Category: Demo

Founder’s Corner – Embodied Practice

Posted on by Byron Darden

An Embodied practice is the mastery of the present moment in which our heightened awareness lays the groundwork for improved emotional intelligence, eased stress reduction, enhanced cognitive function, more effective communication, and overall well-being. It’s a practice that relies on developing our senses, sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and in ancient wisdom traditions, the mind. By developing an embodied practice in which we process information 100 million times faster than we process cognitive thinking, we are able to greatly enhance how we show up in the world as leaders. Then, when faced with a multitude of decisions, issues that arise, and challenges we face, we are more equipped to make mindful choices and take thoughtful actions.

Hi, I’m Byron Darden with this edition of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. In this installment, we are exploring the value of an embodied practice because the source of our greatest wisdom is stored in our bodies through our life experiences. I invite you to learn why you’ll want to unlock more of your valuable wisdom to lead more effectively. Enjoy!

Let’s begin with an Embodied Practice: Settling the Executive Body.

Embodied Practice: Settling the Executive Body

Posted on by Byron Darden

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. 

FIND SUPPORT

Continue to learn about A Grounded Approach to Leadership.

A Grounded Approach to Leadership

Posted on by Byron Darden

Embodied practice is a deliberate process of aligning the whole self—body, mind, and spirit—so that a leader can effectively carry out their responsibilities for the benefit of their team, organization, or initiative. This process is vital, whether you’re at the helm of a global change initiative, guiding a team to meet specific goals, or refining your ability to lead yourself as an individual contributor. For me, it also involves an ongoing commitment to developing my skills to better support and guide others in their personal growth.

The act of embodied practice ensures that you are grounded and focused, allowing you to navigate any situation with clarity and purpose. It goes beyond mere decision-making or problem-solving; it’s about creating a solid foundation from which you can lead with intention and inspire those around you. Whether it’s through grounding techniques, mindfulness, or deep self-awareness, an embodied practice is essential for tapping into your full potential as a leader. It empowers you to not only meet the challenges in front of you, it also fosters an environment where others can thrive.

In essence, an embodied practice is about aligning mind, body, and spirit to drive purposeful action in any context, including personal growth, team leadership, or organizational transformation. It’s the key to being present, effective, and resilient when faced with challenges.

Understanding this practice helps define what it is not.

  • Simply setting goals or making plans: While embodiment involves clarity of direction, it goes beyond just deciding what needs to be done. It’s a holistic process that connects the mind, body, and spirit to the task at hand.
  • Just a mental exercise: Although mental focus is an aspect, embodiment is about physical and emotional grounding. It’s not limited to thinking or planning; it involves aligning your whole being to act with purpose.
  • A quick fix or temporary solution: Embodiment is a continuous process. It’s not something you do once and forget; it requires ongoing self-awareness and adaptation to ensure you remain grounded and effective over time.
  • Being passive or waiting for direction: Embodiment is an active process of taking charge of your own alignment and focus. It’s not about waiting for external instructions; it is about self-directing and taking ownership of your presence and effectiveness.
  • A substitute for skills or knowledge: While an embodiment practice is vital for personal and professional effectiveness, it is not a replacement for developing the necessary technical skills or knowledge. It’s about ensuring you’re in the best possible state to apply those skills and knowledge effectively.
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Find out Why an Embodied Practice Matters.

Why an Embodied Practice Matters

Posted on by Byron Darden

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.

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Founder’s Corner – Inspiration to Action Part 2 – Basic Needs

Posted on by Byron Darden

This month holds great significance for me given our focus on Inspiration to Action. February is Black History Month, which many of us associate with Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and his globally known, I Have A Dream speech he delivered during the march on Washington in August of 1963. February is also the month of my father’s birth and passing. This year is personally significant because I’m dedicating all year to “getting back to basics”. Something that both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and my father had in common was basic needs.

