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Lead with Positivity, Grow through Inquiry, Adapt with Purpose.

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What resonates with me from the book is the essence of change management and the power of supportive relationships in leadership.

Panda's role as a positive, encouraging mentor reflects the importance of maintaining an optimistic outlook amidst challenges. However, I've come to appreciate that effective leadership often requires a balance between mentoring and coaching. While sharing words of wisdom from Panda is valuable, asking probing questions to elicit deep, heartfelt responses from our team members can sometimes lead to more profound growth and self-discovery.

The picture I've created using AI, symbolises my thoughts on change management. It depicts a clear path forward, representing our shared vision, amidst a swirl of external factors and stakeholder influences. This image reminds me that despite the 'noise' and competing demands we face, staying true to our core values and beliefs is crucial. By maintaining this focus, we can navigate and adapt to changes, moving together towards our common goals in an ever-changing educational landscape.

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Relationship, Resilience and Embracing Change

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Relationship, Resilience and Embracing Change

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This book is incredibly meaningful because every page carries a message that makes me pause and reflect. The illustrations and words may seem light and simple, but each one holds a deeper truth about life, growth, and relationships.

While there are many takeaways, what resonates with me most is the theme of resilience , embrace changes and the importance of building meaningful connections (relationship). The book reinforces my belief that leadership is about helping others grow, adapting to change, and building strong, supportive relationships. It also reminds me that leadership isn’t a solo journey. We are not just managing systems and processes — but also about managing people. Positive relationships are at the heart of leadership, and trust is built by walking alongside others through both challenges and successes. I believe that when people feel connected and cared for, they are more likely to thrive and grow together.

I am grateful.

~Nicole Yeap~

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Which themes or ideas from the book resonate most with your leadership philosophy?

This page and image resonated with me the most. It reminded me of the Japanese art technique Kintsugi - which entails putting back or repairing broken pieces of pottery with gold or silver. The brokenness of the pottery is not disguised or covered up but instead becomes one with the original, and a new art work is created.

Kintsugi is about authenticity, resilience and intentionality. I hope to also bring that across in my journey of leadership.

Authenticity - I am a collection of my lived experiences - the good, bad and the ugly, just like the cracks in the broken pottery. To be authentic means to be vulnerable to some extent. However, I think it is important to be honest about what you know or do not know and show the willingness to learn or re-learn.

Resilience - According to Angela Duckworth's book on Grit - being resilient or gritty is to have focused persistence, i.e., "passion and perseverance for long-term goals". Kintsugi artists practise to achieve artisanal excellence in the technique to ensure that what was once flaws now stands a renewed art piece. Just like the artist, it is important for leaders to invest time in the people around us.

Intentionality - being deliberate and careful about the decisions made as they can impact the people around you.

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Which themes or ideas from the book resonate most with your leadership philosophy?

This page and image resonated with me the most. It reminds me of the Japanese art technique Kintsugi - the restoration of broken pottery by applying gold or silver along the cracks to create a whole new art piece.

In Kintsugi, there is the practice of authenticity, resilience and intentionality that I would like to live out in my leadership journey as well.

Authenticity

I am a collection of my lived experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly. To be authentic means to be vulnerable and having to be aware of my shortcomings. However, to also gain trust from people, it is important to share what you know and what you do not know and what you will do to learn/re-learn.

Resilience

In Angela Duckworth's book on Grit, she said that grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. That sounds to me like resilience - it is about focused perseverance. Just like the Kintsugi artist, many years of effort is needed for artisanal excellence, to make what was once a flawed piece into renewed art. To me, leadership requires effort and time. Effort to better oneself and to invest time in the people around us so we can become better versions of ourselves.

Intentionality

To be intentional is to be mindful, careful and deliberate. As leaders, we make decisions and we have to be mindful about how these decisions can impact the people who walk with us on our leadership journey.

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" - Theodore Roosevelt

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Embracing Change and Focusing on the Present

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Embracing Change and Focusing on the Present

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s Big Panda wisely says, “Change, even if we don’t know where it will lead, is better than stagnation.” This aligns with my belief that change is necessary for progress. Change might be uncertain, but staying in one place is worse. Just like a garden needs attention to grow, our work and teams need action to move forward. We can’t wait for things to improve on their own—we must take small steps, even if we’re unsure of the outcome.

Big Panda also reminds us that “Something needs to change, and that requires effort. We shall go on a journey across the river.” This is about starting small. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I encourage my team to focus on taking it one step at a time. Worrying about the whole journey can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down into smaller, manageable actions, we make steady progress.

