There are many things that make the Lake Nona area unique. As I read your stories every month and prepare this newspaper for the community, I am never disappointed and I am always impressed and inspired.

I’ve mentioned before that I often see a theme emerge as I edit each month. I had a harder time identifying it this round, but I think it’s leadership. We have several recurring columns that are geared toward leadership, particularly in the business world, but if you pay attention and look closely, a theme of leadership is present in all the sections this month. You’ll see guidance, direction, management, organization, orchestration, initiative, mastery, strength, foresight, and influence – all forms of leadership.

In this edition, we have many great examples of good leaders, how to be better leaders, organizations leading the way in their industries, and, perhaps most comforting for me, so many youth in our community who are learning how to be leaders. Just a few examples you’ll find this month … physical therapy students teaching medical students in an interdisciplinary, intensive anatomy training at UCF; the reasons good business owners combine quality soft skills with specific industry training to give employees the best chances for success; multiple companies/organizations in our area providing innovative technology in products and services, particularly in the medical field; several mentors throughout this edition who provide leadership training and loving care to youth in our community to give them every chance to live their best lives; leaders who are also our neighbors, who lead without pay, volunteering their time to organize and give back and welcome newcomers (I’m talking about you, Paul and Spencer); and every one of our school updates will blow you away with what these kids are learning and doing to make a difference in the world. It’s astounding.

I recently read a quote online that rang true to me: “One of the most absolute truths of leadership I know is this: You can care about someone without leading them, but you cannot truly lead someone without caring for them.” (Leading With Care by Steve Keating) I feel that this concept captures one of the things that makes those who live and work in Lake Nona unique: They care. They care about their industry, about making a difference, about the people around them. It’s important to them – us – to continue learning and to seek better ways of doing things. We (sometimes I forget I’m not just an observer, but I am also among those who live or work here) care deeply about our community, our stories, our history, our future. And as we care, we lead. We inspire. We teach. We help one another. We lead each other to a better tomorrow.

Careful and heartfelt leadership isn’t always obvious, blatantly noticeable, loud, or even constant. Sometimes, it is those things, but I think more often it is quiet, goes unnoticed, is subtle and calm. Sometimes, it happens unexpectedly during an unplanned teaching moment. But, it’s there. Any time you show kindness toward another, pick up the slack for someone who is struggling, or put someone else’s needs or feelings ahead of your own, you are leading and caring.

Did you notice some great examples of leading with care in this edition that I didn’t mention? Did you learn anything new about leadership as you read through these stories? I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message any time: elaine@nona.media.

Thank you for another month of uplifting, thought-provoking, and heartwarming stories, Lake Nona. You remind me what life is about and why it’s important to never give up, no matter how tired you get. Thank you for leading the way. Lead on, Lake Nona. Lead on.