Finding and Revealing What’s Within

A friend of mine recently shared photos of a woodworking piece that had been selected for display at a national exhibition.

The artist is Jay Borkowski.

The piece immediately captured my attention.

Not just because of the craftsmanship.

But because of what it represents.

The ability to look at a piece of wood and recognize something beautiful inside.

That is talent/artistry.

I've known Jay for a long time.

Years ago, he was my manager. One of my favorites.

As I looked at the piece, I thought:

Of course he created this--this is exactly what he was doing back then.

Not with wood, but with people.

Jay had a way of recognizing strengths, talent, and potential before people fully saw it in themselves.

He treated people as individuals rather than interchangeable parts.

He paid attention.
He invested.
He brought out the best in us.

The woodworking may be new.
The gift is not.

When he shared the story behind the piece, I totally understood why it resonated with me.

Rather than hiding the knots, cracks, and irregular grain, he intentionally highlighted them.

He wrote that these perceived imperfections tell the story of growth, resilience, and individuality.

I love that.

Because leadership is often exactly that.

Helping people see that the very things they worry about or feel self-conscious about might actually be their greatest strengths or gifts.

Creating a space where people feel seen. Valued. Appreciated.

Not despite their uniqueness. Because of it.

I think that's why the piece stayed with me.

It is a beautiful table, but it is because it reflects "the artist" and his leadership, the piece is especially meaningful.

The best leaders don't try to create uniformity.

They recognize the beauty, strength, and potential that already exist within the people around them.

And then they help reveal it.

P.S.The top is 42" wide, 31" tall and 16" at the base, all from the single piece of Osage orange, a wood in the mulberry family.