Meet Len Nanjad with Arete Initiative
Meet Len Nanjad with Arete Initiative, leaders in the art of guiding people and organizations towards achieving greater passion and purpose.
Passionate about facilitating the next wave of change, Len joined Arete Initiative in 2018. Always seeming to be ahead and in front of what comes next (like 10 years) in a world that is changing exponentially, and where in this next wave all organizations will be leading, organizing and experiencing over the next five to ten years.
“I want to be part of pioneering with other pioneers who are making things happen,” said Len, “designing the future and making it happen to shape our cities, countries and the world. Then sit back and watch the amazing adventure happen!”
In his down time you can find Len as an ambidrinktrous, enjoying beer, tequila, scotch, and all adventures in discovery of cultures, people, relationships, science and the arts of socializing in all of its forms. Food too. Although he declared he’s not really a foodie, but certainly an enthusiast!
When asked what superhero would he be if he could choose?
“Frodo Baggins - because the power of character, to shape the character of others in the greatest trials of learning and letting go of all that,” said Len, “Can make you powerful to become something even more supreme. That is pretty super! I believe that character is destiny.”
Len said that he loves his family, friends, the sun, powder sand beaches, and sharing great meals with other adventurers in this dream of life. And that he fears the random carelessness of others – and even that in himself. “At times I may be careless of my impact on others. But what I mean mostly, is the lack of value of life when demonstrated by others,” said Len.
When asked who his hero was, and why?
“My wife Michelle who has an incredible ability to multi-task and think on many levels at once. She is a busy and successful professional, and at the same time keeps our two sons Niall and Oscar and myself all alive, fed, happy, and stable through years of massive change,” said Len, “And also my Dad. He was a noble, courageous, gritty pioneer with a balance of philosopher, scoundrel, family man, partier, intuitive leader, community builder, and country shaper,” said Len, “He probably brought and supported the journey of more Guyanese people, mostly family, to Canada and the US, than any one person. And that is just one thing he has accomplished. To shake his hand, is to shake a hand that shook the world - at least my world!”
A man that can feel and sense so strongly into situations and the people that surround him is indeed strong in character, and Len - like his own Dad – definitely has a hand in the shaping the future of our world.
Len’s Recommended Favorite Book Series?
“Oooh boy! I think it is the full three volumes of The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas.”
He said it’s because it’s such an intricate story of fate, manipulation, love, hate, revenge, redemption, and ultimately lessons in grace, that it always comes to mind. It asks the complex question: What would you do if you had unlimited wealth that was brought to you through devastating betrayal and exceptional trials of body, mind and spirit?