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.

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

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

Take care XX

Ghizlane

We made great progress that night!

Good luck with your next challenge.

Harry

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

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

Salman

My very best,

Doaa

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  

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

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

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

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

Elie Gemayel

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

Jane

Good luck with the PhD!

Angelina

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