Rich Harwood’s session reminded me that leadership in the face of conflicted agendas and situations where win-win outcomes aren’t always possible often requires stepping back/ walk away—not as retreat, but to realign for lasting impact. Sometimes, it’s the moment where ideas transform into action, and you face the difficult feeling of losing—not because you lacked capability or didn’t do your best, but because you can now clearly see who your allies and opponents are. The principle of “start small, go big” offers a powerful path forward: begin with grounded, intentional actions that build trust and momentum over time. Harwood’s Turning Outward philosophy emphasizes that only by shifting our focus to community can we truly see and hear others. I would simplify this further: be the newcomer in everything—curious, humble, and always ready to listen if you want to lead with purpose. Exploring his work more deeply, including his ideas on Civic Culture, and Building Bridges initiatives, reminds me that sometimes the solution is right there—next to you—and it starts by establishing small, meaningful connections. This aligns with social capital theory, which highlights the importance of trust, relationships, and networks in enabling collective action. Moreover, from psychological theories of hope (like those of Snyder), hope is seen as a dynamic cognitive process that fuels motivation and resilience by focusing on achievable goals and pathways to reach them. In leadership and community work, hope becomes a vital weapon, enabling individuals and groups to persevere through division and uncertainty.
Best regards,
Athina Papapavlou (Greece)
NextGen Women Leaders Fellow 2025