Senior Leadership Training (SLI) Graduation Speech at the MN State Capitol

by Zafar Siddiqui

Distinguished leaders, trainers, and my fellow cohort members—thank you for joining us to celebrate this important milestone. It is an honor to stand here in this historic building, surrounded by people who have dedicated their lives to serving Minnesota. I would also like to take a moment to thank my manager, Rudi Mohamed, Minnesota Housing’s CIO. Rudi, your support, encouragement, and the example you set as a servant leader have deeply inspired me.

Looking back at the last three months of SLI training, I loved our “Circle Time.” It was such a simple yet profound experience. We came from varied backgrounds—from small towns and large cities, from across the great state of Minnesota, and even from across the oceans. Our leadership and personality types were blue, green, yellow, and fiery red. Each color was beautiful in itself but like a bouquet of flowers, together we were more beautiful. We sat together, shared our stories, and listened with mindfulness. What struck me most during Circle Time was not just the stories themselves, but the profound realization—what some call sonder—that each person in that room carried a life as vivid, intricate, and unique as mine. Leadership begins with this awareness. It’s in these connections that trust is built, and leadership takes root.

Throughout this program, I’ve come to see leadership as a responsibility to serve: to serve with empathy—by understanding the experiences and struggles of those around us; to serve with kindness—because even the smallest acts of care can build bridges in the toughest moments; and to serve with civility—ensuring that every conversation honors the humanity of those involved, even when perspectives differ.

Leadership also requires emotional intelligence: the ability to sense what others are experiencing and respond with clarity and care. It means being fully present, noticing when someone is struggling, and stepping forward when it matters most. When we develop the ability to step into the shoes of others, we cultivate empathy—and we feel their emotions as if they were our own. This is what I’ve come to understand as empathetic distress—that deep emotional connection to others’ suffering that drives us to act with compassion and purpose.

Leadership and equity go hand in hand. Everyone counts. Everyone matters. Inequities arise when we place different values on different lives. But when we lead with the truth that every life is equal—and every person is born with inherent dignity—we create spaces where people can thrive. Not despite who they are, but because of who they are. That’s the power of servant leadership.

As leaders serving Minnesota, we have an incredible opportunity to shape a future built on trust, empathy, and equity. Imagine a Minnesota where every community—urban and rural—feels seen and valued. A state where leadership builds bridges between people, ideas, and possibilities.

Policies matter. But even more important are the lives we touch. The child in a classroom who sees their future in a new light—because of a decision we made. The family who feels a little more secure—because we chose to listen to their housing concerns. Leadership is measured not by how much we achieve, but by how many lives we uplift.

To my fellow cohort members, thank you for sharing your stories, your wisdom, and your courage. Together, we have learned not just how to lead, but how to lead with heart. As we step forward, I challenge all of us to lead in a way that honors the dignity, humanity, and potential of every person we meet.

Let us be leaders who not only solve problems but bring people together around a shared vision—one where everyone feels valued and inspired to give their best. Together, let us work toward the One Minnesota Vision—a state united by equity, opportunity, and purpose, setting the standard for what we can achieve together.

Thank you.