The Wise Owls in the Leadership Tree: Cultivating Your Kensho Flock

Leadership is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives in connection, nurtured by the wisdom of those who guide, challenge, and inspire us. In my leadership journey, I’ve come to call these mentors my “Wise Owls”—figures perched high in the canopy of my leadership tree, offering perspective, insight, and encouragement to help me grow.

The metaphor of the tree is central to how I view leadership. Like a tree, a leader is rooted in core values, strengthened through resilience, and stretched outward by the branches of connection and influence. The fruit of this growth is the wisdom we share and the impact we leave on others. However, no tree grows in isolation; it is nourished by the ecosystem surrounding it. For leaders, this ecosystem is our Kensho Flock—a circle of Wise Owls whose guidance helps us to thrive.

Racing across open waters has taught me profound lessons about leadership, mirroring the unpredictable storms leaders face. Just like a tree weathering wind and rain, leadership requires deep roots, flexible branches, and the resilience to stand tall through adversity.

The Resilient Leader: Rooted in Purpose, Flexible in Action

The wisdom of the tree offers a timeless metaphor for leadership. A resilient tree doesn’t resist storms; it bends, absorbs, and adapts while remaining deeply rooted in the soil that sustains it. Leaders who embody this wisdom recognize that strength comes from within—anchored in values, nourished by learning, and tested by challenges.

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.

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.

My 5-year-old son loves watching YouTubers create intricate terrarium ecosystems, blending plants and creatures to form balanced, living worlds. It inspired me to think of workplaces as ecosystems, where each role is a vital element contributing to overall health. Just as plants need sunlight and water, roles rely on one another to thrive. Misalignments disrupt the system, emphasizing the need for emotional awareness to align personal well-being with organizational goals for lasting success.

Resilience isn’t about “bouncing back”—it’s about moving forward by reframing challenges and embracing the unknown. Imagine tackling a puzzle with missing pieces and no clear picture; it’s daunting at first, but through curiosity and creativity, you begin to see possibilities. This mindset, rooted in curiosity and human connection, is the foundation of resilient leadership.

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.

"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.

In coaching, the phrase “and so” signifies a moment of insight, a shift from reflection to action. It marks the point where thoughts connect, realizations surface, and clarity unfolds, guiding the conversation towards meaningful change. Much like the Zen concept of ensō, representing a continuous journey, "and so" embodies growth and transformation. Discover how listening deeply to these moments can empower you to align your inner world with the life you want to create.

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.

As a high achiever, you may find success comes with an unyielding pursuit of excellence, yet you can still feel stagnant. If this resonates with you, you're not alone. I've navigated the complexities of high performance and the dance between ambition and procrastination. Through my journey, I discovered that understanding emotional intelligence and embracing mindfulness can help us unlock greater fulfillment and purpose. Join me as we explore how to transform feelings of being stuck into actionable growth, allowing you to thrive in both your career and life.

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!

“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.