What role does intuition play in leadership, when the corporate world seems to be driven by numbers and logical thinking?
In a recent episode of Second Crack – The Leadership Podcast, Martin and I had the pleasure of speaking with intuition coach Dr. Charlotte Tamason about why intuition is a critical leadership skill in today’s complex, fast-paced business world—and how leaders can best access it to make better decisions.
You can listen to the full episode „Intuition in Leadership — With Dr. Charlotte Tamason“ on on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.
What Is Intuition Really?
As an intuition coach, Charlotte helps people reconnect with their inner guidance—a resource that can bring clarity, reduce stress, and save time.
But what is intuition really?
„Intuition, to me, is that inner guidance that always knows and wants what’s best for us“, says Charlotte. „Some people think of it as higher guidance, others as inner guidance—but it’s that wisdom that’s always trying to set us on the path that’s best for us.“
Intuition may appear in different ways for different people: many describe it as a gut feeling, but it can also show up as words or an inner voice. For others, intuition will be more visual; it may come as visions or as dreams—maybe even as lights or colors.
“It’s really about the senses, but more about that sixth sense, if you will, because it’s not like we’re tapping into the physical world. We’re tapping into just pure wisdom; pure wisdom that we all have access to and that, believe it or not, can help you run your business.”
When you truly connect with your intuition, it may show through a variety of sensations. It can come, for instance, as a big wave of calm, piercing wisdom, or unbridled joy. When we connect within, we allow that true authentic self shine through.
The Business Case for Intuition
Business is often very „external“. There is so much information, so much data—so much noise. The data may tell us clearly „yes“ or „no“—but often also „yes“ and „no“. Going inward is the best choice we have. It helps us put our mind at ease because it helps us make decisions that are aligned with us. “And an aligned decision is not only best for me, but best for everyone on my team and best for my customers.”
The corporate world, though, values rational thinking and decision-making—and following one’s intuition or hunches is often considered rather irrational. We demand evidence and pour immense time, money, and energy into producing reports and presentations to justify decisions.
However, as a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein reminds us:
„The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.“
While data matter, of course, we must avoid the trap of believing that if only we had more data, we could make more accurate predictions and better decisions. The best leaders know that this is an illusion and they trust their intuition. They combine the best of both worlds: rigorous analysis and deep inner knowing.
As Charlotte puts it, “To get the innovation, to get really into that flow state and productivity, intuition is key.”
How to Reconnect with Your Intuition
With so much emphasis on data, analytical thinking, and “rational” decision-making, many people have become disconnected from their intuition. They no longer hear their inner.
So how can you reconnect and tap back into your intuition?
Charlotte suggests starting simply—by asking yourself: “How can I better tap into my intuition right now?”
Then pause. Breathe. Feel into your body. Notice what insights arise.
If you’ve been disconnected from your intuition for a long time, you may first encounter a busy mind with nothing clear coming up. Give it time. Let it evolve.
You can also make it playful: „Oh, I just heard this from my inner voice; it makes me a little scared—but what happens if I follow it? And what happens if I don’t?“ You might even keep a journal: record the guidance you sense and the outcomes of following (or not following) it. Treat it as a detective or scientist would—observing and learning from the results.
Final Thought
“To me, intuition is something that all great leaders have, and it’s something that all great leaders follow,” Charlotte concludes. “Because it’s about following our true selves, our natural state, what feels best for us, and trusting that, again, that’s best for my employees, it’s best for me, it’s best for my customers.”
Reflection Questions for Leaders
- How can you follow your intuition more today? Start small—just today—and see where it leads.
- When your logical reasoning and intuition seem to conflict, what does that tell you?
- When you follow your intuition and things don’t work out—which is part of life—what can you learn from the experience?
For more insights and practical advice, listen to the full episode „Intuition in Leadership — With Dr. Charlotte Tamason“ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on our website.
