274. Icelandic Author and Filmmaker Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir Shares How to Use Your Intuition to Thrive and Lead In A Turbulent World

Executive Health and Life

Learn how to use your intuition to navigate life’s uncertainty and lead in a turbulent world with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, Icelandic author, filmmaker, and global thought leader on imagination, resilience, and inner wisdom. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore InnSaei—the Icelandic word for intuition—and how it can help us reconnect with ourselves in a noisy, fast-paced world.

We discuss topics such as emotional resilience, the decline of imagination in adulthood, Icelandic culture, leadership, and the neuroscience behind intuitive intelligence. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your inner voice or wondered how to use your intuition in times of change, this episode is for you.

About Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir:

Hrund is a multidisciplinary force—part artist, part systems thinker. She’s the co-director of the documentary InnSaei: The Power of Intuition, which aired globally on Netflix, and the author of the new book InnSaei. She’s held over 30 professional roles across the UN, arts, statistics, and innovation, and she brings Icelandic wisdom into conversations about global complexity and personal healing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What “InnSaei” really means and why it's more than just intuition

Why so many adults lose their imagination—and how to get it back

How journaling and stillness help you sharpen intuition

The neuroscience of emotional healing and intuitive insight

Why vulnerability is actually a leadership superpower

— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —

00:00 – Intro: Why intuition matters more than ever

02:00 – Hrund’s book and the meaning behind the stunning cover

04:30 – Skiing in Iceland, connection to nature, and climate grief

11:30 – Losing the sparkle: Hrund’s personal low point and awakening

15:00 – What InnSaei really means in Icelandic (and in life)

19:00 – Education and the decline of imagination after age 5

23:45 – “Generalists,” ecosystem intelligence & breaking out of boxes

28:15 – Resilience, trauma, and trusting your inner compass

33:50 – Journaling: stream of consciousness vs. attention journaling

37:30 – How intuition improves leadership and emotional intelligence

41:15 – When intuition is domain-specific (and when it fails us)

45:00 – Science of intuitive breakthroughs (Nobel Prize study)

50:40 – Filming the InnSaei documentary across the globe

55:00 – Why success = alignment with your intuition

58:45 – Three practices to develop intuition today

1:02:10 – Where to find Hrund’s book, documentary, and more

— Key Quotes from Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir —

“To trust your intuition, you must first honor your own experiences and emotions.”

“Our imagination is just as valid a way of knowing as the news—maybe even more.”

“Intuition is a rhythm between doing and being. We need both to thrive.”

— Connect With Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir —

Website: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/

Book (INNSaei): https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063430681/

Hrund’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKufhUZRJ1E

Follow Hrund on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/

Connect with Hrund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/

— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/

Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistry

Website — https://www.executivehealth.io/

***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.