San Francisco is a city of layers - of fog, history, and a relentless spirit of innovation. This past week, I found myself standing at the intersection of these layers, feeling the city's heartbeat across time. From the depths of a skyscraper's history to the dirt beneath my fingernails on my own block, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to lead with heart and soul.
Synchronicity
On February 6, 1974, a time capsule was buried at the Transamerica Pyramid to capture the essence of the past to be opened 50 years later. Exactly 52 years later, on February 6, 2026, I stood at the exhibit, reading the very notes and documents that were sealed away for half a century.
It was pure coincidence to be there on that specific day, and when I shared this with the docent, they truly appreciated the magic of that timing. Witnessing the past on its exact anniversary was mesmerizing. And perhaps the year 74 feels special as well, born a decade later in 1984 and the opening of the time capsule in 2024.
Time capsule
While talking to the docent, I learned there is another capsule meant to be opened in 150 years. It’s a bold vision, but I shared my hope for something more frequent—perhaps a node every 50 years. Imagine if, every time we opened a capsule, we planted a new one for the next generation. It would create a continuous chain of stewardship and legacy, ensuring no generation is left without a "hello" from those who came before.
Art as a Bridge: CDs and Earth
In the gallery, I saw this bridge between eras come to life through "pure magic." One exhibit, Tara Donovan’s "Stratagems," used stacks of CDs: relics of our digital past, to create something futuristic.
And nearby is the upcoming Lily Kwong’s "Earthseed Dome," an art installation, being 3D printed using earth materials and seeds, in the making and will be ready in April.
What makes the Earthseed Dome speak to my soul is that it will bloom in a few months, physically connecting us back to our roots. Seeing high-tech printing meet the living, breathing elements of our planet felt like a direct nod to how we can be planting seeds for tomorrow by using our best tools to honor the earth we stand on.
Co-creating "Future of Us"
This sense of service is exactly what I’m hoping to bring with the Good Neighbor Advisory. I haven’t created anything yet, but the energy is electric. We are preparing to support the Future of Us festival this July, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Future of Us is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, pro-democracy, non-extractive, and minimally commercial initiative. It is focused on creating the cultural conditions for the public to connect, co-create, explore, and imagine possible futures across identities and beliefs. It is not intended to promote or advocate for specific companies, products, candidates, policy positions, or legislation.
This initiative is anchored in collective insight: integrating scientific knowledge, creative inquiry, and real world experiences.
The values of the Future Culture Collective: Generative Democracy, Openness & Inclusion, Creativity & Imagination, Informed Storytelling, and Sustainable Design.
To lead is to be a bridge.
In the Good Neighbor Lab, Julia and the team aren't just talking about the future; we are co-creating it. It’s about leading with heart and soul in the city I love, ensuring that as we celebrate history, we are also strengthening the literal blocks we live on. I got to meet other neighborhood leaders who are equally passionate and care about San Francisco.
I'm excited for the Good Neighbor Week in September, a time to celebrate the small, daily acts of kindness and leadership that happen over fences and on sidewalks. I shared with the group my pure joy of showing up every Saturday with my neighbors to keep 3rd Street clean in the Bayview. You know you belong when the local businesses know you by your name and you know them by their name. It's a small gesture but means the world to me.
Good Neighbor Week
Good Neighbor Week (celebrated each September) and National Good Neighbor Day (September 28) owe their national status to the humanitarian spirit of Jimmy Carter.
Philosophy: Carter’s vision wasn’t just about being friendly; it was about stewardship. He saw neighborliness as a way to "build friendship among the people of the world," starting right at our own front doors.
Growing Tradition: What started as a single day has blossomed into Good Neighbor Week. In San Francisco 2025, they connected with neighbors and celebrated with Good Neighbor Awards to those who lead with heart.
Planting Roots
Leadership isn’t always found in galleries; sometimes, it’s found in the soil. I’ve started planting my own roots with Climate Action Now to plant street trees on my block. Every sapling we put in the ground is a time capsule of its own. It’s a promise to the neighbors of the future that we care enough to provide water today.
Bayview 3rd street - Tree planting with Climate Action Now California
Thank you EDoT - Economic Development on Third, CAN - Climate Action Now California and Arcadis for supporting the Bayview and helping us plant nine trees on 3rd Street.
and discovered this SF map - what a fun way to get to know your street trees. Thanks Julia for sharing!
I’m looking forward to volunteer, giving back to the land that keeps this city breathing.
And experiencing Aura at Grace Cathedral feels like an immersive journey across time and space, reminding me that we are all part of one continuous story in San Francisco.
If you are looking to lead with heart and soul right now, here are simple ways to act:
Plant a "Living" Legacy: Support a local greening initiative or plant something in your own neighborhood.
Write a Note into the Future: Take a few minutes to write a letter to yourself or someone 50 years from now. Share what you love about your community today.
Be a "Good Neighbor" Now: Identify one small improvement your block needs and reach out to one person to help make it happen.
Lesson for Future Leaders
True leadership is about being a steward. We honor the history, learn from the recycled art of our past, and 3D print with the earth of today to design a tomorrow that actually blooms. We lead with heart, we plant with hope, and we co-create with our community.
Make a Difference with 3 acts 🌿
Plant the Seed: Share the "Why." Purpose is the root of ownership.
Nourish with Autonomy: Give them space to lead.
Prune for Excellence: Radical candor to trim distractions and refine focus.
The best leaders don’t just grow a team; they grow more leaders.
Everytime my mentee or peer asks: what does it take to be an authentic leader, I have only one answer: Lead with your mind, heart and soul. It will guide you and help define your true authentic self.
