A Conversation with Ahmet Bozer, Author of Soulgery: Self-Surgery of the Soul

Recorded on November 13, 2025 as part of the International Business Webinar Series Hosted by GSU CIBER and sponsored by the national CIBER MSI Consortium. In this in-depth dialogue with Ahmet Bozer, former senior Coca-Cola executive, about his book Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential, we will explore Bozer's unique framework that challenges conventional self-help by identifying the "sense of self"—our collection of thoughts about ourselves—as both necessary and potentially limiting to growth. Drawing from 20+ years in global business leadership and incorporating Sufism, Eastern philosophy, and cross-cultural insights, Bozer presents a four-act structure for personal transformation. The discussion examines both philosophical foundations and practical applications of managing one's psyche while balancing self-reflection with collaborative growth. Key Takeaways: 1. Reframing the Self-Concept: Participants will learn why managing (rather than building) the sense of self unlocks greater potential, and how to distinguish between healthy self-awareness and ego-driven limitations that prevent doing what is right. 2. Cross-Cultural Leadership Insights: Listeners will benefit from Bozer's international business experience, gaining practical wisdom on how cultural contexts shape ego and privilege, and how these dynamics impact leadership effectiveness globally. 3. Actionable Framework for Daily Practice: The conversation provides concrete guidance on implementing the four-act Soulgery framework in busy lives, including how to balance introspection with collaboration and integrate practices like "smart bias for positivity" without adding stress. The International Business Webinar Series is a project of the national CIBER Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Consortium, led by Georgia State University CIBER and sponsored by CIBERs at Florida International University, George Washington University, Indiana University, Loyola Marymount University, Michigan State University, Temple University, Texas A&M University, University of Colorado-Denver, and the University of Maryland. This program is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education.