Learning and change are inherently creative processes. The Latin root of the word *”create,” creare,* means “to bring into being” or “to make grow,” encapsulating the essence of learning as a dynamic and enriching experience.
Self-creation
Aristotle observed that plants are self-organizing entities, while animals possess the ability to self-organize and move independently, making conscious decisions and exploring broader territories. Human beings, however, have the unique capacity to transcend these abilities and move toward self-creation. It is important to distinguish self-creation from being conditioned by external factors such as family, corporate environments, or social media. While learning does occur through the processing of information and adaptation to one’s environment, this process is often driven unconsciously by the need for acceptance and security rather than by deliberate choice.
Learning and change are fundamental to human growth. Today, we find ourselves in an era where learning is perhaps more essential for survival than ever before. At the same time, it has also become a fashionable pursuit, and at times, it risks appearing almost purposeless. Many people express that learning is important to them, using this belief to fuel motivation in their work and personal lives. They enroll in courses and may acquire substantial knowledge. However, I have often observed that the pursuit of learning is undermined by a desire for safety and a reliance on external and internal certainty and stability. Furthermore, learning is frequently sought as a means of satisfying a craving for novelty or providing entertainment amidst the routines and challenges of daily life.
What is learning?
Learning is the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and behaviors. It can occur in both formal and informal settings and serves as a foundation for personal and professional development.
What is development, then?
Development is a broader, ongoing process that promotes growth and prepares individuals for future responsibilities. It often involves building competencies and expanding one’s capabilities for new roles in both personal and professional life.
These processes are creative, as they enable individuals to adapt better and to create new opportunities.
In adult development—particularly in leadership development, where I do much of my work—we refer to this as horizontal development. While horizontal development enhances operational effectiveness, it does not necessarily lead to truly transformative leadership.
What is transformation?
Transformation represents a profound and fundamental shift in form, nature, or function. It surpasses incremental improvements, altering core mindsets, values, and behaviors at a deep, character-defining level. As Plato suggested, this process involves looking inward to discover inherent knowledge and truth. Such transformation often requires moving beyond just mental and emotional intelligence to fully experience the essence of consciousness and the nature of pure being (I will elaborate on this in the future).
In my organizational work, I often refer to this concept as vertical leadership development, borrowed from Nick Petrie. This type of development transforms how individuals perceive and engage with the world. It involves progressing through increasingly complex levels of understanding and engaging in genuine mindset transformation, which entails questioning and changing the belief systems that shape one’s identity, values, and purpose in the world. As a result, vertical leadership development enhances systemic thinking as leaders recognize interconnections and interdependencies. It strengthens one’s capacity to manage the ever-present paradoxes of life. According to Dr. Amit Goswami, this self-creation represents internal fundamental creativity that often leads to external fundamental creativity, enabling such leaders to effect cultural and societal transformations. Transformation goes far beyond mere information processing; it taps into the human ability to explore, change, and create meaning. As I have learned from credible sources, no artificial intelligence is yet capable of generating meaning that has not previously existed.
Ontological transformation
As Plato suggested, this inquiry taps into the exploration of consciousness, the quantum nature of reality, and the archetypes that shape our experience (more on this in the future, as it is the focus of my PhD research). I refer to this process as ontological transformation, which fundamentally shapes our being, purpose, and the entire experience we call life.
It implies deep changes in perception, values, and self-understanding. It transcends surface-level change to touch universal themes of existence, purpose, and interconnectedness. Such transformation invites and challenges leaders to act with depth, compassion, and a commitment to universal values, shifting from ego-driven goals to holistic perspectives, genuinely prioritizing collective well-being over personal recognition and image-building.
Transformation as a quantum phenomenon
Finally, I suggest that transformation is a quantum phenomenon that offers unique insights into human potential.
Potential represents what could be—possibilities waiting to be observed and realized. It is not merely about acquiring information but about processing meaning and transforming existence, which implies such quantum processes as discontinuity, entanglement, and understanding the primacy of the quantum aspects when shaping reality.
Profound changes occur at the intersection of awareness, intention, and action.
The ultimate aim is to unlock human potential and experience life more fully. That is why I love deep, transformational coaching that, through co-creative and philosophical conversations, facilitates real self-discovery to create new ways of being, fostering both horizontal and vertical growth.
In summary, learning, development, and transformation are deeply interwoven. They are pathways to individual and organizational fulfillment and avenues for exploring what is possible for us as human beings. By embracing creative processes and cultivating horizontal and vertical growth, we unlock potential and enrich our collective experience of life that transcends boundaries and inspires new ways of being.