Recently, I finished another executive education program at one of the prestige education institutions. Again, a wonderful experience of learning, engaging and achieving. I discovered again, achievement is a moment of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. For those reaching milestones in the sciences, arts, craftsmanship, leadership and through apprenticeships, these accomplishments are especially meaningful in a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty. Whether you are a scientist, artist, craftsperson, or apprentice, or an executive, your journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Value of Our Journey
To achieve at a high level in any discipline is a privilege – one that brings both honor and responsibility. The true value of our education, training, or apprenticeship lies not in prestige, but in purpose. While recognition of any kind is gratifying, let it be a byproduct, not the driver, of our choices. We should seek paths that ignite our curiosity, serve the greater good, and reflect our values, whether in a laboratory, studio, workshop, board rooms or community.
Embracing Change and Uncertainty
Our journeys have unfolded amid shifting landscapes – technological advances, societal changes, and new global challenges. As many iconic commencement speakers have emphasized, adaptability is essential. We must embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth, creativity, and innovation. It takes courage and leadership to move on. In the arts, sciences, and skilled trades alike, progress is rarely linear. The willingness to experiment, fail, and try again is foundational to both discovery and artistic or technical mastery.
The Interconnectedness of Disciplines
History reminds us of the fact that art, science, and skilled trades are deeply intertwined. From the Renaissance, where artists like Leonardo da Vinci blurred the lines between scientific inquiry and creative expression, to modern times, the most innovative thinkers and makers draw from multiple disciplines. Achieving balance between logic and imagination – what some call “whole-brain thinking” – fosters holistic understanding and creative problem-solving. Whether we are designing, researching, leading others, composing, building, or learning through apprenticeship, integrating diverse ways of thinking enriches our work and broadens our impact.
The Human Element and Touch
No matter what our field, our work is shaped by humans and their social systems we operate in – by their hopes, struggles, and dreams. As we contribute our talents, it is essential to remember that empathy and kindness are as important as skill and knowledge. We should strive to be kind, not merely nice. Kindness requires courage: the willingness to challenge injustice, speak uncomfortable truths, and extend grace to others and ourselves and is a crucial part of leadership in any kind of human-made system. In the arts, sciences, trades, leadership, and apprenticeships, our creations and contributions can heal, inspire, and connect.
Beyond Perfection
Perfection is an illusion, especially if more than one person looks at it. The pursuit of flawless results can stifle innovation and creativity. Instead, we should strive for progress, meaningful impact, and integrity in our work. Achievements in any discipline are built on incremental efforts, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. Our contributions matter, even if they are not perfect, and humor helps always.
Universal Thread
Whether we study genes, paint canvases, design products, master a craft, fly to the moon, lead people, or learn through apprenticeship, the greatest lesson is our shared humanity. Across cultures and disciplines, we are united by curiosity, the desire for understanding, and the need for connection. We should always extend the right dose of empathy to our colleagues, our audience, and our community. Recognize that we all seek meaning, belonging, and dignity.
Seeking Meaning Over Happiness
In a world obsessed with the pursuit of happiness, we might consider seeking meaning instead. Meaning endures through setbacks and uncertainty; it gives depth to our successes and resilience in our failures. Let our work be guided by a sense of purpose -whether that is advancing knowledge, creating beauty, uplifting communities, leading companies or mastering a skill.
Final Thoughts
As we step forward – into research labs, studios, workshops, classrooms, job sites, boardrooms, or new adventures – remember that achievement is not just about answers or finished products but about asking better questions and embracing the creative process. The world awaits our curiosity, our courage, and our compassion. May our future be filled with meaning, discovery, and the fulfillment that comes from making a difference.
Congratulations on our achievements. The world needs what we have to offer.
