What we notice shapes who we are. And who we are shapes how we lead.

A flamboyant tree stands in our yard. A tree that has witnessed birth and death, joy and grief, growth and stumbles. A tree that never hides its truth, showing its colours boldly, season after season.

It reminded me of the power of the through line: the link between who we are, how we live, and how we lead. Grounded in presence. Rooted in truth. Open to change.

Leadership, like the flamboyant, is not about hiding. It is about showing up in living colour, season after season, grounded in who we are, and open to becoming.

Flamboyant

Beneath its branches, we remember.

The flamboyant holds our truths.

Planted in serenity.

Planted for life.

It carries joy.

It carries pain.

It witnesses growth.

It witnesses loss.

Flamboyant.

With each year it reminds us; you are here.

With each season it whispers; you are growing.

With each blossom it promises renewal, hope.

Flamboyant.

The mother, sister, wife.

Serenity in her clasped hands.

A song in her soul.

Love overflowing.

Gone too soon.

Flamboyant.

The daughter shining.

Cocoa, gold, stardust.

Another day.

Another chance.

Flamboyant.

Each of us turning,

Twisting, learning, growing, accepting.

True colours revealed.

Together, connected.

Flamboyant.

The tree in the yard

green, orange, red, brown.

A brief moment.

A blaze of truth.

Flamboyant.

Always there.

Always steadfast.

Always.

Flamboyant.