OLA - Mar. 28th - Leading Self: Huakaʻi Of The Ecological Self

Ref Link: Ola Participant Handbook

Theme
Between the first and second sessions, leaders will deepen their leadership journey with an executive coach before embarking on a transformative exploration in the second gathering, drawing inspiration from the saga of Hiʻiakaikapoliopele and using traditional and modern mixed art methods to visually articulate their gifts and leadership narrative, guided by Kānaka artists.

Location: Hale Ao at WCC

Learnings
We started off by inviting the most creative person we know into the room. For me, that was Uncle John Kaʻohelauliʻi. Editing his book, The Black Book of Konane, with Pohai was a highlight of last year. He also gave us some konane fan fiction, which was honestly wild. His vision for a world deeply influenced by konane—versus chess—will always stick with me as a future imaginary.

Then, we heard from Kuaho, and he talked about intent driven, rigor before creativity, experimental learning, reciprocal/generational, and aina connectivity. He explored protocol within an org, under hula kapu, and the mana that feeds business—he even exposed his toxic masculinity and desire for new ways of knowing and leadership as instigated by his mentor, Kamu.

The story of Hiiaka was the main exercise. We broke out into groups based on what part of her journey we're on, and how it relates to cycles we find ourselves in throughout our professional lives. More on this below!

After we broke off into groups to make some art, and let our understanding of process reflect a bit about our leadership styles and intentions.

Take-aways

• Self-reflection is only part of the journey. But we don't stop there—we must learn to weave and integrate all our experiences into our leadership style.
• Creativity comes in many forms including rigor and consistency in schedule and habits. Lead a life of integrity, discipline, and commitment. It will blossom endlessly if you trust ike kupuna.
• We are always in "practice" and in "process". Allow your ancestral / DNA guide you through, because you were birthed from haloa/aina. Have confidence in that connection/knowing.
• Don't be afraid to beat your pahu drum, and call for back-ups like Hiiaka did. We will be gifted many implements throughout our journey to help us get through the "impasse". If there is a thread of hope, you can follow it through.

What part of the journey do you like to be in? Why?
For me, it's the haalele and huakai. I like the prep work and journey ahead. I like being researched, prepared, and in the trenches.

What parts do you rush through? Why?
The hoina and haina. Maybe I'm never really focused on achieving these things, and always ready for the next adventure.

What did you make (the art project), and what does it represent (the take-away)?
I carved mahealani—1/4 full moon phases. She's my favorite, because it feels like a sigh of relief after many days of fullness, the decent back into po. It felt like a reflection of our month meetings, but also a place in time. It represented the journey to me, and the blossoming of the kahea.

Included cloud: Na maka o ka makani. Eyes of the wind. Clouds show us the direction of the wind.