Leading In An Unstable World: How To See Clearly When Everything Shifts

By Dr. Gamini Hewawasam | ManoLead Global

If you’re leading in 2025, you’re steering through the most unpredictable business climate in decades. Trade alliances are being redrawn. Geopolitical tensions can ripple through supply chains overnight. AI and new technologies are disrupting industries at record speed. A single election, policy shift or viral headline can change investor sentiment before your morning coffee is cold.

For leaders, this means the challenge isn’t just to move fast; it’s to see clearly in the middle of rapid change. The most valuable leadership asset in 2025 is perceptual intelligence.

An Overlooked Leadership Edge

Most executives respond to volatility by doubling down on more: more data, more speed, more meetings. But there’s one advantage that remains underdeveloped, and it’s becoming mission-critical: how you perceive reality in the moment of making a decision.

We think of perception as passive, something that just “happens.” Neuroscience says otherwise. What you see, feel and act on is shaped by your mind’s interpretation, not pure fact. In a high-stakes, fast-moving world, that difference can be worth millions. This is the critical blind spot: what you see is often less important than how you see.

In today’s C-suite, focus doesn’t mean ignoring distractions or zeroing in on a key performance indicator (KPI). It means becoming conscious of the mental process you use to interpret events, especially when the stakes are high.

I call this skill Perceptual Intelligence. It’s rooted in modern neuroscience and sharpened through the ancient discipline of Anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing. No incense required: just practical, cognitive mastery for the boardroom.

Click  here to view the full Forbes Expert Panel article.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam’s appearance on the “Aluth Dinak” program on Rupavahini Corporation conveyed how change in Sri Lanka begins with individual responsibility. He emphasized that every citizen has a duty to contribute positively, irrespective of their background, to help build a better country.

Dr. Hewawasam discussed the importance of utilizing resources effectively and adopting a compassionate mindset in personal, social, and corporate spheres. He spoke about the concept of a “U-turn” as a metaphor for acknowledging past missteps and committing to a new direction. Rather than a structured approach, this “U-turn” signifies the willingness to pause, reflect, and change course.

He acknowledged that this shift will not happen instantly but requires commitment and a readiness to delve into these ideas further, especially during this pivotal moment for Sri Lanka.

Watch the full video here.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam recently appeared on TV1 to discuss the transformative role of mindfulness in leadership and societal change in Sri Lanka. He highlighted that although mindfulness, as part of the Supernormal Eightfold Way, is well-known in Sri Lanka, its practical benefits have not been fully realized. Drawing from his research on global leadership, Dr. Hewawasam emphasized that mindfulness can enhance decision-making among leaders. He also advocated for adopting the “Team of Teams” approach, promoting collaboration among smaller teams to address complex societal issues, and unlearning outdated practices that hinder development.

In addition, Dr. Hewawasam stressed the importance of teaching children to “do good” rather than simply “be good,” encouraging self-reflection and personal accountability. He believes that fostering these values, along with mindfulness, can lead to ethical leadership and broader societal transformation. By nurturing future generations with these principles, Dr. Hewawasam envisions a Sri Lanka where leadership is built on integrity, transparency, and accountability, ultimately reducing corruption and paving the way for national growth and prosperity.

Watch the full video here.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam recently appeared on Sundara Irida, a popular TV program on Sri Lanka’s national television, where he shared valuable personal insights and professional wisdom. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Hewawasam discussed his childhood, school experiences, and early career, emphasizing that understanding oneself makes both beginnings and endings equally beautiful.

In addition to personal development, Dr. Hewawasam addressed Sri Lanka’s potential in tourism. He shared ideas on marketing the country’s unique cultural and natural assets to attract global visitors. He also spoke about incorporating mindfulness within the Sri Lankan corporate sector, particularly through his work at Manolead. He clarified what genuine mindfulness entails, offering strategies for time management and mindful living that foster a balanced, productive lifestyle. Through this engaging discussion, Dr. Hewawasam inspired viewers to embrace self-awareness, utilize resources wisely, and consider mindfulness as a foundation for personal and professional growth.

Watch the full video here.

