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Lessons I Learned From Dr. John D. Stewart

Writer's picture: Daniel CuestaDaniel Cuesta

Updated: Aug 29, 2024

With over 130 years of precedence, 850 acres of land, and a mission that has been promoting enriching opportunities for the pursuit of happiness to its students since its inception, Stewart Home and School is evidently an operation with many interlocking parts and gears turning. 


At its head is Dr. John D. Stewart, a former practicing surgeon and the fifth generation Stewart to take the helm of this beautiful organization.


Below are four takeaways from my discussion with Dr. Stewart, a leader of the Neurodivergent community.


Be Hands-On And Lead By Example

  • Servant leadership is integral to taking an organization from “good” to “world-class.” It is one thing to come into the office and tell the team what they will do today, but it’s another to get down in the dirt and do it with them. Sometimes, hard things must be done, but take a step back and study the bigger picture. Leading by example and doing it yourself will pay dividends in the long run as it builds your character and credibility with the team you are responsible for.


Live Up To Your Standards

  • Set a standard for yourself, your company, and your work, and when you do something, pass it by those filters to ensure it reaches the standard you have set. It’s almost like creating an in-house quality control that levels up every project you put your mind to. This quality control ensures you are dedicating your time correctly to the work. Even when it is hard, do your best despite our humanity.


Encourage Others To Live Up To Their Best

  • This is why the first and second points are so critical: if you never do the work yourself or live up to your own standard, how could you expect others to? Wherever you find yourself, always remember to encourage everyone else to live up to their best as well. A company is not one individual or another but a team of people coming together to serve a greater goal. Live up to your standards, and encourage others to live up to their best as well.


Do The Right Thing

  • This one sounds easy, but many times, it can prove to be challenging. Doing the right means speaking up for good and standing against the wrong. It’s putting yourself at the forefront and owning up to your responsibilities. Whether in leadership or not, we each must choose to own up to decisions and actions. We must show up everyday, even when its hard, and intentionally do the right thing.


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I am very grateful to Dr. John D. Stewart for the time we spent together and the valuable life lessons he shared. 


I also must emphasize my enormous gratitude to the students and faculty at Stewart Home and School. They showed me on a daily what it is like to enjoy one another for who we are while striving to seize the day with mercy and compassion. 


If you are interested in reading more of my work, check out my website:



- Making The Most Of Being Curious

Daniel Cuesta


Special Thanks: 

  • Stewart Home and School, thank you for this incredible eight-week endeavor.  

  • Dr. John D. Stewart, thank you for the excellent interview.

  • Myles Young, thank you for making it all come together and happen. You are the best.

  • Dr. Gina Gomez de la Cuesta, thank you for all your support in Brick Clubs and other endeavors! 



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