Rapid Transformation

Old leadership models won't solve tomorrow's problems. The time for rapid transformation is now.

Faster than ever before, our world is moving from one extreme to another. How can we respond in a way that creates meaningful change for a better future? In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Catriona Wallace reveals a pathway for implementing a powerful shift in perspective and leadership. Rapid Transformation combines ancient wisdom with emerging technologies, offering practical tools to rise above crisis and create a safer, more sustainable tomorrow.

Through science-backed research, personal experience and compelling storytelling, Rapid Transformation will help you expand your vision, foster healing and lead significant evolution. It introduces three essential pillars for guiding individuals, organisations and society through uncertain times:

• Learn how ancient and indigenous rituals can help you ground your leadership, navigate uncertainty and inspire meaningful change.
• Unlock clarity, connection and purpose through altered states of consciousness, using techniques such as plant medicine and psychedelics to open new pathways for leadership.
• Discover how to leverage the power of AI to accelerate visionary leadership and unlock tomorrow's potential.

Rapid Transformation is a one-of-a-kind blueprint for leaders who are ready to step into their highest potential and better serve themselves, their communities and the world. It is a must-read for trailblazers, entrepreneurs, disruptors and anyone seeking the practical wisdom — and pioneering ideas — they need to navigate change and effect transformation now.

Are you ready to lead the change? This book will show you the way.

About the author xv

About the research assistants xvii

Acknowledgements xix

Caveat xxiii

A note on inclusivity xxv

Foreword xxvii

Preface xxix

Introduction xxxi

Part I: Why we need rapid transformation 1

1: About rapid transformation 3

2: A model for rapid transformation 15

Part II: The power of ritual 37

3: The calling 39

4: Understanding ritual 47

5: Ritual for transformed leadership 77

6: Rites of passage and initiated leadership 101

Toolkit: Creating and conducting rituals 114

Part III: Awakened thinking 121

7: The power of expanded states 123

8: Understanding psychedelics and leadership 133

9: Psychedelics for transformed leadership 153

10: Creating safety and effectiveness 169

Toolkit: Working with psychedelics: before and after the journey 187

Part IV: Emerging technology 193

11: Transformative AI, spirit and magic 195

12: Leveraging AI for rapid transformation 205

13: Integrating ritual and animism into AI 235

Toolkit: Integrating the seven principles for technological development 251

Part V: The Rapid Transformation process 255

14: The transformed leader 257

15: Transformed leaders solving global problems 273

16: Transforming the future 277

Toolkit: Becoming a transformed leader 284

Epilogue 289

Primary research on the use of non- recreational psychedelics in Australia and the United States 293

References 303

Index 313

DR CATRIONA WALLACE is an Australian business leader, Adjunct Professor and was a Shark on TV show, Shark Tank Australia. She is recognised internationally as an expert in AI, ethics and the metaverse. Catriona also draws on her deep training with Indigenous Elders to bring a shamanic perspective to leadership.

NAVIGATE NEW FRONTIERS OF INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE

In a world shifting at unprecedented speed, leaders are being called to transform—not incrementally, but rapidly. In Rapid Transformation, renowned AI expert, futurist and leadership advisor Dr Catriona Wallace presents a bold new roadmap for navigating complexity and leading meaningful change.

Blending science-backed research, real-world experience and compelling storytelling, this world-leading book offers a practical and visionary approach to unlocking human potential. From AI and psychedelics to awakened leadership, Dr Wallace shows how to evolve your thinking, your systems and your impact.

Discover how to:

• anchor your leadership with ritual and navigate uncertainty with clarity
• access expanded states of consciousness for insight, healing and innovation
• harness AI to accelerate vision and amplify outcomes
• embrace new mental models for personal and systemic growth
• lead transformation that is ethical, sustainable and truly future-shaping.

Whether you’re blazing a new trail or disrupting an old one, Rapid Transformation equips you with the tools, strategies and deeper intelligence required to lead the future—now.