Category: Demo

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.

Create an Impact

Posted on by Byron Darden

Consider the events that shaped you into who you are now. The life-denying and life-affirming experiences, people, places, events, and decisions. Each experience puts you on a unique path that is different from others.

Take two people – One person who grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, went to public school, and then entered the workforce right after high school will have a different approach to life than someone who went to private schools, an Ivy League college, and then joined the family business as an executive.

Even two people who have very similar paths growing up will have beliefs and values that will differentiate them from one another. These differences influence your leadership style.

One style is not better than the other. Although a leader’s ability to flex among several styles is paramount. This level of adaptability signals an effective leader who discerns what is most required at any given time based on the needs of the one being influenced at the time. This is when how you use your skills (and skills you can develop) makes a huge difference. In short, more emphasis is placed on how you do over what you do.

The key is to show up, pay attention, do the work, and learn as you go

LET’S CHAT

Ready to See the Forest Through the Trees?

See the Forest Through the Trees

Posted on by Byron Darden

Throughout my years of coaching – first figure skaters and then executive leaders – I’ve narrowed down the list of skills that make a difference. It involves a holistic approach with a focus on each client’s situation.

Through assessments and conversations, we embark on a treasure hunt to get in touch with your Executive Voice. We explore: 

  • How we make choices.
  • Your thoughts and how they are organized.
  • Your story and how it affects the way you lead.
  • Plans for the future.
  • Getting you in touch with your senses and deepening awareness.
  • How to recognize and overcome barriers.
  • The way storytelling is used to relate and resonate with your team.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all plan, I listen and ask engaging questions to draw out what you need to succeed. Then, with a toolkit developed over the last several decades, we work on what you need to succeed. 

Together we will discover the talents that you might not realize about yourself. You will become aware of your unique gifts and the things you need to shine. They are already inside you – I help you draw out what you can’t see on your own (you’re simply too close to the subject). This is a lesson I’ve learned over time with much support and insightful experiences.I help you see the forest through the trees. The trees are the details, and the forest is the big picture.

Years of coaching and storytelling have taught me the art of listening to the words you say as well as to the essence of who you are. 

I’M READY TO LISTEN

Founders Corner – Somatic Abolitionism Part II – Stressors

Posted on by Byron Darden

I recently encouraged you to explore ways to destress your life. It’s one of the most significant topics clients bring to me to help them deal with workplace anxiety, frustration and overwhelm. It wasn’t until I dealt with this topic myself that I was able to support leaders in every industry and at every level of leadership about how to more effectively face this issue with resolutions that work. I call it The Practice.

It encompasses a number of activities you can choose from to help you deal with any stress you face in the moment. Let’s take a look at some situations that can lead us down the rabbit hole of overwhelm. Perhaps you face workplace disagreements that escalate into anxiety. Maybe you missed deadlines that caused your stress levels to rise. It could be A colleague who snaps at you in the heat of a discussion. Or speaks to you in a way that makes you feel less than or unworthy of consideration. You may be facing annoyances with your job that cause you to want to quit. Or you may just want to find a way to say no to more work being piled on you that you are unable to accomplish in a timely manner.

These are just a few examples of why it is important to develop The Practice so that you can face work-life stresses with grace and poise that allows you to keep your cool and rise above the challenges of leadership.

Hi, I’m Byron Darden bringing you another edition of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. In this installment, we do a deeper dive into how to face common stressors at work. We’ll offer you tools, tips, and activities that help you to actively address those stressors. I’ll also share a personal story about how I’ve come to learn that there is no such thing as a bad practice. And we will address the effect on 264 million people worldwide who suffer from stress-related issues that lead to anxiety and depression. Are you one of those? Is there a way to remove yourself from that list? Read on and learn more. Enjoy!

Continue to learn about the Stressors.

Common Stressors

Posted on by Byron Darden

Life is full of stressors, but The Practice can help you manage triggers and maintain composure. Common scenarios might include:

  • Workplace disagreements that escalate into anxiety.
  • A challenging situation that goes unresolved at the moment.
  • Missed deadlines that cause your stress levels to rise.
  • Showing up late for an important meeting.
  • Feeling triggered by your boss or senior leader’s sharp comment.
  • Undue pressure you place on yourself.
  • Misspeaking when sharing details of a deal or negotiation.
  • A colleague who snaps at you in the heat of a discussion.
  • Navigating frustrating moments, such as getting stuck in traffic or having a tough conversation with a direct report.
  • Getting caught in unexpected traffic on your way to a client’s site.
  • A driver that cuts you off on your way home from work.
  • A train that blocks your path and seemingly goes back and forth, not clearing the tracks.
  • A frustrating moment with a client or customer.
  • A stressful feedback session with another staff member.
  • A bonus that does not come through as expected.
  • Annoyance with your job that causes you to want to quit.