Hi, I’m Byron Darden with another installment of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. As we continue exploring the basics of leadership, I want to draw your attention to your leadership style. We all have a particular style of leadership that we’re drawn to and while it may work for you in some situations, the more nimble we are in shifting our style to fit the situations we are in, the more effective leaders we become. Sometimes that means telling a story that engages your audience and inspires them to action.

The benefits are so far-reaching because storytelling has been the number one, most significant aspect of my coaching for over two decades. Because no matter where in the world I’ve coached, leaders learning to tell an impactful story is one of the most significant ways to engage with the hearts and minds of humanity. And when you can do that, you are destined to gain a seat at the table. I know because of the success I’ve had in getting leaders promoted.

So, take a look at this month’s offerings with open hearts and minds as we continue to make our way through the year by sharing how you can become the leader you want to be. Enjoy!

Let’s get started this month by taking a look at How Leadership Styles Have Changed.

How Leadership Styles Have Changed

Posted on by Byron Darden

Leadership styles have evolved significantly over the past few decades, shifting from rigid, top-down approaches to more inclusive and adaptive methods. Traditional leadership often emphasizes authority, control, and a focus on short-term results. This makes sense given the fast pace of change we’ve experienced with globalization since the 1980s, which began long before.

That said, the modern workplace has highlighted the need for emotional intelligence, collaboration, and commitment to long-term growth. Effective leaders today inspire trust, foster innovation, and create environments where individuals and teams feel empowered to thrive. This transformation reflects the growing understanding that leadership is about directing others as well as about building relationships and driving collective success.

Outdated Leadership TraitModern Effective Leadership Trait
Command and control styleEmpowerment, collaboration, and inclusivity 
Authoritarian decision-makingTransparent, participatory, and consensus-driven decision-making
Focus on hierarchy and titlesEmphasis on influence, trust, and credibility
Avoidance of vulnerabilityOpenness, authenticity, and emotional intelligence
MicromanagingDelegation, trust, and empowering team autonomy
Prioritizing short-term resultsLong-term vision, sustainability, and adaptability
Resistance to changeAgility, innovation, and willingness to embrace transformation
Seeking to be the smartest person in the roomCultivating a team of diverse strengths and empowering others
One-size-fits-all leadership styleTailoring approaches to individuals and situations (situational leadership)
Punitive feedback methodsConstructive, coaching-oriented feedback
Sole focus on profit and performanceBalancing profit with purpose, people, and societal impact

 I specialize in helping leaders adapt their leadership style to the level of effectiveness.

LET’S CONNECT

I’d love for you to hear my journey of Finding My Purpose as a Coach.

Finding My Purpose as a Coach

Posted on by Byron Darden

One of the first things I do as a coach is explore who you are and what you want to accomplish. Next, I look for your strengths and where you have room to grow. I follow up by sharing my story to help you see that you are not alone. We move to helping you write your own story as a way of discovering your genius. Then we hold up a mirror for you to see that which you do not necessarily see without the support. During the process, you’ll discover things about yourself you couldn’t have imagined on your own and teach you how to develop that vision into a leadership role. 

Once I left Ice Capades in the spring of 1990, I went on to teach figure skating in the Boston area. The next touring season, I returned to see my friends in Ice Capades. I was astonished by what I encountered when the curtain went down on the show that night.

As I made my way backstage to cheer my friends, I was shocked when the Zamboni came out to resurface the ice. That never happened after the show when I was touring. During my time, the ice was left till morning from the show the night before. A blanket of rough, frozen snow encrusted with fallen color sequins from the myriad of costumes that floated over the ice arena stage during the show. 

The skating surface was reminiscent of white crushed velvet further textured with debris tossed on it by the audience as they exited the bleachers. It looked as though a vast wishing well was anointed with souvenirs offered to the production staff to take on the road to the next city in memory of the thunderous applause now drowned out by the sound of the humming house lights as the last patron vanished into the night air.

