When I reflect on the impact global travel has had on my life and work, I’m reminded of the narrow perspective I once had on many topics and issues. My experiences traveling the world have greatly expanded my view, inspiring me to share these insights so that others can avoid some of the stumbling blocks I’ve encountered. I  help people navigate their relationships at work and home more smoothly, with fewer stumbles, and coach them on how to gain valuable insights early in life that lead to more opportunities for growth and positive experiences going forward.

I grew up in a deeply religious family; my mother held leadership roles in the United Methodist Church, while my father served as a Deacon in a Southern Baptist Church. My sister attended an all-girls Catholic high school, and I went to an Episcopalian grammar school from 3rd to 5th grade. Most of my friends were either Catholic or Jewish, so I was exposed to a variety of beliefs, practices, and ways of thinking. The four pillars of my upbringing were Good, Bad, Right, and Wrong. 

Everything changed when I began to travel the world.

As I explored different cultures, I encountered people who considered what I believed to be “bad” to be “good.” What I thought of as “right,” others considered “wrong.” Despite our differing perspectives, I saw that people were living their lives with relative ease, even though we had radically different views of truth. That was when I realized that these concepts—Good, Bad, Right, and Wrong—are judgments. And what happens when we feel judged by others, especially in the workplace?

Asking the thousands of leaders I’ve spoken with over the past twenty years would likely lead to responses such as tension, anger, shutdown, annoyance, apprehensiveness, and a range of other emotions that trigger physical and mental constriction. Essentially we are addressing trauma in the body. These feelings stifle communication, block conversations, and erect walls between people where relationships once stood strong. Trust is lost, and we stop opening up to each other.

Lesson Learned:  When we can stay open to others’ thoughts and feelings, instead of judging them based on our own beliefs and presumed standards, we open ourselves up to learning something new—about ourselves as well as about others. In some cases, we even discover entirely new ways of thinking that are more effective for everyone involved. We may learn to think for ourselves, moving beyond the indoctrination we’ve been exposed to since birth. This is a growth opportunity that can expand your leadership capacity.

The truth is, there is nothing aimless about the indoctrination of a nation.

When we practice curiosity and refrain from judgment, especially with the people around us and those we lead, we build stronger relationships. We inspire others to trust us, uncover motivations in others that we can tap into to help us achieve what we cannot accomplish alone, and develop a collaborative mindset that fosters success with teams and clients.

There’s a funny line from the Broadway musical Cabaret where the master of ceremonies says, “You don’t believe me? Ask Helga!” While the line has a bawdy context, the sentiment here is simple: test my theory for yourself, and see what you gain from the outcome.

Time for Practical Approaches to Grounding through Embodied Practices.

Trauma affects a significant portion of the population in the United States, with studies showing that nearly 70% of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. The impact of trauma is far-reaching, influencing mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. In corporate culture, the effects of trauma can be particularly profound, as it often manifests as stress, burnout, and anxiety, leading to decreased productivity and engagement. 

According to the American Psychological Association, workplace stress is a major concern, with over 60% of workers reporting that their job is a significant source of stress. While trauma is obvious in professions such as first responders where often, the worst of humanity is displayed, those in any profession are also exposed to events that are no less traumatic for them. 

Furthermore, trauma in the workplace can result in higher turnover rates, lower job satisfaction, and reduced organizational effectiveness. Addressing trauma and its effects in corporate environments is crucial for fostering healthier, more resilient teams and improving both individual and collective performance.

This is where embodiment can play a crucial role. By taking the time to orient oneself—through grounding, self-awareness, and mindfulness techniques—workers can better manage stress responses and cultivate a sense of clarity and direction. Having an embodied practice helps individuals regain a sense of control, reduce tension, and create a more balanced emotional state, which in turn fosters improved communication, collaboration, and overall well-being. Addressing trauma and incorporating practices like orienting in the workplace is essential for building healthier, more resilient teams, ultimately improving both individual and organizational performance.

“Trauma is a fact of life. It doesn’t have to be a life sentence.” – Resmaa Menakem

Navigating the impact of trauma and stress in the workplace requires more than just awareness; it requires intentionality in how we respond. Reliance on an embodied practice in moments of overwhelm can help recalibrate your emotional state, enhance focus, and improve resilience. 

When you’re ready to explore how an embodied practice can support you in managing stress and trauma in your professional life, I’m here to guide you. Together, we can develop personalized strategies to help you remain grounded, regain clarity, and foster stronger connections with your colleagues and teams. Let’s embark on this journey to build a more resilient and balanced workplace. 

