Writing this book felt like a rite of passage. What began in 2005 with a deep realisation of a broken world system and dismay at the lack of humanity in big business resulted in a life-changing quest for truth and meaning. I could never have imagined the journey that would unfold, the people, the stories and incredible encounters that led to my own conscious awakening. This book is the result of that journey — an achievement I am immensely proud of that would not exist were it not for the love and dedication of family, friends and an extraordinary team who made it possible.

Firstly, thank you to my north star — the many authors and thought leaders whose inspiration and insights light the path and help cultivate my own thinking and ideas. Special mention goes to (in no particular order) Lynne Cazaly, C. Otto Scharmer, Simon Sinek, Dr Jason Fox, Tim Leberecht, Frederic Laloux, Dan Gregory, Kieran Flanagan, Mykel Dixon, Alison Hill and Gabrielle Dolan.

To all the Emergents in business and society, men and women whose passion and contribution to improve the human condition fills me with awe. For those in my orbit who taught me what it means to live fully present and to honour the space between no longer and not yet - thank you, Jonathan Fields, Jarrod Briffa, Sarah Davis, Danny Almagor, Rebecca Scott, Graham Hill, Cameron Burgess, Malcolm and Melanie Rands, Gabor Bukovinszky, Tim Mahlberg, Damien Melotte, Michael Margolis and David Hood.

To my wonderful clients, whose commitment to innovation and excellence makes the work I do all the more meaningful. Your courage to suspend disbelief and embrace mess, complexity and variation gave me the platform to develop my ideas and intuition into the proven system and tools contained in this book. I am ever grateful. Thank you for rocking the status quo.

To the exemplary team at Wiley. Matthew Holt, for seeing the spark in me all those years ago at SXSW and offering me a book deal. The lovely Lucy Raymond, my commissioning editor. Thank you for capturing the vision for Emergent and for your longsuffering during what unexpectedly became a time of significant change and growth in my life. To my production team, Ingrid, Chris and Theo — you guys are incredible!

Kelly and Charlotte, my editors. At different stages you jumped into the fray to work on this book and helped make it so much more. It’s never an easy thing handing over a baby, however your professionalism and editorial prowess took the stress out of the writing process and elevated Emergent to a whole other level. Thank you, you’re the best!

To my family. Nanette for a lifetime of indescribable love. Dante and Lucia for inspiring me to be the best dad ever. To my parents Ian and Susie for always believing in me (especially the times when that got scary). My grandmother Jean for nurturing my optimism and reminding me that when people admire a diamond, rarely do they acknowledge the inconceivable heat and pressure that made it so brilliant. Brett, my ‘little’ brother — for always keeping me on my toes.

To my mentors, Peter Cook and Matt Church thank you for the most profound gift of all — the playground, inspiration and sage wisdom that gave me the courage to live my truth. You’re both extraordinary examples of what it means to lead with purpose and there aren’t enough words in the lexicon to express my love and gratitude. 

To my practice manager, Gaya — you are a tonic for the soul and your empathy, intuition and entrepreneurial flair make being with and around you both a pleasure and a joy. Thank you, you’re truly one in a million.

I am blessed to call some of the most divine humans on the planet my friends. Thank you Georgia ‘Gigi’ Murch, Ashley Howden, James and Annie Layton, Sue Eaves, Will Noble, Michael Holtham, Lisa O’Neill, Mark Truelson, James Vella Clark, Melanie Gleeson, Glenda Childs, Christina Guidotti, Steve Granger, Lachlan Scott, Uta Sy, Nikk and Yolande Hughes and Yoav Goldwein.

Andrés Villamizar — I am the luckiest.