Discover the profound impact of self-transformation in driving meaningful change. Dr. Gamini Hewawasam recently appeared on Sri Lanka’s television channel, TV1, to discuss how personal growth serves as the bedrock for broader societal shifts. Through this conversation, he delves into the journey of inner change, emphasizing that by cultivating self-awareness and resilience, individuals can make lasting, positive contributions that extend beyond their immediate lives. His insights offer a powerful reminder that when we work on ourselves, we initiate a ripple effect that can lead to stronger, more compassionate communities.

In the episode, Dr. Hewawasam underscores the importance of inner growth as a catalyst for impactful change, encouraging viewers to reflect on their personal journeys and recognize their potential to inspire others. His message highlights that meaningful transformation within society doesn’t just happen at the top—it begins with everyday actions and shifts in perspective. By nurturing qualities like empathy, patience, and mindfulness, we can create environments that support and uplift those around us. This episode serves as an invitation to all who seek a more connected, understanding world to embrace self-change as the first step toward a brighter future for all.

You can watch the full video here.

In a recent discussion on the Sri Lankan television channel Sirasa TV, Dr. Gamini Hewawasam shared compelling insights into how mindfulness can transform leadership and drive system change in Sri Lanka. This conversation highlighted the practical benefits of mindfulness, delving into its significant role in enhancing leadership capabilities, fostering educational growth, and promoting broader societal development.

Dr. Hewawasam initiated the discussion by emphasizing that mindfulness, which is the seventh step of the Supernormal Eightfold Way, is a framework well-known among Sri Lankans. He posed a critical question: Why have many Sri Lankans not fully harnessed the potential of the mindfulness practices available to them? Drawing on his studies in global leadership in the USA, Dr. Hewawasam observed that, despite the broad awareness of mindfulness within Sri Lanka, its practical benefits have yet to be fully realized. This insight led him to establish the ManoLead Research Center, where he conducts action research on introspective leadership, with the aim of uncovering how mindfulness can enhance decision-making for leaders.

One of the focal points of the discussion was the “Team of Teams” approach, which Dr. Hewawasam suggested Sri Lanka should adopt. Originally popularized by retired US Army General Stanley McChrystal in his book Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World, this concept emphasizes building networks of smaller, cohesive teams that work together to solve complex problems. Dr. Hewawasam believes that by adopting this method, Sri Lanka can not only strengthen its leadership structures but also create a more effective opposition that works in collaboration with the government for the greater good.

Another significant theme that emerged was the need to unlearn outdated practices. Dr. Hewawasam stressed the importance of teaching children to “do good” instead of merely focusing on “be good.” He explained that, too often, people are taught to act in ways that appear good, without developing a deeper understanding of morality. He emphasized that real development must begin with self-reflection and personal accountability. This approach encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own actions as a foundation for broader societal transformation.

In his final remarks, Dr. Hewawasam emphasized that Sri Lanka has immense potential for growth and development if leadership skills are cultivated through the practice of mindfulness techniques. He believes that the future of the country rests in nurturing future generations by teaching them to unlearn ineffective habits, to “do good” instead of simply “be good,” and to operate with integrity and accountability. With proper guidance, he highlighted, we can work towards eradicating fraud and corruption in both government and society as a whole.

Click here to watch the full video on YouTube.

Launching a startup is an exhilarating journey, but in the early stages, founders may overlook the critical task of intentionally building company culture. Allowing culture to develop organically can undermine a startup’s success and longevity.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam, CEO of ManoLead NFP, underscores the importance of crafting a strong startup culture from the very beginning. He asserts that the foundation of any thriving company culture lies in establishing clear values and practices. In his words:

“Design a culture from the ground up by establishing clear values and practices that promote harmony and collaboration. It is important to have a plan to cultivate your culture intentionally, as it ensures alignment with the company’s vision and fosters a cohesive and motivated team. Allowing culture to develop on its own can lead to inconsistencies and conflicts, undermining overall effectiveness.” – Gamini Hewawasam, PhD, ManoLead NFP

Click here to view the full Forbes Expert Panel article.