National Deputy President 2021, JCI Germany
The JCI European Academy was a truly life changing experience for me.
Little I knew what was expecting me, when I entered the plane in Germany in 2018 heading to the Swedish Gothenborg. As I found out later, this was on purpose, because the JCI European Academy is one of JCI’s best kept secrets. During the five days of the academy I learned so much about Leadership, the Organization, Team Performance and most of all, about myself. I worked hard, laughed, cried and jumped over my own shadow more than once and through this I developed as a Leader and as a person in a way I never would’ve expected – and found friends for life.
This experience helped me to become the best State President I could be and led me further on my journey as I became Skills Development Director and JCI Germany Deputy President the years after. I highly recommend everybody to participate in JCI European Academy and enter the next level of your very own JCI journey.
Being part of the COC team for the JCI EA has been a deeply transformative journey for me. Even during challenging times or personal crises, dedicating myself to this voluntary work proved to be incredibly rewarding. It shows you that life-long learning doesn’t stop when things get tough. Through this experience, I didn’t just gain invaluable life skills; I found true joy and lifelong friends who support each other. It simply requires having the time and means to commit. But if you can make it possible, the personal growth and connection you get back are absolutely priceless.
For me, the JCI European Academy is a magical place where true personal development happens. Having served as a COC Member in 2023 and 2024, and in the role of Academy Director in 2025, I have seen firsthand how this project shapes the future leaders of JCI Europe. Members fly back home, filled with enthousiasm, bolstered with a pan-European network, and armed with a wealth of ideas for their Local Organisations.
My time on the organizing team was an incredible learning journey. Managing an international, asynchronous team across different cultures and languages taught me invaluable project management and communication skills. I learned an immense amount, but more importantly, I brought back home a wealth of experience that continues to impact my local organization and professional life.
Beyond the leadership skills, the true power of the academy lies in its network. I made so many close, meaningful friends from all across the continent. The bonds you form in Sweden are built to last; in fact, I am currently collaborating on exciting new international projects with many of the fantastic people I met during my time on the crew – fellow crewmembers and delegates alike.
The academy is a unique platform where you truly live the European Dream. Whether you join as a delegate to kickstart your leadership journey or step up to the crew to give back to our network, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will change your perspective forever.