Purpose and Meaning for Singaporean Society: The Impact of the Future of Work on Individual Purpose and the Role of Education

Our mindful journey together has been one of growing awareness, deepening presence and strengthening purpose. As educators, we have learned that leadership begins with self-leadership. Through mindfulness, we cultivate the capacity to pause, listen deeply, respond wisely and care wholeheartedly. Together, we are building a culture where well-being, compassion and learning flourish - enabling us to nurture every child while continuing to grow as a connected community of learners, leaders and changemakers.

When people hear that I practise and teach mindfulness, they sometimes imagine a calm and spacious life. My days are not like that. I founded and run a management consulting firm advising banks on strategy and transformation. I also run two not-for-profit social enterprises. Most days involve decisions, difficult conversations, competing priorities and responsibility that does not switch off easily.

In the middle of a school day, it is easy to notice how much leadership happens at speed. Emails arrive faster than we can respond. Conversations are squeezed between meetings. Decisions are often made under pressure, with incomplete information and competing priorities. In those moments, I have learned there is a quiet but powerful distinction that shapes everything that follows. For me, that difference is to lead with presence.

When we talk about leadership, we often think about strategy, decision-making, and outcomes. But what about presence? What happens when a leader’s way of being – their ability to listen deeply, stay grounded, and respond with clarity – becomes their most powerful tool?