Article condensed from a EDx talk given by Abhra Bhattacharjee, F.DEdPlus, Director of Development and Head of Foundation, Tanglin Trust School, Singapore
Over the past two decades, my journey through the world of Advancement has included capital campaigns, annual appeals, and more Alumni couch stays than most would admit. Since 2013, Educate Plus has been an integral part of that path.
During my time in Advancement, some of the most powerful lessons have come from an unexpected source: chilies. Known variously as chilis, peppers, mirchi, pili pili, or pimenta, these fiery fruits have played a surprisingly pivotal role. More than 140 varieties have been tasted, and over 60 grown. At present, some 70 chili plants thrive on the apartment landing in Singapore—drawing curious glances from neighbours.
Chilies were among the earliest domesticated plants in South America, later spreading across the globe thanks to explorers and trade routes. Today, they remain a staple across countless cultures. Their story mirrors the work in Advancement—adaptable, resilient, and rooted in purpose. How you may ask? Here are six lessons drawn from chilies and years in Advancement.
1. Fall in Love with the Process … and the Results will Follow
Ed Currie spent 12 years developing the Carolina Reaper and 13 years crafting Pepper X—the two hottest chilies on Earth, with Pepper X reaching a blistering 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For context, a habanero sits around 100,000 SHU.
Creating something exceptional takes time. Just as these chilies weren’t bred overnight, building a culture of philanthropy, launching a campaign, or shifting an institutional mindset requires patience and commitment. The key is falling in love with the process. Joy in the journey is essential, because if it’s only about the end result, burnout is inevitable.
2. Do the Work
A flourishing chili plant needs the right soil, sunlight, and care. Similarly, successful campaigns demand preparation and attention to detail. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by large goals, but grounding in the fundamentals creates momentum.
Malcolm Gladwell popularised the “10,000-hour rule” in Outliers, suggesting that mastery takes 10,000 hours of practice. The original research by Prof. Anders Ericsson added an important caveat: guidance matters. The right mentors accelerate growth.
That’s where professional networks come in. Communities like Educate Plus provide the guidance, wisdom, and generosity that lift individuals and teams to new levels. Learning from experienced professionals has been a career-defining advantage.
3. Be Ready to Pivot
Chilies evolved to work with birds, not mammals. Birds don’t sense capsaicin, the compound that makes chilies hot, allowing them to eat the fruit and spread seeds far and wide. This biological pivot allowed chilies to thrive beyond their original habitat.
Flexibility is just as vital in Advancement. Plans are important, but so is the ability to adapt when circumstances change. The pandemic, for example, was an abrupt reminder that even the best-laid strategies can be upended. Those who pivoted—embracing digital platforms, redefining engagement, and staying mission-focused—continued to thrive.
4. It Takes a Village
The Nigerian proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” holds true in schools and Advancement offices as well. In Kenya, it’s said: “Whoever is not taught by the mother, will be taught by the world.”
Collaboration is central to success. No single individual—no matter how capable—can build lasting outcomes alone. Advancement relies on shared ownership: leadership, staff, volunteers, alumni, and donors all contribute to outcomes that matter. Unity, not individual brilliance, creates sustainable impact.
5. Listen More
Listening is the cornerstone of communication—and the hardest skill to master. In both horticulture and human interaction, observation is everything. Wilting leaves call for water; yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering; spindly stems suggest a need for more sun. The signs are there, if noticed.
This principle applies across Advancement work—listening to stakeholders, donors, students, and colleagues. It’s not just about hearing feedback; it’s about understanding what is being communicated and adjusting accordingly. Listening fosters trust, loyalty, and clarity.
6. Take Action
Every meaningful achievement—whether a campaign, a movement, or a flourishing garden—begins with a single action. Action overcomes inertia. It transforms ideas into progress.
Advancement professionals work in spaces built by those who came before—schools, communities, networks, and legacies planted through vision and sacrifice. These roots provide strength. But stewardship of that legacy requires action now.
The saying goes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” That philosophy fuels both planting chilies and igniting change. It’s a reminder that while the past is worth honouring, it’s the future that demands energy and initiative.
The greatest opportunities for impact aren’t always found in conferences or strategic plans, but in the daily, quiet decisions to act, to build, and to lead.
So whether planting ideas or peppers, the key is showing up, embracing the process, and being ready for a little heat.
Abhra Bhattacharjee, F.DEdPlus
Director of Development and Head of Foundation
Tanglin Trust School, Singapore
