#36 Leading at the Edge of the Known
Welcome to the Conscious Consulting Podcast! I am Julia Culen, Founding Partner of Conscious Consulting Group Today we welcome Surya Tahora.. Surya is a Professor of the Science of Spirituality and the Executive Director of the Centre for Wisdom in Leadership at the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, India His focus areas include Eastern Philosophy, Meditative Practices, Cognitive Neurosciences, Personal Growth, and Ethics, especially in Leadership Development. In this episode, we explore the profound concept of "Leading at the Edge of the Known," diving into the challenges, wisdom, and opportunities that come with navigating the complexities of modern life and leadership. Key Themes DiscussedNavigating Modern Challenges With WisdomSurya reflects on the unprecedented disruptions of our era, including technological, political, and emotional shifts. Drawing on wisdom traditions like Advaita Vedanta, he underscores the value of timeless insights to guide us through uncertainty and align with a sense of integration and purpose.The Cosmic Web and Human RolesSurya introduces the idea of a grand interconnected cosmic web, from quantum particles to galaxies. He explores how understanding this web and embracing roles as both doers (Karta) and experiencers (Bhakta) can lead to deeper alignment with the universal order. Using the story of Rama from Yoga Vashishta, he illustrates how embracing life’s challenges as a “great experiencer” can transform our perspective.Human Consciousness and Spiritual GrowthThe discussion explores the evolution of human consciousness, moving from reactive behaviors driven by personal desires to a higher state of awareness and universal values. Surya describes the ultimate state— Mahābhakta—as one of spontaneous action in harmony with the larger web of life, free from personal fears or preferences.Embedding Dharma in OrganizationsSurya emphasizes the critical role of embedding Dharma (ethics) within organizations, highlighting its long-term economic and social benefits. He stresses that transformational leadership must start at the top, with leaders embodying openness, collaboration, and a commitment to nurturing all stakeholders.Takeaways for ListenersLearn how ancient wisdom can offer practical tools to navigate the complexities of modern life.Discover how to align leadership styles with universal values to foster sustainable growth and collaboration.Reflect on the interconnectedness of human existence and how embracing this perspective can transform personal and professional challenges. This podcast was recorded during a live event in January 2025 https://www.spjimr.org/faculty/surya-tahora/ https://www.spjimr.org/ https://discovervedanta.com/surya-tahora/ https://ccg-group.eu