Lastly, Thomas Carlyle’s quote says, “Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what is clearly at hand.” As a leader, I encourage my team to stay focused on the present. Instead of worrying about the future. We should take action step by step—to keep moving forward.

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Embracing Change and Focusing on the Present

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Embracing Change and Focusing on the Present

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As Big Panda wisely says, “Change, even if we don’t know where it will lead, is better than stagnation.” This aligns with my belief that change is necessary for progress. Change might be uncertain, but staying in one place is worse. Just like a garden needs attention to grow, our work and teams need action to move forward. We can’t wait for things to improve on their own—we must take small steps, even if we’re unsure of the outcome.

Big Panda also reminds us that “Something needs to change, and that requires effort. We shall go on a journey across the river.” This is about starting small. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I encourage my team to focus on taking it one step at a time. Worrying about the whole journey can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down into smaller, manageable actions, we make steady progress.

Lastly, Thomas Carlyle’s quote says, “Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what is clearly at hand.” As a leader, I encourage my team to stay focused on the present. Instead of worrying about the future. We should take action step by step—to keep moving forward.

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1. Courage

Everything takes courage, be it taking the smallest step or a giant leap of faith.

2. Resilience

Any journey, any change requires the traveler to keep going, despite setbacks along the way. We must admit our mistakes and learn from them. But we must never admit defeat.

3. Belief

Our beliefs in the meaning of the things we do, inspires us to forge on.

4. Trust

Our trust in our members fuels us in our quests. No man is an island, success can never can due to one person, but depends on teamwork, which in turn, hinges on trust. Sun Tze says “Treat your men and women as you would your own beloved sons and daughters. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.”

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1. Courage

It takes courage to take the smallest step or take a giant leap of fait.

2. Resilience

The journey to success is never easy, we must admit our mistakes and learn from them, but we must never admit defeat and give up.

3. Belief

Our beliefs in the meaning of the things we do, is the core of our motivation. It fuels us on our quests

4. Trust

Trust is paramount, in any team, regardless of the size of the team, be it 2 or 2000. Only when we trust, will we give our best to each other. As Sun Tze says " Treat your team members as you would your own beloved sons and daughters. And they will follow you into the deepest valley".

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(clearly lacking in action management, finished the book long ago as evidenced by my nice nails and loved it, but did not get round to posting).

In leadership, the journey will always be fraught with challenges (rewarding, exciting, but still sometimes long and with many challenges), but it is so important who we are journeying with (we're both), and that we show grit and resilience (still here, despite the many challenges, italics mine), and that we celebrate small wins and big successes, and even the progress.

Sometimes as leaders, we may also wish for more resources, or better resources, or for this and for that, including our team members, focusing on the what-ifs and not the whats. We must remember our role is also to develop people, guide / encourage / excite / steady them, and learn from them in this long journey. Alas, whoever is with us, is the best TEAm, and it's our job to bring out the best in our TEAm.

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As I look up to other leaders and role models, I often wonder how they are so wise, why they are calm and steady, and why they always seem to know the answers.

This year, I have purposed to (am trying lol) be responsive rather than reactive, to be 'wise'. I have a long long way to go. But I think, I have to accept that this will come with experiences and mistakes, from which I need to learn. So, it's important to exercise grace, and yet also remain ever reflective, and open & humble as a leader, because we make mistakes, we don't know everything (especially in a VUCA world today). That said, we can always grow just a little wiser each time.

Just as we tell students, mistakes are evidence of trying, and that's true for us as teachers and leaders too! (Of course not a blanket rule for deliberate mistakes or foolhardy ways).

As a leader, I believe that vulnerability also creates psychological safety for my team, promotes a culture of dare-to-try (and fail), and a powerful force of learning together (from mistakes or experiences, or one another)!

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Change, even if you don't know where it will lead, is better than stagnation.

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Change, even if you don't know where it will lead, is better than stagnation.

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In my leadership journey, I realised that avoiding change for the sake of comfort was a disservice to everyone. Stagnation breeds disengagement and complacency.

Leaders must embrace change amidst uncertainty. Even if efforts to change results in failure, we gain valuable insights. More importantly, we model a mindset that values growth.

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Intellectual flexibility and Change Management (lol)

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Intellectual flexibility and Change Management (lol)

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Often as leaders, we need to create buy-in, we need to consider multiple perspectives and possibilities, to achieve our goals. There will always be obstacles, how do we exercise flexibility and gentleness? How might we artfully navigate around the obstacles, whether actual constraints, or concerns in people's hearts?

