Omar Guevara Soto Log 1

Over the past 10 months, my experience as a Bush Fellow working on a self-designed fellowship has been marked by discovery, challenge, and significant personal and professional growth. This period has expanded my network, while also guiding me through significant changes and transitions. Through this journey, I’ve recognized a fundamental truth about being a Bush Fellow: it’s about my vision, my aspirations, and the willingness to push beyond my perceived limits. Though this realization wasn’t immediate, it motivated me to envision my potential and provided a firm foundation for my journey of self-discovery and development. I share this reflection in hopes that it will be helpful to any new Fellow who reads it.

Initially, my leadership journey was dedicated to instigating positive change within my professional sphere and the broader School Food Service Industry. My understanding of leadership remained largely theoretical, shaped by academic knowledge and limited practical experience. I viewed leadership as a static set of skills and qualities that one either possessed or did not. This perspective underwent a shift as I engaged with my executive coach and mentor, whose guidance has been invaluable in both my professional and personal life. What started as a straightforward pursuit soon evolved into a multifaceted endeavor as I delved deeper into the intricacies of leadership, community engagement, and personal development, all supported by the Bush Foundation.

During this period, I’ve focused on not just expanding my network, but also on deepening and nurturing relationships within it. I’ve dedicated myself to exploring the transformative potential of networking and relationship-building, recognizing the significance of fostering collective impact, aiding navigation through change, and facilitating collaboration among like-minded leaders. However, I’ve come to realize that the true value lies not in the quantity of connections, but rather in the quality of relationships. This insight prompted a shift in my approach, from pursuing broad expansion to engaging in targeted, intentional connections with individuals who share my values and aspirations. This adjustment has proven crucial, leading to more meaningful engagements and collaborations, and emphasizing the vital role relationships play in effective leadership. An important moment that marked this shift was when I met the CEO of the family foundation where I now doing part-time work. This connection wasn’t a chance encounter; it was the result of intentional networking efforts. Its significance extended beyond a personal milestone; it taught me firsthand about the power of strategic networking. Through this relationship, I quickly gained invaluable insights into leading a philanthropic organization dedicated to community change.

I have learned that the essence of leadership transcends the individual, it is deeply rooted in the ability to connect with others, to find common ground, and to leverage these relationships towards achieving collective goals. The saying “it takes a village” became a guiding principle, highlighting the importance of community in achieving common goals.

Change, both personal and professional, is a constant in the world of leadership. The past 10 months have highlighted the transformative power of embracing change, with one of the most significant shifts being my decision to transition out of my role at the Minneapolis Public Schools. Leaving a stable job marked a crucial moment in my leadership journey. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by a desire for personal growth and the pursuit of new avenues to make a meaningful impact—an extraordinary opportunity afforded by the Bush Fellowship. This transition wasn’t merely a career change but a conscious choice to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the uncertainty that accompanies change. It was a moment that tested my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to my core values and aspirations. During this time, I had the privilege of conversing with the supportive staff members at the Bush Foundation. Their encouragement reaffirmed my decision and provided invaluable reassurance during a period of significant transition. Their words of support served as a guiding light, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of bold choices, and pushing me to fully embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.

Transitioning into a new career path required deep self-reflection. With the guidance of my executive coach, I assessed my strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations to ensure alignment with my new pursuits. His objective perspective and constructive feedback challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, push past limitations, and embrace new opportunities for growth. This support proved instrumental in refining my leadership approach, enhancing my decision-making skills, and fostering greater self-awareness. Engaging in this introspective process provided clarity regarding my goals and motivations, guiding my decision-making and ensuring that I pursued opportunities that truly resonated with me. While the jury is still out, and time will tell if my decisions were the right ones, I am confident that this shift was a well-thought-out decision. This period of transition has been instrumental in highlighting the role of change as a driver for personal and professional development. It has forced me to confront my fears and insecurities, pushing me to develop new skills, broaden my perspectives, and re-evaluate my priorities. It serves as a reminder that the path to leadership is not linear but filled with twists and turns, each offering invaluable lessons and opportunities for development.

One of the most significant lessons I have learned during this time is the importance of seeking and finding joy in the process of change. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there were moments of genuine joy and fulfillment—moments that came from stepping out of my comfort zone, making new connections, and engaging in projects that aligned with my passion for positive change and social impact. These experiences highlighted that embracing change is not just about enduring it but finding joy in the doing of it — actively seeking out those moments where growth is palpable. I believe effective leadership requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty and navigate through it with resilience and adaptability. It also demands a clear sense of purpose and direction, serving as a guiding light during times of transition.

The first step toward finding joy involved reframing my perspective on change. Instead of considering it disruptive, I began to perceive it as an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. This shift in mindset introduced me to new experiences and learning opportunities. While not everything proceeded as planned or scripted, I maintained an open mind and remained flexible to make the most of the situation. It is a working progress. Effective leaders are fundamentally lifelong learners. Leadership continually evolves, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Embracing continuous learning fosters adaptability and informed decision-making, essential for navigating the complexities of modern leadership. This extends beyond formal education, encompassing diverse experiences, from professional development opportunities to the wealth of knowledge found in everyday interactions and self-reflection. Leadership requires both breadth and depth of knowledge, coupled with the humility to acknowledge the limits of understanding and the curiosity to surpass them. This belief underscores the significance of curiosity as a driving force behind ongoing learning. Curiosity, a virtue within wisdom, is often the key missing element in leadership.

My journey as a Bush Fellow so far stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Each experience, from redefining my understanding of leadership or embracing change as the incentive for growth, has shaped me into a more effective and empathetic leader. I am grateful to the Bush Foundation for providing this extraordinary opportunity. Without their support, this journey of discovery might have been delayed or never occurred. I recognize that the extent of my growth depends on the dedication and effort I put into seizing this opportunity, and I encourage you to do the same.