The Wonder Mindset

The Wonder Mindset: My One-Stop Philosophy Shop for Living, Leading, and Loving Life

August 08, 20253 min read

Why this?

Because the world feels... a little upside down right now.
We’re moving faster than ever, but sometimes it feels like we’re running on a treadmill instead of actually going anywhere. We’re drowning in information, starved for meaning, and constantly asked to “innovate” without being given the headspace to breathe.

And honestly? I’ve been there. I’ve felt the burnout. I’ve chased the next thing without stopping to enjoy this thing. I’ve built, rebuilt, and pivoted more times than a beach umbrella in a cyclone.


Why now?

Because we’re at a tipping point — in our work, our families, and our planet.
We need leaders who can think differently, connect deeply, and bounce forward (not just back) from challenges. We need curiosity, creativity, and compassion to be as normal as email. We need to remember what it feels like to be human before we forget entirely.


Why me?

Because for 20+ years I’ve been living in the laboratory — designing experiences, leading teams, building communities, and consulting with some of the world’s most fascinating minds. I’ve run events for thousands, facilitated in boardrooms and on beaches, trekked in Antarctica, and navigated the chaos of a blended family with five kids.

I’ve learned that wonder — that mix of curiosity, awe, play, and resilience — isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a survival skill. It’s a growth engine. It's a practice. And it’s the thing that’s helped me (and the people I work with) turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.


Why Wonder?

Because wonder changes the way you see everything.
It’s the spark that makes a “problem” feel like a puzzle you want to solve.
It’s the awe that reminds you you’re part of something bigger.
It’s the play that makes work feel less like a grind and more like a game.
And when life throws you a curveball, wonder gives you the bounce you need to catch it, laugh, and throw it back.


The Wonder Mindset in a Nutshell

Think of it as your operating system for a life and leadership style that’s equal parts human and high-performing.
It’s built on five pillars:

  • Curiosity – Ask better questions.

  • Play – Experiment without fear.

  • Awe – Find magic in the mundane.

  • Resilience – Bounce forward from setbacks.

  • Reflection – Pause and adjust on purpose.

From these, you follow the WONDER-SEEK Path (10 habits to grow yourself and others), the 11-Step Wonder Methodology (how to solve complex problems with creativity), and a set of leadership principles that start with owning yourself and ripple out into how you communicate, live, and share your gifts.


The Big Picture

When you lead with wonder:

  • You bring out the best in yourself and others.

  • You create spaces where ideas and people can flourish.

  • You’re more adaptable, connected, and joyful — even in uncertainty.

And when you build BRAVE Cultures — Belonging, Radical Responsibility, Authenticity, Vulnerability, Empowered Energy — you create teams, families, and communities that can face anything together.


Your Invitation

This isn’t just a framework. It’s a way of living that makes the journey richer and the results deeper.

So take a Morning Wonder Walk. Start a Wonder Journal. Join a Wonder Circle. Try a Curiosity Challenge. Practice looking at problems as invitations instead of irritations.

Because here’s the truth:

“There is wonder in everything: every thought, every experience, every moment.”

The question is — are you willing to see it?

Sarah Pirie-Nally is a passionate leader, transformative experience designer, and the heart behind Evolve X by Wonder and Wander. With a deep commitment to personal growth, family development, and well-being, Sarah combines her expertise in human-centered design and coaching to create immersive, life-changing experiences. Through her workshops, keynote speaking, and community-building initiatives, she inspires individuals and organizations to step into their full potential. A visionary, Sarah believes in the power of wonder, creativity, and connection to fuel meaningful change. When she’s not shaping transformative programs, she’s enjoying family time, writing, and traveling the world in search of new ideas and inspiration.

Sarah Pirie-Nally

Sarah Pirie-Nally is a passionate leader, transformative experience designer, and the heart behind Evolve X by Wonder and Wander. With a deep commitment to personal growth, family development, and well-being, Sarah combines her expertise in human-centered design and coaching to create immersive, life-changing experiences. Through her workshops, keynote speaking, and community-building initiatives, she inspires individuals and organizations to step into their full potential. A visionary, Sarah believes in the power of wonder, creativity, and connection to fuel meaningful change. When she’s not shaping transformative programs, she’s enjoying family time, writing, and traveling the world in search of new ideas and inspiration.

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