Patricia Campanile, Senior Edgewalker Associate
Dr. Judi Neal, author of “Edgewalkers: People and Organizations that Take Risks, Build Bridges and Break New Ground” (Praeger 2006) defines Edgewalkers as “people who walk between worlds and have the ability to build bridges between different worlds. They have a strong inner life and are very grounded and effective in the everyday external world.” There are five Archetypes of Change that people and organizations may take, depending on the situation. They affect the extent to which the individual or organization can truly be on the leading edge. The Edgewalker Archetype looks to the future and is focused on openness to possibilities.
“Edgewalkers” are needed now more than ever in the New Year, in the NEW ERA. How do you know if you are an Edgewalker – walking, working, living on the leading edge? I have a distinct memory of first hearing the word when my long time friend and colleague Dr. Judi Neal was writing the book and birthing the idea. I felt instantly connected to the word “Edgewalkers” and was excited that there was a term, a way of being that I could relate to. I have always felt different and lived out of the box. My whole life I sensed that I was called to do something something special in world. I live an unusual yet exciting nomadic lifestyle full of adventure, wonder, magic. My (w) holistic shift in perspective includes embracing diversity and assisting my coaching clients and organizations in bridging new ways of thinking and being. I seek guidance and make choices in my life and work based on trusting my strong intuition and living first from the inside out and then the outside in. I seek to walk between worlds as I integrate the spiritual and the earthly. My strong foundation is built on a rich spiritual life combined with grounded down-to-earth, strategic and practical skills.
As we bridge this pivotal time in the world, we can create our future and use the chaos and uncertainty we find ourselves in as an opportunity to break new ground and expand our possibilities. Edgewalkers are often global, Universal citizens who often have an unusual combination of interests, speak many languages and are familiar with many cultures. Strongly aware of the problems of the whole planet, Edgewalkers want to see more action taken. They are not afraid of risk taking, making changes and recognizing the importance of evolutionary transformation during this fertile time in history. As leaders they are different from the typical leader you might find in an organization. For example, they naturally listen beyond the words that are spoken and align their work with their deepest values. They are not afraid to explore new ideas and wonder about what the next new thing is in their field or area of interest. There are many Edgewalkers in the world. You are not alone. We are increasingly attracting and connecting with our “tribe”, our people, as we provide one another support, growth, collaboration, community and focused vision.
Fellow Edgewalkers we embrace you, celebrate you, invite you to join us on this evolutionary journey. Now more than ever this New Year is the perfect time, a New Era, to consciously choose and courageously contribute our innovative ideas, creative solutions, unique experiences, and Divine gifts to the planet. We are the ones we have been waiting for!
