Aesop’s timeless fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare," is ingrained in our cultural consciousness. You know the story: As the Hare dashes off with lightning speed, his complacency leads to an unexpected nap, allowing the steadfast tortoise to triumph. "Slow and steady wins the race," echoes the classic moral. Yet, beyond lessons of stamina or speed, lies a deeper reflection on the virtue of principled action, a theme that resonates with me, especially as I begin my sixth year as Chair — miles from the start line; many more to go.
To me, Aesop's fable speaks less to the pace of progress and more to the importance of staying true to our convictions. It's about aligning our actions with our values and persisting with diligence and resolve. Just as the tortoise progresses steadily, so too should we advance purposefully towards our goals, never losing sight of our principles along the way, even — and especially — when we may appear to be in the lead.
I have decided to take the next few newsletters to reflect on our five-year progress through this lens. Looking at the growth of each mission not in terms of the pace of progress, but the intentions of the journey. Starting with research, and our slow and steady journey to top 20, and beyond .
Submitted by Elisabeth Reitman on March 05, 2024