Elizabeth Rosenberg on Why Intuition Is Our Human Advantage
Chief Spiritual Officer founder Elizabeth Rosenberg shares how burnout, surrender, and coming out of the “spiritual closet” changed the way she lives and leads—and why she believes intuitive intelligence may be one of our most important tools in an increasingly AI-shaped world.
How do you define "spiritual" and has that definition changed over time?
I never really thought about the word “spiritual” until I started online dating and it was an option when it came to choosing your religion. Did it mean that I believed in a higher, undefined power? Or that I had seen a psychic medium or tarot reader? Unclear. But, I did know that I wasn’t traditionally religious. I have a jewish name and was baptised Episcopalian and went to church sometimes with friends when I was growing up. But, those experiences in Catholic, Presbyterian and even Mormon settings weren’t of any real interest to me either. I loved the stories. I loved believing in something bigger than us.
Today spirituality has a whole new meaning to me that has evolved over time. I think of it now more as a shared consciousness of a collective. Yes, there is still something bigger than us, but what that is shouldn’t be solely defined. I think it’s naive to believe that we are not guided in our time here on Earth. And to be honest, I have now experienced way too many things to back this theory up.
While I don’t have a definition to share, I know what being “spiritual” means to me and that is enough.
Was there a breaking point or a moment when the old ways of working stopped being enough? What did that look like for you?
My body broke before my mind. Many people know my story about landing myself in the ER with a migraine where I lost all of my motor skills. I want to believe that was my rock bottom. It changed my relationship with my body, my mind and my soul.
A lot of people called it the death of my ego. I personally don’t believe in that. I believe we all need a little of that ego to thrive here on Earth - in work, in life, in love. But something had changed in me. And I had another personal massive spiritual shift when the pandemic hit. It was like the world got quiet and the guides got loud. In those moments of solitude I actually allowed myself to listen and that changed everything for me.
What's the spiritual practice, ritual, or habit that most directly shows up in how you lead?
I ground and return energy throughout the day. I share my grounding exercise and return of energy ritual with everyone. Ground into the center of the Earth. Gather up the energy that no longer serves you. Put that energy into something - a waterfall, fire, flower - whatever comes up and works for you. There is no need to be bogged down by more in life when it’s not necessary.
Are you open at work about your spiritual life or is this your coming out? What do your colleagues think?
I came out of the spiritual closet publicly on LinkedIn in 2023. I was so scared that everyone would think I was crazy. But, I was very intentional to keep one foot in the corporate world while I had another foot in the spiritual one. Today I think it’s my differentiator - the reason why people want to work with me. So, I’ve leaned all the way in. As I embrace the title of Chief Spiritual Officer I also know it gives others permission to do the same.
What would you want a skeptic in a corner office to know about why this way of working is actually a competitive advantage?
All of the old ways of working clearly aren’t anymore. So, as long as it’s not hurting anyone, let’s try something different and see what happens. Tarot, energy, reiki, meditation, movement, etc. All of these tools allow for growth both personally and professionally. They connect us and help us think more creatively and clearly. They’re also not new… they’ve been around for centuries. Today we are learning new ways of putting these tools into practice. And if someone doesn't want to lean in, that’s ok too. There is no real right or wrong way to use these tools. Which is one of the best parts - everyone gets to make them their own, harnessing their superpowers individually.
The other thing… a bunch of people are already doing this. Just lean in and let it happen.
Where does the gap between your spiritual values and the demands of the real world challenge you the most?
Once you start using your spiritual tools, many want to just stay in that world. In a lot of ways it feels more connective, truthful, and at times, simple. But, that’s not the world we were asked to live in. This world is chaotic and full of feeling (physically and emotionally). When you start to do this work I like to describe it as being a 120 volt light bulb being plugged into a 40 volt lamp. Energetically it can weigh on you physically and I feel like no one warned me. Not sure what change I would have made if someone did, but working on your intuitive skills while still going to work, running a household, and dealing with the insanity that 2020-2026 has been is truly a heroic effort.
What has opening up to your spiritual side changed for you, in ways you never saw coming?
I always thought that this journey would be a solo one. The connections I have made over the years have not only upleveled my spiritual abilities, but have also helped me feel less alone. Knowing others are experiencing the same or similar things you are makes you not feel crazy or alone. Which is truly a gift. And now I have very cool people to discuss wild things with that I never thought I’d be able to talk about out loud. I mean, what a gift.
How different is the leader you are now from the one you used to be, and what would that earlier version of you think?
I’m much more vulnerable and authentic now than I’ve ever been before. I think some of that comes with age and wisdom, but some of it also comes from being exhausted pretending to be the person you’re not. I lead now with unabridged honesty and experience. I think the earlier version of me would be shocked to see where I am today, but also proud. In many ways I’m so far from where I thought I would be, but at the same time exactly where I’m supposed to be. When I accepted that I can’t control anything is when I started to trust that I would always end up in the right place - wherever that may be.
In a world being rapidly reshaped by AI, why do you think humans need this now more than ever?
Intuitive intelligence is just another tool. But, it’s one that we need to practice. So much of technology and innovation is forcing our intuition out of us as we lean on skewed data and AI to have all the right answers. I truly believe that intuition will be the tool/skill that we will need to use the most as the future is being built around us. Pair that with emotional intelligence and critical thinking and we will be able to humanize the work that is being outsourced, but also question it.
Every day I see people lose their edge, their sparkle or their color in favor of sameness. I’m so over millennial grey. It hasn’t just ruined interior design and fashion, but it’s become a personality archetype. I live in a world of color. I want to keep questioning whether the answers AI gives us are actually the right ones, and trust that humans still have something to add. I don’t want to drown in the sea of sameness. I want to keep evolving and I genuinely can’t wait to see what becomes possible when more of us do.
What's one piece of "good advice" about being a Chief Spiritual Officer you want to share with the world?
Find what your meditative practice looks like that feeds your spiritual health - in whatever form it might come in. Meditation, cooking, exercise, art.
I don’t meditate, but I do channel. It takes about 15 minutes - usually to the sound of ocean waves or rain - and I write whatever is meant to be shared with me. Sometimes I go into the Akashic Records. Sometimes I talk to my guides. Sometimes I go elsewhere. But the messages are always very clear. My writing even changes in these moments. My notebooks look like pieces of cryptic art. I love it. So, if you don’t know where to start, start with automatic writing. You can find journal prompts here.
What's one word you want to leave us all with?
Trust