Gentleness is not being weak or compromising, but in effecting more pleasant and lasting change. But I'm also learning that there is also a right time and place for gentleness, and gentleness is never removed from firmness on the most important things.

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 In the end, it’s all about progress, not perfection.

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Very often, yes, we tell ourselves that we do not need to be perfect, but because we have a strong sense of responsibility, we will often give our 200% in the task. Sometimes, I feel that I have to be perfect in certain areas—whether as a parent, friend, or partner. However, life is often messy, and achieving balance, happiness, and growth doesn't require perfection.

As I am closer to 40.. haha. I told myself, I need to be kinder to myself, to be more patient in my personal growth and lead a more fulfilling life.

In leadership, the pressure to be a role model and to constantly have the right answers can be overwhelming. However, by acknowledging that I don’t need to be perfect fosters a growth mindset—not only for myself but also for my team. It is okay to show vulnerability and demonstrate that imperfection is acceptable. By being open about my own imperfections, I create a safe space for others to do the same, fostering trust and collaboration.

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This book reminded me that leadership goes beyond decision-making but at its core, true leadership is about fostering connection, resilience, and growth. Big Panda exemplifies a leader who listens, supports, and encourages Tiny Dragon, reinforcing that great leadership is about service and being transparent about strengths and weaknesses. I believe a leader takes the time to listen to their team members' concerns, challenges, aspirations and seek to understand different perspectives rather than jumping to conclusions. Great leaders create environments where people feel valued, safe, and empowered to grow.

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It can be somewhat chaotic navigating through this journey as a leader. Just like in this book where the characters experienced many crises along the way, starting with an internal struggle of not wanting to be stagnant but yet, being afraid of changes. Despite going through difficult times and being caught in a "storm", sometimes all we need to do is to sit down on our own to reflect, just like Little Dragon did. In doing so, the leaf hanging on a fragile spider's silk gave him great hope and strength to continue on with resilience.

As a leader, we can take inspiration from these small reminders that there is always hope and to always stay resilient under pressure. Finding the smallest bit of support can be just enough to lift us up and help us achieve our outcomes. And one thing I am grateful for is having that support here in BLGPS.

- Puteri ♡

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The courage to venture into the unchartered 

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The courage to venture into the unchartered 

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This page reflects on a moment of growth, either through a realization or an act of kindness between the two. Their journey is a metaphor for navigating life’s ups and downs with someone who offer comfort, wisdom, and support.

As a leader, I would like to brave myself to embrace the unknowns and to think positively that moment of positive growth, exist. There are times when I would falter and feel at my lowest, but I had to convince myself to see the light out there, like a cracked cup, and move forward.

As an RO, I would like to be the Big Panda, to support and give wise advise to my JHs when they tend to feel lost. The most important thing is to try, no matter what tasks we are given and no matter what challenges we faced.

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This quote beautifully reflects the kind of leadership that values teamwork, trust, and shared resilience—something I truly appreciate in my leadership journey. There have been moments when uncertainty loomed, whether in tackling new challenges, navigating complex decisions, or leading changes. Yet, in those times, I’ve always been grateful for the people beside me—the team that brings diverse strengths, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to growth.I hope that, just as I feel reassured by their presence, they also find comfort in knowing we are in this together. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking the journey with people who uplift and inspire one another, no matter where the path leads.

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This beautifully reflects the kind of leadership that values teamwork, trust, and shared resilience—something I truly appreciate in my leadership journey. There have been moments when uncertainty loomed, whether in tackling new challenges, navigating complex decisions, or leading changes. Yet, in those times, I’ve always been grateful for the people beside me—the team that brings diverse strengths, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to growth.I hope that, just as I feel reassured by their presence, they also find comfort in knowing we are in this together. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking the journey with people who uplift and inspire one another, no matter where the path leads.

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This beautifully reflects the kind of leadership that values teamwork, trust, and shared resilience—something I truly appreciate in my leadership journey. There have been moments when uncertainty loomed, whether in tackling new challenges, navigating complex decisions, or leading changes. Yet, in those times, I’ve always been grateful for the people beside me—the team that brings diverse strengths, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to growth.

I hope that, just as I feel reassured by their presence, they also find comfort in knowing we are in this together. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking the journey with people who uplift and inspire one another, no matter where the path leads.

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I see myself as the Tiny Dragon. I am still learning and growing, but I am not alone. I have my FEXCO as my Big Panda, guiding me with patience and wisdom.

Like Tiny Dragon, I sometimes feel I’ve made mistakes or should have known more, but all of you remind me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about being open to learning and growth.

