For many years in peacebuilding work among Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao and across Asia, I have become increasingly convinced that authentic leadership is not primarily about authority, position, charisma, or institutional power. Leadership is fundamentally about nurturing life, sustaining relationships, and guiding communities toward justice, dignity, and peace. My understanding of leadership is best represented by a pyramid. Unlike conventional leadership models that emphasize control from the top, this framework emphasizes foundations, relationships, service, and stewardship. It is especially relevant in Indigenous communities where leadership is often understood as relational, communal, and accountable to both present and future generations.
