ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the interface between authentic leadership and peace, and develops the concept of authentic peace leadership. It focuses on Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi as exemplifying authentic peace leadership. In a world that is struggling to move towards a culture of peace, the self-awareness of an authentic peace leader demands humility, empathy, and integrity. Authentic peace leaders can emerge through transformative self-development towards a mindset guided by what is acknowledged as a culture of peace. Authentic leadership is a leadership orientation with many similarities to other leadership theories, such as transformational, narrative, servant, charismatic, spiritual, and values-based leadership. Developing authenticity results from experiences and introspection typically identifiable in life stages. Characteristic for a leader who is leading with the heart is a strong sense of passion, compassion for one’s clients, empathy with one’s co-workers, and courage to make decisions in line with one’s values.
