6 Lessons Learned in 6 Years of DreamRoot

As we celebrate DreamRoot’s 6-year anniversary, we’re sharing six key lessons we’ve learned along the way, starting with the most important:

Lesson Learned 1:

It’s All About Relationships

We say this often: it's all about people and it’s all about relationships. Because it is relationships that transform, not programs, strategies or buildings, that truly transform. Those are just the tools. 

Relationships aren’t just the foundation, they are the center.  People are the point.

Lesson Learned 2:

The Power of Mutuality in Giving and Receiving

We’ve learned that transformation happens best when everyone shows up connected, not just giving, or not just receiving, but both giving and receiving in a mutual exchange. It’s more than the old saying that “giving is better than receiving.” True growth comes from a culture of mutuality, where talents, skills, and hearts flow both ways, strengthening the whole community.

Lesson Learned 3:

Encouragement Fuels Resilience

Whether you're leading in your home, business, or community, staying the course through long-term challenges requires more than grit. It takes people. Encouragement. Real connection.

We’ve seen this firsthand with local leaders. The ones who thrive aren’t always the most talented or experienced. They’re the ones who consistently surround by others who see them, who believe in the mission, and who keep showing up, even when the work gets heavy. They put themselves out there. They take the risk to be vulnerable, to see others and be seen in return, even when it's messy... especially when its messy. That’s where real strength is built.

Lesson Learned 4:

Measure What Matters

If we want to lead well, we have to measure what matters.

In business, we track everything: sales goals, customer engagement, performance metrics. Why? Because if we don’t measure it, we can’t manage it. And if we can't manage it, we can't be intentional about improving it. Measuring what matters helps us unlock potential and stay engaged along the way.

The same principle applies to leadership, community development, and life.

Lesson Learned 5:

Don't Despise Small Beginnings

If there’s one truth we’ve come back to again and again at DreamRoot, it’s this: Don’t despise the small beginnings.

When we launched DreamRoot in 2019, we couldn’t have imagined how things would unfold. The dream was big, but it started with small steps, faithful choices, and a commitment to keep showing up.

And that’s the point.

So often we hold ourselves back because we’re waiting for everything to be perfectly aligned and fully built. But what we’ve learned from walking with visionary leaders and communities around the world is this: The most fulfilling work and meaningful impact begins by showing up and offering what’s already in your hands.

Lesson Learned 6:

We Want to Hear from You!

We’ve made it to the final lesson learned in our “6 Lessons in 6 Years” series. We hope it’s sparked new insights and offered a few golden nuggets you can carry into your own life and leadership journey.

We are excited to keep learning and growing personally and as a team and organization as we walk out this mission. And we grow best when we learn from each other. 

So for this final lesson, we’re turning the camera around. 

We want to hear from YOU.

What are you learning in your journey? What would you want others to know?