Our Story: Part 8 - Waterloo

The next chapter begins here in Waterloo Region.

When we landed here in KW, I was lucky enough to find open arms at a studio called Brass Butterflies, where I became the Manager of Aerial Programs for a year. I had never managed staff before, and I learned a lot about teaching by training others. There is something about leading a team that forces you to look at your own philosophies, values, and priorities, and become clear with yourself on what those are. I wobbled through it, but I also forged some relationships that I still value very much today. Along the way, I discovered a passion for leadership.

This is where I learned how important it is to have clear standards, and how to hold students to those standards while supporting them through their ups and downs. As hard as it was to tell a student they were not yet ready for the next level, I watched many fight harder and get stronger because of it.

I also learned about flexibility. While standards are important, there are times when rules need to be bent. Systems don’t work when they are not run with humility. I made deals with students: “you go to the next level, but I expect ___ or you’re coming back!” What was once a rigid rule became an agreement, a pact between us. There’s empowerment in that.

Working for another studio while my own equipment sat in storage was a detour that I wasn’t expecting. But often times, what seems like just a quick jaunt off the path is actually an integral part of the journey.

Lindsay