During my twenty-years living in Canberra, I was often captivated by Northbourne Avenue’s grand display of Australian gum trees. These mature trees stood tall, separating the traffic lanes, embodying both beauty and strength exemplifying the Griffin’s design for a “Bush Capital”. Yet, when fierce winds swept through, it became clear that some trees, despite their stature, were not deeply rooted enough to withstand the storm.
This observation offers a parallel to the professional world, reminiscent of a lesson from my grandfather. As a farmer, he would intentionally challenge young trees, shaking and pulling them. It wasn’t an act of destruction but one of care. This deliberate disruption forced the tree to adapt, pushing its roots deeper into the ground. The experience, while tough, made the tree stronger, better anchored, and more resilient to nature’s adversities.
Knowledge is akin to the height and reach of those gum trees. Earning a degree provides one with a wealth of knowledge, allowing you to stand tall and be recognised. It’s the sunlight that fuels professional growth, illuminating the path forward.
However, as those winds in Canberra and my grandfather’s wisdom demonstrated, knowledge alone doesn’t ensure stability.
Maturity is the depth those roots achieve as they delve deeper into the earth. While a degree might offer knowledge, it’s the experiences, much like the challenges posed by my grandfather to his trees, that nurture and develop maturity. With each challenge faced, mistake made, and lesson learned, we grow more resilient and grounded.
Wisdom represents the hidden expanse of those roots, spreading wide and deep. It embodies our capacity to thoughtfully apply both knowledge and experience. Wisdom isn’t merely about knowing; it’s about understanding, innovating, and adapting. It reflects how astutely we can use our knowledge in varied situations.
Reflecting on my roles working with and leading many individuals and teams, I’ve seen young talents with vast knowledge and a fervent desire to ascend. Their aspirations are commendable, but true leadership requires a balanced blend of knowledge, maturity birthed from experience, and the wisdom to thoughtfully apply both.
In closing, to the spirited young professionals, I say this: Stand tall with your knowledge, ground yourself with rich experiences, and let your wisdom guide your roots in diverse directions. Like the Aussie gum trees of Northbourne Avenue — and the trees nurtured by my grandfather — it’s not merely about how high you reach, but how deeply you’re grounded.
