Depth Over Declarations

Authors Who Shaped My Thinking

May 11, 2025

True influence is formed not in urgency, but in the quiet convergence of deep thought, lived values, and sustained curiosity.

I’ve always seen myself as someone shaped by reflection and steady effort rather than quick fixes. My background in engineering trained me to think systemically and forecast long-term outcomes, and over the years, I’ve come to value the intersection of technical insight and human understanding. I’m drawn to deep thinking, creative problem-solving, and the pursuit of excellence, not for its own sake, but to serve others well. I care deeply about people, about helping them grow, and about building environments where trust and purpose can flourish. More than anything, I want to live and lead with intention, curiosity, and integrity. These observations highlight how that vision takes shape—in choices, in conversations, and in the daily practice of coherence over control, depth over noise, and character over convenience.

Formed by Pages

Books shaped how I see—
slow truths etched through quiet years,
deeper than bold claims.

I owe so much to the authors who have spoken into my life across time and silence. Eugene Peterson, Edward de Bono, and others never demanded my attention—they earned it, slowly, with depth. Their words shaped how I process complexity and helped me listen better, decide more wisely, and care more deeply. I didn’t always notice the change while it was happening, but looking back, I can see how their voices gently shaped my own.

The Generosity of Thought

A stuck room shifted—
fresh thinking bent rigid lines,
and dialogue breathed.

I’ve been in rooms where the air felt thick with tension—where logic clashed and nothing moved. But I’ve also witnessed the moment when one new question, one reframed perspective, shifted everything. I’m thankful for thinkers like de Bono, who taught me that creativity can be a generous act. Those moments taught me that curiosity doesn’t just help me—it opens space for others too. I don’t take for granted the gift of thought that invites and frees.

Leading in Alignment

When trust shapes our voice,
alignment turns talk to walk—
values, truly lived.

In my leadership journey, I’ve learned that words only matter if they’re matched by consistent action. I’ve tried to foster a culture where people could trust that our values weren’t just stated—they were lived. Much of what I now see as “influence” has come not through strategy, but through steady coherence. I’m deeply grateful for those who have walked with me in this—making leadership less about control, more about trust.

The Power of Presence

She named her own edge—
not weakness, but where wisdom
begins to take root.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned came not from solving a problem, but from simply staying present. I watched someone brave enough to name their own exhaustion, and I had the privilege of holding space for that truth. I didn’t offer answers—just quiet encouragement and protection for her boundaries. I’m humbled by how often real strength begins with gentle honesty. Presence, I’m learning, is one of the most sacred things I can offer.

Seeing Through Culture

I read between lines—
Culture speaks in quiet codes,
shaping how we hear.

After working in many different cultural settings, I’ve realized that clarity doesn’t travel well on autopilot. Messages need translation—not just of language, but of tone, values, and rhythm. I once watched a conversation transform when I shifted from a general idea to one framed in local context. That moment reminded me: I still have so much to learn about listening well. I’m grateful for every culture that has taught me how to really hear.

The Measure of Integrity

Truth shaped my choices—
not the gain, but who I’d be
when the dust had cleared.

I faced a moment when I could have let something slide—a misstatement in a report, unnoticed by most. But something in me knew that even if no one else saw it, I would. Correcting it wasn’t easy, but I felt deep peace afterward. I’m thankful for the mentors and authors who’ve helped me root my choices in something deeper than approval. Integrity, I’ve come to see, is about who I’m becoming, not just what I do.

Designing for Impact

Systemic thinking,
live ecosystems needed,
not just quick fixes.

In the middle of a high-pressure project, I felt the pull toward a fast answer. But I paused—and chose instead to ask better questions. What system am I touching? Who’s impacted? How does this hold up over time? That moment taught me to honour complexity rather than escape it. I’m grateful for those who model long-term thinking and holistic design. They’ve shown me that lasting impact comes not from speed, but from seeing the whole.

How Authors Shaped My Thinking

Over the years, the constellation of authors below have quietly shaped the way I think, lead, and make decisions—each one leaving a distinctive mark on how I approach complexity, relationships, and systems. And yet, their marks are woven into a fabric I wear daily.

Eugene Peterson taught me the value of consistency and deep attentiveness, reminding me that meaningful work unfolds over time, not in haste.

Edward de Bono expanded my thinking toolkit, giving me creative structures to approach problems laterally rather than linearly.

Tom Peters challenged me to seek excellence not as an abstract ideal, but as a disciplined habit embedded in culture.