Whatever the source of stress, anxiety, or trauma of some kind, you can draw on The Practice to help you embody a change that can deliver you to the centered place where you can return to functioning well and moving through your days with ease and self-assurance.

LET’S TALK

Get ready to Actively Address the Stressors.

Actively Addressing the Stressors

Posted on by Byron Darden

After any stressor occurs, it’s important to get back to your center, and here are several ways you can do this.

  • Acknowledgment is the first step in taking advantage of the orienting process. Recognize that your environment and headspace need clearing throughout the day. It could be prior to entering a meeting. You might have others meeting you in your space which is an ideal time to acknowledge the need for reorienting yourself between the departure of the previous person and before the arrival of the next person. 
  • Grounding is the next step you’ll want to take that can easily be done by simply sitting in a chair with both feet firmly planted on the floor. Be sure to check your posture and ensure you maintain an easy straight line of  your spine without feeling the need to be stiff or hold yourself upward. I recommend moving your hips forward in your chair away from the back so that you are seated two-thirds of the way to the front of your chair.
  • Orienting is something you will note in dogs following an energized altercation, be it a barking match with another dog, a run-in with a human, or anything that causes a canine disruption in their life’s flow. You will note that they literally shake their body from head to toe. While I hesitate to suggest you literally shake your body at work, it is a great way to reorient. It’s something I do at the end of every yoga session; shake from head to toe including a rigorous vocal release. There are even some schools of thought that recommend just that; literally shake to dispel the overcharged energy in your body and as one of my massage therapists recommended, yell into a pillow (mind the neighbors).

Should you not be in a space that allows for this without the wandering and curious eyes and ears of others, there are other ways to orient yourself. Such as taking a few deep breaths, twisting your body as far as possible to one side as possible, and repeating the same on the opposite side of your body. Note anything you might see or experience while unwinding. Then proceed to look up to stretch your neck and down to stretch your vertebrae. Again always note what you encounter that may be familiar or unfamiliar to you.

  • Soothing comes after you orient yourself by taking a few deep breaths, rolling the shoulders first backward then forwards, and tilting your head in both directions to release tension. I recommend to my clients to have a glass of water nearby and to flush the system a few times while they move through these activities, particularly at the end.
  • Assessing comes once you have completed the orienting process. Notice how you feel, what you experienced, what you saw that you hadn’t noticed before. Note any physical sensations and be sure to avoid discounting the slightest observation that seeps into your awareness. All these count toward you gaining the greatest benefit from orienting. Once you’ve completed the practice, I suggest to all my clients to note all observations in their leadership journal and bring that information to the next coaching session. It can be invaluable information you gather in your leadership journal when it comes to making connections with whatever challenges you are facing as an executive leader.

While these are the steps I use to aid clients in getting the most out of overcoming stress and anxiety on the job, I have and continue to utilize the orienting process for myself. I also practice mindfulness meditation, which I spoke of in a previous blog. 

Sometimes my meditation doesn’t go as well as I would like. In those moments I remind myself that a “poor” meditation is far more beneficial than I might admit to myself at first. Yet, once you learn more about what meditation is truly about, you’ll understand that there is a meta-level to meditation that can escape even the most practiced of us all. This boils down to my own realization that there is no such thing as a “poor” meditation. There is only the one you did not do versus the one you did do!

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The Practice has made a huge difference in my life. Let me share My Story.

My Story

Posted on by Byron Darden

I recently joined my weekly meditation class. The dharma talk as it is called or lesson, was centered around the topic, Samadhi; the Pali and Sanskrit word in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and yogic schools that refer to a state of the highest mental concentration. 

As I listened to the dharma talk, I discovered why some of my sits (what we call it when we sit in silence for meditation) hadn’t felt so successful in recent times. I learned that what I used to do to start each sit, I’d begun to let go of as part of my practice. I hadn’t been faithful to what I knew to be true. I’ve been meditating for many years and I’d begun to cut corners and ultimately, cheat myself out of a truly fulfilling sit.

What caused me to feel as though I was a deer in the headlights is when I was reminded how important it is to begin my meditation with a body scan. I often ask my clients to note physical sensations in the body. Only I was failing to do so myself! By starting with a body scan, my accomplishment was three-pronged. 

First, the act of starting at the top of my head and working down, or beginning with the soles of my feet and working up, provides me an opportunity to note any physical sensations in the body that may need my attention by way of concentration thus allowing me to become fully present; the meaning of Samadhi. 

Second, by concentrating on physical sensations I’m alerted  to any tension in my body that I can release by using my breathing to relax aches, pains, and tightness that can prevent my body from fully relaxing into the meditative state. 

Third, by beginning with a full body scan, I more easily focus on my breath without overdoing it, which can lead to tension in the body due to hyper focusing  or concentrating too intensely.

