Reflections from the EIU–Paris Graduation Address to the Class of 2026
Graduate addresses often encourage graduates to pursue success, embrace opportunity, and continue learning. During the EIU–Paris Class of 2026 Convocation Ceremony in Bangkok, however, Hon. Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, Founder and Director General of EIU–Paris, challenged graduates to think differently about leadership itself.
Rather than focusing solely on acquiring more knowledge, he introduced an analogy that became the centrepiece of the address: the difference between a potter and a carver.
Beyond Adding Knowledge
Using everyday objects, Dr. Roy explained that almost everything is created in one of two ways. A potter creates by adding material, while a carver creates by gradually revealing what already exists within.
He then applied this simple observation to education.
For generations, education has largely been associated with adding knowledge, developing new skills, and earning higher qualifications. Dr. Roy acknowledged that these remain valuable parts of learning. However, he suggested that education should also help people recognise and develop the strengths and potential they already possess.
Leadership That Reveals Potential
Building on this idea, Dr. Roy cautioned that qualifications and expertise should never become reasons to assume we know more than everyone else. While higher education equips people with knowledge and specialised skills, effective leadership requires the humility to recognise that every individual also brings valuable experiences, perspectives, and potential.
Rather than constantly teaching, directing, or offering solutions, he encouraged graduates to adopt the mindset of a mentor, someone who helps others recognise abilities they may not yet see in themselves.
As he reminded graduates:
“We have spent so much time pouring knowledge into people that we forgot to look at what is already there. The art of carving is about seeing what already exists. Michelangelo once said that the sculpture already exists within the marble. Unless you see it, you will never reveal it.”
Drawing from his own doctoral experience, he reflected on the influence of a mentor who guided rather than controlled, describing the relationship as one that “carved the best” out of him instead of simply adding more information. He explained that this mentor did not impose ideas or dictate every decision, but instead provided guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful course corrections that allowed independent growth.
Three Habits of a Carving Leader
To translate this philosophy into everyday leadership, Dr. Roy offered three practical habits that anyone can begin practising immediately.
The first was to suspend judgment. Rather than making assumptions based on appearance, titles, or first impressions, leaders should allow people the opportunity to reveal who they truly are.
The second was to listen to understand, not to respond. He observed that many conversations fail because people spend more time preparing their reply than genuinely listening. Active listening, particularly during disagreement, creates stronger relationships and more thoughtful leadership.
Finally, he encouraged graduates to replace the phrase “Let me tell you more” with “Tell me more.” By choosing curiosity over certainty, leaders create opportunities for others to contribute, grow, and feel genuinely heard.
A Different Measure of Leadership
The address concluded by reminding graduates that while degrees represent important achievements, they also bring responsibility. As professionals, managers, educators, parents, and community members, people will increasingly look to them for guidance and leadership.
The challenge, however, is not simply to become people who possess more knowledge. It is to become leaders who help others discover their own strengths.
Education will always involve adding knowledge. But the deeper lesson is that leadership is equally about revealing potential. The greatest contribution a leader may make is not to fill others with more information, but to patiently help them become the very best version of themselves.
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