Leaders are human first. Leaders cannot afford to be prisoners of their past — or captives of someone else’s story. If we live trapped in either perpetual guilt or perpetual victimhood, we are not free. And we lead from fear, not clarity.

Last week, I had the privilege of being part of a volunteer team that delivered a hugely successful community event. Over the course of the day, we hosted around 4,000 people — families, friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers — all coming together in celebration, connection and joy.