The President's Message 12/2/24

Fall leaves are brilliant with gold and red. You can cup them in your hand and wonder at them, be amazed at their uniqueness and glory. But eventually they are gone, brown, crumbling, scattered on the wind. But the tree remains. The tree is what is important. The tree lives on. That was a difficult knowledge to bear, and an even more difficult life to live. Of course, being the leaf wasn't exactly desirable either. –Rob Thurman

The changing colors of fall leaves often inspire awe, reminding us of nature’s beauty and impermanence. Each leaf is unique, vibrant in its own way, but eventually, it turns brown, crumbles, and is swept away by the wind. Yet the tree—the foundation, the essence—remains strong and steady. This powerful imagery can serve as a metaphor for leadership and personal growth.

We are the tree, and the people or experiences that come and go in our lives are the leaves. They serve a purpose for a time, but their departure is not the end; rather, it creates space for new growth.

In leadership, we often encounter individuals who have a significant impact on us, both positively and negatively. Some will bring energy, ideas, and support, much like leaves that nourish the tree. Others may bring challenges, conflict, or disappointment. These people may enter our lives, stay for a season, and eventually fall away. When someone who has harmed or abandoned us leaves, it’s easy to feel hurt, betrayed, or even as if part of our foundation is crumbling. However, the reality is that their departure—though painful—can be part of a natural cycle of growth. Their exit makes room for new people, new opportunities, and new experiences to flourish, just as fallen leaves make space for fresh buds in the spring.

Recognizing this cycle is essential for personal and professional development. Those who come and go may play a significant role, but they do not define us. We are the tree, deeply rooted and resilient. The people who have caused us pain or disappointment are not the core of who we are. Their presence may have influenced us for a time, but they are not permanent fixtures in our lives. In fact, their leaving can be a sign that our branches are making room for something better, something stronger. Just as trees shed their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for future growth, we too must let go of what no longer serves us, trusting that this process will lead to renewal.

In leadership, this understanding is crucial. Great leaders know that not every relationship or situation will last forever—and that’s okay. The people who challenge us, frustrate us, or even harm us serve as catalysts for our own growth. They force us to dig deeper into our roots, strengthen our core, and adapt. When they fall away, they’re simply making room for the next season of growth—new branches, new opportunities, and new people who will contribute to the next stage of our journey.

As we navigate leadership and life, it’s important to remember that we are not defined by the leaves that come and go. The tree remains. It stands tall through every season, weathering storms and shedding what it no longer needs. In the same way, we must embrace the natural process of change, understanding that the people who have left—whether they have helped or hurt us—were part of a necessary cycle. Their departure doesn’t signify loss, but rather an opportunity for renewal, a chance to cultivate new, healthier relationships, and to grow in ways we never imagined. The tree lives on, and so do we.