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.

“A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can’t grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon.” — Dalai Lama

Leadership, like nature, thrives when it is deeply rooted. Resilience is not built in the chaos of the storm but in the quiet, intentional work of cultivating the values that ground us. Courage, vulnerability, self-awareness, and perspective are the foundational roots that sustain great leaders, enabling them to inspire trust and navigate challenges with grace.

Without these roots, leadership feels fragile and reactive. Leaders who avoid risk, shy away from hard conversations, or operate without self-awareness create instability, leading to disconnected teams and cultures of fear. In contrast, leaders with strong roots create environments where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.

The question “Who am I?” has been a pivotal part of my journey, pushing me to explore my true identity beyond the roles I play or the jobs I hold. In this post, I reflect on my path of self-discovery and the importance of defining myself by my values, beliefs, and passions rather than external labels. My experience working alongside a seasoned executive coach revealed the transformative power of understanding our core values. Join me as I share insights on peeling back layers of conditioning to uncover our authentic selves and embrace the freedom that comes with truly knowing who we are. Let’s embark on this journey together!