The theory of transformative learning by Mezirow (1978) is attracting increasing interest from researchers in various fields, as it can be applied beyond educational environments to other areas, such as in business and public organizations. It represents an innovative approach to individual change and the development of employees, as well as to organizational transformation and modernization of the public sector.

The role of leadership is deemed particularly important for the change and adaptation of an organization to the contemporary changing conditions. Senior executives serve as role models; however, they often face their own personal dilemmas, becoming trapped and struggling with past experiences that hinder change and innovation, and affecting how they make sense of reality and their functional role.

The book includes narratives from eight senior executives in the broader public sector, which uniquely reveal their educational and professional journey and the factors that have shaped their professional profile. Through the reconstruction of their stories, it aims to determine whether personal transformation occurred through education during adulthood, in accordance with the theory of transformative learning, which led to some organizational or even functional transformation.

A book that studies the executive role of today's executives in the public sector, who must redefine their role and adopt innovative attitudes and behaviors, free from outdated perceptions, attitudes, and dysfunctional behaviors.