What went well?

The progress I made; what was achieved and done

The first week is an inspiration week. We arrived at Mexico City by July 7th, rested well, and prepared for our 6-week Leadership-in-Action project.

On Monday, we started our program at our working space Impact Hub. We set up a welcoming session including introductions to ourselves, essential safety tips and the schedule for the following weeks. Then we listened to the speaker’s talk and had a rough idea of climate challenges in Mexico. The activity that impressed me most was the field trip on Thursday: we were guided to one poor neighborhood called Iztapalapa and visited two Utopia museums. We were deeply moved by the changes and efforts made by the communities. The next day, we attended the welcome party and met the volunteers. 

What could have been done differently?

Things that did not get done and/or could be changed

Prior to joining the specific project, we need to conduct thorough research on the local organization and brainstorm the challenges it may face. This should ask us to take more targeted and effective project plannings. 

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

Contributions, behaviours and values I exhibited

While working with others, I could learn more about myself. I noticed that I would be a little shy when I was in a large group setting and became reliant on others when they appeared reliable. This hindered my personal growth. I should be more active and open to show my advantages. By embracing challenges, cultivating a growth mindset, and actively seeking personal development, I have been able to break free from this habit and unlock my full potential.

What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership attributes and insights I developed

Firstly, I think that leadership means one has a goal that they want to do with great abilities. From the speaker’s talk, I could see that she clearly knows her ambitions and is well-equipped with scientific knowledge of climate change. She confidently explained to us when she was asked detailed questions.

Secondly, collaborative leadership is also really important. When I worked alongside other scholars or engaged with local partners and community members, I learned that leadership is not solely about individual actions but also about fostering a collective vision and mobilizing others towards a shared goal.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

What I still need to develop 

Firstly, the language barrier is a big problem. Although Google Translate helps a lot, I still felt the struggle in a Spanish-speaking environment. Sometimes, Google Translate makes mistakes and cannot understand the cultural implications. I am trying to learn Spanish in my free time so that I can communicate with locals more effectively.

Secondly, I think that developing the habit of taking notes is necessary. I can’t remember all of the details and may miss something important.