As I reflect on my journey as a leader, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I have had the privilege of navigating various challenges and opportunities, and through it all, I have learned to lead with my thoughts, actions, and example. In this article, I will share three key areas where I feel I have made a significant impact, and I would like to take you on a personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and leadership.
Embracing the Courage to be Daring
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the importance of being daring. It is easy to play it safe and stick to what is familiar, but true leadership requires taking calculated risks and pushing beyond comfort zones. I recall last July, I had to relocate iSpark, the Holistic Happiness Space I created for children. We had to do it within a few months. Day and night, I was on the site to ensure that everything was executed with class and excellence in every aspect.
I remember sitting in our team meeting, feeling the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. But instead of letting fear take over, I decided to take a bold step. I encouraged my team to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions that would set us apart to make the new space thrive. We brainstormed ideas, and I empowered the team to take ownership of their tasks.
The outcome was remarkable. We relocated iSpark, and it exceeded our expectations. I worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was meticulously executed. The new space has been a benchmark for me to keep demonstrating my ability to lead with passion and purpose.
The experience taught me that being daring does not mean being reckless; it means being courageous enough to take calculated risks and trust in one’s abilities. As a leader, I have learned to exhibit a culture of happiness and love while working with children.
Following Passion Without Compromise
Passion is a powerful driver of success, and I have learned that following my passion without compromise has been a key factor in my growth as a leader. I have always been passionate about creativity and innovation, and I have made it a point to incorporate these elements into my work.
As a leader, I have learned to identify my strengths and passions and align them with my goals. I have also encouraged my team to do the same, and it’s amazing to see how passion can drive innovation and excellence. When we are passionate about what we do, we are more motivated, more creative, and more resilient. Passion has become my purpose ever since.
Excellence and Class in Every Aspect
Excellence and class are not just buzzwords; they have been my way of life. As a leader, I have learned that striving for excellence in every aspect of my work is essential to building trust, credibility, and respect. I have always believed in paying attention to details and ensuring that every project I lead meets the highest standards of quality.
The iSpark 2.0 has been a huge success. The experience taught me that excellence is not just about achieving a goal; it is about the journey, the process, and the attention to detail. As a leader, I have learned to instill a culture of excellence within my team, where every member strives to deliver exceptional results.
Takeaways and Reflections
As I reflect on my journey as a leader, I have learned several valuable lessons that I would like to share:
- Be daring and take calculated risks: Do not be afraid to push beyond the comfort zone and take calculated risks. It is often the best way to learn and grow.
- Follow your passion without compromise: Identify your strengths and passions and align them with your goals. When you’re passionate about what you do, you will be more motivated, more creative, and more resilient.
- Strive for excellence in every aspect: Pay attention to details and ensure that every project meets the highest standards of quality. Excellence is not just about achieving a goal; it is about the journey, the process, and the attention to detail.
As I look back on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. I have learned to be kind to myself, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, and focusing on continuous improvement. I have also learned to surround myself with people who support and inspire me, and to seek out opportunities that challenge me to grow and develop.
As a leader, I have learned that it is not just about achieving success; it is about the impact you make on others. I have been fortunate to have had mentors and role models who have guided me throughout my journey.
Looking forward to going beyond my comfort zone at every moment in life!
