Spring is here—lush, vibrant, a little outrageous. Have you felt it too?

There’s something about spring: for weeks, it seems like nothing is happening, and then suddenly—everything. The stillness cracks open, and life rushes in. That rhythm feels familiar to me this year.

This newsletter has been growing quietly in the background while life moved quickly in the foreground. I went from searching for work to having more than enough. I taught my first retreat, marking ten years of teaching. And I celebrated life—in every sense.

A new life arrived, I’m an aunt now! 💖, and unexpectedly, a life ended.

To witness both—birth and death—within weeks has filled me with a deep, wordless humility. Gratitude too, for the love, the connection, the presence that both moments asked of me, and offered in return.

So lately, I’ve been trying to celebrate life more intentionally: with birthdays, shared meals, spontaneous encounters, even postcards sent just because. Reflecting on all this, I’ve been drawn again and again to the idea of humility—not just as a virtue, but as a way of leading, living, and relating.

What is humility to you? How would you describe it, in your own words?

ON HUMBLE LEADERSHIP

Humility is not about being small or invisible—it’s about being grounded. The word humility stems from the Latin humus, meaning earth or ground, reminding us where we come from. The leaders who’ve left a mark on me were the ones who led with integrity, clarity—and just the right pinch of humility. And having been in leadership roles myself, I still feel having responsibility for others, being able to support them on their path, is a privilege.

In today’s world, humility in leadership isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategic advantage. A 2022 meta-analysis covering over 16,000 participants found that humble leadership significantly improves employee engagement, psychological safety, creativity, and job satisfaction. It also boosts team performance and trust across organizational levels (source).

Humility doesn’t mean meekness.

Humble leadership is not about always stepping back or being endlessly accommodating. It’s about discernment. It’s knowing when to step aside and when to step in. It’s a dance between trusting your team and taking responsibility when clarity, direction, or difficult decisions are needed.

There’s a thin line between giving space and withdrawing from responsibility. A humble leader doesn’t disappear. They hold the container.

Which doesn’t mean self-sacrifice or ignoring your own boundaries. Quite the opposite. It requires knowing and respecting your own limits, so that your leadership remains sustainable. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So humility isn’t just about softening—it’s also about standing firm, with integrity.

Here are a few ways to start practicing humility—whether you’re leading a team or simply showing up more fully in your everyday relationships:

• Admitting mistakes and limitations – modelling vulnerability, opening the door for others to do the same. Taking feedback as a gift, not a threat.
• Appreciating the strengths of others – Instead of competing, collaborating. Instead of dominating, elevating. Giving credit freely and publicly.
• Staying teachable – listening more than speaking, asking more questions than answering, remaining curious, and being willing to change your mind.
• Knowing when your action is required – having the courage to step in and setting clear boundaries when needed

Like Jacinda said, strength and compassion aren’t opposites—they’re co-conspirators. The same goes for humility and leadership. Humility keeps us human. In a world that often rewards loudness and certainty, humility creates space for connection, growth, and deep trust. It grounds us—in ourselves, and in each other.

I’d love to hear how humility shows up in your life.

When was the last time you felt its presence—or chose it in your actions?

Thank you for being here.

Love, K