March 13, 2025 – Thursday
Is today a day worth living? Let’s reflect.
This morning, my wife and I had the rare joy of sending our children to school together. It’s rare, not because she’s lazy, but because of her pregnancy—she struggles with sleep, digestion, and low blood pressure, making it difficult to move around much. I’m thankful for her supportive manager, who helps keep things running smoothly while she works from home.
Sometimes, I truly admire my wife’s wisdom. However, I’ve come to realize that her wisdom is reactive, while my strength is in proactively initiating projects, spotting opportunities, and leading change. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate how we complement each other perfectly. Our differences make us stronger, and our partnership thrives when we embrace our unique strengths.
Cherishing the Small Moments
Dropping off our kids is more than just a routine—it’s a moment we cherish. In the car, we pray together, memorize scripture, and have fun before they head to school. Even if it’s just a short 10-minute drive, it’s valuable.
After that, we rushed to the hospital for my wife’s checkup. It had been postponed due to my severe diarrhea last week. The tests—sugar test, blood test, and other screenings—took three hours. Instead of wasting time, we had productive meetings in the waiting area. Even in delays, there’s an opportunity.
As I dropped my wife home, I sent her a message:
“I love you.”
Then, I added, “Say you love me.”
She’s not naturally expressive with words, but I’ve invested a lot in her emotional bank account over the years. She knows she can rely on me completely—at the hospital, I had everything handled from A to Z, ensuring she didn’t have to worry about anything.
So when she asked me, “How will I survive without you?” I simply smiled.
She would survive. But I’m glad she feels my presence is invaluable to her. That’s what truly matters.
I pressed again: “Say you love me before I die.”
She laughed and said, “Okay, love you.”
A small moment, but a precious one.
Beyond Business: Meeting People Who Align With Purpose
Later in the day, I had the privilege of meeting someone extraordinary—a high-net-worth individual with a pure heart for children and education.
What amazed me wasn’t her wealth but her character—self-made, down-to-earth, authentic, and genuine. She didn’t look down on anyone. The world needs more people like her—people with great insights, unique perspectives, and a deep passion for children’s education.
It’s refreshing to meet someone whose values align so closely with ours. Beyond business, I hope to collaborate more with individuals like her—people who use their success for a greater purpose.
The Power of Reverse Thinking Leadership
In preparation for a major education conference, Edutropism 2025, where we’re sending over 60 Stellar educators, I knew I needed to set the right mindset.
Before my briefing, I opened with two questions:
- How can we guarantee that this workshop will fail?
- How can we make this the worst experience possible?
Silence.
The answer was obvious—show up with a closed mind, grumble about minor inconveniences, and miss the point.
But that’s not who we are.
At Stellar, we live gratefully, not blaming. The opposite of gratitude isn’t complaining—it’s forgetfulness.
This conference is an investment—a significant one. I could have easily used this budget for a luxury trip to Europe with my family, but instead, I chose to invest in people—educators who will shape the next generation.
Because if I die tomorrow, what is my legacy?
A stamp on a passport, or a generation of leaders we built together?
This is why we do what we do.
I challenged them:
- Take 1-3 key insights and apply them to improve our students’ learning experience.
- Make at least one meaningful connection to amplify our impact.
The future isn’t shaped by ideas alone. It’s shaped by leaders.
Empowering Others: Leadership is Not About Doing Everything Alone
I also used this opportunity to empower my team.
Rather than me doing all the talking, I handpicked eight team members to share the stage with me. Why? Because leadership isn’t about standing alone—it’s about giving others a platform to rise.
Often, when given a choice, people choose comfort. They avoid stepping forward. Growth happens when we’re pushed beyond our comfort zones.
Just like my children this morning, comparing who’s better at something. I told them:
“There’s only one rule—be better than yesterday.”
That’s my hope for my team, too.
Mission Impossible: Yet Somehow, It’s Happening
Today, I also had deep conversations with our architects. What we’re trying to do at Stellar Education Group—building something at this scale—is insane. Almost impossible.
Sure, we could force things. Get investors. Hire experts.
But that’s not what’s happening.
Instead, it feels supernatural.
- The right opportunities, talents, and financial resources are coming to us—at the right time.
- We acquired land at the lowest cost—then the price skyrocketed right after.
- The entire development landscape shifted in our favor.
I can’t take credit for this.
I know smart, hardworking people who’ve spent 10 years struggling for what we’ve achieved in 3 years.
This isn’t just strategy. It’s divine timing.
Which means—we must use this opportunity wisely.
The Future: Reverse Thinking Leadership
As I prepare to write our leadership book, I’ve been collecting unconventional leadership insights—reverse-thinking leadership frameworks that truly sustain organizations.
- Anti-Leadership – I call myself a reluctant leader. I lead by not leading, delegating decisions and empowering my team. But sometimes, I still need to take the wheel when culture or direction is at stake.
- Do-Nothing Leadership – This isn’t irresponsibility. It’s strategic patience—delaying major decisions to see if problems resolve themselves. Think Warren Buffett—80% of his day is spent reading.
- Servant Leadership Flip – Traditional servant leadership focuses on serving everyone. We prioritize our staff first. Happy teachers → Better education → Happier students & parents. Companies like Southwest Airlines & Virgin Crew follow this model.
- Silent Leadership – 90% of the time, I’m listening. Ask more questions than you answer. Tim Cook quietly observes at Apple before speaking.
- Next-Failure Framework – Encourage failing forward. Reward intelligent risks. Treat failures as tuition fees for growth. I learn fastest by trying, and I want my team to do the same.
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Legacy Thinking: Leadership Beyond Ourselves
This isn’t just about business.
It’s about aligning leadership with purpose—raising STARS who will continue this vision beyond us.
- Self-Awareness – Knowing our strengths & weaknesses.
- Teachability – Always growing.
- Attitude – The right mindset determines everything.
- Relationships – Investing in people.
- Significance – Leaving a lasting impact.
If we are going to disrupt education and empower the next generation, we can’t think like everyone else.
We have to reverse our thinking.
This reflection captures a day worth living, not because of grand achievements, but because of the small moments, the right mindset, and the decisions that shape the future.
If today was my last day, I would say—it was a day well spent.
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