It is 12:00 a.m. on December 21, 2024. We have just concluded the first-ever graduation concert for Stellar Preschool Klang. This event marks a historic milestone, as it is the first graduation concert held in Klang since Stellar took over Tadika Bukit Raja—a kindergarten with a legacy spanning over 30 years.

Carrying forward this legacy has been both an honor and a responsibility. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of Stellar’s team and the belief of the teachers who transitioned from the previous kindergarten to join Stellar Preschool. Their unwavering commitment to the vision of Stellar Education Group has been inspiring. A special mention goes to Miss Ruey, whose growth mindset and courage to embrace new challenges have set a remarkable example for everyone.

This moment of reflection brings us to a universal truth: we all have the same 24 hours in a day. Time is fixed, but our circumstances evolve. The critical question is: How do we adapt and make those 24 hours truly matter?

Growth Under Constraints

In 2016, Stellar began as a fledgling startup with one preschool, and 24 hours felt insufficient. Fast forward to today: Stellar Education Group now comprises five ventures, and the responsibilities have multiplied. Yet, the constraint remains the same—just 24 hours in a day. So, what has changed?

The answer lies in mindset, systems, and leadership.

As responsibilities expand—more roles, identities, and demands—the constraints remain: limited time, resources, and the unpredictable behavior of others. The key to thriving lies not in resisting these constraints but in mastering what we can influence.

Stellar’s journey exemplifies that great organizations do not lament their limitations; instead, they focus on maximizing impact within those boundaries.

The Shift from Doing to Leading

As Stellar’s responsibilities multiplied, trying to “do more” as individuals was no longer sustainable. Instead, the team collectively learned to lead better. Leadership within Stellar evolved into a practice of influencing people, systems, and priorities to create extraordinary results within ordinary constraints.

Over the years, Stellar’s team has grown from a small group of 10 to nearly 200 individuals. This transformation was fueled by a shared commitment to empowerment. Through a culture of empowerment, team members became leaders, enabling effective delegation and exponential growth.

During the pandemic, for instance, Stellar’s leadership team developed systems that allowed the organization to scale effectively despite unprecedented challenges. By focusing on empowering individuals across the organization, Stellar fostered a culture where every team member grew into a capable, confident leader.

Leadership as Influence: The Multiplier Effect

Leadership is influence, and influence is the secret weapon for achieving exponential growth. Growth does not happen by addition; it happens by multiplication. By influencing individuals to take ownership, organizations unlock the power of the ripple effect.

For example, when Stellar’s leadership team empowers its leaders, and those leaders, in turn, empower others, the growth becomes unstoppable. This exponential impact underscores the importance of raising leaders rather than simply completing tasks. Within Stellar, the emphasis has shifted from individual achievement to collective influence—whether at the workplace or within the wider community.

As a result, the organization has transitioned from being task-driven to being influence-driven. This shift has multiplied Stellar’s impact significantly, allowing it to serve more students, engage more families, and support more communities.

Building Systems and Trust

One of the key strategies that has enabled Stellar’s growth is the establishment of systems and trust. A recent example illustrates this: Stellar hosted simultaneous events in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru—each demanding high levels of coordination and excellence.

The leadership team strategically allocated resources and responsibilities based on trust and systems. In Kuala Lumpur, where the team was new to hosting such events, Stellar’s leaders provided hands-on guidance and support. Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, where the team had years of experience, they executed the event seamlessly without direct oversight.

These outcomes highlight the strength of systems, trust, and empowerment in enabling Stellar to thrive within constraints.

A Call to Action

Leadership is not about how much individuals can accomplish alone; it is about how much influence and inspiration they can generate to achieve results collectively.

Ask yourself:

• What can I influence today to multiply my team’s impact?
• How can my organization make the most of the 24 hours we all share?

Stop saying, “There is not enough time.” Instead, ask, “Are we prioritizing correctly?” By focusing on influence and collaboration, teams can elevate their impact and achieve exponential growth.

Final Thoughts

As we approach 2025, it is time to reflect on priorities and influence—not just as individuals, but as organizations and communities. Leadership begins with self-awareness and evolves into collective action. Embrace the universal truth of constraint, and instead of fighting it, use it as a catalyst for growth.

Together, let us rise to the challenge of multiplying our impact through influence, empowerment, and shared leadership.

Good night—and here’s to a transformative 2025!