About Us

Mindfulness in [Leadership]

In a world of constant pressure and distraction, leadership today requires more than strategy — it demands presence. At ManoLead, we see mindfulness as a vital leadership skill. By cultivating inner awareness and emotional clarity, leaders can act with intention, build trust, and lead authentically. It’s not about doing more — it’s about leading with awareness, purpose, and authenticity.

ABOUT manolead

We Specialize in Teaching & Training [Leaders] from All Walks of Life

The idea of introspective leadership is built upon the practice of mindfulness (which can be more suitably termed as “introspection”) based on original Buddhist teachings. This form of mindfulness (which has no association with any religion) and is preserved in Sri Lanka enables practitioners to enhance their lives by following the Supernormal Eightfold Way. ManoLead was created to teach people about introspection (to provide a complete understanding of the concept of mindfulness) and to allow them to experience its benefits.

The contemporary concept of mindfulness has been gaining popularity, especially among those in leadership positions. However, due to mistranslations and misconceptions that arose when the original concept was introduced to Western cultures in the 19th century by the British scholar Rhys Davids, recent decades have seen a proliferation of misunderstood views on mindfulness.

The original concept of mindfulness is based on the Buddhist concept of Satipattana, which means introspection or awareness of self by placing attention inside. By identifying cognitive dissonance (the disconnection of emotions and intellect) and exploring the self through exercises to follow the Supernormal Eightfold Way, one can achieve cognitive consonance for a unified mind, resulting in mental equilibrium.

ManoLead, backed by years of academic research into the original form of mindfulness (introspection), has developed the model “Supernormal Eightfold Way for Introspective Leadership” to guide individuals in becoming better leaders driven by wholesome values.

UNDERSTANDING IS KEY

The [Science] Behind Our Techniques

It is vital to understand that although the “Supernormal Eightfold Process (SN 56.11) for Introspective Leaders” is grounded in authentic teachings from the Buddha, it does not attempt to summarize or conclude the Buddha’s central outlook on experience. Instead, the “Supernormal Eightfold Process (SN 56.11) for Introspective Leaders” adapts selective insights from Bhante Punnaji’s interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings. These ideas have then been researched and modified to serve the distinctive role of corporate leaders. (Hewawasam, 2022)

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Meet our Founder

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam, [Ph.D.]

Pioneering Researcher in Introspective Leadership and the Supernormal Eightfold Process

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam is an internationally recognized leadership scholar, speaker, and executive coach who is redefining the role of mindfulness in modern leadership. As the founder of ManoLead, he is leading a global movement to reintroduce mindfulness in its original, powerful form—as the seventh step of the Supernormal Eightfold Process.

Dr. Hewawasam currently serves as President of FineFinish Engineering (Pvt) Ltd in Sri Lanka and CEO of INT Terminal Travel Group in the United States. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the global airline and travel industry, his companies cater to elite clientele including United Airlines Global Services flyers, Forbes 500 executives, and international celebrities.

Holding a Ph.D. in Leadership from the Center for Values-Driven Leadership at Benedictine University, his groundbreaking research explored:

“How does the practice of mindfulness and the process of introversion (Satipattana), with clear comprehension and introspection (Sampajanna), as taught in early Buddhist teachings, influence a leader’s perception (Vinchanna) and approach to leadership?”

Dr. Hewawasam is one of the few global voices challenging the mainstream use of the word “mindfulness.” He argues that the more accurate translation of Satipattana is “introspection”, not simply “being present.” Without mastering the first six steps of the Supernormal Eightfold Process—including ethical behavior, focused effort, and right understanding—true mindfulness (introspection) cannot be fully realized.

His work centers on a powerful insight:

“When we use the original mindfulness technique to calm the mind, we make decisions from a state of clarity—and calm decisions are always more productive.”

Through ManoLead, Dr. Hewawasam delivers keynote speeches, global retreats, and corporate leadership workshops rooted in this transformative approach. He has trained business executives, public officials, and educators across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, helping leaders discover the inner stability needed to thrive in today’s volatile world.

As a current member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Dr. Hewawasam continues to bring this original wisdom to modern leadership conversations—making him a trailblazer in introspective leadership and one of the world’s foremost advocates for authentic mindfulness as a leadership discipline.

Meet Our Partner

Heylee Hewawasam

Emerging Scholar Bridging Eastern Wisdom and Western Science in Mindful Leadership

Heylee Hewawasam is a rising thought leader and dedicated scholar who is helping shape the future of global mental well-being by reconnecting the world with the authentic roots of mindfulness. Currently pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychology in Education at Columbia University, Heylee stands at the vital intersection of modern psychological science and ancient introspective practice.

With a strong academic foundation that includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder and a certificate in Public Health, Heylee brings a holistic understanding of the mind—one that spans cognitive development, emotional resilience, and public mental health. Her work addresses critical gaps in mental health access for marginalized communities, while emphasizing the urgent need to teach introspective tools that build strength, clarity, and peace of mind from an early age.

Born and raised in the United States with deep roots in Sri Lanka, Heylee plays a pivotal role in bridging Eastern contemplative traditions with Western psychological frameworks. At ManoLead, she contributes groundbreaking insight into how authentic introspective techniques—as originally taught in the early mindfulness teachings—can be adapted for young people and future leaders. Her focus is especially on de-stigmatizing mental health conversations, elevating the inner development of youth, and helping people build resilience through the power of calm and clarity.

Unlike popularized versions of mindfulness, Heylee’s work draws from the original, technique-based approach—what ManoLead defines as introspection, not merely “being present.” She believes that by reclaiming the full Eightfold Process, especially the foundational steps that precede mindfulness, we can truly empower individuals to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

At Columbia, Heylee continues to conduct research and engage in dialogue with scholars, clinicians, and educators to expand access to introspective practices grounded in both evidence and timeless wisdom. Her mission is clear: to equip the next generation with authentic tools for emotional clarity, calm leadership, and lasting happiness.