Dear leaders, have you taken the time needed to pause, reflect, take stock, be grateful and envision a better 2025? We all need to do this to get to vision.

Great leaders are not just managers of the present—they are architects of the future

In a world that craves progress – and is rushing through so much of life mindlessly –  the most influential leaders are those who design beyond immediate needs and envision what could be. Like master builders, they sketch blueprints of possibility, laying the foundation for growth and innovation.

Leadership, at its core, is an act of creation

A visionary leader sees what others miss, imagines what doesn’t yet exist, and gathers the right materials—ideas, people, and resources—to build something meaningful. But designing the future isn’t about having all the answers upfront. It’s about being bold enough to start and flexible enough to adapt along the way.

Come, go on a visioneering journey with me.

Step 1: Lay the Foundation – Vision and Imagination

No skyscraper starts without a solid foundation. Architects spend hours imagining the final structure, but they also leave room for tweaks and creativity along the way. Leaders need to do the same. Vision is the foundation, but imagination is the bridge between today and what’s next.

Consider this: What’s the boldest, most exciting version of your future? What would it take to get there?

Step 2: Bring in the Builders – Collaboration is Key

No architect builds alone. It takes a whole team—engineers, designers, and specialists—to turn an idea into something tangible. The same goes for leadership. The best leaders know they don’t have all the answers, so they bring together diverse teams to fill the gaps.

The takeaway? Big things happen when you stop trying to do it all yourself.

Step 3: Design for the Long Haul – Think Ahead

Architects don’t design for the next five months—they design for the next fifty years. Leaders should think with the same long-term perspective. Some cultures are great at this – look at Japanese! The choices you make today will ripple far into the future, shaping your organization, your industry, and perhaps even your legacy.

Ask yourself: Am I making decisions that will stand the test of time?

Step 4: Push Boundaries – Why Not Dream Bigger?

The best leaders aren’t just problem-solvers—they’re visionaries. They ask, “Why not?” and “What if?” They don’t just look at what’s possible now; they push the boundaries of what could be.

In a world that often leans towards gloom and doom, as leaders we need to be intentionally and obstinately hopeful. The talent is here. The opportunity is enormous. But the real question is—are we ready to build something extraordinary?

As we head into 2025, one thing is certain: leadership is about more than managing the present. It’s about designing the future. The blueprint is yours to create.

Sincerely,

Stephen Le, Lead Litigator