In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Scott Allender and Emma Sinclair sit down with Icelandic author, sustainability leader and entrepreneur Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir to explore how intuition can guide leaders through times of uncertainty and noise. Drawing from her book INSÆI: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times and her acclaimed documentary InnSæi: The Power of Intuition, Hrund shares how reconnecting with our inner compass helps us balance rational analysis with intuitive insight, creativity and emotional intelligence. From her own experience of burnout to lessons on presence, journaling, and attention, she reveals how leaders can cultivate deeper self-awareness and resilience.

This conversation goes beyond abstract theory, showing how intuition plays a vital role in decision-making, relationships, and leadership culture. Hrund explains how being present allows us to listen more fully, connect with others, and sense opportunities we might otherwise miss. If you are navigating complexity, seeking clarity in uncertainty, or wanting to integrate wisdom and creativity into your leadership practice, this episode offers practical tools and profound inspiration.

Further references

“Listen to Your Intuition — It Can Help You Navigate the Future”

https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future

“How to tap into your intuition: a live meditation with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir”

https://tedxlondon.com/podcasts/how-to-tap-into-your-intuition-a-live-meditation-with-hrund-gunnsteinsdottir/

Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender:
Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)

The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)

Social:

Instagram @evolvingleader

LinkedIn The Evolving Leader Podcast

Twitter @Evolving_Leader

Bluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.social

YouTube @evolvingleader

The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and

Send a message to The Evolving Leader team

What does it really mean to be a great decision-maker, and why is this skill so often left to chance?

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, co-hosts Jean Gomes and Scott Allender sit down in person with Jon Bircher, decision coach and former strategy consultant, to explore why decision-making is rarely taught, and how we can do it better. Jon shares insights from his coaching work with senior leaders who often feel confident in solo decisions, but struggle in collaborative settings. We talk about why so many decisions get stuck in ambiguity, how emotion and gut feeling play a role, and how leaders can build conditions for more thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective decision-making.

This is a conversation about slowing down to ask better questions, experimenting with new ways of thinking, and developing a decision-making practice that’s fit for the complexity of leadership today.

Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender:
Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)

The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)

Social:

Instagram @evolvingleader

LinkedIn The Evolving Leader Podcast

Twitter @Evolving_Leader

Bluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.social

YouTube @evolvingleader

The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.

Send a message to The Evolving Leader team

In this episode of The Evolving Leader, Jean Gomes is joined by Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School and one of the world’s leading experts on judgment. Drawing from decades of research across business, government, medicine, and the military, Andrew breaks down what judgment really is: the combination of personal qualities, relevant knowledge, and lived experience applied to a particular decision.

Together, they explore:

· Why judgment is not the same as intelligence or expertise

· The six components that shape every decision

· How to spot (and avoid) bad judgment

· The rising importance of human judgment in the age of AI

· Practical ways leaders can develop and embed better judgment in their teams

Whether you're leading through uncertainty or navigating complex decisions, this episode offers essential insights into what makes judgment a critical (and trainable) human advantage.

Referenced during this episode:

‘Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices’ (A Likierman, 2025)

Other reading from Jean Gomes and Scott Allender:
Leading In A Non-Linear World (J Gomes, 2023)

The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligence (S Allender, 2023)

Social:

Instagram @evolvingleader

LinkedIn The Evolving Leader Podcast

Twitter @Evolving_Leader

Bluesky @evolvingleader.bsky.social

YouTube @evolvingleader

The Evolving Leader is researched, written and presented by Jean Gomes and Scott Allender with production by Phil Kerby. It is an Outside production.

Send a message to The Evolving Leader team