How do you spend your evenings after a long day?
For many, it’s a quiet night on the couch to recharge after hours of high-stakes facilitation and meetings.
Recently in Jakarta, three extraordinary leaders—Ambassadors Elisa Maria da Silva (from Timor-Leste), Amber Dickie (from Canada), and Sharon Lennon (from Ireland) - chose a very different path. After grueling workdays, they navigated Jakarta’s dense traffic to spend their evening pouring into emerging female talent.
This wasn't an ad-hoc gathering. Evelyn from IFRC set up a clear, intentional agenda designed as an active networking practice session. Every emerging leader entered the room fully prepped, ready to apply real-world networking skills.
Lifting as they climb over dinner with these women, I asked a simple question:
What brings you real joy in your work?
Their answers weren't about personal accolades, prestige, or climbing higher up the corporate ladder. Every single one answered:
Seeing other women grow, watching them secure promotions, and witnessing events like this turn potential into action.
They operate with a "lift as you climb" mindset.
Two Takeaways on Meaningful Leadership:
- Purposeful Frameworks Build Confidence: Setting clear expectations removes anxiety and allows genuine growth to happen.
- True Leadership is Generous: Real influence isn't guarded at the top; it is shared willingly to elevate others.
Walking away from that evening, my heart was full and my perspective renewed.
Over to You
When was the last time a mentor or leader went out of their way to support your career growth?
How are you paying that forward today?
Growth Needs
