What Happens When Leadership Shifts from Autopilot to Awareness?
Oct 08, 2025In a session this morning with a partner from one of the Big Four consultancies, we found ourselves unpacking the idea of consciousness in leadership.
His take? “When I walk down the street and cross the road, I’m conscious—I’m aware of traffic.”
It’s a good example. But it’s not what I mean by consciousness.
What he described is actually a patterned response. It feels conscious, but neurologically, it’s being driven by the basal ganglia and limbic system—areas of the brain responsible for habits and learned behaviours. “Hear engine, don’t step out.”
This used to work. But in a world with silent electric vehicles, those patterns are now outdated. And that’s dangerous.
The Same Is Happening in Leadership
Many leaders are still relying on patterns and mental shortcuts that no longer fit today’s environment. The speed of change, remote work, AI, and growing complexity means the leadership behaviours that once worked are often no longer useful—or worse, harmful.
This shift means leaders now need to engage the prefrontal cortex more often. That’s the part of the brain responsible for deliberate, conscious decisions. It’s more accurate. But it’s also more energy-intensive and exhausting if you're not prepared.
So What Can Leaders Do?
To lead effectively in this new context, we must become more conscious in how we think, act, and lead.
Here’s how:
1. Understand the energy cost of consciousness
Being deliberate takes work. Leaders need to make time for recovery, especially when constant digital noise and blurred boundaries push in the opposite direction.
2. Support your team’s shift to new patterns
Be aware that your people are unlearning as much as they are learning. Your behaviour matters more than your words. Be intentional in how you model change.
3. Recognise when old patterns no longer apply
Just like stepping into a silent road, our instincts sometimes fail us. That’s not weakness—it’s a signal to adapt.
What Changes When You Work with Me
I help leaders stop relying on outdated habits—and start leading from conscious awareness. Through practical coaching, neuroscience-backed insights, and real conversations, I guide leaders to:
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Increase emotional intelligence
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Make better decisions under pressure
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Build stronger, more resilient teams
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Lead with integrity and clarity—even in complex, fast-moving environments
This shift isn’t just about better leadership. It’s about becoming someone people trust and want to follow.
Ready to Stop Leading on Autopilot?
If your old habits aren’t working like they used to—or if you’re simply feeling drained by the weight of constant change—it might be time to lead differently.
Email me at [email protected] to start the conversation.