Rotary leader uses power of storytelling

Leading a historic organization like Rotary, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates certain qualities. For Jennifer Jones, a Canadian originally from Windsor and now Rotary International's first female president, the key ingredients were dedication and the ability to tell compelling stories. Jones believed that her genuine and relatable communication style, coupled with her commitment to providing empathetic leadership, would guide her through difficult times.

In an interview with The Korea Times at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Seoul, Jones emphasized the significance of her vocational strength - communication - in helping Rotary emerge from the COVID era. She recognized that it was crucial to ensure that individuals felt connected and supported, even when physically isolated. Jones stressed the importance of fostering a sense of global unity while still working towards common goals and assisting one another.

During the pandemic, Rotary leveraged the existing infrastructure it had established to combat polio, one of its most successful programs. By utilizing this infrastructure, Rotary was able to assist people in accessing essential treatments, vaccines, and materials such as masks in over 70 countries. Jones reflected on Rotary's purpose during challenging periods, adding that the organization was designed to rise to such occasions.