Nankurunaisa: A Leadership Lesson for Building Resilient and Inclusive Futures

Nankurunaisa: A Leadership Lesson from Engineering and Life

One of the most beautiful words I’ve ever encountered is Nankurunaisa—a Japanese term meaning, "With time, everything will fall into place." This simple yet profound concept is a guiding principle, especially in industries like water engineering and leadership.

In the face of complex challenges—whether managing large-scale water systems, navigating the nuances of project leadership, or striving for gender equity—Nankurunaisa reminds us to be patient, persistent, and resilient. It’s a philosophy that encourages us to trust the process while actively working toward the changes we want to see.

Women in STEM: Why Nankurunaisa Matters ??????

For women in STEM, and particularly in the water industry, Nankurunaisa carries a deeper meaning. Despite making up 51% of the global population, women remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles. This isn’t just an issue of fairness—it’s a call for better solutions. Diverse perspectives, especially women’s, are critical in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including sustainable water management and equitable resource distribution.

The reality is that women often find themselves waiting for “their turn” at the leadership table. But Nankurunaisa isn’t about passively waiting. It’s about believing that our efforts—mentoring, breaking barriers, and leading with purpose—will align over time to create a future where women are fully visible and equal players in shaping industries like ours.

Engineering the Nankurunaisa Perspective ?????

As engineers, we’re trained to trust processes. From designing hydraulic systems to planning resilient infrastructure, we know that success isn’t instant—it’s built step by step. In the same way, achieving gender equity in the water industry will take time and deliberate action.

Imagine this: a project without all its critical components can’t succeed. Similarly, industries that lack diversity miss out on the innovation, insight, and leadership that only a complete team can bring. Nankurunaisa reminds us to keep pushing forward, even when progress feels slow, trusting that the pieces will align as we build systems, teams, and futures together.

Creating Inclusive Futures ??????

The water industry has a direct impact on communities around the globe, yet women—who often bear the brunt of water access issues—are underrepresented at the tables where these decisions are made. This imbalance isn’t just inequitable—it’s unsustainable.

When women are part of the conversation, we build more inclusive, thoughtful, and effective solutions. But this requires systemic change. By mentoring young women, advocating for diversity in hiring and promotions, and ensuring women’s voices are heard in meetings and projects, we create pathways for lasting change.

Together, we can foster a future where Nankurunaisa becomes a lived reality—where women don’t just “wait” for their turn, but actively help shape a stronger, more inclusive water industry.

A Call to Action ????

As we reflect on Nankurunaisa, let it remind us to stay patient yet persistent. Change takes time, but it starts with us. Let’s keep taking steps—big and small—to build a water industry where women’s roles are as visible and equal as they deserve to be.

Every action counts, whether it’s mentoring the next generation of women in STEM, championing their ideas, or challenging outdated norms. With resilience, collaboration, and trust in the process, the pieces will fall into place, creating a future we can all be proud of.

Let’s embrace Nankurunaisa and continue shaping a world where every voice, especially women’s, is celebrated in engineering, leadership, and beyond.

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