Mastering Your Awareness Quotient: Leading in Complex Environments with Brian Cunningham

Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

Send us a text

On his journey from a Parking Lot Attendant to CEO, Brian Cunningham has studied the leadership/followership dynamic at every level within a complex organization. As a life-long student of leadership and an explorer of numerous paths of expanded awareness, Brian has sought to uncover the larger possibilities of our service as a leader. Most importantly, we need to integrate these discoveries into the day-to-day practice of leading in our increasing complexity.

As a reflection of these many years of ongoing study, research, and real-life application, Brian has written three groundbreaking books that illuminate the keys to our developmental progression into the highest levels of leadership service. His most recent book, Leadership: The Universal Principles, details the two universal principles that are foundational to our growth in leadership and in life. This book provides a practical framework that can be used to create your unique path of leadership mastery.

A Few (Awesome) Quotes From This Episode

• “Leaders and followers are just two sides of the same coin, and we cannot move through significant complexity without each other."
• “Whatever I think or read pales in comparison to what reality teaches you.”

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Book: Leadership: The Universal Principles
• Book: Mastering Leadership by Bob Anderson and Bill Adams
• Book: Scaling Leadership by Bob Anderson and Bill Adams
• Book: The Cosmic Hologram by Dr. Jude Currivan

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!

About Scott J. Allen

• Website
• Weekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for Leaders
• Blog

My Approach to Hosting

• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.

♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!
⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.
➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.
📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.
🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

Chapters

1. Leadership Through Awareness and Complexity (00:00:00)

2. The Depth of Leadership Development (00:17:32)

3. Pathways to Transformation and Development (00:28:59)

4. From Parking Lot Attendant to CEO (00:35:58)