Leaning on all of you is not a weakness but a strength. Just as Big Panda reassures Tiny Dragon, you have provided me with the support I needed to navigate challenges. I may not have reached where I want to be, but I hope I bring value in my own way, contributing fresh perspectives and energy-I hope :)

One day, just as I am learning now, I hope to pass on the same guidance and encouragement to someone else. For now, I embrace the journey, trusting that I am exactly where I need to be.

~Nur Zakiah~

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Change Mgt + Risk Taking + Perspective-taking

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Change Mgt + Risk Taking + Perspective-taking

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What resonated with me is the messages about change management. In particular the message on Pg 52 - Pg 53. "If making the change was easy, it probably wouldn't make much difference" "Great change requires great effort".

I find this inspiring and is a way of thinking to motivate myself to lead change management in my leadership journey. To understand that great change will take great effort and hence, I must not let fear of the unknown stop me from implementing changes that could make great impact.

The process of making changes is also about taking risks. I like the line that Little Dragon made about how he will be scared doing it, but he will do it anyway. I would like to remind myself that I can be scared, but I cannot let the fear stop me from "living". Sometimes, we may be trying too hard to be perfect, to be the expert. But actually, we can also be unsure and scared. It is okay to admit that things may not work out the way we plan, but we have to take the first step. We must be afraid of failure, but have the courage to pick ourselves up.

In terms of implementation, I hope sometimes, I can be like Panda, to overcome hurdle by hurdle, calmly. I see how he is always premepting, or identifying the problem, but quickly able to point out the next step. In face of challenges, we could just focus on the next step, the next right step to take.

Little Dragon on the other hand, looks further and thinks about possibilities and challenges. So they are a nice balance. I see them as 2 different perspectives we should take when we strategise, and when we implement, to be Big Panda at times, and Little Dragon at times.

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As I take on a new journey this year and grapple with new experiences and new responsibilities, I must admit that many times I feel lost and often I ask myself if I am cut out for this role. I also often worry if I am doing the right things and I start to realise that I do not know a lot of things.

It is definitely a steep learning curve, but as I reflect on my journey, I am very thankful and grateful for a very supportive team of EXCO members and also supportive colleagues and staff who help me navigate in the "deep seas". I feel like I can ask and depend on anyone for help.

With the support, I am sure that while I may sometimes feel lost, I will eventually find my way out.

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'You help me every day,' replied Big Panda, 'just by being yourself.'

I often question how much of myself can I be in the workplace. Can leaders really be themselves in front of their team? Can we really share our authentic thoughts and feelings with our members? How much of our members' authentic self are we able to bear/accept? Am I being inauthentic if I were to push for something that I do not believe in myself?

To navigate the dissonance that I sometimes feel as a 'leader', I imagine myself as being placed in front of different distorted mirrors. I am the same person, but when approached by different situations and people, I appear different. I admire the ability of great leaders to shape-shift, to remain true to him/herself (the same person in front of the mirror) and yet be able to reflect the image that others see them as. Only in that way are we able to provide the appropriate help that the process or people need.

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Just as Big Panda and Tiny Dragon face challenges in their journey, students and teachers must both put in sustained effort for meaningful change. Teachers guide students through challenges, encouraging them to be resilient and learn from their mistakes.

Real change in education requires patience, resilience, and the recognition that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Both students and educators must invest effort for lasting transformation.

Reflecting on myself, I need to remind myself to be ready to take bigger and bolder steps for meaningful change. At the same time, I can be a role model for my students in making efforts to make a change.

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Embracing Change and Staying Positive: The Storm will Pass!

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Embracing Change and Staying Positive: The Storm will Pass!

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This page really resonates with me a lot. I used to be afraid of change (that's why I stayed in my previous school for 10 years before making a brave move to HQ). After HQ, i told myself that I wanted to try a new portfolio (side note: I used to oversee PAM & CCA) so I tried CCE. Change sometimes will leave us feeling a little uncomfortable, especially when we step out of our comfort zone.. but that's when we learn and grow. I realised my biggest growth period was since 2021, after I stepped out of my comfort zone (my previous school, Juying).

Change may not be easy, at times it may be difficult too. I like this quote that says "The clouds will pass, the storm will end and the trees will lose their leaves." This brings us hope and positivity; that bad things will ultimately end.

Honestly, this year has been particularly challenging for me but i'm trying to remain positive and take the journey one step at a time.

“Which is more important,” asked Big Panda, “the journey or the destination?”
“The company.” Said Tiny Dragon. Indeed, I am grateful to have all of you (FEXCO) to be walking this journey with me. #BLGratitude.

