On Sunday, May 4, 2025, something quietly powerful unfolded during the Special Olympics Pilipinas Swimming Cup—something that reminded me of the essence of leadership, trust, and humanity in ways no boardroom could have.
My son, who is on the autism spectrum and minimally verbal, joined the swimming event. We signed up for fun—for the experience, the joy of participation, and the simple pleasure of being in the water he loves so much.
What we didn’t expect was for him to bring home two medals:
- 🥇 Gold in Freestyle without kickboard (15 meters)
- 🥈 Silver in Freestyle with kickboard (15 meters)
But more than the medals, it was what happened after the race that taught me one of the greatest lessons of my professional and personal life.
He Didn’t Stop at the Finish Line
The race rules were clear: 15 meters. Stop when you reach the finish line.
But my son didn’t stop.
He swam all the way to the 25-meter mark, then turned around and kept going.
He did this in both of his events.
There were no cues, no directions—just determination and joy.
And though he’s minimally verbal, his eyes, his actions, and the simple point he made beyond the finish line told me everything I needed to know:
“I can do more.”
What This Taught Me About Leadership
That moment, though wrapped in swim gear and pool water, felt familiar. Because in the corporate world, I’ve seen the same truths:
- We often underestimate what people can do, based on predefined expectations.
- We create rigid systems to control performance—but forget to leave room for inspiration.
- We focus on deliverables and outcomes, while ignoring passion, joy, and potential.
My son wasn’t swimming for a prize.
He was swimming because he loved it.
He was swimming to show us—and himself—what’s possible when you’re not held back.
And isn’t that what real leadership is about?
Are We Protecting… or Preventing?
As a mother, my instinct is to protect him.
To shield him from difficulty. To stay close.
And yet, that instinct can also limit his growth.
The same happens in management:
- We overmanage because we fear failure.
- We limit responsibilities because we’re not sure people are “ready.”
- We discourage going beyond scope—thinking it’s safer to stay in the lines.
But what if the best thing we could do… is to trust more?
Quiet Strength is Still Strength
Not all achievers raise their hands.
Not all excellence is loud.
Not all finish lines are visible.
Sometimes, strength is quiet.
Success doesn’t always announce itself.
Sometimes, it simply… swims further.
Let that sink in.
Final Thoughts
My son’s swim wasn’t just a proud parent moment—it was a mirror. One that reflected back to me how I lead, how I parent, and how I can grow.
He reminded me:
- That joy fuels performance.
- That limits are often imagined.
- And that trust can unlock hidden greatness.
He reminded me to believe. To let go. And to watch people rise—not just to expectations, but beyond them.
Let’s build workspaces, homes, and communities where people are seen, believed in, and trusted to do more.
Because when passion meets purpose, people don’t stop at the finish line.
They go further.
Quote to Remember
“Success doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it simply swims further.”
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