The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships hosted a Leadership Dinner featuring Dr‍ Edward Brooks, Executive Director of The Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford.  Dr Brooks captivated nearly 100 attendees, including JC Scholars and JC InnoPower Fellows, with his presentation titled "Rethink Good Leadership: Nurturing Character Amid Challenges," focusing on the essence of effective leadership in today's complex environment.

In his inspiring talk, Dr Brooks emphasised the importance of resilience and character in leadership.  He encouraged JC Scholars and JC InnoPower Fellows to redefine leadership as a dynamic of influence rather than merely a position of authority, highlighting the human elements that are essential for effective leadership.

Dr Brooks also discussed the importance of developing emotional and adversity quotients, alongside intellectual capabilities, to successfully navigate the complexities of leadership.  Drawing from his research, he stressed that resilience goes beyond overcoming challenges, and also involves fostering a supportive community within teams and organisations. 

During the event, JC Scholars engaged in discussions and collaborative learning, inspiring them to become future-ready leaders.  JC Scholars also connected with Teacher and Social Worker Fellows from the JC InnoPower Fellowship.  The interactions with JC InnoPower Fellows offered meaningful exchanges, enabling JC Scholars to gain real-world vision and inspiration that will aid them in their leadership journeys.

Words from participating JC Scholars

• Dr Brooks' interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on resilience have greatly influenced my own leadership journey and commitment to fostering innovative learning environments at work.

• Thank you for Dr Brooks' insightful presentation at the Leadership Dinner, which highlighted resilience as a continuous process of adaptation and practice. The practical strategies for nurturing a culture of resilience shared by Dr Brooks are particularly inspiring.  I believe all JC Scholars gained valuable insights from our discussions.

Dr Brooks says true leadership goes beyond mere positions of authority, emphasising the importance of human dynamics, influence, and collaboration across diverse sectors.  He highlights the necessity of intelligence, emotional intelligence, and adversity quotient (IQ, EQ, and AQ) to effectively navigate the complexities of leadership.

Dr Brooks encourages JC Scholars and JC InnoPower Fellows to view leadership as a dynamic of influence, in which effective leadership involves exercising influence for the greater good, with character at its core.

 
Dr Brooks is pictured with JC Scholars

 
Dr Brooks is pictured with JC Scholars

Dr Brooks is pictured with JC InnoPower Fellows