Join us on September 25 for a virtual book talk with Icelandic author Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir on her book InnSæi. Moderated by policy researcher Tara McGuinness, this discussion will examine intuition through the lens of InnSæi and its unique applications in addressing our contemporary crises, be it in the climate or the global economy. Gunnsteinsdóttir’s work is an ode to the magnificent, complex, largely incomprehensible but fascinating world that exists within us all — the titular InnSæi (pronounced In-Sy-Eh) — the Icelandic word for intuition that at once implies ‘the sea within us’, ‘to see within’ and ‘to see from the inside out.’ It is based on the belief that the more we navigate life aligned to our InnSæi, the more we can open up to the beautiful, generous world that lies outside us.
In the mad dash for a different, more humane and eco-centric (rather than ego-centric) compass to navigate our ways into flourishing futures, Gunnsteinsdóttir weaves personal stories, diverse wisdoms, and the arts into “a transformative perspective on intuition that is desperately needed for today’s leaders.” Drawing on a blend of ancient wisdom, science, philosophy and practical tools, this book inspires readers to approach life in a more grounded, creative and mindful way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic writer, thought leader, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and TED/keynote speaker. Hrund is remodelling our understanding of intuition through the Icelandic concept of InnSæi; her book InnSæi: Heal, Revive and Reset with the Icelandic Art of Intuition (Bonnier books UK, 2024, HarperOne 2025), was translated into 14 languages and is available in all continents. Hrund is the co-director and script writer of the documentary InnSæi: The Power of Intuition (Klikk Productions, 2016). She designed and directed Prisma, a university diploma program focused on mental agility and purpose in times of uncertainty, which was recognized by the Nordic Council in 2010 for being one of the post-recession education programs that best respond to 21st century work market.
Hrund has had leading roles across a variety of sectors, such as investment, innovation, sustainable development, and post-conflict reconstruction with the UN in Europe and Asia. She is an Advisory Council Member at Yale’s International Leadership Center, a Nordic Ignite Angel Ambassador, and has been recognised as a Yale World Fellow, World Economic Young Global Leader (alumni), and WEF Cultural Leader.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR
Tara McGuinness is the founder and executive director of the New Practice Lab, where she leads a team of designers, researchers and project managers working to improve the experience and outcomes of family economic security and care policies. Her research and policy work is focused on what can help families with young kids thrive. Tara served as a senior advisor to President Obama, where she was responsible for leading the effort to sign up millions of Americans for free and low-cost health insurance through Obamacare. It was this deep engagement on the team implementing the Affordable Care Act —both its failures and its turnaround— that sparked her obsession with improving the delivery of government efforts, putting governments and citizens in a tighter feedback loop. Tara is the co-author of Power to the Public: The Promise of Public Interest Technology, described by President Obama as, “worth a read for anyone who cares about making change happen.”