I was in Mexico City, standing among dozens of fellow explorers, seekers, and innovators at the International Organization Development Association’s annual conference. We gathered, as we often do, to glimpse the emergence of something greater than ourselves—a new world, a deeper understanding, hidden beneath the surface of the systems we move through every day. The conference itself was alive with the theme of “Fostering Global Optimism”, humming with the energy of change-makers from all over the world. Next year, we’ll be in Ghana, and I can already sense that the journey will continue to reveal more of this hidden landscape.
It was during a sacred opening ceremony where I found myself volunteering to represent the Earth. A circle formed, led by three shamans who called upon the elements—earth, fire, air, and water. As I stood there, grounding myself in this moment, a woman beside me caught my eye. She was hesitating, unsure about stepping forward for a cleansing ritual. In that split second, I became both an Explorer, pushing the boundaries of experience, and a Storyteller, offering the gentle nudge that would help her move past her hesitation.
“I’ll hold your things,” I said, offering her the space to embrace the moment. She smiled, handed me her belongings, and bravely stepped forward into the cleansing. I captured the ritual on video, a snapshot of something more profound than either of us could have anticipated.
Her name was Magda Hernandez.
I didn’t realize at that moment just how significant her story would become. It wasn’t until later, during a presentation, that I discovered she was the superintendent of Irving Independent School District in Texas—the first Hispanic woman to ever hold that position. But beyond her titles and accolades, there was a depth to her vision that intrigued me.
Magda Hernandez isn’t just an educator; she’s an architect of wellness. Since 2018, she has been steering one of the poorest school districts in Texas toward a radically different model of care—one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of teachers, students, and families. It’s not just about educating students; it’s about tending to the well-being of the entire ecosystem.
In 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic, Magda spearheaded an initiative to prioritize self-care for her staff. “Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary,” she reminded them. From this vision emerged something truly extraordinary: The Professional Learning and Wellness Center. A space that wasn’t just bolted on as an afterthought but built to house the ongoing magic that has been the fabric of the district’s approach to education since Magda arrived. The center wasn’t merely about wellness programs or learning opportunities; it was a sanctuary for the community—teachers, families, and students alike.
And here’s where the story becomes even richer. In a surprising turn of events, Magda’s conservative school board, unanimously decided to name the center after her—the Magda A. Hernandez Institute. It’s a testament to the strength of her beliefs and gifts, even clearly seen by though who may be from different political beliefs who have witnessed the transformative her drive for community-led change. And she’s done all of this while maintaining a strong partnership with her Chief Financial Officer, ensuring that her district remains financially solvent—an achievement nearly unheard of in Texas school systems.
As I listened to her story at the conference, the dots connected. Here was a woman who embodied the magic of what it means to lead from a place of deep understanding—not just of people but of the invisible forces that guide their well-being. The shaman’s cleansing wasn’t a coincidence; it was an extension of Magda’s openness to the unseen, her ability to recognize that true wellness isn’t just about numbers or policies, but about the spiritual and emotional health of the entire community.
Magda’s work in Irving represents a glimpse into a new world that is quietly emerging. It’s a world where leaders like her are embracing the complexity of human ecosystems—where the success of students is inseparably linked to the well-being of teachers and families. Her story is one of hundreds I’ve encountered over the past few months, but it resonates deeply because it reveals what lies beneath the surface of our institutions. There is immense life, resilience, and possibility just below appearances—if only we’re willing to explore it.
The Explorer in me is drawn to this journey, fascinated by what’s unfolding. But the Storyteller in me knows that this isn’t just about discovering something new; it’s about sharing it. It’s about helping others see that a building in Irving, Texas, named after a humble superintendent, isn’t just a physical structure. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when we look beyond the obvious and tend to the unseen needs of our communities.
As I look ahead to the next conference in Milan for the European Organization Design Forum, and later to Ghana, I can’t help but feel that we’re on the cusp of something extraordinary. A new world is emerging, one where wellness, interconnectedness, and innovation are at the heart of how we work, live, and lead.
And the story, my friends, is just beginning.