Abstract
In this Frances Rutherford Lecture, recipient, Fiona Graham challenges her New Zealand colleagues to lean in to the discomfort of new experiences and our knowledge gaps in order to become masterful occupational therapists. Drawing on reflections of her own early career experiences, and her observations of occupational therapists across diverse specialities, Graham shares her insights into the current state and proposed direction of occupational therapy in New Zealand. She concludes that therapists who show self-compassion for what they do not know, are curious to learn more and prioritise the needs and dignity of the client, are masters of their craft and achieve the ideals of occupational therapy.