Hi, I’m Susanne.
My life journey brings with it a kind mystery that keeps my mind curious, my heart open, and my wonder alive. Every activity I have engaged in opened the door to the next discovery, from the art of traditional Swiss paper-cutting to ego development research, to the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (WUSCT) to the conception of the Leadership Maturity Framework and its assessment instrument (SCTi/ MAP) followed by their applications. In the arc of my own research I often speak of development as an ever-widening embrace, one that begins in the immediacy of impulse and can mature all the way to a unitive apprehension of life. You are invited to visit the Philosophy page to explore each stop along my journey.
Dr. Susanne Cook-Greuter
About Me
I have been called a caring and courageous trouble-maker for a while; a cultural observer, stepping out of the established certainty of the adult development field.
A couple of years ago I shifted my attention from adult development theories to re-exploring values and character development. It always struck me as a miss in developmental theories that character was not part of the equation. In my experience since childhood, there are good people at all stages and not so admirable ones who can argue at very late stages of cognitive development, but who do not embody what they preach. Indeed, narcissism and ego-inflation can be drivers all the way up. Even into spiritual strivings.
Currently I writing the book on ego development theory from a perspective that includes an appreciation of non-WEIRD definitions of what it means to be a person in Indigenous cultures. Traveling and training others in Ego Development Theory (EDT) across the world (especially South Africa and Australia), I had the privilege to encounter non-Western wisdom traditions and their different conceptions of reality, their relationship to the land and identity as part of a larger concept of being human. Our separate self-sense in the West has caused much of the trouble we are in now having exploited nature for our own benefit and to the detriment of overall well-being of our home. I am becoming more of an activist now in my later 70's. Not looking for work, but wishing to use my energy to speak up for future generations. As a member of Integral Africa, we explore "how to do human better" and "how to become better ancestors."
I mourn the loss of indigenous languages and their accumulated wisdom of how to do human as equals to the rest of nature - not owners or superior. I am concerned about the loss of habitat, the loss of genetic variability and the exhaustion of natural resources due to human greed and insane economic theories of endless expansion.
Yet I also feel deep gratitude and admiration for all those who care for our world, and its denizens of every kind and who work towards "doing human better" despite all the political and systemic obstacles.
I hope to contribute even more to the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), a subset of the UN's Sustainable development goals (SDGs), and to the Human Flourishing Research project at Harvard.
My Work
Writing
Currently, my number one enjoyment and priority is writing. Everyday, I spend four 4 to 5 hours on writing my fable and articles on the topic of adult development. Please visit the Publications page to learn more.
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I rejoice in creative art expressions via various techniques and mediums such as sketching, water coloring. Majority of these pieces of art will accompany my upcoming books.
Creating Art
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I continue working with clients in various settings to help them say "Yes" to life, and to support leaders on their leadership journey. If you would like to receive coaching directly with me, please use the Contact form to contact me.
Coaching
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When life and time permit, I deliver workshops and trainings on the topics of MAP scoring, Leadership Maturity Framework (LMF) and its applications -- Leadership Maturity Coaching (LMC), and public talks on theories of human, social and cultural development. Over the years, I have trained facilitators who have gone on to establish their own company offering coach training programs which is either 100% based on the original LMF and LMC, or adapted to reflect each facilitators' unique interpretation based on their own background. Should you consider taking any of those programs, please visit the Associates page on this website.
Workshop, Training & Public Engagement
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Since 1980, I've analyzed over 11000s Integral Sentence Completion Tests (SCTi) later renamed to MAP (Maturity Assessment Profile) in over 200 different academic and business contexts, and consulted various projects in research design and use of Personality Tests and mental complexity assessment tools. Now, I mostly support organizations and associates that want to deepen their knowledge of the SCTi/ MAP, and that wish to utilize the assessment instrument in their business model and delivery. If you need scoring service, please visit the Associates page.
Analyzing & Developing the SCTi/MAP
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Each engagement is part of our ongoing research and refinement of both the theory and its application. While I initially just scored MAPs for pure research, my colleagues and I began to use the tool for feedback and for team development in the 90s. Since then, I have trained and mentored researchers, practitioners, and associates who can now assist you in research and development should you need support. I list them under the Associates page.
Research & Development
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A Chronology of My Journey
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Early Life: The Swiss Roots (1945–1976): From Art to Academia;
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Building a Framework in the USA (1976–1999): The Pivotal Years of Research;
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The Era of Global Dissemination (2000–2017): Institutionalization and Expansion;
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The Legacy in the Digital Age (2017–Present): Democratization and AI;
Early Life: The Swiss Roots (1945–1976): From Art to Academia
1945
Born in Switzerland
Grew up with an early fascination for linguistics and traditional Swiss paper-cutting, which would later influence my theories of deconstruction and meaning-making.