It was on that surface that I would return to my frozen stage after each show to practice my routines, execute my jumps & spins, and train myself in preparation for the day that casting recognized my talent and promoted me to principal skater. On this night, all that had changed, 

The company manager met me at the edge of the ice as the Zamboni completed its rounds and left the surface glass smooth. He smiled and welcomed me backstage as I watched more than half the company return to the ice dressed in their practice togs, wearing longer-than-life eyelashes and now garish-looking makeup without the softening of stage light to hide their hideousness/grotesqueness. I thought there was some mandatory rehearsal taking place. Instead, I learned differently. “I know, right?” Said the company manager as he witnessed my mouth drop open in shock, my eyes wide as the landscape of a frozen pond. One of many friends skated up to me in a shout of welcome. “Hey Byron, nice to see you here. We can go out for a drink in about half an hour. I have to get some practice time in, first.” 

As Brigitta skated away, the company manager stepped closer to me and muttered, “Ever since you left the show, nearly the whole company has begun to practice like I’ve never seen it before. You started a trend around here and now we have to resurface the ice for safety reasons given how many of the cast members want to practice after the show.”

I’d become an influencer to the corps de ballet of Ice Capades. Because of my meteoric rise from chorus to principal skater, everyone was following suit in an effort to climb the ladder. The overall quality of the show had risen as the 50th Anniversary of Ice Capades had demonstrated new heights in ice show entertainment. This was the first moment I realized what a mover and shaker I’d become as a leader in excellence.  Fact is, I did not do any of this alone!

I had coaches throughout my skating career who inspired me to believe in myself. Did I fail? Interesting word, fail. I look at my path more like a set of steps that I fumbled miserably through along the way. There were many times I felt as though I slammed up against the wall. Sometimes, literally. The skating tests I did not pass, the jumps I fell on over and over again. The setbacks in competition were so numerous that I lost count. I remember one coach commenting that I should fall at the start of every competition because once I had a flaw in performance, I came back fighting harder.

It wasn’t just as a skater that I fell on hard times. I recall one of my coaching colleagues telling me that I’d teach about five years before I knew what I was doing. It did not take five years before I learned how not a great coach I really was. I went back and thanked that colleague for humbling me with the truth about teaching. 

There were skaters I let down when I missed placing certain elements in their program that cost them championships. There was the time I looked a senior skater in the face and with all the certainty I could muster up, I told them they could do this competition and win. They not only did not win, they fell all over the ice and lost the competition. That is when I sought out coaches to coach me in coaching. Egos can run big among skating coaches and I learned I was no different. There were times I felt I had been whittled down to nothing as a coach in order to pull myself together and try again as I urged my students to do.

While I might have been an inspiration to other skaters in Ice Capades, I too got coached by the male lead of the show. I was to be his understudy and I had a lot to learn. I recall the number of times he would call me to a coaching session and thinking I knew more than he, I would do it my way. Then when I went into the show as his understudy, I would make a mess of my program in front of thousands of paying customers. Paying to watch me mop up the ice in performance. There were times when I was sure I wasn’t good enough to be in a professional show. Yet, my coaches never gave up on me. They continued to show up and help me become a better performer.

After leaving Ice Capades, I settled into my teaching career in Boston and began rising in estimation as a skating coach. Soon other coaches came out of the woodwork to seek my  help for their skaters’ rise in competitive figure skating. I went from choreographer to technical coach to head coach of my own team which included a support coach, dance & choreography coach, and costume designer. 

Yet through it all, I continued to skate and continued to have coaches develop me. I was fortunate to have international and Olympic coaches work with me, helping me hone my skills as a coach. I learned early on that no one can do it on their own. Even as I rose to become a master rated coach, I continued to be coached by those better than I, so that I could hone my craft.

