Meet the Execs: Jonny Morris

Today we’ve picked the brain of none other than Jonny, the International Project Director. He shares with us his German heritage and the secret dance abilities of the Enactus team.

Blue. Steel. 

Name and Course

Jonathan Morris. 

Mechanical Engineering.

What interested you in Enactus?

It seemed like a place where things ‘happened’ – my biggest pet peeve about being an undergrad is that your ideas rarely go further than a letter grade, but if you have a good idea at Enactus, there are driven, smart people who will make it happen.

Best Characteristic in a person?

Curiosity. It’s the cause of so many admirable traits and the root of so many essential professions – artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, inventors, writers – curious people change the world.

What wouldn't you wish on any of your enemies?

Comfort. Rest. Validation. Satisfaction.
Don’t be my enemy, yo.

Explain to us your heritage?

My family originates from Germany on my father’s side – in fact during WWI, my great-grandfather took his wife’s surname in marriage (German names not being too popular in Britain at the time). Had that not happened, I’d be Jonny Bernhart, which translates something like ‘Strength/Bravery of a Bear’, I’m told. Shame really.

My Grandfather and Great-Grandfather were both inventors, and have a few patents between them. If you’ve ever been to a theater and put a coin in the slot to use those little opera glasses, you have Edward Ernest Morris to thank!

Best Childhood memory?

To all the Fireman Sam haters out there, YES he is real and YES I have met him.

What is something you hope everyone experiences?

Rejection. No, really! Getting rejected means you’re working at your upper limits, it’s a good thing. You’ll learn more from getting rejected 100 times than from never taking the chance. Don’t settle for less than you can be.

Favourite memory of Enactus so far?

All the dancing. I’m so proud that our projects are world-class, but it’s a little known fact that our dance moves in fact world-leading.

If you could have everyone in the world believe in one thing, what would it be?

That it’s ok to believe different things.

If you weren’t studying/doing what you are now, what would you be doing instead?

I’d love to be a Blacksmith, or anything where you do a lot of work with your hands. I would also leave the country immediately if offered a job at Weta Workshop.

Favourite song to sing in the shower?

“Six Months in a Leaky Boat” by Split Enz

Best advice you have ever received?

I’ve had a lot of advice which boils down to ‘use your time effectively’. What are you doing right now, and how is it driving you forward?

Oh, Morris.