Exploring the link between moments of awe and kaupapa Māori leadership ascent
At Manawa Kōkopu, the Kura Poutama – Poutama IQ Ascent Series is grounded in the belief that transformation often begins in moments of stillness and clarity — those times when something vast, beautiful, or deeply moving shifts how we see ourselves and our place in the world. Recently, I came across a powerful article by Claire Sullivan (2022), Reaching One’s Potential Through Awe, which speaks directly to this transformative power. It offers both research-backed insights and practical guidance on how awe can help us move toward our fullest potential.
Claire Sullivan describes awe as an emotional experience that occurs when we encounter something vast and beyond our current frame of reference — whether natural beauty, acts of moral courage, or remarkable human skill. Drawing on psychological research, she explains how awe can:
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Catalyse transformation – sparking rapid shifts in perspective and opening us to new possibilities.
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Promote self-transcendence – helping us move beyond self-focus and connect with something greater.
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Support authenticity – encouraging alignment with our core values and genuine self.
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Enhance wellbeing – fostering compassion, gratitude, optimism, and joy, while reducing stress.
She also highlights practical ways to invite awe into our lives — such as seeking out nature, pausing to notice beauty, engaging in deep listening, or reflecting on inspiring stories.
Connection to Kura Poutama – Poutama IQ Ascent Series
Within the Poutama IQ Ascent Series, awe is more than a fleeting feeling — it is a catalyst for leadership clarity, cultural alignment, and transformative action. Just as Claire Sullivan encourages intentional awe-seeking, our pathways create structured opportunities for leaders and teams to:
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Clarify values and intention — inviting participants to identify what matters most, creating a foundation for authentic engagement.
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Whakawhanaungatanga with place — engaging with natural and cultural environments that carry whakapapa and evoke connection.
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Draw on story and metaphor — weaving pūrākau, lived narratives, and creative imagery that expand perspectives and spark reflection.
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Engage in embodied rhythm — guiding movement, breath, and attention practices that shift awareness from the everyday into expansive states.
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Integrate reflectively — holding structured kōrero to translate awe-based insights into clarified values, purposeful direction, and aligned action.
In kaupapa Māori terms, awe resonates with the movement between māramatanga (clarity) and whakatinanatanga (embodiment). It is a threshold moment — a point on the poutama where new understanding changes the way we climb.
Awe invites us to see beyond ourselves and act from a place of deep connection and clarity. In our mahi at Manawa Kōkopu, we see awe as a vital part of the ascent — one that can open fresh pathways, strengthen leadership presence, and connect us more fully to the kaupapa that matters most.
Reflection for Leaders
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How might moments of awe — in relationship with people, place, and kaupapa — inform the way you make decisions, connect with others, and carry your leadership?
Further Reading
Read Reaching One’s Potential Through Awe by Claire Sullivan here.
References
Sullivan, C. (2022, October 4). Reaching one’s potential through awe. My Best Self 101. https://www.mybestself101.org/blog/awe-potential
Image credit: Tahere, K. (2025). Used with permission.
Author: Megan Tahere. (2025).