10th July 2026
This week has been one of the most memorable milestones of my professional journey.
Over the past few days, I had the privilege of working alongside a high-level Chinese delegation led by Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to China during their visit to Papua New Guinea. What made this experience meaningful was not simply being present in the room—it was being entrusted with responsibilities that challenged me to grow, lead, and serve at a higher level.
On Tuesday, I was responsible for leading discussions and coordinating meetings with the delegation. These engagements required careful preparation, attention to detail, cultural awareness, and the ability to bridge different perspectives while ensuring that our organisation’s interests were clearly communicated.
However, success in such engagements is never achieved by one person alone. I am deeply grateful for the outstanding support of our administration team and colleagues who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every meeting, arrangement, and logistical requirement was handled professionally. Their dedication reminded me that great outcomes are always the result of teamwork.
On Wednesday, I had the honour of chairing and introducing the official site visit at Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport.
Standing before distinguished guests and leading the program reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating confidence, providing direction, and creating an environment where others can focus on the purpose of the engagement.
Then came Friday.
For the first time in my career, I served as Master of Ceremonies for a high-level official networking dinner attended by the Hon. Minister for Civil Aviation, PNG’s Ambassador to China, senior government officials, National Airports Corporation management, and the visiting Chinese delegation.
Standing before such distinguished guests was both exciting and humbling. I understood that every introduction, every transition, and every word spoken reflected not only on me, but also on the organisation I proudly represent.
As I looked around the room that evening, I realised something important:
The room did not make the leader. Preparation did.
Many people see the confidence displayed on stage, but few see the preparation behind it.
They do not see the late nights reviewing briefing papers, coordinating logistics, confirming protocols, understanding cultural expectations, rehearsing names and titles, and anticipating possible scenarios. They see the final performance, but they rarely see the discipline behind it.
This experience reminded me that opportunities rarely arrive when we feel completely ready. More often, they arrive because someone believes we are capable—and our responsibility is to rise to the occasion.
I also learnt the importance of adaptability. In high-level engagements, plans change, schedules shift, unexpected requests arise, and decisions must sometimes be made quickly. Remaining calm under pressure is just as important as having a well-prepared agenda.
Looking back, I realised that the confidence I carried this week did not begin in a corporate boardroom or on a stage before ministers, ambassadors, and international investors.
It began years ago in a much humbler place—my local church.
Long before I chaired meetings or served as Master of Ceremonies for official functions, I was given opportunities to read Scripture, teach Sunday School, lead youth meetings, facilitate Bible studies, host church programs, and serve wherever I was needed.
There were no cameras, no distinguished guests, and no recognition—just opportunities to serve God and His people faithfully.
Growing up, communication was not something that came naturally to me. As a young boy, I struggled with words, pronunciation, and expressing myself clearly. I was also a very shy person and found public speaking challenging.
Back in the village, there were moments when others’ criticism could have discouraged me. But I chose not to allow those experiences to define me. Instead, I persevered.
Those challenges became part of my preparation.
At the time, those small opportunities seemed ordinary. Today, I realise they were preparing me for extraordinary moments.
Those humble beginnings taught me how to communicate with confidence, lead with humility, prepare diligently, and place service above recognition. They taught me that leadership is built quietly long before it is recognised publicly.
It reminds me of the biblical principle in Luke 16:10:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
God often prepares us in places where few people are watching before He entrusts us with responsibilities where many people are.
Looking back on this week, I am deeply grateful to the leadership of the National Airports Corporation for trusting me with these responsibilities. Their confidence has helped me grow professionally and personally.
I am especially thankful to my colleagues, my immediate boss, both my past and present General Managers for believing in me, challenging me, and encouraging me to step beyond what was familiar. Often, it is beyond our comfort zone where we discover our greatest potential.
I am also deeply grateful to my friend, Vic, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength. Through every challenge and opportunity, he has reminded me that the possibilities ahead are not beyond reach if I continue to prepare, persevere, and believe. His regular encouragement, honest conversations, and confidence in my potential have challenged me to think bigger, step forward with courage, and embrace opportunities that once seemed impossible.
Sometimes, all we need is one person who sees our potential before we fully see it ourselves.
I am equally grateful to my sundi for her patience, kindness, unwavering support, and the trust and love we continue to share. Having someone who believes in you through demanding seasons of life is a blessing I never take for granted.
Above all, I thank God for His guidance throughout this journey.
Every meeting, every discussion, every introduction, and every speech this week reminded me that His grace continues to open doors I never imagined walking through.
Looking back—from a quiet village boy, to serving faithfully in church, to supporting others wherever I could, and now being entrusted to lead such engagements – I can only say that God has been faithful every step of the way.
Every season, every challenge, and every small opportunity have been part of His preparation.
This week reinforced a lesson I will carry throughout my career:
Leadership is not defined by your title. It is defined by your willingness to prepare, to serve, and to step forward when opportunity calls.
Sometimes, the greatest growth happens just outside our comfort zone.
And often, the opportunities that seem the most intimidating become the milestones we remember for the rest of our lives.
Preparation may open the door, but humility, faithful service, the people who believe in us, and above all, God’s grace are what sustain the journey.
The room did not make the leader. The preparation did.
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