Leading with Passion and Purpose
In life, some merely exist and some truly thrive. Jonathon Cummings, a visionary hailing from the vibrant streets of Kingston, Jamaica, and now a prominent figure in the bustling hub of New York City at 16, falls unequivocally into the latter category. With a multifaceted journey that has spanned continents, disciplines, and industries, Jonathon is a shining exemplar of the extraordinary potential that can be unlocked with determination and commitment to passion.
Strongminded to carve a unique path, Jonathon immersed himself in academia, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Culture and Communication Studies at Ithaca College. His leadership potential soon became evident as he was elected as the Co-President of the Class of 2015, a testament to his ability to inspire and lead.
His thirst for knowledge led him to Cornell University, where he pursued a Master in Public Administration. At Cornell, Jonathon’s leadership prowess shone once more as he assumed the role of President of the Cornell Public Affairs Society, a position that allowed him to hone his skills in guiding and empowering others.
Jonathon’s professional journey further exemplifies his pursuit of excellence. He ventured into the challenging terrain of the International NGO and United Nations arena, where he not only spoke at the hallowed halls of the UN Headquarters but also orchestrated and hosted events within its auspices. This was not mere happenstance; it was the result of his hard work in support of noble causes, as well as his active participation in numerous UN forums.
Today, Jonathon finds himself at Deloitte, where he serves as an Alliance Manager. His role is demonstrating the ability to engage with Deloitte’s Alliance partners and senior business executives, bridging the gap between diverse interests and objectives to foster collaboration and growth.
Jonathon’s journey has not been without its fair share of challenges. Transitioning from the international public to the private sector presented a formidable hurdle. These two arenas operate by different codes of conduct, work styles, and motivations. This shift necessitated a recalibration of Jonathon’s mindset, a testament to his adaptability and tenacity.
Jonathon’s passion is an enduring flame that burns brightly. It is driven by his aspiration to bridge the gap between his experiences and knowledge gained in the international public sector with the private sector. He recognizes the uniqueness of his skill set and experiences, acknowledging their potential to fuel a distinct brand of thought leadership in the private sector.
In the perennial debate between the rat race and the tiger, Jonathon firmly identifies with the latter. For him, being a tiger signifies a willingness to take risks, chart unexplored paths, and
pioneer new territories. While acknowledging the competitiveness of the rat race, he believes that combining the two approaches allows one to stand out and reach greater heights in the pursuit of success.
Jonathon’s list of achievements in both his professional and personal life reads like a roll call of distinction. Notably, in July 2023, he received the ‘Outstanding Leader Award’ from the Marketing 2.0 Conference. His June 2023 role as a Moderator and leader of a dinner roundtable for senior business, marketing, and tech leaders for the Ortus Club is a testament to his networking and leadership skills. His February 2023 election as a Member of the Board for the Black Professionals in International Affairs is a further feather in his cap.
Additionally, in November 2023, Jonathon’s selection as a Member of the Forbes Black is a noteworthy achievement. His collaboration and hosting of a UN High-Level Political Forum with Deloitte and UN officials in July 2022 demonstrate his ability to orchestrate high-profile events.
Jonathon’s sphere of influence extends across the Atlantic, as evidenced by his speech at the House of Lords in the UK at an event in November 2021. His collegiate journey is equally impressive, marked by his election as the President of the Cornell Public Affairs Society at Cornell University for the class of 2018 and his previous role as the Co-President of the Class of 2015 at Ithaca College.
Jonathon imparts a valuable insight: the wisdom of empathy. Drawing from an old African proverb, he highlights the significance of collective effort in achieving greatness. “Everyone possesses the potential to make a profound impact on their lives and the lives of others,” he adds.
Jonathon Cummings stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished with a blend of dedication, a passionate pursuit of purpose, and the power of empathy. As Jonathon continues to empower and inspire, he remains a trailblazer with a vision for a future where leadership and empathy go hand in hand, creating a brighter world for all.
