Dear Open Korner community,
There’s something sacred in our shared moments here—spaces where we pause, reflect, and root our leadership in soul, not just strategy. Recently, I sat down with Mamello Phomane, spiritual life coach and founder of Ke Ngoan’a Balimo, on the latest episode of The Open Korner Podcast, and her words still echo deeply.
What Spiritual Intelligence Truly Is (and Isn’t)
Mamello Phomane reminds us that Spiritual Intelligence (SI) isn’t a lofty concept—it’s practical and present. It’s showing up from inner clarity, values, and deeper knowing—an alignment that strengthens decision-making, fosters resilience, and nurtures trust in teams. It’s not “more work,” it’s a different way of being. When we consciously bring SI into our leadership, clarity deepens, well-being rises, and environments transform into wise, spacious places.
Real Lessons from Mamello Phomane
Here are a few reflections that grounded me:
Daily practices shape leadership. The little things we do—mindful breathing, journaling, energy checks—create a foundation of spiritual awareness. These practices aren’t rituals for the elite—they’re invitations to align with inner truth, every single day.
Healing is leadership. Mamello shares how her own healing journey—through spiritual practices and therapy—extends into how she leads others: with compassion, boundaries, and presence.
Vulnerability invites wisdom. Being transparent isn’t weakness—it’s a portal. Mamello highlights how vulnerability in leadership unlocks deeper connection and collective insight.
A Gentle Toolkit to Weave SI Into Your Rhythm
Here’s how you can weave these teachings into your everyday leadership—with ease and intention:
Set Intentional Boundaries
Not every request aligns with your purpose. Say “no” when it preserves your energy and keeps you moving forward from clarity.
Mindful Mornings
Begin your day with presence—whether it’s mindful breathing, a short journal, or sipping coffee in quiet alignment.
Mini Gratitude Rituals
Midday, pause and name something you’re grateful for. It invites perspective and recharges your energy with intention.
Check-In Before Key Moments
Before a big meeting or conversation, gently ask, “Who am I being in this moment? What energy do I want to show up from?”
Share One Authentic Insight Weekly
Lead with honesty. In your team meeting or email, offer one truth—your current challenge, reflection, or lesson. You’ll often find it opens more hearts than it closes.
What Shifts When SI Leads
When you align with these practices and teachings, you’ll notice:
✔️ Work transformed into meaningful presence and purpose
✔️ Sharper clarity and aligned decision-making
✔️ Cultures rich in trust, where vulnerability isn’t just allowed—it’s welcomed
✔️ Eased burnout and grounded energy
Your Invitation This Week
Choose one of these invitations to practice:
A mindful morning pause,
A midday moment of gratitude,
Or opening a conversation with vulnerability.
Want to Dive Deeper?
My conversation with Mamello Phomane traces beautiful, real-world stories—from healing to leadership, from recognition to boundary-setting. Her journey in embedding SI into her entrepreneurial life offers gentle truths for anyone navigating leadership, growth, or inner transformation.
Tune in here: https://youtu.be/jAYwuiHciWA
Final Reflection
Spiritual Intelligence isn’t soft—it’s quietly strategic. It doesn’t manage—it inspires, transforms, and heals. When you lead from inner alignment, people don’t just follow—they choose to journey with you.
With presence, compassion, and purpose,
Tokiso “TKay” Nthebe