When exploring the attributes that make up the "powerful leader", I am taken to the wonderful words of Dr. Rammond Reyes in the Mentor Gallery. His thoughts on leadership are so fully formed by nature and time. There are a few statements that he made in his interview that made an impression on me and caused me believe that every leader needs to evaluate themselves and their own story and experience before the can choose a leadership style that will bear productive fruit.

In "On Forgiveness" Richard Holloway explained that we are the products of our enviornments: "The reason we want to be able to forgive individuals, while retaining the important ability to judge their actions is that we know that personal action is the fruit of character and that character is largely predetermined by factors that are not in our control". When in conflict with others Dr. Reyes so eloquently reminds us to: "Take the time to get beneath of the behavior of the ideology. Positive interpretation on the behavior and feelings of others."

Leaders are responsible for the growth of those they have chosen to lead, Our leadership style is a reflection of our values, Dr. Reyes tell us that "How we lead is who we are, the sacred interaction of our biology and our biography." Understanding that we all bring our own personal story into relationships both inside the organization as well as in our personal life, Dr. Reyes advises that, "All human difference, first know your own cultural identity. Diversity personhood 101, see things how we are, not how it is. We are unconsciously who our ancestors are."

All leaders come to their position seeing the world through their own lens, seeing success and conflict through their past experiences. Dr. Rayes emphases the importance of the leader knowing their "Alpha Point" – Know your sacred story – who are you as a multi-cultural being, how does that influence your behavior value system, thought process in terms of decision making."

Learning to be great leaders come over a life-time, as we live through various experiences we are, according to Dr. Reyes, that we all are a living, breathing curriculum".