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How does one measure the true value of a leader?
Is it in strategy and profits or does it go deeper and look at empathy, followership and visionary thinking?
I had the opportunity to dive into the world of conscious leadership with Justin Breen, an extraordinary visionary and which was recently named one of the Top 5 Masterminds in the world by Business Traveler USA Magazine.
We explored Justin’s upcoming book, “Epic Journey”, featuring an introduction by Deepak Chopra. This book proves that transformative pain can fuel empathetic, conscious leadership. When leaders face their inner struggles, they gain a sensitivity that resonates strongly with others.
Connecting Visionaries to Serve Humanity
Justin Breen shares that his purpose in life is to connect visionaries who truly serve humanity. It’s a profound mission that resonates with many of us striving for greater impact in our roles.
This idea isn’t just about networking, but about meaningful, purposeful connections that drive change to benefit many.
- Action step: Reflect on your current network. Are you surrounded by people who push you towards your greater mission? Does your network know what your mission is? Have you defined it for yourself? Seek out individuals who not only share your values but also challenge your thinking and inspire action.
Embrace the Dark Night: A Path to Growth
Justin introduced the concept often called the “dark night of the soul”—a phase that represents not depression, but a profound period of personal evolution. It’s the realization that intense transformation is necessary for growth.
This concept serves as a reminder that, as leaders, embracing these challenging periods can be a catalyst for profound change and rejuvenation.
- Action step: Dive into self-reflection and ask yourself: What habits or patterns are holding me back? What internal changes are necessary for me to reach a higher level of effectiveness?
Craft Your Own World: Beyond Traditional Norms
Justin stressed the idea of designing your own reality—one unconstrained by societal rules.
In the context of leadership, this means creating an environment where creativity, innovation, and non-conformity become the norm rather than the exception. Leaders who dare to question and redefine conventional paradigms create spaces where innovation truly thrives.
- Action step: In many workplaces, productivity is often measured by hours spent at a desk rather than actual output. If you lead a team, you might challenge this traditional thinking by shifting the focus to results-based performance. Instead of enforcing strict office hours, you could introduce a flexible work policy that allows employees to work when they are most productive. What this requires is clarifying expectations on output, results and timing. This fosters a culture of trust, innovation, and creativity, leading to higher engagement and efficiency.
From Ego to Empathy: The Revolutionary Shift
A central theme in Justin’s philosophy is the shift from ego-driven strategies to practices that prioritize empathy and compassion.
He advocates for a leadership style that goes beyond self-centered ambitions to encompass a commitment to collective harmony and growth. Creating spaces for empathy fosters an environment where authentic participation from all team members can flourish.
- Action step: Regularly practice active listening. Create opportunities for team members to voice their experiences and insights. Ensure your leadership strategies consider many stakeholders—striking a balance between team growth and organizational goals.
- Practice regular “ego checks.” After major decisions, ask yourself if they align more with personal pride or collective benefit. This self-awareness will gradually shift your focus toward more compassionate leadership.
Envisioning leadership through Justin Breen’s lens challenges us to rethink our paths, emphasizing evolution through connection, empathy, and a touch of visionary daring.
Justin also shared….
- The transformative potential of viewing leadership through a lens of service to humanity.
- Harnessing creative pursuits like music for personal and professional growth.
- The significance of crafting a supportive and visionary network as a leader.