As the dharma talk came to an end, my meditation teachers commented on how I was grinning from ear to ear throughout the session as they wondered what was going on for me that caused me to be so enthusiastic about my practice that day. It was an enlightening experience for me and a reminder that cutting corners accomplishes little in helping me to succeed at meditating. 


Lesson Learned: I realize as an executive coach that it can seem tedious and a waste of time to do the very thing we need to do for the sake of gaining the very result for why so many of my clients come to me for support. In short, you have to be willing to do the work to receive the benefits. It’s all in service to what a colleague once shared with me; show up, pay attention, and do the work!

LET’S CONNECT

Read about how Trauma and Stress are Prevalent and how to incorporate Somatic Abolitionism into your life

Trauma and Stress are Prevalent

Posted on by Byron Darden

The number of people who could benefit from Somatic Abolitionism is vast, as it addresses both personal and collective trauma. On an individual level, people from all walks of life can experience the physical and emotional impacts of stress, trauma, or anxiety, and Somatic Abolitionism provides tools for healing these through body-based practices. Whether someone is dealing with trauma related to race, professional burnout, childhood experiences, or other stressors, this practice offers a holistic approach to healing.

On a collective level, organizations of all types can struggle because those within bring their trauma to work. By adopting embodied practices learned from Somatic Abolitionism, leaders can develop a culture of presence and increase its functionality, efficiency and overall well-being. It’s good for business! 

Considering that around **70% of adults in the U.S.** report experiencing some form of trauma in their lifetime, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health, the potential impact of a practice like Somatic Abolitionism could be significant.  Additionally, the **World Health Organization (WHO)** estimates that stress-related issues, including anxiety and depression, affect more than **264 million people worldwide**. Somatic practices aimed at emotional regulation, grounding, and mindfulness could benefit many of these individuals by offering alternative methods for managing and reducing stress.

While Somatic Abolitionism is particularly relevant to those affected by racialized trauma, its principles of healing, emotional intelligence, and resilience-building extend to anyone experiencing the mental and physical tolls of unprocessed trauma or chronic stress. Therefore, millions of people globally could potentially find value from integrating its methods into their daily lives for better overall well-being.

one with You

“Breathe. Let go. Remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” – Oprah Winfrey

The breath is where everything begins. The deeper you breathe, the more you reoxygenate your bloodstream, which leads to greater mental clarity. Taking the time to breathe deeply is the foundation for the Seven Stages of Self-Orientation, a practice I write about in Orienting: Settling the Executive Body. This simple yet powerful act of mindful breathing creates the groundwork for centering your body and mind, preparing you to navigate life’s challenges with ease.

Incorporating Somatic Abolitionism into your life goes beyond stress management—it’s about embracing and embodying your fullest self. By aligning your thoughts, actions, and emotions, this practice helps unlock a profound sense of resilience and well-being. When you center your body and foster emotional intelligence, you create the conditions for thriving in both your personal and professional life.

Take a deep breath and begin The Practice. Let Somatic Abolitionism guide you toward a life of holistic wellness, where your body, mind, and spirit work together in harmony. The path to resilience and peace begins with one intentional breath—start today. Visit  www.tripleaxelec.com and book a free call with me using the button below. 

one with You, Byron

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Founder’s Corner – Somatic Abolitionism, Part 1

Posted on by Byron Darden

It’s February 2022. I’ve just published a blog on restorative self-care. I share in my Founder’s corner my plans for a year of restorative self-care trips, events, and activities in 2020 after far too long of a time without a proper vacation. Then in one weekend my plans are preempted by COVID. Just like everyone else’s plans that year.

Fast forward to March 2022 when I took a trip to Florida as an attempt to make up for what I missed in 2020. Little did I know then that Restorative Self-Care would become a major focus of mine leading right up to today. Since then I’ve taken a deep dive into more ways to restoratively care better for myself and to share what I learn with you. Those of you who have worked with me have experienced orienting, something I learned from Resmaa Menakem, author of My Grandmother’s Hands.

Hi, I’m Byron Darden bringing you another edition of Leading with Purpose on Purpose. As I continue deepening my knowledge, my goal is to deepen yours. So this month and in December, I am introducing you to somatic abolitionism as a way to help you determine where some of your stress may be coming from and how to metabolize the trauma that causes that stress.

We face it every day in our lives at home and at work and given that a reported 77% of Americans alone experience physical symptoms related to stress such as fatigue, headache, upset stomach, muscle tension, and changes in our appetite, I can only imagine the impact on a global scale.

While we may not be able to avoid stress, we certainly can do our part to metabolize the trauma that leads to 2.8 million workers annually according to the United Nations Labor Agency. It is at this point in my founder’s corner when I usually end with, enjoy. Instead, I encourage you to…take note!

Let’s get started on this theme with Embodied Wellness: A Path to Holistic Well-Being