Today, we are going to explore the idea of a true leader. One who is authentic, humble and human. We are multitudes.
In the past week, I had an opportunity to meet our team for the first time in person. Lots of new faces and folks you saw only on zoom finally coming to life. A whole shift in dimension if you are really honest with yourself. One that makes me smile.
It made me realize how guarded we can be when we are on the screen. It also makes you wonder how much of you is out there on the screen versus in person.
As an observer, I could see the dynamics of the different teams and experience true collaboration. Often times in meetings, we don't create a space enough to allow for shared thinking and mindset. The loudest voices in the room always speak up. Is that the best way to create and foster collective intelligence?
My best thinking happens in solitude at first before I can get my ideas out there in the world. And I noticed that I hesitated to contribute at times even though my mind was running a million miles. A part of me was convinced that I didn't belong in that meeting and that my ideas didn't matter. And perhaps also trying to figure out how to stay within the lane, without crossing boundaries or stepping on others’ roles.
And how much space do we create to encourage each other to challenge each other's perspectives. Some thoughts and ideas were creative and some felt like repurposed and recycled.
It was interesting to observe how certain topics or names made me freeze. Some form of PTSD or the fear of the unknown or reliving the moment. Something that I'm going to explore more and see what is the underlying beneath the reactions.
I've been listening to the song - True Leader - Alan Walker (Your diemnsion). Once a walker, always a walker. The music is moving and the video and narrative of the dog as a true leader in the pack is beyond words. Somehow comforting that you don't have to be like the leaders out there. You can create your own mark and identity amidst it all.
And I miss my previous roommate’s dog Elektra - every time I see a labrador or any dog pass by, I can’t stop thinking of her unconditional love. So much love that she carved her way with those 13 year old puppy eyes into my frozen heart and melted it with her lovingkindness and care. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, I felt she understood me. I felt seen and understood more than I can explain in words. This song reminds me of her perhaps.
A true leader does not say he is the leader, he is a leader by merit, he protects the group, he fights for the group, he teaches, he dies for the group, he simply leads for the good of all, let this video serve as a lesson and help many on their journey.
- True Leader - Alan Walker (Your Dimension)
What makes a true leader?
Be Authentic - fortunate to have leaders who are authentic and true to themselves, they can hold the ground and make the leap in their own way.
Be Humble - being kind and humble is a virtue and we should never take it for granted.
Be Human - in the world of AI and technology that we live in, it's easy for us to forget to be human. That's what makes us stand out - a creative soul, navigating the uncertainty and embracing hope.
We can shape the future together as we embark on the next frontier. Each step along the way, we should stay true to our values, understand each other's journeys, and be comfortable in our own vulnerabilities.
Inspire - trust and credibility — we respect each other irrespective of title or role
Influence - extreme ownership — we own the good, the bad and the ugly
Impact - results and relationships — we win or lose together
I'm truly grateful for my inner circle of trusted friends and mentees who believe in me, more than I ever do. They give me the ground to stand on when I feel like everything is falling apart. I will forever be in debt for your lovingkindness.
In the month of May, I could barely get myself out of the house. It takes me a while to break out of the inertia and adjust to the change. So, I reached out to my dearest soul friend and asked for help - I knew I was good at letting myself down but I could never let my people and my team down. And June is just as good a day and month to get started.
And I'm making progress - 10,000 steps a day is my goal. I make the time between meetings or the start of the day to work towards that goal everyday. Always data driven, these stats make me want to be a better person, not better than anyone, but a better me than yesterday.
Accountability is fascinating. All it took was a nudge and telling my folks that I'm going to do this. To break from the inertia and create new memories. And to remind myself that I cant help others if I don’t take care of myself.
This is the Best weekday so far - 13K steps and 120 heart points.
And I was lucky to be able to swim twice this week. The touch of the water is comforting and I'm determined to find an option to swim every week in SF. The peace and serenity in the water is the best meditation I could ever have, a mindful practice to get the day started.
I was so excited to be amongst people that I work with, that I was waking up at 2 - 4 am and I still felt like I had enough energy at the end of the day. I realize I'm a doer and not one for small talks. And if I get the opportunity to talk about something I'm personally passionate about like food or travel, and connect with like-minded folks, I can go on the whole day. The 30min+ walks in between, aka my appointment with the sun, the wind and the earth has definitely helped. The trails near the office in Redwood shores are beautiful and truly grateful to be by the water in the Bay.
Walking on the labyrinth one morning was just what I needed to slow down. And this was the first in-person group meeting that I was in. I thought about the time in October 2021 when I had a similar group meeting in Chicago where I had my blackout. I want to think I am making progress and that I'm still feeling good and no blackout.
Of course, not every day is a rosy day. But I'll take any day that comes by, that makes me feel like I belong, that I am cared for and loved by mi gente.
I'm learning about emotions and feelings. I came across this feelings wheel to help better articulate how I feel. I'm not a fan of the blanket answer to the question ‘How are you doing’ to be ‘I'm okay..’ so now I'm learning to ask ‘How are you feeling?’.
How are you Feeling?
https://feelingswheel.com/
It was great to catch up with my lunch friends and other leaders at work. I realize how much I miss working and meeting folks in the office. Each one of us has a role to play in each other's lives. I'm grateful and I'm feeling supported, cared and loved. Grazie Mille 🙏
To help and serve others is my ikigai. My purpose of being and the reason why I wake up every morning. I had an opportunity to help my mentee with her interview presentation. And to hear that the interview was great is an icing on the cake.
Embrace your inner true leader and seek to create opportunities
for true leaders within your dream team.
I appreciate how women leaders openly discuss their emotions, lessons learned, and personal growth. Love the way you prioritize authenticity and humbleness. I can attest that helping others is, indeed, your ikigai :)