In this episode of Leadership Odysseys, we sit down with Raf Adams, global thought leader and creator of The Suited Monk philosophy. Raf shares the profound personal journey that led him from corporate success in global shipping to emotional burnout, and ultimately, to founding a global leadership movement that’s helped thousands of executives and organisations around the world.

Through his signature framework, distinguishing between the Suit (external success) and the Monk (inner self), Raf teaches us how to identify the gap between who we are and who we’ve been conditioned to be. If you’ve ever achieved success and still felt like something was missing, this conversation is for you.

~ The Gap Between the Suit and the Monk

Raf explains how early conditioning and people-pleasing create a split between our outward identity and inner truth and how this hidden gap affects performance, well-being, and fulfilment.

~ The Wake-Up Call

From chronic fatigue at 24 to being laid off during the 2008 financial crisis, Raf shares how his own journey forced him to stop chasing external validation and begin listening to his inner Monk.

~ The Three-Step Suited Monk Methodology

Raf outlines his transformative model that starts by reconnecting with self-awareness, then clearing emotional blockages, and finally aligning external achievement with personal purpose.

~ Making Suited Monk Decisions

He reveals how true freedom and fulfilment come from making decisions that honour both your intuition and your responsibilities integrating the Monk first, then the Suit.

~ The Power of Slowing Down

Raf explains why meditation isn’t always the answer—and how awareness can be found in silence, reflection, and choosing truth over noise.

Raf’s journey is a powerful reminder that success without alignment is never sustainable. The most courageous path we can take is the one that brings us back to ourselves. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or simply someone seeking more meaning in your work and life, this episode offers clarity, depth, and an invitation to tune inward.

Start your own journey home by taking The Suited Monk Life Review Quiz, a free reflection tool designed to help you reconnect with your inner Monk and realign with what truly matters:

👉 www.suitedmonk.com/quiz

Connect with Raf Adams: LinkedIn 

The Suited Monk: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | You Tube Video

Connect with Kirsty Gee:  LinkedIn |  Instagram | Website

This episode is brought to you by: Thebeautychef | Airwallex