When we battle through adversity and uncertainties such as Covid, a Pacific lens brings cultural responsiveness where resilience, determination, and grit is evident. The power in ‘talanoa’ and ‘whanaungatanga’ is the driver for deliberate and intentional acts to ‘shifting the system’. A vision of ‘Equity and Excellence’ is achievable when we understand ‘what we do’ and ‘why we do it’ as opposed to ‘what we say’.  My talanoa in this article highlights my journey as a Principal in South Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand and how I have drawn on my family and ancestral dispositions to ‘walk the talk’. Importantly, I discuss how my cultural heritage and values empower and influence my leadership as a Pacific Principal in shifting the system.