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Tiny Dragon once asked, “What if I never find my way?”

Big Panda replied, “Then I will walk with you until you do.”

As educators, we often find ourselves in the same gentle tension that Tiny Dragon expresses — the uncertainty of whether we’re doing enough, guiding well, or reaching the hearts and minds of our students. In the busyness of planning lessons, managing classrooms, and supporting individual needs, it’s easy to feel like we should always have the answers.

But this quiet moment between Big Panda and Tiny Dragon reminds me that we don’t have to. Sometimes, our most meaningful role is not to show the way, but to simply walk alongside — to listen, to encourage, and to be present as our learners figure things out in their own time.

We work with children who are growing not only in knowledge but in confidence, identity, and resilience. They may not always find their way immediately — and truthfully, neither do we. But what matters most is that we keep showing up, walking with them, and holding space for their questions, detours, and discoveries.

It’s in these shared journeys — not in polished outcomes — that the real magic of education happens.

So let’s keep walking. Together.

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Leadership isn’t just about big decisions — it’s about small, intentional actions that integrates both evidence and empathy. I’ve learned that being data-informed means more than analysing numbers; it’s about seeing the stories and human factors behind the trends and insights. The Journey reminds me that compassion and clarity must guide how we interpret data and act on it. A shift in students' mindset or teachers' perspective can begin with a conversation, a pause, a pattern noticed. True impact comes when we balance analytical insight with the human experience — one thoughtful step at a time.

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That simple line from The Journey – Big Panda & Tiny Dragon — "But if making the change was easy, it probably wouldn't make much difference" — captures a quiet, powerful truth about growth and transformation. Change, especially the kind that truly matters, often demands courage, discomfort, and patience. The book gently reminds us that difficulty is not a sign we’re on the wrong path, but often the very signal that we’re about to make a meaningful leap. Like the characters’ journey through uncertainty and self-discovery, we learn that the most worthwhile shifts in life often require effort — and that effort gives them their weight and beauty.

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This quote from The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon captures the essence of my leadership philosophy — leading with calm strength, adaptability, and compassion.

"You see the way the water travels around the rock, Tiny Dragon? The obstacle is there, but the water is flowing around it, taking the gentlest path to its destination. We can be the same."

To me, this reflects the belief that leadership doesn’t always have to be forceful to be effective. Like water, I strive to approach challenges with flexibility, not resistance; adjusting course when needed, but never losing sight of the greater purpose. It’s about finding the path that brings people along gently, preserving relationships while still making progress. Especially in education, where every stakeholder (students, staff, parents, partners) brings different needs and perspectives, I believe in leading with empathy, persistence, and grace. Obstacles are inevitable, but how we move around them defines the kind of leader we are.

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To me, this moment is a reminder that leadership is not about always having the answers. It is about creating a space where uncertainty feels safe. A good leader does not pretend to know everything. Instead, the leader walks alongside others with a calm presence and steady encouragement, just like the panda. True leadership is not only about direction but also about connection. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do is to say, I am here with you, even if the path is not clear yet.

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Even the smallest step forward is still a step in the right direction

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Leading with Purpose, One Step at a Time

As a leader, I draw inspiration from the gentle wisdom of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, particularly the idea that “Even the smallest step forward is still a step in the right direction.” This quiet truth anchors my leadership philosophy: progress is not always loud or fast, but it is always meaningful when grounded in purpose, empathy, and growth.

As I lead my teachers to navigate through uncharted waters and manage change, I always remind myself to be just like the big panda, who offers calm and groundedness, to lead with clarity, compassion, and steadiness, ensuring that teachers feel supported to take bold steps forward out of their comfort zone. Every small steps of success matters, regardless how small they are. I believe in creating a space where there's physiological safety, where we can pause, reflect, and realign. Impact can only grow over time when the purpose is clear and relationships are strong. There will be plenty of challenges ahead, and at times, we will be like tiny dragon in the illustration, feeling overwhelmed with our everyday work. However, if we continue to focus on our purpose and mission, we will eventually get there, as a team.

Above all, I lead with the belief that true leadership is not about being in charge, but about lifting others, walking with them through change, and celebrating every meaningful stride we take — together.

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Learning From Mistakes and Moving Forward 

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Learning From Mistakes and Moving Forward 

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Page: 58 – Big Panda and Tiny Dragon experience setbacks, yet they view each mistake as an opportunity for growth. This resonates with your journey as a teacher, where mistakes are inevitable but are also important learning moments. Reflecting on your past mistakes, how you learned from them, and how you used those lessons to move forward can offer valuable insights into your development as an educator.