In the shadow of the poet, the teacher, the explorer, the giant redwood of a man that made me, I walked the Ruth Asawa exhibit last week and I can't stop thinking about the powerful interplay of shadow and light, as a human, a leader, and a metaphor.

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While working at Northland Controls, I had the great fortune to work with The Leadership Circle and their integrative leadership model that embraces all of our humanity while outlining reactive tendencies and creative leadership competencies.

Like the best leaders living true to their values, Asawa intentionally makes the unseen visible. The quiet, powerful. The shadow/dark just as important as the light. She wove these organic forms with a single wire and a child-like playful fascination with shadow and light.

It's no wonder she spent much of her career teaching art to children in public school and advocating for public art in San Francisco (an act that makes creativity, imagination, and inspiration accessible to all). What an example to us all!

For every person walking into the office today, especially those battling perfectionism, I hope you take some time to think about the shadow you cast—through your own introspection, intention, and integrity.

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Embrace, understand, and accept the shadow parts. They are ultimately what makes you the most relatable, humble, kind, and influential. Your trustworthiness is deeply rooted in your authenticity. Those in positions of power, I hope you spend some time thinking about your shadow. The way you listen. The space you make. The tone you set, even in silence. Whether people are better or worse from interacting with you.

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And for all you marketers, make sure you're finding time and space for creative inspiration. It's crucial to your job--and, more importantly, your spirit!

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