continuous process. Fifthly, we truly came to know how big is the role of ethics and values in ones life. We saw so many videos which can truly inspire people to do good and proudly say I am so and so. I as a person would love to already love to live with my head high but a small change I would adopt to enrich that feeling is to do something for others which creates a difference. I truly aspire to open an NGO and earn respect and the recognition of proudly holding the Karmaveer award one day and empower others also to get one for them too. Today I hold respect for you sir and would surely like to contribute to your purpose right at any cost and would always wish you to continue the spirit in you and ignite people. All the best. – TANVI CHHATWAL (India)

These 3 days I have learned lot of thing i.e. ethics and values which tells about principles and how we follow it. From 1st day we watched a video ‘ A respect of National Anthem’ which inspired us very much. We know about what are right and wrong and follows these our life. Its means if you don’t respect the National Anthem then you never respect our country. In 2nd day you learned about begin or initiate the work. Your small beginning teach you a lot of things, don’t think today you started then tomorrow it will be or not i.e. BROOM ACTIVITY such a inspired in my whole life. You see lot of videos which are really nice and inspired me. Really these videos watched yesterday twice..thrice..!! in 3rd day you learned about decision what we taken, who are good for us. Also begin yourself. Believe yourself and one day you call its myself. Mundaji Ma’am, George lots of person which don’t know all the persons but they really a great personality. Ethics and values follows all the person if they works on heart not showing for all of them. Sir really it’s a very unique and learning class for my whole life. – Ruchi Singh (India)