At Rotary, leadership isn’t something you hold onto. It’s something you carry for a while… and then pass on—with intention, with love, and with a touch of flair (denim, white, and Caribbean vibes, in our case!).

Every year, the President Nominee leads the committee that plans the installation ceremony of the incoming President. This year, that was me—and what an adventure it’s been! Planning an evening full of meaning, music, and memorable moments gave me time to reflect on what leadership really is… and what it is not.

The Scene, If You Can Picture It…

You’re by the poolside at Nob View Hotel. The sun is generous, the mood is easy, and laughter fills the air. Everyone’s dressed in white and denim—simple, stylish, symbolic. There’s a rhythm to the evening that’s part celebration, part farewell, and part new beginning.

If you’re reading this from somewhere else, I hope you can still feel a little bit of that magic through these words. Because that feeling—that lightness and joy—is exactly what we planned to create.

Before anything else, I want to say thank you.
To the amazing installation committee who showed up with their ideas, energy, and effort—thank you.
To now-President Allan (formerly PE Allan)—you stepped up with humility and strength. And to your beautiful family, thank you for sharing you with us.

To Immediate Past President Julius Sabiti—what a ride it’s been! You brought joy into service and made Rotary feel like home. We served with purpose, welcomed new members, and yes… we even won an award. That’s no small feat. That’s leadership with heart.

Leadership Transitions Aren’t Always Easy

Even with structure and planning, transitions can be tricky. People are different. Styles clash. Priorities shift. But in Rotary, we lean on something that many organizations don’t always have: a clear, thoughtful succession plan.

It’s a three-year runway:

  • President Nominee – You learn quietly, support behind the scenes.
  • President-Elect – You prepare, plan, and walk beside the current leader.
  • President – You take the lead, serve, and shape the year.
  • Immediate Past President – You guide from the wings, offering wisdom and continuity.

This kind of deliberate structure is a gift. It prepares us not just to lead, but to let go.

Letting Go Isn’t Weakness. It’s Wisdom.

The most powerful thing I’ve learned? Leadership is not possession.
 Good leaders know when to step forward—but also when to step aside.
That’s how we grow. That’s how we make space for new voices and fresh vision.

Not every role in life comes with a handover. But maybe they should. Imagine how much stronger our organizations, families, and communities would be if we planned for transition instead of avoiding it.

Rotary taught me that. And I carry it with me, far beyond club meetings and ceremonies.

So, What’s Next?

We celebrate. We serve. We support our new President and his board.
We keep building—because the baton may change hands, but the race continues.

And if you ever find yourself leading something (a team, a project, even a household), remember this:
You don’t have to hold on to lead well. You just have to care deeply, serve fully, and know when to let go.