There are seven continents, 235 countries, 72 regions and territories, and over 4,000 cultures, subcultures, and tribes in the world. As someone who loves studying languages, I’ve always been curious about how people live, think, and lead in different cultural contexts. Recently, I read Deeply Rooted in the Present by anthropologist Mary Lorena Kenny, which takes readers inside the quilombola community of Talhados in Brazil. Quilombolas are descendants of enslaved Africans who have worked to preserve their cultural traditions, collective memory, and autonomy despite centuries of marginalization. Talhados is one of the rural quilombola communities in Brazil, and in daily life, through cultural practices and the ongoing struggle for recognition, their identity, heritage, and resilience are actively lived and maintained in the present. I found the ethnography fascinating, and what really stood out to me was the lesson it offered about leadership. The resilience of the Quilombolas reminded me that true leadership grows out of community, responsibility to others, and the ability to hold on to traditions while navigating change.
Seeing how the residents of Talhados lead through action has been eye-opening. According to Kenny’s research, the quilombolas are isolated from the rest of Brazilian society both because of prejudice from outsiders and because of pride within the community. Some people in nearby cities refer to the quilombolas as cheaters, claiming they are scamming the government for money or land, while others discriminate against them based on race. At the same time, the quilombolas intentionally maintain a degree of separation, taking pride in who they are rather than assimilating. One tradition they consistently preserve is pottery making. As Kenny describes, “making pottery continues to be predominantly women’s work…produced the same way they were 160 years ago, even though it is physically arduous and generates little income”. The women lead this tradition, and it has become a safe haven and source of empowerment for them within the community. During her time in Talhados, Kenny shared challenges from her own life with the leader of the women potters, who offered her support and even welcomed her into her home. This act of leadership is just one example of how residents sustain their community through daily practices. They work the land together, make decisions about resources (like pottery materials), mentor younger generations, and care for one another, showing that perseverance and leadership are woven into everyday life.
Understanding the integrity of the Quilombolas has made me rethink how I show up as a leader in my personal life. Leadership doesn’t stop when I leave the office. It shows up in how I respond to family, friends, and those who rely on me. I’ve come to see leadership as listening deeply, stepping back when needed, and making choices that reflect care and integrity. The daily practices of Talhados have reminded me that true leadership grows from being a steward for my loved ones and my community, which is something I’m still learning to practice every day- whether I’m guiding a project at work or maintaining patience and presence at home.
Declaring that I want to bring personal leadership into my home is definitely easier said than done. Often, when I get home, all I want is to take a shower, slip into comfortable clothes, and settle in for the evening with a book. Yet, reading about the Quilombolas has reinforced for me that responsibility to others is at the heart of leadership. I’ve realized that a key step is acknowledging how important it is to show up consistently, even in the small, everyday moments. Balancing identities is part of this challenge. At home, I navigate being a daughter, a partner, a sister, a colleague, a neighbor, and a student. I go from strategizing projects at work to planning dinners at home, constantly shifting roles and responsibilities. It’s not easy. Understanding your own identity and taking pride in it, while acknowledging the responsibilities that come with each role, is an important step. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup; first, you have to look within yourself.
Identity in Talhados is far from static. Residents must navigate complex pressures to present themselves in ways that align with state expectations while remaining true to their lived realities. As Kenny highlights, “People in the community often have to present themselves in ways that fit state expectations, which usually means highlighting their African roots while downplaying any Indigenous heritage.” Beyond racial and ethnic identity, community members also face challenges tied to social roles, gender, and economic participation. Women leading pottery traditions, for example, assert cultural authority in a space that is both physically demanding and historically undervalued. These women also face significant risks. In fact, the ethnography is dedicated to Kenny’s confidant from the pottery lessons, who was tragically murdered due to domestic violence. At the same time, the community has to figure out how to share their history and collective memory with outsiders- researchers like Kenny, who initially struggled to gain their trust, as well as journalists and government officials- while staying true to who they are.
I know all too well from personal experience how other people’s expectations and judgments can shape the way you see yourself. Confidence and clarity don’t always come naturally, even for someone striving to lead. The Quilombolas struggled to trust Kenny at first, and I sometimes struggle to trust myself- especially in the face of judgment from others. Admitting that isn’t easy, because when you think of a leader, you imagine someone who is completely confident. In my personal life, there are many moments when I question my decisions because of the voices and opinions of others. However, from experience, I’ve learned that being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers or never doubting yourself. Just like the Quilombolas, I believe that leadership is rooted in intention. It comes from nurturing a sense of belonging that extends beyond your own presence and making deliberate choices in how you show up in the world.
Similarly, I hope that, from briefly learning about the Quilombolas, you can see that growth comes from owning your story, resisting limiting labels, and making choices that honor both yourself and the people around you. Leadership, I’ve realized, is a daily practice. I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership: How do you show up for the people and communities in your life? In what ways can you act with more intention, empathy, and care, even in the small everyday moments? If there’s one takeaway, remember that leadership isn’t about perfection. It starts with consistent and thoughtful actions that intentionally foster trust, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.