Cloud and Townsend refined my understanding of personal responsibility and relational clarity—critical insights when navigating team dynamics and stakeholder expectations.

David Brooks deepened my capacity to see people—not just their roles or outputs, but their stories.

Malcolm Gladwell tuned my ear to hidden patterns and social tipping points that often define momentum.

Marcus Buckingham reframed performance and talent development by showing me that strengths—not deficits—are the true drivers of engagement.

Kouzes and Posner reminded me that leadership is about modelling credibility, not commanding authority.

And James Sire challenged me to question assumptions and examine the underlying narratives shaping our thinking. Together, these voices formed a lens that helps me direct projects not only with technical skill, but with curiosity, discernment, and integrity.

Voices That Shaped My Thinking

Selected quotes from authors who influenced my approach to leadership, life, and earning

1. Faithfulness over time matters more than intensity in the moment.

“The essential thing in heaven and earth is… that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.”
— Eugene H. Peterson

I’ve learned that meaningful impact is rarely the result of big, dramatic moments—it’s built through quiet perseverance. I don’t always see immediate results, but I try to stay committed to the path I believe is right. If I can be consistent, especially when it’s hard, I trust that something lasting will grow from it.

2. Real change often starts with changing how we think.

“You cannot dig a hole in a different place by digging the same hole deeper.”
— Edward de Bono

When something isn’t working, I try not to push harder in the same direction. I’ve found that stepping back, asking different questions, and inviting others into the process often brings fresh insight. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’ve come to value the courage it takes to think differently—for the sake of better outcomes.

3. Excellence is about what I do next, not what I’ve done before.

“Excellence is not an aspiration. Excellence is the next five minutes.”
— Tom Peters

I remind myself that excellence isn’t a status I reach—it’s a way I choose to approach what’s in front of me. Whether it’s a conversation, a report, or a decision, I try to be fully present and give it my best. I fall short sometimes, but my aim is to honour each moment with care and intention.

4. Knowing my limits helps me serve more effectively.

“Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me.”
— Henry Cloud & John Townsend

Over time, I’ve realized that saying yes to everything doesn’t serve anyone well. Understanding where I begin and end allows me to give more generously within my capacity. Setting healthy boundaries has helped me avoid burnout and respect the agency of others—something I’m still learning to do with grace and honesty.

5. Every person carries a depth worth discovering.

“Every person you meet is a mystery, a complex depth of experience and value that deserves your attention and curiosity.”
— David Brooks

People aren’t problems to solve—they’re stories to learn. I try to approach others with curiosity rather than assumptions, and I’ve found that slowing down and really listening can open doors to understanding and trust. I’m constantly reminded that everyone is carrying more than they show, and I want to meet them with respect.

6. Behind every success is a network of unseen support.

“The people who stand before kings may look like they did it all by themselves. But in fact, they are invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities.”
— Malcolm Gladwell

Whenever I look back on accomplishments, I see the help, timing, and opportunities that made them possible. I’ve had mentors, second chances, and moments of grace that I didn’t earn. That awareness keeps me grounded and reminds me to extend the same support and generosity to others who are just starting out.

7. People are not interchangeable—they’re uniquely gifted.

“Great managers play chess, not checkers. In checkers, all the pieces move the same. In chess, you move each piece differently.”
— Marcus Buckingham

I try to pay attention to how each person around me thinks, learns, and leads. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and I’ve learned that the best teams are built by honouring individual strengths. I want to be the kind of leader who brings out the best in others—not by pushing, but by understanding.

8. Leadership is proven through what I do, not what I say.

“Leadership is not about personality; it’s about behavior—an observable set of skills and abilities.”
— James M. Kouzes & Barry Z. Posner

I don’t always get leadership right, but I believe people watch what I do more than what I claim. I try to lead through consistency, follow-through, and service—especially when the stakes are low. That’s where trust is built, and it’s where I hope to make the greatest difference.

9. We all live by a story—we just need to name it.

“A worldview is not just a set of ideas; it is a story—a grand narrative that answers life’s biggest questions.”
— James W. Sire

The more I reflect on my choices, the more I see that I live by a set of guiding assumptions. I try to stay aware of the story I’m telling myself—and whether it’s aligned with what truly matters. Being intentional about that story helps me live with greater clarity and purpose.

In each author’s unique way, each one of them has shaped my habit of connecting details to a larger whole. I don’t just absorb facts—I interpret them through the lens of purpose and meaning. I am becoming a story-minded thinker who leads with perspective, coherence, and thoughtful conviction.