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Major-General (ret'd) Considered the most experienced peacekeeper in the world, Major-General (ret'd) Lewis MacKenzie encapsulates what being a leader truly is. |
He has commanded ground troops in some of the world's most dangerous places: the Gaza strip, Cyprus, Vietnam, Cairo, Central America and Sarajevo. It was in Sarajevo that his superior leadership skills and courage came to the fore. At the start of the Bosnian Civil War he created and assumed command of Sector Sarajevo and, in the midst of a brutal civil war, with a contingent of troops from 31 nations, and under fire from all sides, managed to open the Sarajevo airport for the delivery of humanitarian aid. During that period, Martin Bell of the BBC said MacKenzie was interviewed more that any other human being in the history of television over a 30-day period.
His expertise on conflict resolution combined with the courage to think for himself in a crisis make his presentations relevant, timeless and highly entertaining.
General MacKenzie retired from the Canadian Forces in March 1993. His book, Peacekeeper: The Road to Sarajevo, a personal account of his peacekeeping experiences, became a number one best seller in September 1993. A two-hour documentary, "A Soldier's Peace," based on the book, has aired in over 60 countries and won a New York Film Festival award in 1996. He is currently the president of Major General MacKenzie Enterprises and comments regularly on international affairs for the National Post and numerous North American television networks. He is also bringing his high profile and leadership to the fundraising efforts of ICROSS (International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering), a Canadian charity whose mission is to serve the poorest of the poor in Africa, and throughout the world.
"Lessons in Leadership"
He has distilled the lessons of 36 years experience in the Armed Forces into 10 practical tips which if applied will enhance your leadership style. Although developed in life and death situations, including the opening of Sarajevo airport during the Bosnian civil war, you will find it easy to apply these guidelines to your daily leadership challenges. For him, leadership is about building trust, commitment to a common purpose and understanding what you have to do to convince others to follow. He knows exactly how to do this under the most difficult of circumstances with the eyes of the world watching. He doesn't just talk about leadership, he demonstrates it. This translates into an enduring and inspiring lesson on leadership.