Cultivating human potential through transformational leadership with Sudarshan Rodriguez

In the latest Think Human Being conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sudarshan Rodriguez, a magicmaker who has dedicated over two decades to the development sector. His career spans work with the United Nations, grassroots organizations, policy think tanks, civil society, and academia. Sudarshan is now leading a new venture with his social purpose enterprise, RTL Works, which focuses on manifesting the full potential of people and planet through transformational leadership.

Here is the full conversation with Sudarshan if you would like to listen. Or dive into some highlights below.

A shift from external pressures to inner capacity in transformational leadership

Sudarshan brings a multidisciplinary background in disaster management, environmental sciences, economics, and law to his work. He is also a practitioner of the Conscious Full-Spectrum Response model, a Radical Transformational Leadership approach rooted in universal values and ethics, developed by Dr. Monica Sharma. Sudarshan’s mission is bold:

My purpose in life is to, in the next 20 years reach 100,000 leaders who will then go and reach out to another 100,000 leaders to bring planetary change for wellbeing of people and planet

What made this conversation so impactful for me was the shift in perspective that Sudarshan helped me realize—moving from operating based on external pressures to leading from a place of inner capacity and core values. It’s an approach that challenges us to align our actions with the values we stand for, both personally and professionally, to create spaces where meaningful change can unfold.

The polarisation of today’s world

During our conversation, we touched on a crucial question: How do we, as human beings, show up in today’s world—one that is so polarised yet so full of potential?

Sudarshan emphasizes that while the world is more connected than ever before, this connectivity has also led to increased polarisation. Yet, amidst the frustration and anger, people are asking for the tools and language to transcend this division and bring about the change they want to see.

On one hand, there is polarisation, but on the other hand, people are asking questions. They may be frustrated, angry, but I think what they're asking for is the change they wish to see, and I think what they're seeking is the vocabulary and tools to transcend polarisation and bring about the change they wish to see

Our innate human attributes

The key, according to Sudarshan, lies in recognising our innate human attributes:

Self-worth & dignity
Fairness
Compassion
Discerning eye - ability to see patterns and create new patterns

These attributes are not fixed but can be cultivated, allowing us to create new systems and cultures grounded in universal values such as justice, dignity, and equity. In a world where fear and survival often dominate, this conscious cultivation of our innate capacities can help us choose a different path—one that empowers rather than disempowers.

Unlike IQ, which is fixed, these attributes can be cultivated and awakened, allowing us to transform systems and cultures.

Integrity in transformational leadership

We also discussed the importance of integrity in leadership—a concept that Sudarshan explained beautifully through six guiding questions.

Am I being my word?
Do I deliver on my action plan?
Are my actions incongruent with my values?
Do I speak up & speak up responsibly based on what I stand for?
Am I the change I wish to see?
Do I have the courage to create?

While many management programs focus on delivering results, Sudarshan's view of leadership goes beyond results to include values and ethics.

Leadership is about more than being true to your word; it’s about embodying universal values that foster change.

Integrity, in his view, involves aligning our actions with our values, speaking up responsibly, and having the courage to create new systems that benefit everyone, everywhere. Leadership, therefore, becomes a journey of continuous self-reflection and systemic transformation.

Values-based leadership in action

Throughout our conversation, Sudarshan shared stories that illustrate the power of values-based leadership. From his work with marginalised communities to training police officers on child protection laws, he demonstrates how aligning personal values with professional actions can unlock human potential and lead to systemic change.

A leader is among whom other leaders emerge

What struck me most was his belief that every individual has the capacity for leadership, regardless of their role. Leadership is about fostering the potential in others, creating spaces for inquiry, and allowing transformation to unfold.

Finding our innate human potential

C Whether in corporate settings, communities, or personal relationships, leading from a place of purpose can inspire the kind of change the world desperately needs.

We are on the brink of choosing how we go forward. Let’s create systems and cultures that empower, not disempower.

The Call to Action

If you're interested in exploring this approach further, I encourage you to connect with the incredible work of RTL Works, where Sudarshan and his team are nurturing the next generation of change-makers, committed to building a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world.

More about Sudarshan Rodriguez

Sudarshan Rodriguez is a transformative leader and development professional with an extensive background spanning over 22 years in organizations such as the United Nations, grassroots entities, policy think tanks, civil society forums, and academic institutions. As the founder of the Next Generation Development Consultancy and social enterprise RTL Works, he leverages his multidisciplinary expertise in disaster management, environmental sciences, and policy to create impactful leadership programs. Trained by luminary Dr. Monica Sharma, Sudarshan is a certified practitioner in Radical Transformational Leadership, focusing on expanding human potential for planetary well-being.

Connect with Sudarshan & RTL

LinkedIn: / sudarshanrodriguez

Facebook: / surdarshanrodriguez

Instagram: @sudarshanrodriguez

Find Your Best Space

Let’s create spaces where values meet action. What are the values you stand for, and how do they guide your actions? Let’s explore this together—whether you're an individual or a business, your inner capacity is waiting to unfold.

Think Human Being: Conversations with Magicmakers:

Real human conversations about how to live in the world today while we create the world we want to live in tomorrow. For the 💛 of being human, good business, purpose-led brands, re-imagined potential & this beautiful world.

This podcast is powered by the passionate folk at ProStudio Namibia.