Discover transcendent leadership: embodying a vision that uplifts, transforms and drives innovation for lasting success, writes Dr Lisa Turner
In the modern workplace, where change is constant and challenges are increasingly complex, leadership requires more than managing teams or optimising processes. True leadership calls for deep personal evolution – a journey of transcendent awakening that equips leaders to drive both organisational success and meaningful societal change.
It’s my prediction that those organisations who can foster the transcendent leader will be the ones to thrive in the future
The seven stages of transcendent awakening provide a framework for leaders to evolve both personally and professionally. Each stage offers insights into how leaders can shift their mindset, develop new skills, and transform workplaces into environments that are innovative, inclusive and aligned with a higher purpose.
Stage 1: The harmoniser – finding balance in chaos
In this first stage, leaders focus on maintaining peace and stability, often prioritising collaboration and teamwork. Here we often don’t even notice that change is needed. Everything seems to be working just fine. Why rock the boat? While this creates harmony, it can lead to avoiding difficult conversations. It can leave resentments, problems and issues seething beneath a surface veneer.
Although some stability is needed, leaders must learn that true harmony comes from being able to raise issues safely and make changes before they become a huge problem.
In the workplace, this means embracing change and encouraging open dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable. Leaders in this stage need emotional intelligence and to create a safe space of open communication. Conflict can be a powerful catalyst for innovation if handled well.
Stage 2: Awakening – realising the limits of traditional leadership
At the awakening stage, leaders begin to question traditional leadership models based on control and authority. They realise that such models are no longer sufficient in today’s evolving environment. This often comes from a moment of crisis or reflection, where the leader starts to recognise the need for a more empowering approach.
In this stage, leaders shift from merely managing performance metrics to fostering creativity, autonomy and wellbeing within their teams. They understand that personal growth and emotional intelligence are critical to creating lasting change. They ask the question: “Is this the best way?”
Stage 3: The seeker – exploring new possibilities for leadership
The seeker stage is where leaders actively look for new ways to lead and inspire. They are no longer satisfied with outdated leadership paradigms and begin exploring alternative models, such as servant leadership or purpose-driven work.
In the workplace, this stage is marked by curiosity and experimentation. Leaders bring in and encourage fresh perspectives and explore new approaches, but they must remain grounded and ensure that any changes align with the broader organisational vision and culture.
Stage 4: Liminality – navigating uncertainty and transformation
In the liminality stage, leaders experience a period of uncertainty. They’ve let go of their old leadership identity but haven’t fully embraced their new one. This stage can feel disorienting as leaders navigate personal and organisational transformation.
In the workplace, this may occur during times of change – restructuring, launching new initiatives, or redefining the mission. Leaders must cultivate resilience and emotional intelligence, providing psychological safety for their teams while navigating these transitions.
Stage 5: The visionary – leading with purpose and clarity
Having passed through uncertainty, the visionary leader has a clear sense of purpose. They align their vision with core values and long-term impact, inspiring others to join them in creating meaningful change.
Visionary leaders articulate a purpose-driven strategy that resonates with employees. They foster innovation and inclusivity and prioritise long-term goals over short-term wins. These leaders implement systemic changes, like championing sustainability or promoting diversity, that create lasting positive change. They have a bigger vision and a plan and strategy to bring it to reality.
Stage 6: The warrior – courageous leadership and integrity
The warrior stage is about taking the action to create that beautiful vision. All change will be met with resistance and leaders in this phase need courage and integrity, standing up for their values even in the face of resistance. They inspire others by leading with conviction and unwavering commitment to their principles.
These leaders challenge the status quo and take bold steps to align their organisation with a higher vision.
Stage 7: The transcendent – leading from unity and compassion
In the final stage, transcendent leaders are thinking beyond themselves, the team, and even the organisation. Transcendent means to go beyond, and these leaders are consistently transuding the norms of themselves and those they lead.
They understand the interconnectedness of all aspects of the business, people, and planet. Leadership at this level is no longer about individual success but about collective thriving.
Transcendent leaders foster a culture of compassion, collaboration and shared purpose. They balance intuition and logic. They empower others to reach their full potential, creating workplaces where innovation, empathy and purpose thrive. These leaders become catalysts for positive, systemic change, inspiring others to lead with integrity and purpose.
Then, a true transcendent leader goes around the cycle again.
Leadership as a path of personal and workplace transformation
The seven stages of transcendent awakening offer leaders a powerful roadmap for evolving themselves and their organisations. As leaders move through these stages, they shift from reactive results-only leadership to a more conscious, purpose-driven approach that fosters innovation, inclusivity and long-term success.
Leaders who embrace this journey of awakening will be better equipped to create environments that are not only profitable but also meaningful, compassionate and aligned with the greater good. It’s my prediction that those organisations who can foster the transcendent leader will be the ones to thrive in the future.
Dr Lisa Turner is Founder and Director of CETfreedom and author of CET Yourself Free and her new book Our Conscious Tipping Point
