The Mastery Effect - Episode 3 | From Radical Idea to Global Practice: Alan ATKISSON on Sustainability and Mastery (Sweden | USA)

Thriving in the Age of Disruption

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In this episode of The Mastery Effect, co-hosts Ms. Poorani Thanusha, Co-founder of Impact Velocity, and Dr. Ramesh Ramachandra, Founder of Talent Leadership Crucible, sit down with Alan AtKisson—a pioneer in sustainability, author of the Optimist Trilogy, and systems change strategist whose work has shaped sustainable development globally for decades.

He shares his journey with sustainability, which was just a radical concept then, and has since gained global attention. He addresses how systems thinking, personal mastery, and collective consciousness can transform leadership and drive systemic change.

Listeners will also hear Alan’s personal stories of sacrifice, overcoming burnout, and how to rebuild mastery. He offers valuable lessons on leading change with integrity, humility, and resilience.

Key Topics Covered:

1️⃣ Evolution of Sustainability: From fringe thinking to mainstream policy — and Alan's participation in it.

2️⃣ Systems Thinking and Mindset Shifts: How rethinking mental models and understanding interconnected systems can unlock solutions to today’s complex challenges.

3️⃣ Personal Mastery for Leaders: Why mastery is a lifelong journey of self-awareness and aligning personal values with broader societal impact.

4️⃣ Collective Consciousness in Change: The power of shared awareness and collaboration in transforming organisations and entire systems.

5️⃣ Resilience and Renewal: Alan’s personal path through burnout and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Mastery extends beyond personal growth—it is about relationships, dyads, groups, communities and institutions.
✅ Real leadership means navigating complexity with integrity and humility.
✅ Sustainability thrives through systems awareness and collective action.
✅ Rebuilding mastery after setbacks is essential to transformative leadership.
✅ Conscious leadership can change organisations and reshape societal systems.

About Us

Interviewee’s Affiliation: Alan AtKisson is a pioneer in sustainability, an author, and a systems change strategist.
Impact Velocity – Co-founded by Poorani Thanusha, advancing purposeful leadership and systemic change.
Talent Leadership Crucible – Founded by

🗓️ Upcoming Events:
· Global SOL Forum, Vietnam | 26–28 Sept 2025, Virtual Addresses by Peter Senge (26 Sept 2025) and Alan AtKisson (28 Sept 2025)
· Adam Kahane's Half-Day Workshop, Vietnam | 27 Sept 2025

. Sustainable Success for Collective Advantage, (SSCA) Program

• Singapore | 19 to 21 November 2025 OR 26 to 28 November 2025
• Vietnam | 3 to 5 December 2025

Thriving in the Age of Disruption with Dr. Ramesh Ramachandra
Ready to thrive in today’s fast-changing world? Visit our website for exclusive insights and resources from Dr. Ramesh!

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🎙️ This podcast is proudly produced by Talent Leadership Crucible.