Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired by Yosi Amram, PhD

Reviewed by Patricia Brancoforte

This piece, featured in Volume 16 of Energy Psychology Journal (November 2024), is republished here with full permission from the author and publication.

The title of Dr. Amram’s book, Spiritually Intelligent Leadership, immediately piqued my interest and I wondered what exactly it meant as well as how one would go about becoming a spiritually intelligent leader. The author gives an inspired definition in the preface, stating that “you can only lead others after you lead yourself. You become an inspiring leader only when you are inspired yourself, when you’re lit up by a vision that calls to you from your future. As your one spark is ignited, your cause, energy, and commitment spread like wildfire.”

In the introduction, Amram shares his story of being asked to take a leave of absence by the board of directors of Individual Inc., a company of which he was founder and CEO. He relates how he came to use that experience not only to transform his life, but also to inspire and mentor other entrepreneurs in becoming spiritually intelligent leaders.

Each chapter contains a plethora of inspiring information, case studies based on several of his cli- ents, a section he calls “Your Turn” featuring an exercise or exercises wherein the reader can possibly connect with and utilize the information provided, as well as testimonials from clients describing ways in which they have incorporated his teachings and have benefited in transforming the way they lead.

In the first chapter, the author states that there are seven primary dimensions of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: “1. Meaning: Articulate a vision for service and instill a sense of purpose. 2. Grace: Lead with dignity, joy, trust, and gratitude. 3. Inner-Directed: Align with and inspire others from an inner core of authenticity. 4. Community: Foster cohesion, connectedness, and collaboration. 5. Presence: Bring full attention, focus, and clarity to every moment. 6. Truth: Motivate oneself and others based on truthfulness. 7. Wisdom: Tap into intuition.” He then goes on to explain how one can go about achieving each step.

In Chapter 2, “Mobilizing Meaning,” the author states that a sense of meaning “is not only central to well-being, quality of life, and long-term fulfillment, it’s also a cornerstone for spiritual intelligence.” He goes on to tell us that, with a sense of purpose and meaning, we can bring more passion and commitment to our work, thereby inspiring others to do the same. He sums up the chapter with the statement “Life is a sacred teaching journey packed with significance and purpose, and we are active agents able to respond, learn, and grow through it.”

Chapter 3 focuses on trust, beauty, joy, and gratitude, showing us that we can trust and learn from being open to our feelings and the information they possess for us. Also, by seeing the potential in others, we trust them to manifest and actualize these traits. Amram explains the importance of spending time absorbing the beauty of nature and how it can benefit and inspire the creative potential within and how finding our own joy can inspire others to do the same.

Becoming inner-directed and aligned with our inner compass is the theme of Chapter 4. The author states, “Centeredness is found to contribute significantly to spiritual intelligence and to effectiveness as inspired leaders.” Included are ways we can obtain this centeredness, such as exercise, getting out and experiencing nature, prayer, music, and meditation. Readers are shown that by following our inner compass, we are able to gain integrity, self-respect, and freedom, allowing us to become powerful, authentic leaders.

In Chapter 5, Amram talks about having a sense of community and positive connectedness. He states that this can lead to spiritual intelligence and effectiveness as a spiritually intelligent leader. He goes on to say that “wisdom and compassion are both essential qualities of awakening, and one cannot have one without the other.”

The author defines the subject of Chapter 6, “Showing Up with Authentic Presence,” as “bringing your full attention, focus, clarity of intention, and embodied power to your engagements and interactions. It is built on four competencies: Attention, Intention, Empowerment, and Passion.” He speaks of the importance of slowing down and paying attention to what is going on within and around us, also going on to say that our attention is one of the greatest gifts we can give someone. He emphasizes the setting of clear intentions, thereby inviting support from the universe, and the benefits of meditation, which assists in focusing and concentration.

Chapter 7 brings us to motivation based on truth, shifting from ego to openness. Amram states, “When we’re less self-absorbed, it’s possible to be wholeheartedly devoted to something larger than ourselves.” He notes that we are flawed human beings with strengths and shortcomings, but that we can use those traits as opportunities for growth and success.

In Chapter 8, “Utilizing Your Inner Wisdom,” author summarizes its meaning: “The wisdom dimension of SILeadership involves the ability to access your inner knowing and intuitive guidance for insight and enlightened action.” He describes the importance of intuition during the hiring process, thereby picking the best team possible for success. The ability to tap into our higher selves and the wisdom that can be gained through connection with that spiritual aspect of our being is demonstrated through case studies as well as comments from clients. Amram concludes by saying “We are what we practice.” Thus we should be intentional with our aspirations and, as we practice spiritual intelligence, positive gradual changes will manifest in our daily lives.

Yosi Amram has packed an enormous amount of insight and information into these 257 pages such that the reader may need to go back and read certain sections again, as well as perform the “Your Turn” exercises in order to get the most from his teaching. Although the title is Spiritually Intelligent Leadership and the spotlight is on leadership in a business sense, anyone can benefit from this practice in a personal as well as a professional sense.

Patricia Brancoforte is an author and artist who has been an active member of the metaphysical community for over 30 years, 20 of which were spent reading and teaching the Tarot. Email: pbrancoforte@outlook.com

Energy Psychology is a peer-reviewed professional journal dedicated to reporting developments in the field of energy psychology (EP) that are of interest to healthcare professionals and researchers.