With a heavy heart, I write this tribute to my dear friend, colleague, yoga student, and mentor, Marguerite Callaway. She was a remarkable individual and a guiding force in my life and work. Marguerite embodied the very essence of transformational leadership. She was a beacon of wisdom and compassion, inspiring everyone she encountered to strive for positive change—in themselves, their communities, and the world.
We met years ago in San Francisco when I was directing a yoga school and teaching classical hatha yoga, Vedanta, and meditation. What began as a student-teacher relationship blossomed into a deep and symbiotic connection. Together, we explored our inner potential to effect meaningful change as individuals, leaders, and communities. Marguerite’s perspective on leadership—holistic, innovative, and deeply human—was a revelation. Her ability to merge philosophy and action was unparalleled, and her friendship was a cornerstone of my life.
Throughout 2024, Marguerite was constantly on my Morning Show, sharing her insights on 21st-century leadership during uncertainty and unprecedented change. Her weekly conversations illuminated the qualities of transformational leaders and provided practical tools for listeners to cultivate their leadership capabilities. These conversations were a gift—a treasure trove of wisdom I am so grateful to have been part of.
Her work through the Callaway Leadership Institute impacted individuals and organizations regionally and globally. She believed in a new paradigm of leadership rooted in emotional intelligence, intuition, and a deep understanding of the human experience. Marguerite’s legacy will continue to inspire leaders for generations to come.
The Leadership and the Unknown Series
Marguerite’s weekly segments on KSVY Sonoma Radio 91.3 FM were a testament to her brilliance and dedication. Each conversation was a self-contained exploration of leadership qualities but taken together; they formed a sequential journey into the heart of what it means to lead with purpose and integrity in the 21st century. Below, I have summarized the topics we covered:
Summary of Weekly Topics
2024 Conversations:
January 18: Desire for Mastery—Counterbalancing the fear of change with our innate drive for growth.
January 25: Linear and Synchronistic Causality—How successful leaders use both types in work and life.
February 1: Intuition—Non-linear thinking as a key to successful leadership.
February 8: Self-Awareness—The first competency of emotional intelligence.
February 15: Self-Management—Keeping calm under pressure as a leadership skill.
February 22: Emotional Hijacking—Recognizing and overcoming its impact on behavior and relationships.
February 29: Social Awareness—Understanding and empathizing with others’ emotions.
March 7: Empathy and Compassion—Core qualities of transformational leaders.
March 14: Courage—Why it is essential in 21st-century leadership.
March 21: Relationship Management—The fourth emotional intelligence competency.
March 28: Core Qualities of Transformational Leadership—Identifying true transformational leaders.
April 4: Vision—Providing a compelling, positive future during times of uncertainty.
April 11: Individualized Consideration—Cultivating the unique talents of team members.
April 18: Intellectual Stimulation—Engaging teams in addressing complex issues.
April 25: Idealized Influence—Building trust and walking the talk.
May 2: Credibility—Gaining and maintaining trustworthiness.
May 23: Growth Mindsets—How they shape leadership and interactions.
September 26: Authoritarian and Democratic Leadership—The historical context and its relevance today.
Links to Learn More
For more about Marguerite’s work and to access her conversations, please visit Callaway Leadership, where you can find additional tributes and recordings of her wisdom. I recommend her book, “The Energetics of Business: A Practical Guide for Bringing Your Business to Life.”
Closing Thoughts
It has been over a month since Marguerite passed, and I am still processing the immense loss. Keep in mind during all our interviews; she was miraculously managing Stage-4 cancer and beating all the odds over several years after the harrowing diagnosis. Her presence grounded me, her encouragement fueled my idealism, and her wisdom shaped my understanding of leadership. Marguerite’s legacy is one of hope, courage, and transformation.
To all who knew her and those just discovering her work, this tribute serves as a reminder of one individual’s profound impact on the world. Marguerite, thank you for everything. You are deeply missed.