LEADer/ Integrally Informed Consciousness

Manila, 24 September 2025 — How can we understand reality and find radical wholeness?

Story

For leaders, living from our true north matters. Values matter—alongside vision, purpose, and strengths. And there’s more.

For me, the highest value is the quality of our consciousness. I inquire into it in nearly every situation—whether coaching, working with leaders, or simply exercising, shopping, or traveling.

But how do we explore the quality of consciousness? What method or map can guide us? That’s where philosophy helps: it gives us a framework to understand reality, trust human potential, and keep growing with a love of learning.

Challenge

One of the philosophers I trust is Ken Wilber, creator of Integral Theory. In his 2003 Kosmic Consciousness interview with Tami Simon of Sounds True, he calls himself a storyteller. His story comes in the form of maps—comprehensive guides to reality and human potential, drawn from sciences and wisdom traditions alike.

From these interviews, I came to see Wilber as both brilliantly sharp and deeply kind, with a self-deprecating humor that doesn’t always come across in his books.

If you do like reading, I recommend his 2024 book Finding Radical Wholeness.

Question

A key Integral principle is: Everyone is right. That simple truth helps us weave perspectives together, break through silos, and lead across boundaries. In this way, practicing Integral Theory helps to foster collaboration in our workplaces and beyond.

When I first encountered Wilber’s work, it felt like coming home. I hope you may feel that too. We draw on this body of work in our leadership coaching. You can find the interview on Audible and the book on Kindle—I often listen while exercising.

So my leadership question for you this week is: How will you understand reality and find radical wholeness?