1966
Earned B.A. and Teacher Certification
Formal education began, preparing me for a career in foreign language teaching.
1974
Received Masters in Linguistics
This training in the structure of language became the intellectual foundation for my research into meaning-making.
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During this the period of 1966 and 1977, I also worked as a Foreign Language Teacher teaching at several Swiss gymnasiums (academic high schools) such as Kantonsschule Aarau, Baden, and Zinch, Switzerland;
1976
Moved to the USA
Pivotal transition, marking the start of my American academic and professional career.
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Became a member of the American Guild of Paper-cutters and has exhibited my work in both the U.S. and Switzerland.
Building a Framework in the USA (1976–1999): The Pivotal Years of Research
1979
Received Masters Degree from Harvard
Began my long-term research on Jane Loevinger's ego development theory.
1980
Began analyzing WUSCT
Started my extensive research career, analyzing over 11000 tests, which would lead to the development of my own model and instrument.
Started SCT scoring training to interested professionals.
1985
Published "Nine Levels Of Increasing Embrace"
Presented new stages and 5 levels of perspective-taking at a conference of the Society for Research in Adult development.
Published "Nine Levels of Increasing Embrace", an "unpublished manuscript", an early articulation of my expanded model, published concurrently with the revision of Loevinger's WUSCT. The paper was subsequently expanded and re‑issued in 2005 as “Ego Development: Nine Levels of Increasing Embrace,” and again in 2013 as part of my full‑length monograph on ego development.
1990
Published "Maps for living..."
Published “Maps for living: ego‑development stages from symbiosis to conscious universal embeddedness” in Adult Development vol. 2. In this paper, I conceptualized and visualized the "differentiation and integration, construction and deconstruction" of ego-identity at each ego developmental stage, which graphic has been used by various professionals and organizations in their depiction of vertical developmental movements. (See the "Arc of Development" page.)
1994
Co-authored & co-edited the book Transcendence and Mature Thought in Adulthood
Formally classified Loevinger's ego development stages into three hierarchical categories: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels.
Co-authored & co-edited the book Transcendence and Mature Thought in Adulthood Melvin E. Miller, published by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.
1999
Received Doctoral Degree from Harvard University
Received my Doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University (June 1999).
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My thesis, Postautonomous Ego Development: A Study of Its Nature and Measurement (1999, Ed.D. diss., Harvard University), is a landmark study in the characteristics and assessment of adult vertical development.
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Developed the Integral Sentence Completion Test (SCTi-MAP) -- is an extension of the late Loevinger’s WUSCT to better capture highly matured individuals. The SCTi-MAP was the scientific measuring instrument built upon "Leadership Maturity Framework" (Cook-Greuter);
1999
Transitioned from research to application
Transitioned from pure research to applying my theories in organizational and leadership contexts; informally formed professional group with other practitioners.
1999
Co-edited and published the book Creativity, Spirituality and Transcendence
Co-edited the book Creativity, Spirituality and Transcendence: Paths to Integrity and Wisdom. (2000)
The Era of Global Dissemination (2000–2017): Institutionalization and Expansion
2000
Co-founded Integral Institute
Was invited Ken Wilber to be one of the co-founding members of the Integral Institute (a think tank under the aegis of Ken Wilber), where I have contributed to the Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Business Practice branches.
2000
Began global workshops
Traveled the world to disseminate my theories, deliberately cultivating a network of certified practitioners and partners while filled the role of the Co-Director of the Psychology Center at Integral Institute (www.Integrallnstitute. org).
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Became a Principal of Harthill USA, Management consulting; Co-developed and taught the 3-day workshop with David Rooke for many years; Trained Elaine Herdman-Barker to be a facilitator and a scorer (of the SCTi). Finally, all three used the Leadership Development Profile, taught and gave feedback together at BCBil as I co-taught Bill Torbert's class in 2001 and 2002 on leadership development. Bill Torbert later adopted the 3-day workshop, added his interpretation and adaption on it by including "action inquiry."
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Between 2000 and 2011, co‑designed and facilitated 3‑ and 4‑day workshops (Part I) for leaders, consultants and coaches over 50 times.
2004
Met key alliances & introduced the concept of Action Logics to the management field
Met Dr. Paddy Pampallis, Dr. Maja Stanojevic-Andre, & Beena Sharma, who later became alliances that led to the global expansion of the SCTi-MAP, Leadership Development Framework later renamed to Leadership Maturity Framework & Coaching beyond North America (Africa, and Asia-Pacific region). (Please visit the Associates page for more details.)
Published "Making the Case for a Developmental Perspective" and an article in "Industrial and Commercial Training", introducing the concept of Action Logics to the management field.
