During his recent visit to India and Dharamsala with his fellow Dalai Lama Fellows, Ogweno Stephen had the privilege of engaging with elders, monks, and Tibetans, culminating in a conversation with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. From these interactions, several key messages emerged, spanning various aspects of life and society.

1. Importance of Predictability in Leadership: Ogweno recognized the significance of predictability as a leader, understanding that establishing a level of predictability fosters trust and stability within teams and organizations, thus enabling smoother operations and effective decision-making.
2. Beyond Religion: A Secular Approach to Ethics: Delving into the concept of ethics beyond religious boundaries, Ogweno found value in the title of one of Dalai Lama’s books, “Beyond Religion,” which underscores the importance of embracing ethical principles rooted in secular values for universal harmony and cooperation.
3. Forgiveness and Recognition of Humanity: Learning about forgiveness as an acknowledgment of the humanity of others, Ogweno internalized the lesson that forgiving others not only liberates oneself but also fosters empathy and understanding across interpersonal relationships.
4. Dignified Resistance vs. Passive Activism: Contrasting dignified resistance with passive activism, Ogweno grasped the importance of courage, compassion, and humility in effectively resisting injustices, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement and meaningful action in the face of adversity.
5. Love Deeply, Hold Lightly: Reflecting on the teaching of loving deeply while holding lightly, Ogweno understood the balance between investing emotionally in relationships and maintaining detachment to avoid clinging or attachment, fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics.
6. Fumble Forward: Embracing the concept of “fumbling forward,” Ogweno learned the value of expressing oneself authentically and fearlessly, recognizing that imperfect action is preferable to inaction, and mistakes serve as valuable learning opportunities.
7. Humor in Adversity: In the lesson on finding humor in adversity, Ogweno discovered the power of laughter as a coping mechanism and resilience-building tool, acknowledging that maintaining a sense of humor can prevent challenges from overwhelming one’s spirit.
8. The Pitfalls of Hero Complex: Ogweno was cautioned against developing a hero complex, understanding that excessive ego and savior mentality can lead to unintended consequences and hinder genuine efforts to effect positive change.
9. Circular Leadership Model: Inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s vision of circular leadership, Ogweno embraced the concept of decentralized leadership that prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity, valuing the contributions of all stakeholders, regardless of age or status.
10. The Paradox of Good Intentions: Ogweno grappled with the lesson that good intentions, while noble, can sometimes result in unintended harm, highlighting the importance of critical reflection and informed action in addressing complex societal issues.
11. Setting Daily Intentions: Ogweno adopted the practice of setting intentions each morning as a pledge for the day, recognizing the power of intentionality in guiding actions and fostering personal growth.
12. Inner Development and Outward Action: Understanding the interplay between inner development and outward action, Ogweno embraced the notion that personal growth and self-awareness are essential precursors to meaningful and impactful contributions to society.
13. Dealing with Anger through Self-awareness: Reflecting on the lesson to not suppress anger but instead prevent it and deal with it when it arises, Ogweno recognized the importance of self-awareness in identifying triggers and managing emotions effectively.

14. Understanding Cause and Effect: Ogweno internalized the principle of cause and effect, acknowledging the interconnectedness of actions and consequences, and emphasizing the importance of mindful living and intentional decision-making.
15. Fluidity of Self-Identity: Contemplating the fluidity of self-identity, Ogweno recognized that identity constructs are not discrete but rather fluid and evolving, shaped by social influences, personal experiences, and cultural contexts.
16. Seeking Inspiration from Heroes: Ogweno was reminded of the importance of seeking inspiration from heroes and role models, recognizing their transformative influence in shaping aspirations and guiding personal growth journeys.
17. Integration of Spirituality and Materiality: Embracing the integration of spirituality and materiality, Ogweno understood that meaningful work requires a holistic approach that honors both spiritual principles and practical realities, thus promoting balance and harmony in life pursuits.
18. Love in Everyday Interactions: Ogweno recognized that love manifests in the small, everyday interactions among people—the smiles, nods, and greetings exchanged on a daily basis serve as powerful expressions of universal love and connection, emphasizing the innate goodness inherent in human relationships.
19. Resilience and Love in the Face of Adversity: Drawing inspiration from the resilience of the Tibetan people, Ogweno learned that even in the face of daunting challenges akin to the David and Goliath scenario, the Tibetans have chosen to navigate their circumstances with love, resistance, and preservation. Despite their struggles, they prioritize the preservation of their practices, traditions, and culture, ensuring their continuity for future generations.
20. Trust in the Goodness of Humanity: Perhaps the most profound lesson gleaned from the trip was the importance of trusting in the inherent goodness of oneself, the community, and humanity at large. Through various encounters and conversations, Ogweno developed a deep sense of trust in the capacity for compassion, resilience, and kindness that permeates human society, anchoring his faith in the collective potential for positive change and transformation.