Reach out to learn how you can start grounding yourself today.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with executives at various levels of leadership, from individual contributors such as analysts in and out of consulting who lead themselves, to C-suite leaders managing large teams across the globe.

I cover a wide range of topics, including presence work that focuses on written, verbal, and nonverbal communication, relationship building, and restoring connections to a productive state. My expertise also spans skill-based training, behavior modification, and storytelling—from self-exploration to company-wide initiatives—managing difficult situations, navigating challenging conversations, individual and organizational change management, personal branding, and life planning.

Among all the areas I cover and the extensive support I provide to leaders, the most frequent and valued feedback I receive is about helping settle the leader’s body. Whether through breathwork, restorative self-care, meditation, presence pausing, or other techniques used to build confidence and enhance focus, what they find most beneficial is how I integrate these practices into a leader’s development to help calm and center the executive body.

When you consider the diverse range of approaches I use to support executives from virtually every industry and corner of the world, it becomes clear that their work is executed through the whole body, mind, and spirit. To be truly effective, these elements must be settled and grounded.  

This is where embodied practice comes in. 

Continue to learn about A Grounded Approach to Leadership.

The value of embodiment, or establishing a clear sense of direction, can be ideally understood by considering the opposite: disembodiment. Disembodiment is when you lose your sense of self leaving you unsure of where you’re going or what you’re doing. In moments of disembodiment, life can feel chaotic and uncertain. Without clear guidance, making decisions, prioritizing tasks, or taking meaningful action becomes difficult.

So, why is an embodied practice so crucial?

Clarity and Focus

When you are disembodied, your energy gets scattered. You may spend time in a state of indecision, second-guessing yourself, or reacting to external pressures instead of moving toward a meaningful goal. Achieving anything—whether it’s a personal milestone, career advancement, or completing a project—becomes a significant challenge when you lack clarity on your objectives or the steps needed to reach them. Purposeful embodiment provides the clarity that helps you focus your energy on what truly matters, allowing you to move forward with intention and purpose.

A Sense of Purpose

Imagine setting out on a journey without a map or GPS. You might be walking in circles, retracing your steps, or constantly questioning whether you’re headed in the correct direction. It’s draining and frustrating. Similarly, in your personal life or work life, when you’re unsure of your purpose, goals, or the path ahead, your steps forward become uncertain and inefficient. By engaging in an embodied practice, you can redefine your destination and the route to get there. This allows you to progress with confidence and reduces the likelihood of wasting time or resources on dead ends.

A Confidence Boost

Disembodiment can lead to a lack of confidence. When you’re not sure where you’re going or how to get there, it’s easy to feel insecure about your decisions. At the same time, when you have a clear sense of direction, even when the journey is challenging, you know that every step is contributing to a larger goal. Becoming fully embodied reaffirms your ability to move forward, and each step becomes a testament to your focus and clarity. Confidence grows when you feel anchored in your purpose and your actions align with your vision.

Effectively Overcome Obstacles 

A disembodied state can cause a reactionary mindset, where challenges seem insurmountable. When you’re unsure of your direction, even small setbacks can feel like major roadblocks. In contrast, when you’re fully embodied, challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth, and you can approach them with a solutions-oriented mindset. You can anticipate obstacles and strategize ways to overcome them because you have a clear vision of your end goal. Orienting, one particular approach of embodied practices, gives you the mental clarity to keep pushing forward, even when things do not go according to plan.

Align Your Actions with Your Values

Being disoriented often means you’re disconnected from your deeper values, making it difficult to align your actions with what truly matters to you. Without that internal compass, you might find yourself making decisions based on external pressures or fleeting desires. Becoming oriented helps you align your decisions with your core beliefs and long-term goals. When you know who you are and what you stand for, you make more informed choices that are in harmony with your authentic self.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Disorientation often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and confusion. When you’re unsure about your path, decisions take on a sense of urgency. We fail to consider long-term consequences. The lack of direction can create a constant undercurrent of worry, where choices feel heavy. Orienting yourself, in contrast, gives you a roadmap to follow, providing a sense of control. With clarity, you can break down your goals into manageable steps, which reduces overwhelm and allows you to approach your journey with a greater sense of peace.

Resilience

When you’re grounded and have a clear vision of your goals, you’re more likely to stay committed, even when circumstances get tough. Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing and having a sense of direction fosters resilience. It gives you the strength to stay the course, adjust when necessary, and keep moving forward effectively. In moments of adversity, a balanced mindset is more likely to support you in finding creative solutions and maintaining persistence.