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Michael's questions are like philosophical journeys - you embark with a simple inquiry, but end up pondering the meaning of existence by the time he finishes explaining it. Farewell, my resident Socrates!

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Context: A Global NFE/Youth Connect design meeting of broad exploration and many circular inputs and occasional tangents. Seated in a circle.

Michael: facing forward, straight-backed and straight-faced, hands folded in lap, (AA style?), announces "My name is Michael, and I am a linear thinker".

Thank you for the fun, curiosity, challenge, 'containment', exploration, vision, generosity and kindness. And for travelling this journey with me in Bangladesh, SR2 and in MENA. Until the next time, Bernie.

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Hi Michael, Wishing you all the best with your studies and the next chapter they bring for you...I'm hoping our paths will cross again both professionally and personally. It's been great working with you, you've kept me on my toes in the best possible way and produced some great work and ideas to progress our NFE portfolio. You will be missed but I'll keep representing the West Riding in your absence to keep BC grounded! Take care and keep in touch! X

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Dear Michael,

You were one of the very first people I met at the British Council. You were warm, welcoming & assured me that my feelings of overwhelm were natural & that they will subside eventually. Wishing you all the best. Amany Abouzeid

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Dear Michael,

So, the time has come for you to get into new adventures! While I'm excited for you, I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that British Council is loosing a very professional and committed staff member. Your knowledge, pragmatism, and critical thinking will be missed for sure.

It's safe to say that your impact and legacy here will be felt long after you're gone.

Sending you my very best wishes

Maria Nomikou

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As you leave your role as NFE Director for MENA, I want to say how much you'll be missed. Your expertise and leadership across SR2, IRM1, and IRM2, as well as in NFE work across the MENA region, have been invaluable. The impact of your work has been profound, and your guidance has made a significant difference in my career and our entire team. It's been an absolute privilege to work with you, and I'm grateful for all the insights and support you've shared. Best of luck with your PhD, and please stay in touch—I hope our paths cross again.

Take care XX

Ghizlane

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A trademark passionate debate on the future direction of the Labour party.

We made great progress that night!

Good luck with your next challenge.

Harry

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Dear Michael, (not sure I like the padlet prompt to write something incredible - the pressure), a valued colleague and friend lost to the allure of greener pastures - you will be clearly missed. My heartfelt wishes for your future 'endeavours' ... thinking of which, now that Sally Wainwright has put Halifax on the map, perhaps see you as an extra in an upcoming series sometime (have an image of something period, rustic, breeches .... yeah, right)! Big hug, Janice

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Sad to see you leave Michael. You've been an absolute asset to MENA on all things NFE and I've really enjoyed working with you.

You've brought laser focus to our work and a real desire to build a collegiate and strong team across the region and you have been a driving force behind that from taking up your role.

You do need to take more care in booking accommodation though and ensure there is a bar where you can reflect of an evening, instead of me having to smuggle a few cans of bitter in to the office.......

All the best with the studies, keep in touch an let us know how you're doing; and if you're up for any consultancy work you know where to find us. Rates will be low though, but hopefully your expertise in resilience should help ;)

I'll also miss our boating conversations and all things 'Canals of England', best of luck with the sale!

Very best wishes

Simon

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Dear Michael,

I've truly appreciated the time we had working together and wish we could have had more opportunities to collaborate. Your incredible support and guidance to the Morocco team on IR2 have been invaluable. Thank you.

I hope our paths cross again in the future.

If you find yourself in Morocco, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you the very best,

Good luck with the studies ;-)

Alexandra

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we didn't spend so much time together, yet we enjoyed having you in Egypt Michael, Come back soon :) lots of love and best luck in your future :) Shaden.

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It was at a conference, with searching eyes, that's how I first met Michael. A quiet seeker with a bold spirit, always in pursuit of the next breakthrough. His style was quietly innovative, always a step ahead, almost futuristic. Your clear dedication to empowering youth through digital programs truly inspired me. We'll miss your focus, humour, and passion for innovation! Good luck with the studies!

