Number 8 Club — June Session Recap Theme: Ikigai

Carroll Macey
6 days ago
3 min read

Rethinking Leadership from the Inside Out

In June’s Number 8 Club session, we explored the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai—a concept meaning “reason for being”, through the lens of leadership. As always, our intention was not to add more to leaders’ to-do lists, but to invite a different kind of reflection: one that asks who you are as a human being, not just what you do as a leader.

At its core, the Number 8 Club is a space for leaders to rethink leadership, away from outdated models of authority and toward a deeper, more connected, more human way of leading. This session, centred around Ikigai, opened that door for many.

We began with a short meditation, a space to breathe, release the day, and simply arrive. One participant described it as “the first time today I’ve really been still”, and another noted that it reminded them how much they appreciate simply being able to listen without needing to lead.

In an age where leadership is often conflated with constant output, this pause was a gentle but powerful act of self-leadership.

Exploring Ikigai: What Makes a Leader Come Alive?

We moved through the four core questions of Ikigai:

What do I love?This surfaced passions that had been forgotten or buried under responsibility, cycling, swimming, walking in nature, theatre, even motorcycling through the Alps. People shared how life had become so entwined with work that joy had quietly slipped out the back door. The invitation was clear: to rekindle the things that give you energy, not as a luxury, but as a leadership necessity.
What am I good at?There was a quiet pride in this part of the conversation. People began to name their relational gifts, listening, mentoring, simplifying complexity, supporting growth. Many had never claimed these strengths as “real” leadership skills. But they are. As one person reflected, “I get told I help people grow. That’s what I’m good at. Maybe I need to own that more.”
What does the world need?This prompted soul-searching. For some, it meant creating access and equity for others, especially the next generation. For others, it meant being present and kind in their immediate circles. One person said, “Maybe I don’t often think about what the world needs… but maybe it’s just being someone who brings calm and connection.” The realisation? Leadership doesn’t have to be global to be meaningful. It can start with how we show up in our everyday spaces.
What can I be paid for?This sparked honest reflection, especially for those in transition. The tension between financial sustainability and meaningful work was raw and real. Some recognised how they’d compromised their wellbeing for pay, while others saw they’d been undervaluing themselves for too long. One voice captured it beautifully: “It’s not just about being paid—it’s about being valued.”

As we wove these threads together, several truths emerged about modern leadership:

Leadership isn’t a title—it’s how we move through the world.
Energy is a critical resource—and reclaiming what energises you is part of your leadership evolution.
Our value isn’t measured by metrics alone—but by the quiet ways we help others grow.
Redefining leadership means stepping back into alignment with your purpose—not powering through disconnection.

Participants described the Ikigai model as “deceptively simple but deeply revealing. It offered a mirror, helping them assess where they felt in flow and where something essential might be missing.

For one person, it was the realisation that work had become everything. For another, it was finally seeing that their passion for helping others develop was not just personal, it could be their professional anchor. For someone else, it was naming the risk of bending themselves to fit a role, instead of finding work that fits who they truly are.

What People Took Away

“I need to reintroduce joy into my life—not as a reward, but as a requirement for how I lead.”
“This model helps me see where I’m out of balance—and what I want to bring back in.”
“As I job search, I’m no longer asking, ‘How can I fit?’ but ‘Does this fit who I really am?’”
“I’ve been hiding my strengths. It’s time to own them and lead with them.”

What’s Next

Our July session welcomes guest speaker Saafi O’Neill to explore Human Design, a unique framework for understanding how you’re energetically built to lead, connect, and create. It’s another powerful step in our shared journey of rethinking leadership from the inside out.

Whether you’re in a formal leadership role or simply leading your own life with intention, the Number 8 Club is a space for reflection, realignment, and re-connection—with yourself and with others who are navigating the same questions.

We’re here to evolve how leadership feels—one breath, one insight, one connection at a time.

Join us for the July meet. Simply register through this link: https://www.carrollmacey.coach/no-8-club