By Brendan Rees
When Cr Sam Aziz migrated to Australia from Egypt with his parents at the age of 10, he could not speak a word of English.
Today, the Mayor Emeritus for the City of Casey has officially launched a book, detailing his personal life, career, and the remarkable opportunities Australia has provided him.
The book titled ‘He Leads,’ also chronicles the lives of five leaders who share stories of success, celebration and hardship.
“Putting your life on paper is a surreal experience,” Cr Aziz said, who is also former director at Australian Customs and Border Protection. “It’s an opportunity for reflection; it was a really great chance to put it all there.”
The book aims for people to learn how to overcome challenges, communicate and lead.
“I congratulate my fellow authors on their remarkable stories, and I thank my dear friend Samantha Jansen for offering me this rare opportunity,” Cr Aziz said.
Cr Aziz, who obtained a Master’s Degree in Defence and International Relations at the Australian Defence Force Academy, reveals his perspective on leadership, vision and shaping the future in the book.
“Some never before published life events have been revealed in this book,” he explains.
This includes a “very harrowing incident” when, at the age of 25, he was responsible for coordinating a national response following a terrorist attack on Australia, while working for the Counter Terrorism Agency.
“I am honoured to be one of six authors publishing my life story in this remarkable book.”
“I also spoke about Bunjil Place: Never in our wildest dreams did we ever imagine building the biggest precinct in local government in the history of Australia,” he says.
Cr Aziz also offers some words of encouragement to new Australian migrants: “If they apply their mind to things they can achieve some amazing things in our country.
“The formula is very simple, you basically work hard, stay within the law and success will come your way, there’s no doubt about it.”