2005
Started "Cook-Greuter and Associates"
Became the Principal of Cook-Greuter and Associates; writing, spreading integral theory and the Leadership Maturity Framework;
teaching Scoring Workshops and scorer certification program;
Released updates to the Detailed Descriptions of the SCTi Stages of Ego Development.
2007
Legally established "Cook-Greuter and Associates, LLC"
Legally registered Cook-Greuter and Associates, LLC, which is still active.
2008
Met key alliance who helped bring EDT & LMF to Russia
Eugene Pustoshkin helped bring EDT & LMF to Russian speaking audience (he organized & invited me and my colleague to teach the 1st workshop in Moscow in 2008), and has translated EDT & LMF content into Russian since then.
2011
Launched a 5-day Leadership Maturity Coach Training Program (Part II)
Cook‑Greuter and Associates launched a 5‑day coach‑training program (Part II) that led to Leadership Maturity Coaching (LMC) certification, co-led Part II training globally eight (8) times between 2011 and 2014 (the year I co-founded Center for Leadership Maturity).
2013
Contributed to a Nuanced Understanding of Ego Transcendence
Articulated the concept of deconstructing the ego by recognizing its destructive power, contributing to a nuanced understanding of ego transcendence following the publication of "Introduction to Ego Development" (published in 2010).
2014
Co-founded the Center for Leadership Maturity (CLM)
Formalized my partnership with Beena Sharma by co-founding the Center for Leadership Maturity (CLM) which was formally registered on April 2nd, 2014, and dissolved August 20th, 2021. During this time, Beena and myself trained and certified coaches globally.
Center for Leadership Maturity was later was renamed to Vertical Development Academy (VeDA) which was legally registered in 2023.
2015
Met key alliances who helped bringing the SCTi-MAP into the information technology age
Lily Truong & Topher Hunt were instrumental in creating the MAP Platform (for administering SCTi scoring & and delivering Maturity Assessment Profile) for Center for Leadership Maturity and Vertical Development Academy.
2016
Trained the 1st cohort of Russian practitioner
Anastasia Gosteva brought the 1st cohort of Russian practitioners to the Bay Area, California, to receive the LMF, and LMC trainings.
2017
Transitioned to Advisory Role at Center for Leadership Maturity
Stepped back from day-to-day operations at Center for Leadership Maturity (later renamed to Vertical Development Academy which registered in 2023) to focus on the long-term legacy of my work, particularly through technology and writing.
The Legacy in the Digital Age (2017–Present): Democratization and AI
2017
Helped Adeption to develop Vertical Mindset Indicator assessment
Collaborated with Jan Rybeck & Nick Petrie to create the 1st AI-scoring assessment (that has 9-sentence beginnings) built on the SCTi called Vertical Mindset Indicator which became on of Adeption.io 's services (2019). The assessment is now called Leadership Mindset Indicator.
2024
Became Chief Knowledge Advisor to LeadershipMaturity.ai
Began advising and mentoring Lily Truong & Tamas Madl on their developing a Computational Psychometrics Platform purpose-built for adult development assessment (2023). It is a custom-built and custom-trained AI-scoring system aimed to democratize access to my assessment tools. I formally became Chief Knowledge Advisor to LeadershipMaturity.ai in 2024, helping translate my methodology and four decades of expert-scored data into AI-systems that achieves master-level accuracy — extending these insights to leaders at scale.
Education
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA:
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D. Ed., 1999: in Human Development and Psychology
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M. Ed., 1979: in Human Development and Psychology.
University of Zürich, Switzerland: M.A. (Lic. Phil. I)
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M.A., 1974: in Language Studies (Anglistics and Romanistics) and Pedagogy
Additional Trainings & Certificates
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NLP training with Margot Fanger
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Immunity to Change Certification with Bob Kegan
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Coach Training Program with Mike Jay, Leadership University: USA
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Clean Language Certification (Symbolic Modeling), UK and USA
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Big Mind Process training with Genpo Roshi, Salt Lake City, UT
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Polarity Management training with Barry Johnson, USA
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Positive Psychology Certification with Mentor Coach
Clients
Over the past forty years, we have consulted with a large number of clients in the private sector, public sector, government and academia in applying adult developmental theory for individual and leadership development as well as culture change.
Private Sector
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Pariveda Solutions, Dallas TX
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The Michelin Group (France)
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Drive Time (USA)
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Abrasive Technologies (USA)
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Q3 Intelligence (Australia)
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OM-DM (Moscow, Russia)
Public Sector
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Massachusetts General Hospital (USA)
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Integral Institute (USA)
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Academia
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
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University of Notre Dame (USA)
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University of Laval (Canada)
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University of Leipzig (Germany)
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University of Oslo (Norway)
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Harvard University School of Education, Cambridge, MA
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John F. Kennedy University, San Francisco, CA
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Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
Government
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US Navy Orange, CA