Waterway Leadership: A Positive Parenting Leadership Framework by Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien

“True leadership flows like water—quietly shaping, gently lifting, and persistently carving paths through resistance.”  -  © Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien. All rights reserved

A Defining Moment in My Leadership Journey 

By Dr. Lai hsa.hk

Tonight’s first free IGCSE Math lesson for Hong Kong homeschoolers and out-of-school students was not just a class—it was a revelation. The genuine smiles, the hopeful eyes, the focused minds of the students, and the heartfelt thank-you notes from parents marked a turning point in my life as an educator and leader. It was, without question, the most meaningful teaching experience I’ve ever had.

For so long, I’ve carried the weight of leadership—facing resistance, navigating doubt, and enduring moments where giving up felt like the only option. But tonight, I understood why those moments existed. They weren’t punishments. They were preparation. God was shaping me through those trials, not to break me, but to refine me.

The philosophy of Waterway leadership was discovered by me during my homeschooling journey. It wasn’t taught in books or seminars—it emerged from lived experience, from moments of quiet reflection, struggle, and breakthrough. I came to understand that true leadership doesn’t always roar—it flows. Like water, it adapts, nourishes, and carves paths through even the hardest stone—not by force, but by persistence and grace.

Waterway leadership is about leading with humility and strength, embracing flexibility while staying true to purpose. It’s about lifting others gently, flowing around resistance, and creating space for growth. This is the kind of leadership I now strive to embody—for my students, my community, and the future we’re building together.

The smiles of my students tonight were not just signs of joy; they were reflections of hope. And in their hope, I found my strength. All the obstacles I’ve faced in leading the homeschool community—every moment of doubt, every challenge—now seem small in comparison to the clarity and purpose I feel today.

This is no longer just about lessons. It’s about legacy. I will continue to use every connection, every ounce of energy, and every opportunity to create more free lessons—more moments of light—for our homeschool and out-of-school students in Hong Kong. Because when we lead with heart, when we flow like water, we don’t just teach—we transform.

Thank you to every student, every parent, and every supporter. You’ve given me the courage to redefine my path and the clarity to pursue a higher purpose.

© Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien. All rights reserved