Roots & Wings
Honouring the ones who seeded the movement.
Celebrating the ones who gave us flight.
Post 3 | Jawad Ahmed, CPF
Some people don’t enter a room – they softly shift its energy.
My first fond memory of Jawad Ahmed goes back to 2019, when he walked in to facilitate the Delhi Conference team.
No loud words. No grand gestures. Just presence.
A grounded calmness that made the entire room breathe a little easier.
And then he began…
Not by telling us what to do,
but by asking powerful questions that made us look inward, step up, and take ownership.
His facilitation was not an act – it was an experience.
A reminder that real leadership doesn’t arrive with noise – it arrives with clarity, humility, and intent.
Jawad has been associated with IAF India from its earliest roots –
from those fragile seeding years,
to every major conference,
to roles that demanded both heart and leadership.
He has served the community in ways both visible and invisible:
-As a quiet backbone during India’s formative years
-As a nurturing presence at every India Conference
-As Regional Director – Asia
-And now as Vice Chair, Global IAF Board
What I admire most is that despite this illustrious journey, he remains soft – spoken, approachable, and deeply invested in the success of others.
Jawad doesn’t just teach facilitation –
he embodies the “Being of a #facilitator”.
Presence without force. Influence without imposition. Contribution without applause.
My Profound Learning from Jawad:
“#Accountability is not something you demand – it is something you create.”
Jawad taught me that a facilitator doesn’t push people into responsibility.
He invites them into it.
Through questions. Through silence.
Through gentle, unwavering belief in the group.
This has shaped my practice – and my leadership – in more ways than one.
As I look back at my IAF journey, I realise that people like Jawad are the roots –
steady, deep, dependable.
And they are also the wings –
encouraging us, expanding us, lifting us.
To you, Jawad –
Thank you for your service, your simplicity, and your quiet strength.
The global facilitation community is richer because of you.
Chander Sharma
Rooted in Gratitude. Soaring with Purpose.