Understanding How Your Personal Story Shapes Your Essence in Leading 

Through Zoom sessions, breakout conversations with Alison Choong and Aisha Saida (Explorers on the expedition for women in sport) and listening to the Youthtopia audio on the Women Emerging 4Es, I gained a deeper understanding of how my Essence shapes the way I lead and respond to the world around me.  

This process helped me realise that leading is not only about skills or positions, but about understanding the experiences, values, and emotions that influence how we show up for others. 

Education as Essence 

One of my strongest reflections came from the idea of education as both privilege and responsibility. My academic journey and exposure to international spaces have shaped my confidence and worldview. At the same time, I have learned that education is not only what we gain from institutions, but also what we learn from communities, lived experiences, and listening deeply to others. 

Motherness as Essence 

The sessions also led me to reflect on motherness. I recognised that my way of leading often begins with empathy and care. I shared an experience of seeing children in my village walk long distances to collect water during a drought. My Guide helped me understand that this moment was not just an emotional memory, but a defining moment that shaped how I respond to challenges. It showed me how compassion can move into action and responsibility. 

Trauma as Essence 

Reflecting on trauma and experience was also meaningful. Experiences of bullying and feeling “not good enough” helped me understand how vulnerability has shaped the way I lead. Rather than weakening me, these experiences have strengthened my empathy for others who feel unheard or underestimated. 

I also began to understand my passion through my experiences in high school, where I led a large organisation. It was challenging, but it brought a strong sense of purpose. I learned that passion often emerges where energy and meaning meet, not where things are easy. 

Nature as Essence 

Finally, nature emerged as a core part of my Essence. Witnessing environmental degradation in coastal communities shaped my desire to act. I began to see that my approach to leading is future-oriented—taking action today so that future generations do not inherit the same challenges. 

Overall, this reflection helped me connect my personal story with how I lead. Understanding my Essence allows me to show up more authentically, compassionately, and intentionally. 

Pieces of My Essence 

• Motherness 
  Shapes how I care about people and their wellbeing. Witnessing children walk long distances for water during a drought awakened my sense of responsibility to act. 

• Education 
  A privilege that has shaped my perspective and confidence, while also reminding me to keep learning from people and communities. 

• Trauma / Experience 
  Experiences of bullying shaped my empathy and awareness, helping me better understand others. 

• Passion 
  Discovered through leading in high school, where I found meaning in guiding others and solving problems together. 

• Nature 
  Seeing environmental challenges in coastal communities shaped my commitment to protecting both people and the planet. 

About the Author

Shinta Adelia Sukma is an Indonesian youth leader and environmental advocate dedicated to advancing sustainable development through youth empowerment, community action, and strategic storytelling. She currently serves as Head of Youth Program Development at Sagara Cita Indonesia Foundation, where she leads youth-driven sanitation and environmental initiatives that improve access to safe water, blue economy, sustainability, and public awareness in coastal communities. As the founder of SEA Voice Connect and IRis.co.id, and co-founder of Green Roots Narratives, Adel mobilizes young leaders across ASEAN to amplify environmental narratives and promote collaborative solutions for climate and blue economy challenges. Her work focuses on strengthening inclusive leadership and empowering young women to actively shape social and environmental change. Adel is a YSEALI Academic Fellowship alumna in the United States and has represented Indonesia in international forums including the 10th World Water Forum and regional environmental conferences across Asia. Recognized through multiple global youth and environmental awards, she continues to advocate for leadership that is collaborative, purpose-driven, and rooted in community impact.