Around 2009, the sport adopted a new discipline to replace compulsory school figures and I became the MovesMaster for Moves in the Field (since renamed Skating Skills in 2023). A team of a dozen coaches or so published the standards for the new discipline and I became the “go-to” coach on the East Coast to prepare judges to judge the technical aspects of the Skating Skills. I also taught coaches how to coach it, and skaters how to executive the skills , and passed my gold test in the discipline. 

What followed was a waiting list of skaters wanting me to coach them, one of whom accomplished his dream to be part of the US Olympic team in 1998, the same year I went on to become the first Professional Pairs Champion of The American Open Professional Figure Skating Championships. This was something else I did not do alone. Nearly half a dozen coaches were part of the team who helped me and my partner, Beth Duxbury win that championship.

That is when I recall the die was cast on my future in leadership development. Even today, I seek help to maintain my sharp edge in helping executives master the skills needed to become leaders themselves. The truth that has become solid for me is that none of us can do it alone. Even in my career today, I seek help from other coaches to help me see what I can sometimes miss when it comes to developing others.

TELL ME YOUR STORY

Let’s now touch on the Far-Reaching Benefits of executive coaching and how you can get your seat at the table!

Far-Reaching Benefits

Posted on by Byron Darden

Leadership coaching has become a pivotal tool for career advancement, with substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness. Notably, 96% of organizations that engage in executive coaching expressed a willingness to repeat the process, underscoring its perceived value.

Furthermore, approximately one-third of Fortune 500 companies utilize executive coaching as a standard component of leadership development for their top executives and emerging talent. Learning with Biz

While companies like to focus on ROI, companies and executives realize the intangible benefits as well. Many executives reach out for individual coaching when navigating company politics or searching for a new position. At its core, executive coaching is about fostering growth, enhancing self-awareness, and unlocking potential.

Here are some key reasons why my executive coaching is valuable:

  • I provide tailored support to help leaders identify their strengths and areas for improvement, creating a customized plan for growth.
  • Through focused conversations, I listen and provide feedback. I help you develop the competencies that make you more effective in your role.
  • We have developed and augmented experiential activities that provide you the opportunity to actually feel what it is like to lead effectively and identify when you need more support in doing so.
  • By telling your story, you understand your behaviors and how they impact others.  This allows you to build stronger relationships and emotional intelligence.
  • Whether stepping into a new role or managing organizational changes, I offer guidance to navigate these transitions smoothly.
  • I help leaders develop strategies to cope with challenges and maintain a positive mindset.
  • I am your accountability partner. I encourage you to set goals and hold yourself accountable, driving progress in your personal and professional development.

Investing in executive coaching not only improves individual performance, it also fosters a culture of continuous learning within organizations, leading to long-term success. 

Get Your Seat at the Table

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
 — Simon Sinek

Investing in yourself is the first step toward becoming the leader you aspire to be. Leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about developing the skills, mindset, and confidence to inspire others, make meaningful decisions, and drive results. Executive leadership coaching offers a journey to uncover your potential, sharpen your strengths, and address challenges that may be holding you back.

When you’re ready to elevate your leadership skills, build influence, and achieve your professional and personal goals, let’s connect. Together, we’ll work on strategies tailored specifically to your needs and aspirations. Whether it’s honing your communication skills, navigating complex workplace dynamics, or preparing for your next big role, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

I’ve had the privilege of helping leaders step into their full potential and secure their seat at the table. You can be next. Take that first step today.

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF COACHING

Founders Corner – From Inspiration to Action

Posted on by Byron Darden

January means different things to different people all over the world. For some, it means a time for resolutions, fresh start,s and new commitments.

For me, it’s a time to step back and consider the past year in review and identify what to do next or differently from what I’ve done before. My 2024 was met with successes and setbacks, one of which was the challenge of physical limitations and months of physical therapy that slowed the last quarter of 2024 to a sluggish pace. During that time, I decided to beef up my efforts around what has proven most valuable to offer to the leaders with whom I work and those of you I’ll work with in the future.

