Leadership Lessons from My 100-Year-Old Grandmother

Today marks the 9th anniversary of my beloved PorPor’s passing. Each year, I honor this day by sharing the only picture I have of us, taken when I was just three years old. This tradition keeps her memory alive and allows me to reflect on the profound impact she had on my life.

Growing up with PorPor was a mix of warmth and strict discipline. She was a firm believer in respect, independence, and hard work. I remember watching her meticulously tend to our home, showing through her actions that diligence and dedication were key to a meaningful life. Her work ethic was a daily lesson, but it wasn’t confined to just household chores. Every Sunday, she would dress us up for church, instilling in us a sense of routine and commitment. To her, attending church was as much about building a strong moral foundation as it was about being part of a community.

As a child, I sometimes found these rules stifling. The routine and expectations felt overwhelming, especially for a young kid who just wanted to play and relax on weekends. In my attempts to escape, I even pretended to be sick, heating a thermometer to avoid the early 8 AM service. PorPor always saw through my antics, but occasionally, she allowed me to stay home, perhaps understanding my need for a break.

Despite the strictness, PorPor’s lessons have stayed with me. Her emphasis on respect taught me to treat everyone with dignity. Respect, she believed, also meant being honest and transparent with others. She would always say that true respect involves truthfulness and clarity in our interactions, ensuring that no one is misled or hurt by dishonesty. She encouraged independence, fostering a self-reliance that has been crucial in my life. Her work ethic, evident in everything she did, inspired me to pursue my goals with dedication.

In our Asian household, respect for elders is a must. Expressing anger or talking back was not an option. Even though I disagree with hiding emotions, I now understand that her approach was meant to maintain harmony and respect within the family. These norms sometimes led to silent unhappiness, but they also served as a reminder of the importance of self-control and consideration for others’ feelings. I find it harder and harder nowadays to balance these values in a fast-paced world, but her lessons remain a guiding light.

These cultural values have significantly shaped my beliefs in leadership. PorPor’s approach taught me that true leadership is rooted in respect for others and leading by example. Her insistence on hard work and independence showed me that a good leader empowers others to be self-reliant and pursue excellence. The discipline and structure she provided created a stable environment, reinforcing the idea that effective leadership involves creating a foundation of trust and reliability.

“True leadership is rooted in respect, honesty, and dedication.” — uglyjules

Reflecting on my time with PorPor, I am filled with gratitude. Her guidance provided me with the tools to face life’s challenges with resilience and determination. Her love and teachings remain a guiding light in my life.On this anniversary of her passing, I honor her memory and her lasting impact on me.

Thank you, PorPor, for everything. Your teachings continue to shape not only my life but also the way I lead and inspire others.