The red-leaved Japanese maple (Acer Palmatum ‘Fireglow’), which was a symbol of achievement, awarded to us in 2022 for the e-tick platform, unfortunately did not live to see the life we had hoped for. Some of you might think now: Okay, the gifted tree died, basta. But sometimes, all it takes is a slight change in perspective, or a poetic (or corny) glance on it all. We think there is a lot to be found in this. We decided to give the tree a new lease of life in another form. If you’re interested in how we did this, keep reading …
The vibrant red-leaved Japanese maple was a symbol of achievement, awarded to us in 2022 for the e-tick platform—a testament to digital transformation. Yet, despite our hopes, it sadly didn’t thrive. Its journey as a living tree ended, but in the spirit of transformation and our commitment to sustainability within the team, we knew its story wasn’t over. We decided to give it a new lease on life, in a different form entirely.
Our beloved maple, carefully reduced to ash, became a potent symbol of its own transformation. This ash, in just the right amounts, now serves as vital fertilizer for a young, aspiring apple tree. This isn’t just any tree; it’s a tender sapling, full of potential to bear fruit in the future. And, just like all of us, it needs careful support and the right conditions to truly flourish.
The maple’s ash nurtures this new life, a powerful reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, life doesn’t truly die; it changes form. Small fragments can always be part of something bigger, and what seems like an end can be a new beginning. We’re reminded that our environment profoundly influences how we grow, both as individuals and professionals. Sometimes, a change of scenery or access to better conditions—like this apple tree now has—can unlock new possibilities for growth.
This journey also underscores the importance of community. Just as our young apple tree will need support to reach its full potential, we too must be willing to ask for help when needed. It truly “takes a village” to nurture growth. Spaces in our local environment, such as Livada (where we planted our tree) are a reminder, a source of additional resources and support, embodying this spirit of collective effort. This ongoing cycle of lifelong learning, transforming, growing, and adapting is mirrored in nature. From un-learning old ways to re-shaping our perspectives, we are constantly updating and evolving, just as the maple transformed to give life to the apple. We are all part of a continuous process, ever-changing, ever-becoming.
