(I021) The Ensō Mindset: Leadership, Growth, and the Kanji That Start from the Heart
Have you ever had a leader who says all the right things—but you simply don’t feel them? They offer encouragement, they acknowledge your hard work, and yet, something is missing. It’s not that they don’t care; in fact, you know they mean well. But deep down, you wonder… Do you truly see me? Do you understand what fills my cup?
That gap—between words and presence, between intention and impact—is what separates transactional leadership from authentic, felt leadership. And it’s the very reason I started exploring what it really means to lead with heart.
What Is the Ensō Mindset?
In Zen Buddhism, the Ensō (円相) is a hand-drawn circle—imperfect, fluid, complete in its incompleteness. It represents a moment of presence, a snapshot of where we are in our journey, and the understanding that mastery is never a final destination.
The Ensō Mindset is about embracing growth, imperfection, and the cycles of learning and unlearning. It’s about leading—not with rigid certainty, but with curiosity, adaptability, and heart.
And the deeper I went into Japanese philosophy, the more I noticed something: So many of the words tied to leadership, resilience, and transformation share a common thread—心 (Kokoro, heart-mind).
My inspiration for this mindset was deeply rooted in my connection with my Japanese grandfather—my Jiichan. While I was growing up in Canada, he remained deeply rooted in Japan, and yet, his presence shaped me in ways I didn’t fully realize until later.
Jiichan was a Shodō (書道) master—a calligrapher before the digital age, when all shop signs were still hand-painted. This wasn’t just his craft; it was his business, his art, and his legacy. His brushstrokes weren’t just words; they carried meaning, energy, and intention. But to him, titles didn’t matter. He never called himself a master, though his craftsmanship spoke for itself. His focus was on the work—the discipline, the dedication, the quiet pursuit of excellence.
Jiichan’s calligraphy digitized, “Yamaya Lan”
My Japanese Name, translation Mountain Valley Orchid
His calligraphy was so much a part of him that even now, his handwriting has been digitized into my own signature—woven into my work as a quiet but powerful reminder of where I come from.
Though he passed in 2004, a few of his hand-painted signs still stand in his town in Japan—a testament to his artistry, his leadership, and his commitment to creating something that lasts. His love for art, community, business, and craftsmanship lives on in me, shaping not only how I lead but how I see leadership itself.
The Ensō reminds me of him. A single brushstroke, flowing without hesitation, yet never perfect. A balance between control and surrender. Just like leadership. Just like life.
Kokoro (心): More Than Just the Heart
One of the most fascinating things about the Japanese language is that 心 (Kokoro) doesn’t just mean "heart" in the way we think of it in English. It’s not only about emotions or love. It represents both heart and mind—the emotional and intellectual core of who we are.
It’s the seat of feeling, thought, and intention—where logic and intuition meet.
It’s what allows us to connect deeply, think clearly, and lead with authenticity.
It’s the balance of wisdom and emotion, the harmony between rationality and instinct.
In Western thinking, we often separate the mind (logic, thinking) from the heart (emotion, feeling). But in Japanese culture, Kokoro is one. You don’t lead only with intellect or only with feeling—you lead with both in alignment.
This idea is deeply embedded in the language. So many of the most powerful words related to leadership, resilience, and personal growth begin with or include Kokoro.
Kanji That Begin with 心 (Kokoro, Heart-Mind)
Japanese language has a way of embedding deep wisdom into single words. And over and over again, I found that the kanji 心 (kokoro, heart-mind) was at the center of words that shape how we lead, grow, and connect.
初心 (Shoshin) – Beginner’s Mind
Sho (初) – Beginning, the first step.
Shin (心) – Heart-mind, the emotional and intellectual core.
Shoshin is the mindset of a true leader—approaching life with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. It’s about releasing the need to “already know” and instead leading with a sense of possibility.
I remember a time when I was stuck—completely unsure of my next step, overthinking every decision. The moment I stopped trying to force clarity and instead asked, What if I just approached this with curiosity?—everything shifted. That’s Shoshin.
真心 (Magokoro) – True Heart, Authenticity in Action
Shin (真) – True, genuine.
Kokoro (心) – Heart-mind, soul.
Magokoro isn’t about saying the right things—it’s about meaning them. It’s leading with sincerity, showing up fully, and acting in alignment with your values, even when no one is watching.
Trust is built in those quiet moments. In follow-through. In consistency. In the unspoken ways we show others they can count on us. That’s Magokoro.
好奇心 (Kōkishin) – A Heart-Mind That Loves Wonder
Kō (好) – Fondness, appreciation.
Ki (奇) – Wonder, curiosity.
Shin (心) – Heart-mind, core.
At some point, we stop asking questions. We assume we already know. We lose our Kōkishin—the heart-mind of wonder.
But real leaders stay curious. They don’t just see obstacles; they ask, What’s possible here? They don’t shut down new ideas; they lean in.
I was once on the verge of burnout, feeling like I had to keep pushing forward, no matter what. But then I asked myself one question: "What if there’s another way?"
That single question shifted everything.
And So…
And so, I began to see leadership differently.
It wasn’t about proving, pushing, or perfecting. It was about aligning—aligning heart and mind, presence and action, curiosity and integrity. It was about showing up fully, consistently, and with intention.
The Japanese language itself embeds this wisdom—reminding us that growth isn’t about forcing ourselves forward, but about returning to Kokoro. The heart-mind. The place where clarity, connection, and authentic leadership live.
Leadership isn’t about saying the right things—it’s about becoming the kind of person whose presence speaks for itself.
And that’s the shift I want to help others make.
Ready to Lead with Heart? Let’s Work Together.
🔗 Book a free 30-minute discovery call: https://calendly.com/anette_lan/30min
Leadership isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s about the energy you bring, the space you create, and the trust you build. Your team doesn’t just need direction; they need to feel your leadership.
If you want to cultivate a culture of trust, resilience, and authentic leadership, I can help. Through my mindset workshops, leadership training, and cultural coaching, I guide teams and leaders in shifting from burnout and disconnection to clarity, confidence, and alignment.
👉 Let’s create lasting impact—together. Click the link below to explore workshops, mindset training, and culture coaching for your team.
Because the best leaders don’t just lead. They inspire transformation.
