How Is My Leadership and Coaching Growth A Gift from Transcending Unexpected Challenges?

Life is not linear-it is a beautifully winding path with sharp turns and unexpected stops.  Challenges arise, catching us off-guard, but it is how we respond to these hardships that truly shapes our character and defines our leadership.  Today, I want to share parts of my own journey-a personal adventure that brought me closer to resilience, mindful coaching and holding my Leadership Presence.

Two years ago, an unforeseen health setback forced me to temporarily step back from my leadership coaching role.  This was challenging but marked the beginning of an incredible journey of self-discovery.  During the struggle, I drew strength and courage from within. While continuing to serve my clients part-time, I also delved into a deeper understanding of my own CALM Power™ (Career and Leadership Mastery) foundational program. Instead of seeing myself as a victim, I chose to see myself as a thriver.

This experience reminded me of a profound truth: our deepest struggles often teach us the most precious lessons and lead us to depths of awareness that become our greatest gifts. They force us to change, evolve and learn, just like a butterfly shedding its cocoon. And like it or not, this was another “shedding” that was thrust upon me!

During this time, I invested in the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) Practitioners Certification.  This intensive study on teaching and coaching MBSP researches its effects on well-being, productivity, engagement, stress management and positive relationships. Created by the global mindfulness leader, Dr. Ryan Niemiec, MBSP is the first program of its kind to merge mindfulness and character strengths science into practical applications.

My journey taught me about “going through” rather than merely “overcoming”. I became more intimate with the concepts of vulnerability, self-care, compassion, and love, and how to integrate these into leadership and coaching.

Consequently, The Coaching Nest will continue to deepen mindfulness practices into all our coaching programs.

Exciting, isn’t it?

As leaders, it is crucial we do not self-sacrifice or self-abandon. Grounding ourselves with mindfulness prevents us from derailing our best-laid leadership plans. We have wisdom to gain from mindfulness and spiritual gurus who experienced suffering and taught us how to navigate it.

So, why be mindful?

Our roles as leaders involve countless stressors that require us to stay present, calm, and responsive. This is where your Leadership Presence shines.  Leadership Presence is not just about the executive level - it applies to every person and part of an organization.

When we adopt a mindful leadership approach, we open the door for numerous positive consequences for ourselves, our colleagues, clients, and our organizations.

It can all start with us. A small shift, like taking a pause, consciously eating, walking, speaking with love and gratitude, can change the climate of any interaction. We can enhance not only our well-being but also contribute to a resilient, wise culture within our organizations and homes. This is the beacon of hope we want to offer the world.

Let’s celebrate life’s pauses, and the unknown gifts they carry. Let’s nurture unity and strength and uplift each other. Together, we can explore the power of leadership, presence, and coaching.

 I Invite you to watch this space for new changes in September! 

In the whirl of today’s chaotic world, let’s not forget to pause, to simply “be”, breathe and connect with one another. Let’s light the way! Enjoy this poem below that resonates with my coaching philosophy!