In search of spiritual leadership: Making a connection with transcendence

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Lynne Sedgmore, CBE, Executive Director of 157 Group UK. Design/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer. Findings: Lynne Sedgmore, CBE, is executive director of the 157 Group UK and was formerly chief executive of the UK Centre for Excellence in Leadership. A corporate mystic, her leadership style in her role as principal of Guildford College of Further and Higher Education, UK, was subject of a PhD dissertation. The achievements of the Centre for Excellence in Leadership under her leadership (2003-2008) have been documented in a series of reports and papers and are now a topic for a book (in writing). The Centre for Excellence in Leadership was awarded the International Spirit at Work Award for its achievements as a spiritual organization. Lynne Sedgmore was awarded the CBE for services to education in 2004. Practical implications: Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value: This interview provides definitions and conceptualizations of spiritual leasdership.