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shiroshana Tissera

Calming the Storm: Mindfulness for a More Human Leadership

Updated: Nov 13, 2024





Episode Summary:

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock, a renowned researcher in mindfulness, leadership, and decision-making from City St George’s, University of London. With a fascinating journey from IT consulting to academia, Dr Tobias Mortlock explores how mindfulness can transform individual and team performance, especially in high-stress environments. We delve into the science of mindfulness, its practical applications in leadership, and the importance of collective mindfulness in creating resilient teams.


Key Topics Covered:

  1. Mindfulness Explained:

    • Definition of mindfulness as a mental practice focused on understanding and transforming suffering.

    • Mindfulness as a tool for observing thoughts and emotions, which enables individuals to make better, well-informed decisions.

  2. Personal Journey to Mindfulness:

    • Dr Tobias Mortlock's transition from IT consulting to social psychology, was motivated by her interest in understanding people over processes.

    • Her exposure to mindfulness as a practice for improving decision-making and well-being, particularly in high-stakes environments.

  3. Mindfulness in Leadership and Business:

    • How mindfulness enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves resilience in leadership roles.

    • The role of mindfulness in closing the “knowing-doing gap,” allowing leaders to apply knowledge in real-time, especially in high-pressure situations.

  4. Collective Mindfulness and Team Resilience:

    • Introduction to the concept of collective mindfulness, which fosters team cohesion and resilience.

    • Research findings on how collective mindfulness practices, especially in the military, help teams anticipate and respond to stress collectively.

  5. The Role of AI in Mindfulness and Leadership:

    • Discussion on the potential of AI to assist leaders in organizing thoughts, reflecting on decisions, and bridging differences.

    • Insights on how AI could be used as a mirror to enhance our understanding of different perspectives in a polarized world.

  6. Advice for Aspiring Researchers and PhD Students:

    • Embrace interdependence: Focusing on the interconnected nature of challenges can lead to more impactful research.

    • Write and share your work: Develop storytelling skills to communicate complex research effectively.

    • Collaborate and support others: Building a network and nurturing professional relationships are crucial for success.


Key Quotes:

  • “Mindfulness is not just an individual practice; it’s a social practice that becomes even more powerful in teams.”

  • “In today’s complex world, performance isn’t just about individual resilience. It’s about creating psychologically safe environments where teams can collectively thrive.”


Resources Mentioned:



Resources Mentioned:




Connect with Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock:


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