Leadership Development: A Reflection

As my leadership development as a Laidlaw Scholar concludes, I'd like to reflect on the key thoughts I am left with after this valuable experience.
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Go to the profile of Chantelle Cumming
1 day ago

This is a really personal and engaging reflection, Ali—your focus on grace as a guiding value gives your whole piece a clear and distinctive anchor.

What stands out is how you’ve translated that value into practice—not just in how you engage with others, but in how you treat yourself when things don’t go to plan. That balance between accountability and self-compassion is often overlooked in leadership, yet it’s critical for sustaining impact over time.

Your reflection on voluntourism is also particularly strong. You move beyond awareness into responsibility, which raises an important question for others: how do we actively ensure our work aligns with our intentions, especially in unfamiliar contexts? The fact you’re already engaging critically with your placement in Mexico suggests you’re approaching this with the right level of care.

There’s a clear sense of both excitement and thoughtfulness here—grounded in values, but also responsive to complexity—which will serve you well during your LiA.