Salman

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Oh, Michael! Is it time already to leave?! you will be missed. I have enjoyed working with you, and your passion, enthusiasm, persistence and dedication. All of this was super inspiring. You're a natural advocate for women rights without even knowing! A true feminist! The support you always gave to my Gender work, whether it was under NFE or another sector. The Sincere and genuine advice that was always guiding me through our line management relationship. How you have been mentoring, encouraging me and supporting me, especially when you notice my frustration! This was one of the most smooth, enjoyable and fruitful line management experiences I have ever had. Saying this, I am happy that you decided to leave when you thought is the right time for your study and family. I wish you all success, peace, happiness and good health. The photo is from your first visit to the pyramids, and I remember seeing your eyes wide open when you saw the camel and I offered to take a photo for you :)

My very best,

Doaa

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Dear Michael

I was sad to hear you are leaving the British Council.  One of my best achievements was recruiting you to the SR2 Programme Manager role.  I did not have any doubts but you flourished in the role even more than I imagined.  You have that rare combination of technical interest and understanding and strong programme management capability.  And on top of this you brought a powerful strategic vision for the programme and the portfolio.

Good luck with your studies.  Keep in touch and maybe our paths will cross again.

Best wishes

Richard

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Hi Michael,

Like many here, I am sad that you are leaving. I enjoyed the in-depth and intellectually stimulating perspectives you brought, and your wit has certainly made all the NFE discussions more dynamic and interesting.

Wishing you all the best with your studies and all future endeavours.

Olga

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Hi Michael - sorry not to get you back to Bangladesh, you and the work of Prokash are fondly remembered here - perhaps come back when you are Dr Bush!

I cannot remember quite when and where we had a conversation about crypto-currency - possibly before or during the economic collapse in Lebanon? Why did we not put all our Lebanese Lira or Lollars into crypto? In my alternate reality, you are leaving to cash-in and live in West Yorkshire style.

Others have expressed your talents far more eloquently than I can but you really have so many, not least of all that enquiring mind that so many people have acknowledged and admired.

Stay in touch and hope to work with you again. Cheers, David

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With Michael, everything is less complicated!

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With Michael, everything is less complicated!

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When I first met Michael, I trust that I can with an issue that took me 3 days to analyse, and probably Michael responded with 5 words solution, that solved the issue instantly :). This will always be the way I remember Michael; everything is straight forward and simple.

Michael would always be a role model on how to solve and articulate solutions in less than 10 words and with zero effort.

I am honored and privileged to work with someone that genuine and easygoing about almost everything, enthusiastic and persistence in getting things done.

My only condolences, that we have a saying in Egypt that 'once you drink from the Nile water in Egypt, you will have to come and drink from it again!' until we meet again Michael!

Yosr G

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Very sad to seeing you leaving the British Council. Your leadership in countering violence extremism with SR2 could be described as one of the most powerful programme to give young people an alternative positive pathways, hence saving many lives. Thank you. You will be greatly missed.

Best of luck with your PhD, I will be following your news. Keep in touch.

Elie Gemayel

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Dear Michael,

I was truly saddened to hear that you’re moving on. Being part of the SR2 team under your leadership has been one of my proudest experiences. I always had high expectations, but you surpassed them all. Your calm demeanour and smart approach to every new challenge and difficulty not only guided us through tough times but also deepened our respect and admiration for you. Your deep technical insight paired with your outstanding program management skills not only advanced our project but genuinely transformed our team into a family.

Thanks to your strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and sharp mind, the SR2 project was a resounding success. I have no doubt that your bright future is just ahead, and it will be filled with remarkable achievements. Your presence will be greatly missed, Michael, but I’m eager to see all the incredible things you will accomplish next.

Wishing you the best of luck in your studies. I hope we keep in contact, and that our paths will cross again in the future.

Best wishes

Yasmine

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Very sad to see you leave, Michael. Everyone's favorite Yorkshire consipracy theorist ;) Best of luck with the PhD and all the best for the future.

Jane

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Still can’t believe that you are leaving, Michael! You are such an asset to the British Council with your level of skill, knowledge and insight, learnt a lot from you. Really enjoyed the time we spent together informally too! Hope our paths will cross in the future.

Good luck with the PhD!

Angelina

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Michael

so sad you are leaving. you were always a huge support and worked tirelessly to provide help to others. you will be hugely missed xxx

Rowaida