Since working on assignment three and building my climate action and resilience leadership development plan, I keep thinking about my identity. I am told by many friends and colleagues about who I am and often look at them for validation. I now question myself on the leader I am and want to continue developing; what projects do I really want to take on that are not only to please others; what boundaries can I set to feel better; and what do I want to do with my education.

This sunny Monday morning, a newsletter email popped in my inbox with the title “being out of integrity.” It was intriguing to learn about the life coach author’s reflection, questioning his work and how he wants to show up in this world moving forward. His email taught me humility and courage. To do inner work and change your vision of your business is one thing; to say it out loud to your thousand of followers is something else! I want to use this example in my career: taking time to reflect on my values, how I show up in the world, and what impact I want to leave. The first answer is to be true to me by using my voice to share what I think without shame or fear of being incorrect. Knowing ourselves is essential if we want to lead correctly, and it is not a linear process! There is always work to do!

I am reading the book Kukum at the moment, and the story of a white woman living with the Innu in Northern Quebec brings excellent life lessons. Through the story, I can learn about a passive leadership style like some elders; they will listen, connect with nature, and show their knowledge in many other ways than language. Having the wisdom to know when to act or talk is part of the journey I want to take on. I’d like to bring my attention to the things I can change and lead successful projects via collaboration and empathy. If a project does not resonate with me, I can still help, but I don’t have to overwork myself. There is so much to accomplish; I can choose my battles!

Finally, I found this online class challenging because there were fewer virtual interactions with the cohort. Most discussions happen by text. There is less stimulation to quickly interact as we do verbally. At first, I was critical and did not trust the program to set up something like that. After reflecting on it, I realize that this class’s challenge is for me to slow down, read my peer’s posts, reflect on their words, and write back. Written communication is an integral part of our life and will continue to be. It makes sense that I have to write and communicate via a forum; there is great learning there for my career because not all communications are oral! I can develop the skills to read multiple points of view and respond to them in a meaningful way for the author and me. Looping back to my original reflection on integrity, I want to stop looking outward for things I can’t change that upset me and instead find the strength to look inside and see the teaching.