Staff Writer
When I was inaugurated as IIZ president for my first term in November 2024, I was adorned with the “presidential chain”. Naturally, I asked what the chain symbolised because I noticed there were names of past presidents on it. It was explained to me that these names were part of the chain to help us remember the institute’s legacy and carry it forward.
As I reflected, it also symbolised the deep wisdom and experience enshrined in history, but more than that, it meant that I would not be alone on the journey.
The presidency is, to me, like a relay, and the baton is passed to each incumbent to run the race and bring the institute’s objectives to life. Some identify the land, some clear it, some plough, some plant, some water, some weed, some put fertilizer, and some reap. Each president comes in and is involved with a bit of each stage, and the institute thrives and grows. There is seed we are reaping fruit from that was planted many years ago, there is seed we are watering or cultivating whose fruit may be harvested in 5 or 10 years, and so the cycle continues.
I was apprehensive at first because this was the first board I had ever chaired, and it certainly wasn’t like chairing the occasional meeting or sub-committee. I definitely had no experience as a president, and it has been constant learning for me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a powerful and determined relay team that comprises an extremely capable board and the two vice presidents.
As I reflected, it also symbolised the deep wisdom and experience enshrined in history, but more than that, it meant that I would not be alone on the journey.
The presidency is, to me, like a relay, and the baton is passed to each incumbent to run the race and bring the institute’s objectives to life. Some identify the land, some clear it, some plough, some plant, some water, some weed, some put fertilizer, and some reap. Each president comes in and is involved with a bit of each stage, and the institute thrives and grows. There is seed we are reaping fruit from that was planted many years ago, there is seed we are watering or cultivating whose fruit may be harvested in 5 or 10 years, and so the cycle continues.
I was apprehensive at first because this was the first board I had ever chaired, and it certainly wasn’t like chairing the occasional meeting or sub-committee. I definitely had no experience as a president, and it has been constant learning for me. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a powerful and determined relay team that comprises an extremely capable board and the two vice presidents.