Tonight’s reflection begins with a dog.

Loki, our dog, darted out again. After months of trying to train him, he still runs—unpredictable, wild, a test of patience. But maybe it’s not about him. Maybe it’s about me. My training. My ownership. My leadership.

That’s when it hit me. Leadership is not about how well others listen. It’s about how well we lead when no one’s looking. Just like training a dog—or raising a child—it’s not about control. It’s about stewardship.

Today, we had a momentous meeting that will shape the next generation—literally. Decisions about halls, entrances, sunlight, flow of people. Small details, big consequences. Thousands of footsteps will follow the design choices we made. And in that moment, I felt something dangerous:

Pride.

“Because of me, they will come. Because of me, they will go.”

I’ve felt this before. Twenty years ago, I was a wedding photographer. I’d tell couples, “Stand here, smile now, tilt your head.” They obeyed. I thought it was because I was great. But I later realised—they weren’t following me. They were trusting me. And trust is fragile.

And that’s where I draw the line between a leader and a boss.

The Quadrant of Leadership Posture

1. The Boss (Control + Image)

Posture: “Because of me, things happen.”

Today, I could’ve played the Boss. Architects, consultants, engineers—they all turned to me. I could’ve commanded, dictated, controlled. And years ago, I would’ve.

As a photographer, I once rushed a wedding shoot. I got all the shots, but none of the soul. I made people smile, but I didn’t make them feel. That’s the Boss trap—you confuse compliance with connection.

In the school context, the Boss says, “Start at this hour, follow this calendar, shift your schedule.” But if the child isn’t transformed, if the parent isn’t seen—what’s the point?

Stellar’s DNA insight: A Boss uses authority as leverage. But authority without trust is just noise.

2. The Performer (Influence + Image)

Posture: “Look at my leadership.”

The Performer isn’t after obedience. He’s after applause.

I’ve seen Performers—leaders who present stunning slides, throw inspiring words, flood social media with hashtags. And I’ve been tempted. In seasons of growth, when Stellar’s plans were praised, I too was drawn to the limelight.

But I’ve also seen what happens when Performers overpromise and underdeliver. I had a colleague once who hyped up his photography skills. But the final photos were blurry, lifeless. The couple didn’t just lose a moment—they lost trust.

Stellar’s DNA insight: Applause is cheap. Legacy isn’t.

3. The Servant (Purpose + Presence)

Posture: “It’s not about me—it’s about them.”

I lean naturally toward the Servant posture. I sit with teachers. I listen to architects. I notice unspoken cues. Like when our architect paused mid-presentation. I didn’t push him—I asked why.

But here’s the trap: Servants may be present, but not decisive. I’ve seen Servants delay decisions to avoid conflict. I’ve done it myself—listened too long, adjusted too much, afraid to offend.

Even in photography, I once let a bride dictate every shot. I wanted to serve her vision. But the result? A disconnected album. No story, just scenes. Servants need to step up—not just serve.

Stellar’s DNA insight: Presence without direction creates confusion, not trust.

4. The Steward (Purpose + Influence)

Posture: “I’m responsible for what outlives me.”

This is who I aim to be. The Steward owns outcomes, not applause.

At Stellar, I’ve slowly learned: we don’t run schools. We raise futures. From corridor widths to classroom light, everything matters. Not for us. For them. For the ones who will walk these halls long after we’re gone.

I remember the day I gave up the Performer’s game. A parent said to me, “Your school changed my child. Not with trophies—but with confidence.” That’s when I knew:

The real impact isn’t visible. It’s transformational.

Stellar’s DNA insight: The true leader isn’t the loudest. He’s the one whose absence would be felt most if he left.

Let’s Talk About Trust

Just like photography, leadership is based on trust. Couples trusted me to capture a memory. Parents trust us with their child’s future. That trust is sacred.

But it’s also costly.

Parents change jobs, move houses, adjust lifestyles—just to enroll in Stellar. That’s not loyalty. That’s a gamble of hope. And if we don’t act in the child’s best interest? We’ve broken more than trust. We’ve broken a future.

Future Ready Education: Growth-Ready. Impact-Ready. Purpose-Ready.

We’re not just building schools. We’re building environments. For joy. For ownership. For transformation.

We talk a lot about design: where will the sun shine? Where will the students gather? But the deeper questions matter more:

• Will students love learning?
• Will they grow in purpose?
• Will they leave with compassion?

These aren’t academic KPIs. They’re soul metrics. And only a Steward posture can deliver them.

Final Reflection: Good Name or Good Perfume?

There’s a saying: “A good name is better than fine perfume.” Perfume is temporary. A good name endures.

Leadership built on image is fragrance—it fades. But leadership built on trust? That becomes scentless but unforgettable. Like the smell of home. Or the feeling of being safe.

We aren’t building schools for brochures. We’re stewarding futures.

So today, I thank our architect. Not for serving me—but for serving the vision. I thank our consultants. Not for working under me—but with me. Because leadership is not about who you stand over.

It’s about what you stand for.

And I choose to stand for them.

Quietly. Faithfully. And fully present.