A Centenary Message from Next Generation
1 like356 views
Steven James Taylor, a member of the Next Generation Network, addressed the CILT Centenary celebration emphasizing the importance of developing young professionals for the transport and logistics industry. He highlighted the opportunities and support provided by CILT and the network, encouraging senior members to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders. Taylor concluded by affirming the commitment of young professionals to uphold the legacy of CILT and contribute to its future.
A Centenary Message from Next Generation
- 1. Next Generation Speech given at the CILT Centenary Celebration in the Savoy Hotel, London, 3 November 2019 Good Afternoon. My name is Steven James Taylor, and I am honoured to be a member of the Next Generation Network, based here in the UK. The NexGen network is CILT’s forum focused on the support and improvement of young professionals across the world. As a young professional, it is crucial that I have the confidence, competence and commitment to succeed in an innovative and forward-thinking industry. CILT and the NexGen network have helped me significantly in developing and nurturing these attributes. The NexGen network has also afforded me many opportunities, opportunities that have already improved my career position, and enhanced my status within the industry. I have benefited greatly from excellent networking events, from shared best practice, and from the guidance of leading professionals and academics. Most of all, I am grateful for the generous and dedicated mentoring I have received. All these things have helped me to grow as a professional, and allowed me to forge my own path within our industry. As we look forward to the next 100 years of the Institute, it is entirely appropriate to cite immediate past President Kevin Byrne, who wrote in his presidential address of 2017 ‘we must not just enable today’s leaders, but nurture tomorrow’s.’ Our world is changing. The combustion engine is being superseded by the electric engine, human hands are giving way to robotic limbs, and what was once the work of the human mind is now performed by computer. However, two things remain constant: the world will always need transport and logistics, and our industry will always need leaders. The members of CILT’s NexGen network are those leaders of tomorrow. It is the responsibility all members, particularly senior members, to share their experience, and to provide the support and mentoring needed for our young professionals to fulfil their potential. I will close with a message from Usman Shaibu, NexGen Regional Ambassador for Africa: ‘The future is no longer ahead but with us. How CILT attends to young professionals today will determine the next century of our Institute. We, the members of the NexGen network are excited at the prospect of the next 100 years, and we are proud of our opportunity to play a key role. Today, we celebrate our founders. But as young professionals, we also give our thanks to you, for the nurturing, counsel, direction, knowledge and the hope you have given, and continue to give. We will not let you down.’ As a young professional, future leader and aspiring Fellow, I stand here proud to declare that I am CILT and together, we are CILT. Thank you. Stephen James Taylor 3 November 2019