"Excuses," my father says, "are an abdication...to step down and give up a major responsibility." His words settled in on the drive back from his surgery. This past week has been an impossible contrast. In the same few days I’ve been navigating hospitals, I also submitted my final manuscript—a huge step toward my goal of becoming an author.

This gave me a moment of clarity. The choice I made two years ago—to be a creator, not a complainer—is what allows me to see this week not as a crisis competing with a milestone, but as a life fully lived. When you stop making excuses, you unlock the capacity to hold it all. The way to do that is to let the light through the gaps, a beauty the Japanese call Komorebi. It’s knowing when to push and when to flow... "Excuses," my father says, "are an abdication...to step down and give up a major responsibility." His words settled in on the drive back from his surgery. This past week has been an impossible contrast. In the same few days I’ve been navigating hospitals, I also submitted my final manuscript—a huge step toward my goal of becoming an author.

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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.

The Resilient Leader: Wisdom of the Tree is a transformative framework rooted in timeless leadership principles. From deep roots of values and resilience to the branches of influence and the fruits of impact, this metaphor guides leaders to grow authentically while nurturing their teams and organizations. Discover how alignment, emotional intelligence, and purposeful action can help you weather storms, foster growth, and leave a lasting legacy. Grow your leadership from within—because every tree starts with a seed.

"Your unique curiosity, paired with courageous action, drives real change." – Anette Lan

This quote resonates deeply with my belief that true innovation isn’t just about new ideas or tech—it’s about combining curiosity with courage to create meaningful, human-centered change. Our world is evolving at lightning speed, but the need for empathy and connection remains stronger than ever.

Human-centered innovation doesn’t just tackle problems; it dives into understanding people—their emotions, values, and experiences. That’s where the magic happens, when solutions don’t just work but resonate.

“I fear being judged.” This powerful sentiment has gripped my heart, often stifling my voice and clouding my actions with doubt. The fear of judgment can quietly infiltrate our lives, influencing decisions and self-perception. Through my journey, I found inspiration in Jamie Kern Lima's "Worthy," which illuminated the path to embracing vulnerability. Lima's story transformed my perspective, turning fear into an opportunity for growth. Let’s explore this together, cultivating self-compassion and courage, and reclaiming our power to define our worth amidst the noise of judgment.