Every journey of service is a story of transformation. You can go out and work with other people, only to discover that it is you who has been transformed the most. I have been fortunate to travel a lot as a speaker, author, and advocate but nothing prepared me for the lessons I received during my service in Kenya and Nepal. These were not ordinary journeys, they were lessons in what it really takes to be a leader.
My work with The Trueness Project is about helping young people discover their inner light and their “Gloriousness.” And it was in these remarkable countries that my own understanding of transformational leadership was rewritten. I learned that the greatest leadership lessons aren’t found in a book, but in the quiet moments of connection.
Here are seven lessons that transformed my journey from one of a traveler to one of a purpose-driven leader.
1. The First Rule of Service: Listen
Before we could lift a single hammer or share a single lesson, we had to listen. In every village and school, the local community held the true wisdom about their needs. They knew their land, their challenges, and their dreams better than any outsider ever could. My role was not to lead but to hear. This is the very foundation of philanthropic leadership: you can’t truly help until you understand the heart of the need. It’s about being present and letting a community guide you to where you can serve best.
2. Humility Opens the Door to True Collaboration
I was in Nepal, where I was deeply inspired by a culture built on respect for the land and the wisdom of tradition. The approach to building there laying stones in harmony with the natural surroundings is a testament to a profound, generations-old knowledge. It’s a philosophy that shows you don’t conquer nature, you collaborate with it. This was a profoundly humbling experience. I came to understand that true leadership isn’t about being in control. It’s about seeing the wisdom inherent in a community and entering a cooperative zone where the specific talent of each person is appreciated. A transformational leader’s greatest strength is the power of ‘we,’ not ‘I.’
3. Empowerment is the Ultimate Legacy
I’ve learned that a leader’s job is to make themselves obsolete, empowering others to lead for themselves. This is the heartbeat of The Trueness Project. It’s the most powerful lesson in leadership: when you empower a child to find their voice, you’re not just helping them; you’re creating a ripple effect of courage that will last for generations.
4. When Plans Fail, Purpose Prevails
Traveling and serving abroad teaches you one thing very quickly: the unexpected is a guarantee. We faced unexpected changes, logistical challenges, and shifting timelines. But with every obstacle, our purpose became clearer. My “why” for being there, for serving, never changed. This is a vital leadership lesson for anyone. When your plans fall apart, your purpose is the North Star that keeps you moving forward with grace and determination.
5. Empathy Connects Us to the Mission
Meeting the people we’re working with in these communities is a moment that redefines everything. It reminds me that every decision I make as a leader, an author, or an advocate influences a human being. Philanthropic leadership isn’t just about doing the right thing; it is about leading with real, sincere compassion.
6. Leading is a Global Conversation
My journey as a Cuban immigrant has always given me a global perspective, but these trips deepened it. They showed me that our collective challenges, literacy, wellness, and self-worth are universal. A true transformational leader sees the world as one interconnected community. The lessons I learned about resilience in Kenya are the same ones that inform my work with The Trueness Project here at home.
7. From Accolades to Authenticity
I’ve been honored to be named a “Woman to Watch” and to receive an honorary doctorate. And nothing can be compared to the mere happiness of seeing the face of a child illuminate as he reads a page of Gloriousness. My best achievements are not the titles, but the times when I have used my story to help other people write their stories. These visits taught me that true leadership means showing up, being humble and indefinitely in service to others.
Join the Mission: Your Invitation to Lead
My global trips weren’t just an adventure; they were an invitation to live and lead with a bigger purpose. This is the light I hope to share through every book, every speech, and every initiative at The Trueness Project.
Children are born with a light inside, but sometimes they need a story to help them find it. My work, from the book Gloriousness to our efforts at The Trueness Project, is all about helping them do just that.
You can join me on this journey! Learn more about how you can support our mission to put books in the hands of children everywhere by visiting truenessproject.org and following our journey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
