What We Made Possible

012. A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Malaya’s Rebrand: Embracing Authenticity and Culture in Leadership

• Patricia Dayleg

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On today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own rebrand and inviting you into a deeply personal conversation on authentic leadership, especially in a world where so many of us still feel pressure to fit in, perform, or wear an “emotional support blazer” just to belong.

This is the first time I’m sharing the heart behind Malaya Solutions: why I chose freedom over assimilation, how my intergenerational roots and my ever-supportive mom became central to my visual identity, and why a humble pineapple (yes, really!) can represent both the pain and power of reclaiming our stories. I talk about leading through turbulent times, like the recent federal spending bill that challenges our sector, and ask: what does it mean to guide our communities from a place of legacy, not just personal achievement?

If you’re wondering how to show up as your full self in your work, and questioning which parts of “professionalism” or leadership you might be ready to unlearn, I hope my stories offer both clarity and hope. You do not have to perform to lead powerfully. You can root your leadership in family, history, resistance, and joy.

Let’s reflect together: What would your leadership look like if it didn’t require a costume? What parts of your lineage or culture are you ready to reclaim? I invite you to listen in, lean into your own evolution, and imagine what’s possible when we lead from who we truly are.