If consciousness exists beyond your brain, could it exist beyond your office?

Experiment with me on a new management meme . . .

*****

Traditional science says consciousness comes from neural networks. Cute. But it might be dead wrong.

Quantum neuroscientists like Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff think consciousness could be quantum.

How?

Microtubules! Yes, tiny structures in your neurons that process quantum computations that literally create awareness. Not through logic, but through a quantum event called a wavefunction collapse. (Geek moment: That’s where quantum particles existing in multiple states simultaneously reduce into a single observable reality. Now that’s a thought!)

It gets wilder: those quantum events might entangle your mind with the universe. “Entanglement” is a physics term describing how two particles remain interconnected even if separated by vast distances. Meaning your thoughts may not be isolated — but synced across space.

So, although controversial, some scientists are now suspecting that consciousness may be occurring from quantum processes inside your brain, extending beyond biology, and connecting your mind to the universe itself.

Should leaders think more about how to connect their brain to the organization itself?

Ponder this. What if we kill the illusion that email, memos, Zoom, ERP, Slack, speeches, and posters are connections?

They’re just noise without coherence.

Right now your teams are like unlinked neurons. No wonder:
• Strategy takes months.
• Culture fractures.
• Innovation flatlines.
• Execution becomes a corporate game of telephone.

Let's instead, imagine teams sensing shifts and adapting instantly — not because they were told, but because they’re entangled in purpose and instinct. Even before memos are written, imagine culture that reinforces instinctive collaboration, not because it’s “on brand,” but because it’s embedded.

This isn’t agile. It isn’t lean.

It’s quantum speed through coherence, not control.

Management experts love using science and engineering terms metaphorically for new theories. Where do you think “networking” came from. Or organizational DNA. Or “viral”.

I’ve always avoided this, but just can’t help myself anymore. Let’s start a new metaphor that explains quantum connection -

Quantum Coherent Leadership (QCL).
Definition: Executing at quantum speed — making bold, aligned moves based on deep coherence, not endless analysis. It’s not about meetings or approvals. It’s strategic entanglement turned into decisive action.

⚡ Enter the QCL Org: Entangled Quantum Execution

Let's explore. Not sure where this is going but let's take a shot.

Remember what Danish physicist Niels Bohr, the father of quantum physics said to a young physicist:

“We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question which divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct.”

So, let's play. What possibilities exist?

1. Collapse the Classical Hierarchy?
Just as quantum particles don’t obey classical rules, your company shouldn’t be bound by outdated chains of command. Shift from a command model to a coherence model — where insight, intuition, and initiative are distributed and synchronized.Replace approval bottlenecks with trust-based execution protocols.

🌐 2. Embed Coherence in Culture?
Microtubules don’t need memos to sync. Neither should your teams. Create cultural microtubules — shared mental models, strategic clarity, and values that self-reinforce adaptive behavior.Think less policy, more purpose. Culture should autocorrect misalignment.

🧠 3. Train for Quantum Thinking?
Most leadership development focuses on logic, planning, and control. That’s classical. Quantum organizations train leaders to thrive in uncertainty, ambiguity, and paradox.Encourage intuition, reflection, and decision-making under conditions of incomplete data.

🔌 4. Wire for Instant Feedback
Microtubules operate at light speed. So should your feedback loops. Ditch quarterly reviews. Build always-on sensing systems that give teams real-time insight into performance, customer sentiment, and market shifts.

🤝 5. Reward Synchronicity, Not Heroics
In classical orgs, we reward star players. In quantum orgs, we reward coherent execution — teams that move together seamlessly. Celebrate coordination wins, not just individual ones. The future is symphonic, not solo.

Any ideas on how to build a quantum-cohernet organization in your situation?

Jump in on the comments and, if enough interest, I’ll followup with more research on a future blog.

REFERENCE SOURCES:

1. Your Consciousness Can Connect With the Whole Universe, Groundbreaking New Research Suggests, Popular Mechanics, By Manasee WaghPublished: Sep 26, 2024

2. Penrose, R., & Hameroff, S. (1996). Orchestrated Reduction of Quantum Coherence in Brain Microtubules: A Model for Consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 3(1), 36–53.

3. Tuszyński, J. A., et al. (2020). Quantum Processes in Microtubules and the Nature of Consciousness. Physical Review E, 102(4), 045003.

4. Wiest, M., et al. (2024). Anesthetic Effects on Microtubule Stability and Consciousness in Rats. eNeuro, 11(8), 22-35. Hameroff, S., & Penrose, R. (2014).

5. Consciousness in the Universe: A Review of the ‘Orch OR’ Theory. Physics of Life Reviews, 11(1), 39-78. Vitiello, G. (2001).

6. The Importance of Quantum Coherence in Brain Processes. Physical Review E, 61(4), 4194–4206. Vedral, V. (2018)

7. Consciousness Beyond the Brain: The Quantum Connection to the Cosmos, Shubham K. Dominic (Quantum Mechanics | 24 | xii | Physicspapers.Ijks.com)