Empathy. Self-awareness. Presence. These aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re survival skills in a tech-saturated world. In my journey of blending ancestral stories with AI tools, I uncovered something deeper: the future of leadership doesn’t lie in choosing between innovation and tradition, but in learning to lead from both. From my conversation with David Cory of EITC to the robot monk at Kyoto’s Kōdai-ji Temple, I’ve seen how the ancient and the emerging can harmonize. The real edge today? It’s in embracing the paradox—rooted in heritage, open to what’s next.

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What if leadership isn’t about control, closure, or constant output—but about creating space for insight?

That’s the question I found myself asking during a recent ice storm that took out the power for days. With no Wi-Fi, no meetings, and no distractions, I was left with time. Time to pause. Time to listen. And, unexpectedly, time to refine the finishing touches on the Human Impact Kata: Managers’ Impact course.

At first, I resisted the stillness. Like many of the leaders I work with, I’m used to moving things forward. But in that pause, something shifted. I began to see things I hadn’t noticed before—patterns, connections, themes I had been too busy to see. And one of them was this: So many of the qualities I had built into the course began with the same letter: C. Read More…

We’ve been sold a lopsided story about leadership: hard skills are non-negotiable, while soft skills are “nice to have.” But here’s the truth we don’t say out loud—soft skills aren’t soft. They’re the root system. We’ve been worshipping the branches—what’s visible, productive, fast. But without roots—presence, emotional clarity, humility—none of it holds.

In Japan, this isn’t a buzzword—it’s embedded in the spirit of Shokunin Kishitsu: the quiet discipline of showing up fully, with intention and pride. Skills aren’t separated from the soul. Leadership isn’t about being rigid—it’s about being supple.

This past weekend at AutoHACK, I witnessed something quietly powerful—leadership not as title or authority, but as presence, purpose, and partnership. In just 26 hours, 130 students tackled real-world challenges with heart, hustle, and humanity. As a mentor, I didn’t just guide—I was inspired. What if leadership isn’t about having answers, but creating space for better questions? What if it lives not in performance, but in presence? This weekend stirred something deeper, and I’m exploring it through my upcoming book And so, a tree still grows and a new leadership perception study. Tell me—what does leadership mean to you?

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My journey with the Ensō Mindset began with the quiet presence of my Jiichan, my Japanese grandfather. Though I never watched him practice calligraphy, I can imagine his brush moving across the canvas, creating bold strokes in his shodō paintings—an artist and a businessman shaping the world with deliberate, intentional movement. His art, now in my hands, became the inspiration for how I understood leadership, resilience, and ultimately, how my own brain worked.

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Have you ever had a leader who said all the right things—but you didn’t feel them? They meant well, but deep down, you wondered… Do you truly see me? Do you understand what fills my cup?

That gap—between words and presence—is what separates transactional leadership from authentic, felt leadership.

In Zen Buddhism, the Ensō (円相) is a hand-drawn circle—imperfect, fluid, and never complete. It symbolizes growth, presence, and continuous learning.

The deeper I explored Japanese philosophy, the more I saw a pattern: words tied to leadership, resilience, and transformation all shared one kanji—心 (Kokoro, heart-mind).

My Jiichan (grandfather) embodied this. While I grew up in Canada, he remained deeply rooted in Japan, shaping me in ways I only later understood.

We all have that voice in our head. The one that whispers, “Who do you think you are?” The one that convinces you to hold back, stay small, hesitate just a little longer. It doesn’t yell—it’s quieter than that. But it’s always there, lurking in the background, planting doubt.

And here’s the truth: Nobody thinks about you more than you do.

That voice? It’s relentless. Analyzing, replaying, second-guessing. And yet, we rarely stop to ask: Is this voice guiding me—or keeping me stuck?

If you’ve spent your career proving yourself, solving problems, and holding everything together, that voice isn’t just an occasional whisper—it’s a constant hum. It reminds you to be responsible. To anticipate challenges. To brace yourself.But what if that voice—your internal competition—is actually what’s keeping you from expanding?

Living Your Values: A Way of Being

Saying you have values is one thing. Living them is another. A tree’s strength lies in its roots—deep, unwavering, and essential for growth. In leadership, our roots are the values we embody, not just the words we speak. They must be practiced daily, nurtured over time, and strengthened through experience. Without strong roots, a tree cannot withstand the storms; without deeply held values, a leader cannot navigate challenges with resilience.

What if the secret to authentic leadership lies in something as small as a seed?

Much like a seed carries the DNA that determines its growth, your leadership DNA holds the unique values, experiences, and strengths that define who you are. These elements form the foundation of your growth, just as a seed’s roots anchor it in the soil. Growth, however, doesn’t happen automatically—it begins with curiosity, the first root that drives exploration and transformation.

Curiosity is more than just a spark; it is the first root of leadership growth. It compels us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and embrace change.

What if the secret to authentic leadership lies in something as simple as a tree? Trees embody resilience, adaptability, and connection, offering profound lessons for leaders. Like a seed growing into a strong and flexible tree, leadership requires nurturing roots in self-awareness, values, and relationships, while branches extend outward toward growth and opportunity.

The tree’s wisdom isn’t about striving for perfection but embracing change, balancing strength with vulnerability, and fostering collective growth. From the “wood wide web” of interconnected roots to the ability to bend without breaking in a storm, trees remind us that true leadership thrives through connection and adaptability.

I'm curious—what truly fuels our drive to stay engaged and thrive at work? Lately, I've been pondering what kinds of incentives go beyond financial rewards to spark a deeper connection to our roles. From psychological safety to purpose-driven work, it’s clear that motivation isn't one-size-fits-all. In this piece, I unpack the science and psychology behind effective incentives and share insights on how leaders can foster environments where employees feel valued and empowered. Let's dive into what really keeps us motivated.

Hard conversations are a part of leadership and HR. Whether dealing with performance issues or conflicts, they often stir strong emotions. Throughout my career, I’ve developed the C.A.R.E. Framework to approach these discussions with emotional intelligence. It stands for Cultivate Self-Awareness, Acknowledge Emotions, Respond with Intention, and Empower Change. Each step fosters authentic dialogue, ensuring everyone feels heard. This post explores how the C.A.R.E. Framework can turn tough talks into opportunities for growth.