Leading from Within: The Power of Intuitive Leadership
Recently, a number of clients I’ve worked with have made the incredible journey from struggling with PTSD to thriving in life. One of the most profound things I’ve witnessed in this transformation is how many have come to recognize their own power as leaders. It’s been a reminder that we are all leaders in our own lives, and how we approach life has a deep and lasting impact on everyone we encounter.
Lately, many of us have been witnessing the shifting dynamics of leadership around us. Changes in authority figures, societal structures, and global influences can stir up unresolved feelings, often leaving us with a sense of powerlessness or helplessness. For some, the response has been to seek healing, asking questions like What is mine to do? How can I best serve?
As I reflect on these changes, I’ve been contemplating leadership in its truest form. What does it mean to lead with consciousness, and how can we all bring more of our inner wisdom into our leadership? This blog is a space to explore these ideas, recognizing the humanity in us all, and leading from a place of deep presence and intention.
The Inner Compass: Intuition as a Guide
At the core of true leadership is the ability to tune into our inner compass. This is where the real magic happens; the kind of leadership that doesn’t come from power or titles, but from a deep well of self-trust and intuitive wisdom. My book, The Curious Voyage to Authenticity, invites us to turn inward, to listen to that quiet voice within that serves as our most trusted guide.
Pause: It takes time to know the way your intuition speaks to you. I recall days when it was hard to tell my intuition vs anxiety or hopeful wishing. I have found doing yoga, grounding and mindfulness exercises has helped me deepen the connection to hear the difference.
When we lead from this place, we let go of rigid control and open ourselves to what emerges in each moment. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership highlight this; presence and self-awareness become the foundation of authentic leadership. Rather than reacting from old habits or fears, conscious leaders pause, breathe, and attune to what is needed. This is how we step into leadership that is both grounded and responsive to the needs of the moment.
Pause: Think about a time when you were leading a group of friends, family members or at work a group of people/colleagues. Where you wanting to push a point fearing something may not happen or were you willing to pause and listen to what was needed?
Thích Nhất Hạnh, a teacher of mindfulness, beautifully reminds us that “The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” Leadership is not about dominating a conversation or an outcome; it’s about being present. When we are fully present, whether in a meeting or in moments of personal reflection, we create space for transformation. The more we cultivate stillness, the more clearly we hear the subtle wisdom of our inner voice.
Pause: In Brainspotting, the attuned, mindful therapist sits and waits for the client’s innate wisdom to reveal what is next. Listening makes it a lot easier. When I first was learning wait I had a supervisor that had me sit with the word and get curious on what it was like to wait and not know when she would speak again. It was very telling and quite informative. You can practice while in a conversation wait for the other to speak. Try not filling in the quiet. Journal what it was like.
The Shift from Fear to Love
One of the most powerful shifts in leadership happens when we move away from fear-based motivations rooted in ego, scarcity, and control, and step into a place of trust and love. The Pathwork Lectures on leadership highlight that true leadership comes when we stop trying to force outcomes and allow something greater to move through us.
Ram Dass captures this shift perfectly: “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” Leadership that is rooted in love isn’t about loud proclamations or forced decisions; it’s about listening deeply and leading from a place of grounded presence. A conscious leader listens with their entire being, attuned not just to the situation at hand, but to the needs of the collective, the highest good for all involved.
The Dalai Lama echoes this sentiment when he shares, “A true leader is one who cultivates loving-kindness, for without inner peace, we cannot create outer harmony.” At its core, leadership is about service. It’s about holding space for others to grow, transform, and heal. When we lead from love, we create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Embodying Attuned Leadership
True leadership is not about having all the answers or controlling every outcome. Instead, it’s about the willingness to evolve, to learn, and to remain open to the unfolding of each moment. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership invite us to shift from a victim mindset to one of creation, recognizing that every challenge is an opportunity to deepen our self-awareness and connection to others. I like to think of it as a journey and expansion into greater awareness.
When we integrate intuition into our decision-making process, we cultivate wisdom that goes beyond logic or reason. It’s not about being “right.” It’s about being aligned. Leaders who trust their intuition inspire others to do the same, fostering environments where authenticity and creativity can thrive.
Pause: Practice trusting your intuition and see how it impacts yourself and others today.
Walking the Path of True Leadership
To lead from within is to embark on a continuous journey of self-discovery and trust. Leadership isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing practice that requires presence, curiosity, and humility. Each time we return to our inner knowing, we step more fully into our power as leaders, both in our own lives and in the lives of those we touch.
Personally, I never thought of myself as a leader, yet I kept coming into places and spaces where I was leading. For some of us, it’s hard to connect to being a leader. We don’t want to feel separate, and alone. We want to be like others but we often find ourselves feeling like we don’t fit in. I invite you to walk in circles where there are other leaders of like mind. The more I have embraced my true nature and found fellow walkers, the easier it has been.
As we walk this path of leadership, we’re invited to look to the wisdom of those who’ve come before us. Whether it’s spiritual teachings or practical guides, we can trust in the power of our own intuitive wisdom and lead with grace and humility. The world needs leaders who are awake, who lead with their hearts as well as their minds.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of leadership in a world that’s shifting rapidly, it’s important to remember that true leadership doesn’t come from titles or external power—it comes from within. By cultivating intuition, embracing love over fear, and leading from authenticity, we can create a leadership model that is grounded, compassionate, and deeply impactful.
The call to lead from within is not just a personal invitation; it’s a collective one. The world needs leaders who can inspire change, foster healing, and guide others toward greater connection. By leading with presence and heart, we can create spaces where everyone can thrive.
This is the journey. This is the invitation. Are you ready to step into your leadership?
References:
- Hendricks, K., & Hendricks, C. (2018). The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success. Consciousness, Inc.
- Hanh, T. N. (1999). The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation. Beacon Press.
