As MCW Global marks its 25th anniversary, we hear from Richard Magid, President of Soundboard Consulting Group, LLC, a long-standing supporter and passionate advocate for MCW Global’s work.
Richard, creator, and founder of the Abraham Magid Educational Scholarship Program (AME), which by the end of 2024 supported a total of six MCW Global alumni, reflects on his involvement with the organization. He shares the most memorable moments from his journey with MCW Global, what motivates him to continue supporting the organization, and his hopes and aspirations as MCW Global celebrates 25 years of community impact.
“I am especially proud of the time I have spent leading the sessions on Leadership & Self-Awareness during the Young Leaders Fellowship Program. The level of engagement, appetite for learning, and optimism expressed by the participants give me great hope for the future of our world.”
Richard identifies several factors that inspire him to continue his support for MCW Global, with two standing out in particular:
“The way the organization is led by Khalid [Elachi, Executive Director] and Regina [Leichner, Director- Strategy and Impact], and their team members and my ability to impact and influence a more global audience with my work.”
He adds that the alignment between MCW Global’s values and his own belief in values-based leadership has been essential in making this journey so rewarding.
One value that stands out in his experience is compassion.
“I will focus on one of the organization’s core values, compassion. Empathy is a cornerstone of compassion, and I have observed it in every interaction with a team member at MCW Global and its Affiliates. For the last two years, I have been involved in the Africa Program [Seminars]. The way each of the Country and Program Managers talks about the impact of their work is evidence of their compassion and empathy for the recipients of their programs.”
Looking ahead, Richard hopes to expand his contributions to the organization and its initiatives.
“My aspiration for the next decade of my life is to impact and influence as many young leaders as possible around the world. I believe that we can influence positive change by developing self-aware, empathetic, growth-minded leaders.”
“Leaders who listen, learn, and empower others,” he adds.
In conclusion, Richard leaves us with a thoughtful message:
“Let’s make sure we deeply support all of the hard work being done by the organization’s operational leaders. They are a very special team and are critical to its long-term success.”
A moment in history: In 2024, in honor of his father, Richard Magid created the Abraham Magid Educational Scholarship Program (AME), which is awarded to alumni of MCW’s Young Leaders Fellowship Program who are passionate about their community and interested in furthering their education. Richard’s father, Abraham Magid, passed away in 2015 after a long journey of health issues that he fought hard to overcome. Richard’s father was always a fighter and optimistic person who saw challenges as opportunities. He used to say that there are no problems, only solutions. Richard always took that to mean that instead of focusing on issues that arise, focus on what you will do to move forward. While the AME scholarship is meant to support the alumni’s academic pursuits financially, it aims to support young leaders who are actively involved in their communities through their projects or other community initiatives.
Transforming Communities for 25 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward Project brings to you a series of exclusive articles celebrating the 25th Anniversary of MCW Global. The stories and reflections shared represent the experiences and perspectives of individuals involved with the organization in various capacities, starting from alumni, board and team members, affiliates, supporters, and donors.
