The Inner Compass – Issue No 1

Introduction 

In 2016, I attended a Senior Executive Leadership Course that changed the trajectory of my life. I expected lectures on strategy, team performance, and organizational charts. Instead, I found myself on a journey that challenged my assumptions about leadership—and awakened me to my ancestral calling as a traditional healer. This moment taught me that true leadership isn’t about power or titles; it’s about self-awareness and connection. In this first issue of The Inner Compass, I’ll share how that experience shaped my understanding of purpose, passion, and leadership.

Main Reflection: Leading Beyond Ego

Facing the Inner Work

The course began with an unexpected twist: when we arrived at the venue, the room setup was incomplete, and the environment felt chaotic. Instead of apologizing for the confusion, our facilitator saw an opportunity to introduce us to Wendy Palmer’s concept of STOP: Stop, Take a Deep Breath, Observe, and Proceed. The idea was to notice our initial reactions to chaos, pause before rushing into action, and mindfully choose how to respond.

My instinct was to jump into “helpful mode”—quickly attempting to fix the disorder. That’s when I realized my default reaction was fuelled partly by a desire to appear capable and in control. This exercise served as my first big lesson: effective leadership often requires a moment of calm reflection in the midst of uncertainty, rather than a knee-jerk effort to restore order.

Over the next few days, the program went well beyond traditional leadership lessons into “deep inner work.” We were pushed to examine our underlying motivations: Were we serving others, or were we driven by ego and the need for recognition? We even participated in an open dialogue about our fears and biases—something most of us had rarely done in a professional context. It made me realize how much ego can block the ability to fully connect and lead authentically.

Discovering My Calling

During these introspective sessions, I confronted a powerful truth that had been hidden from me: my ancestral calling to become a traditional healer. Although I’d felt there was something missing from my life, I never in my wildest dreams thought it was an ancestral calling! The deeper I went into self-reflection, the more sense it made and the clearer it became that true leadership for me meant integrating all aspects of my identity—including my cultural and spiritual heritage.

Embracing this calling challenged me to broaden my definition of leadership. It wasn’t just about titles or guiding teams; it was about aligning my purpose, passion, and service to others. By surrendering ego-driven motivations and honouring my ancestral roots, I could cultivate a leadership style grounded in authenticity and genuine connection.

Self-Reflection Prompt

Take a few moments this week to journal or reflect on these questions:

1. When you encounter a chaotic or uncertain situation, what is your immediate impulse?
2. How might using the STOP approach—Stop, Take a Deep Breath, Observe, and Proceed—help you respond more intentionally?
3. Is there a passion or calling you’ve been hesitant to fully accept? How could acknowledging it enrich your leadership journey?

Just a brief reflection on these points can reveal where you might align your leadership with your authentic self and higher purpose.

Closing Thoughts

This inaugural issue highlights how pivotal moments of uncertainty can reveal profound truths about leadership and purpose. By practicing mindfulness in the midst of chaos and letting go of ego, we open ourselves to deeper insight. Tuning into our inner compass—those core values and callings—empowers us to integrate purpose, passion, and leadership for lasting impact.

Thank you for reading this first issue of The Inner Compass. If this story resonated with you, please share your thoughts in the comments or forward it to someone who might benefit from these insights. Let’s embark on this journey of genuine leadership together.