Nilesh Manani came to the United Kingdom as a refugee of the Ugandan exodus of 1972. He went to school in Edinburgh and is a graduate of the University of London and Institute of Education. He is the member of the Executive Council of Independent Schools Association. As the founding Headmaster of The Swaminarayan Senior School, he has been instrumental in guiding it to one of the best performing secondary school in the country. He credits its success to leadership through humility. He firmly believes it is the key influence to any successful venture and strives to spread its value in all facets of life. He is the founder of Inspire Students and authored several books on the subject, including Inspirations.
1) What is your current position?
I am currently the Headmaster in the school with specific responsibility for the Senior School and administration of the entire school.
2)What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest achievement are of course my children; helping to make the Swaminarayan School one of the best in the country; and the books I have written: The Kingdom of Birds and Inspirations.
3) What inspires you?
The written word is a huge inspiration, I get up for it very early everyday - whether it’s something I have to write or I am reading – it always lifts my spirit and motivation hugely.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Inability to make the final decision for the School.
5)Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj is far away the most influential person away from the children. His humility is infectious because really, leadership at any level is all about humility.
6)What is the best aspect about your current role?
To witness the success of the children you have nurtured, watched grow, mature and strive.
7) And the worst?
Dealing with adults who are inflexible and not looking ahead to see what is possible for school such as ours.
8) What are your long term goals?
Do the best I can do every day; support my family; continue to write; be physically fit in old age; continue to help children and make a positive contribution to society.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Remove the control of our education system from the politicians and set up a separate independent body to oversee policy, strategy and management.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Bhagawan Swaminarayan – Born in 1781, he was one of the great insightful reformers of India and transformed the lives of millions in his time. I would have loved to pick his brain about the direction of modern India, the problems in the world and pick his brain about after-life.