Hi, I’m Byron Darden welcoming you to another edition of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. As we step into 2025, I’ve codified my offerings around executive coaching. I’ve learned a great deal from my clients, inspiring me to broaden our work around the voice. I’ve taken a deeper look at the work we do around relationship building and developed a laser view of how to help you deepen your relationships and build the trust you will need from those who follow your lead so that you can be more successful.

I’ve also shared why I do what I do so that you can get a greater sense of the value you’ll gain in working with Triple Axel Executive coaching. Enjoy!

Get started with From Inspiration to Action.

From Inspiration to Action:  Helping Leaders Master the Skills to Influence, Inspire, and Succeed

Posted on by Byron Darden

Today’s leaders have unique challenges. And there are common misconceptions about what it takes to be an effective leader. It’s not enough to be an expert in your field. It’s not enough to have the respect of your peers. It’s not enough to show loyalty by putting in years of service and climbing the corporate ladder.

Leadership is about building relationships. Whether you are the founder of a company or handed the reins from a family dynasty, effective leadership involves a certain set of skills.

These involve a mastery of oneself (such as self-awareness, self-management, and restorative self-care), the ability to relate to different kinds of people, finding your executive voice, and being able to get others to buy into your vision.

No one can lead without followers and even those with a natural gift for leadership are not always effective.

Through Triple Axel Executive Coaching (TAEC), we can help you influence how the world of business is run. We coach people on how to make a lasting impression that gets them promoted within their organization or hired into leadership roles.

TAEC’s commitment is to support leaders from the time they are identified as “high potentials” to the time they retire and/or transition into grander ways of contributing to the global community.

Core Competencies for Leaders

Over the past three decades, I’ve learned valuable lessons from coaching athletes, training figure skating judges, mentoring other coaches, serving on committees, running boards, and spending two decades coaching global executives. Alongside this, I’ve consistently sought out coaches to hone my own skills. One thing remains clear: there are core competencies essential for leadership mastery, and they evolve over time. I call them the 4 C’s.

Every people leader who collaborates with others—whether in teams, groups, or larger communities—benefits from developing these proficiencies. In doing so, they positively influence everyone within their sphere. Among these competencies, one stands out as pivotal to leadership success: building a strong team culture.

Culture as a Shared Responsibility

Team culture is a collective effort requiring consistent and intentional actions, rooted in shared values and behaviors. Culture doesn’t simply happen; it’s cultivated over time. When every team member commits to creating a positive, values-driven environment, culture transforms into a foundation for long-term success.

The Power of Communication

Effective leaders excel in communication—spoken, written, and unspoken. They keep their community informed, aligned, and connected to the organization’s shared vision, purpose, and mission. Clear and consistent communication ensures that everyone understands their role and remains committed to achieving collective goals. Without it, miscommunication breeds confusion and chaos.

Connection Build Cohesion

Sustaining cohesion within a team or community requires the ability to build, nurture, and grow relationships. A leader who inspires trust and connection motivates others to follow their lead and fosters growth—both individually and collectively.

This relational leadership manifests in:

  • Internal interactions: Meetings, presentations, and daily exchanges with direct reports, colleagues, and senior leaders.
  • External engagements: Building relationships with vendors, clients, marketing teams, and the surrounding community.

By cultivating these relationships, leaders create a robust network of advocates, clients, and even future employees. A strong connection with the external community also ensures the organization is seen as a champion for the causes that matter most.

Commitment to the Foundation of Growth

At the heart of sustainable growth lies a leader’s ability to fulfill commitments to their people—keeping them inspired, involved, and motivated to take meaningful action. Commitment is just as much about influence as it is about participation. When people feel committed to the vision, they’re more likely to contribute to achieving it.

Leadership is a dynamic process of growth and adaptation. By focusing on culture, communication, and commitment, leaders lay the groundwork for success that resonates far beyond their immediate team.

MASTER YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

It’s time to Create an Impact.