Touching ground at the airport of Cochin filled me with a rather interesting blend of ambivalent feelings. A healthy dose of euphoric uncertainty, but with an aftertaste of tentativeness. I have had enough experiences to build up a radar for ‘world-view changing experiences’, but also enough experiences to know to ‘expect the unexpected’. The sixth sense inside of me whispers to me that spending 6 weeks in Kerala will most certainly not leave me as I came, yet in what shape and form? She does not know.
Yet I have been blessed with the loveliest group of five other scholars (Alba, Paris, Erin, Abi, and Lorelai). They have grounded me in the belief that we will be moulded together. Already, I have seen just a glimpse into the complexity and nuance of each of the girls’ lives, and feel a sense of joy that they have shared it with me.
Each morning, I wake up with in eager anticipation to actively witness the changing of our very beings. With only a few days in, I heard the material preaching of how a simple two days has already planted seeds into rethinking of one’s values. “Take the Mic” are fortnightly sessions for the scholars to not just practice their public speaking skills, but to form new connections through reflective storytelling.
Not one day looks the same in Kerala, India. From family-like feasts to intensive upskilling workshops, I have been dancing back and forth with such intense emotions. Yet it is really in the moments that aren’t made for explicit learning, where the richest knowledge is sourced. During a free day, we visited the backwaters of Kerala (backwaters meaning the river leads back to the sea). Through this experience, our tour guide Miram shared the wonders of the coconut tree. It was only appropriate considering that Kerala means the Land of the Coconuts! We witnessed the leaves being woven into intricate sheets of art that could be used as mats and roofing, sap being tapped out for alcohol (toddy), and tasted the full explosion of flavour from coconut curries in a traditional Kerala meal on a banana leaf. It clicked to me that this was true sustainability.
As I embark on my first consulting project with Forest Post, an organisation dedicated to empowering indigenous people through their natural talents and skills of forestry, I strive to have an open heart and mind. Still unsure of the direction of my own personal project, I know these rich experiences will surely guide me into something fruitful.
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I can't wait to hear more about your sixth sense! Thank you for sharing about your week 1. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you in person, Maria.
Dear Maria,
Thank you for sharing such a beautifully written first reflection - with brilliant photos! There is a real sense of curiosity, openness, and anticipation running throughout your entry, which feels very appropriate for the beginning of a Leadership in Action experience. I particularly enjoyed your description of arriving in Kerala with both excitement and uncertainty; it captures something that many scholars experience but do not always articulate so eloquently. The recognition that a transformative experience may be unfolding, whilst acknowledging that you do not yet know what shape that transformation will take, demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.
One of the themes that stood out most strongly was your appreciation of learning beyond formal settings. Your observations about the backwaters of Kerala, conversations with local people, and the lessons embedded within everyday life all suggest a willingness to remain attentive to learning in unexpected places. I was especially interested in your reflection on sustainability, and how witnessing the various uses of the coconut tree shifted your understanding from an abstract concept to something tangible and lived. Leadership often begins with this kind of curiosity: taking the time to understand systems, communities, and perspectives before attempting to influence or change them.
I was also pleased to read about the supportive relationships developing amongst your cohort. The way you describe being 'moulded together' hints at an important aspect of leadership that is sometimes overlooked. While leadership is often portrayed as an individual endeavour, much of our growth happens through the people around us. As your placement progresses, I would encourage you to reflect further on how these relationships are shaping your thinking, challenging your assumptions, and influencing the way you approach your work.
Looking ahead, I would be interested to see you draw even stronger connections between your experiences and your leadership development. At present, the reflection beautifully captures what you are observing and feeling, but I would be interested to hear more about how these experiences are affecting your understanding of leadership itself. For example:
Your comment about keeping an open heart and mind struck me as particularly significant. Effective leadership, especially in international and community-based contexts, often begins not with having solutions but with listening deeply, remaining humble, and being willing to learn from others. There may be rich opportunities over the coming weeks to reflect on how this mindset shapes both your work and your relationships.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and promising start to your LiA reflections. Your writing conveys genuine excitement about the journey ahead, and it is clear that you are already engaging deeply with the people, culture, and experiences around you. I look forward to seeing how your work with Forest Post develops and, perhaps more importantly, how your understanding of yourself as a leader evolves throughout your time in Kerala.
Best wishes,
Ben
P.S. the coconut curry sounds fantastic!
Aww Maria, reading your blog post sparked joy! It’s so wonderful to hear your perspective and I’m so happy that you’re really bonding as a group. I love your mindset and I hope you continue to learn things that make you feel a sense of wonder and wow on your LiA. And your writing is so, so beautiful. You’ve inspired me to be a little bit more creative and reflective with my own. Sending you so much positive energy!!! 😊🫶🫶🫶