Intuitive Women's Leadership Podcast

In this enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Alex Swenson Ridley delves into the complexities of leadership for healthcare entrepreneurs. Exploring insights from the book 'The Six Types of Working Genius,' she highlights the importance of aligning work roles with personal strengths to prevent burnout. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey of discovering her creative strengths, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's unique leadership style. By embracing personal strengths, entrepreneurs can lead practices more authentically and effectively. This episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on developing positive leadership and reshaping practice roles for genuine entrepreneurial success. Resources from this episode: Working Genius VIA Character Strengths Leadership Energy Audit Aligned Authority Workshop--Available 2/16 Connect Call with Dr. Alex

What happens when you do everything “right”—and still burn out? In this first full episode of The Rooted Practice Podcast, Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the internal foundation that shapes how we lead, work, and sustain ourselves, often without being named or supported. This episode explores why so many capable, committed practice owners and leaders find themselves exhausted despite external success. Why following the rules, applying the strategies, and doing what you were taught can still lead to burnout—not because you failed, but because the model you were following never included the whole human. Through reflection, lived experience, and a grounded reframe, this conversation invites you to pause and consider what’s been happening beneath your leadership and your work. This is not an episode about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding what’s been missing. In This Episode, We Explore:Why burnout isn’t always caused by doing too much What “the practice beneath the practice” actually means How leadership, nervous system capacity, and self-worth intersect Why external success can coexist with deep internal exhaustion How a different foundation makes sustainable leadership possible A Personal ReflectionDr. Alex shares part of her own journey—building a successful practice by every traditional measure, and slowly realizing that something essential was missing. Not as a story of failure, but as context for why so many leaders reach a breaking point while doing exactly what they were taught to do. This episode is an invitation to see your experience not as a personal shortcoming, but as a signal that a different way of practicing and leading may be needed. Who This Episode Is ForPractice owners who feel successful on paper but depleted in real life Leaders questioning whether this is what success is supposed to feel like Those who’ve outgrown hustle but don’t yet have language for what’s next Anyone sensing that the real work begins underneath the strategy A Gentle InvitationIf today stirred something, the Leadership Energy Audit offers a gentle place to reflect, without urgency or expectation. About the PodcastThe Rooted Practice Podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Through reflective conversations and evidence-informed insight, this podcast supports leaders who want alignment—not just achievement.

What happens when success no longer feels sustainable? The Rooted Practice Podcast is a space for practice owners and purpose-driven leaders who are successful on the outside—but quietly exhausted, disconnected, or questioning the way they’ve been taught to lead. In this short trailer episode, host Dr. Alex Swenson-Ridley introduces the core idea behind the show: the practice beneath the practice—the inner leadership, nervous system patterns, values, identity, and emotional dynamics that shape how we lead, work, and live. This podcast explores inside-out leadership, practitioner wellbeing, burnout recovery, and building a sustainable, aligned practice rooted in what matters most. Rather than focusing on hustle, productivity, or quick fixes, these conversations invite reflection, regulation, and a different definition of success. If you’ve outgrown hustle culture… If leadership feels heavier than it used to… If you’re ready to stop pushing from the surface and start building from the roots— You’re in the right place. Our first two episodes will launch 2/2/26. Come back to listen then!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show! In this first episode of 2025, I shared my personal journey of overcoming burnout, a topic I've discussed extensively on this podcast. After celebrating my 40th birthday and spending quality time with my family, I felt it was important to revisit this subject, especially as I've recently reached the other side of burnout after a six-year struggle. I outlined the five most impactful steps that helped me heal from burnout, hoping they can serve as a guide for anyone currently experiencing it. Here are the key takeaways: Acceptance and Rest: Recognize that you're burned out and give yourself permission to stop pushing. This involves reducing physical, emotional, and mental stress and allowing yourself to rest and recover. Body Sensation Awareness: Learn to connect with your body's sensations as they are indicators of your emotional state. This can help you understand and address underlying issues contributing to burnout. HeartMath and Emotional Connection: Utilize HeartMath techniques to connect with positive emotions like love, appreciation, and compassion. This helps in achieving physiological coherence, which is crucial for healing. Making Time for Yourself: Dedicate time to connect with yourself, feel your emotions, and reflect. This can be through a morning or evening routine, ensuring you have space to process and heal. Somatic Movement: Engage in somatic movement practices to release stored trauma and stress from your body. This can be particularly effective in the final stages of healing. I also emphasized the importance of seeking support, whether from a therapist, coach, or understanding friend, and the need to break free from guilt and shame associated with burnout. For those interested, I mentioned a guide I created to help connect with oneself and start the healing process, which will be available in the show notes. Additionally, I am available for coaching and support if needed. Remember, healing from burnout is possible, and it requires intentional changes and support. Don't suffer in silence; reach out and take the first step towards a rejuvenated life. Thank you for listening, and I look forward to connecting with you in the next episode. Reach out to me with any questions or just to chat dralex@emeregentwomencoaching.com Download The Flourishing Handbook (originally made for chiropractors, but appplies to everyone): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKjGpjuG-4JQUN7eeSTgbFCc57J-ZNTs/view?usp=drive_link

In this episode, we welcome Catherine Brooks, a professor emeritus from the University of Fairbanks, Alaska, and author of the new book "Sirens." Dr. Alex and Catherine discuss her journey of writing the book, reflecting on how it has served as a healing process and a way to follow her heart. Catherine shares insights about the challenges of finding time to write and the importance of carving out space for creativity. This heartfelt conversation delves into the significance of living authentically and the transformative power of storytelling. Join us to explore Catherine's experiences and the inspiration behind her latest work. Timestamps [00:01:15] Following your heart in writing. [00:08:21] Writing as a healing tool. [00:12:26] Healing through writing. [00:17:08] Trauma and support systems. [00:20:19] Emotional suppression and its impact. [00:26:06] Painful past experiences and healing. [00:30:38] Diet soda addiction awareness. [00:38:37] What happened to you? [00:40:45] Following the call of sirens. [00:45:32] Trauma and alternative healing avenues. To connect with Catherine visit www.catherinebrooksalaska.com Order your copy of Sirens here. Follow Catherine on social channels: @catherinebrooksalaska To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co or email dralex@emergenthumans.co

In this episode of the podcast, host Dr. Alex welcomes Sonja Ralevic, a mental resilience mentor and advocate for emotional intelligence and resilience in the corporate world. Sonja shares her unique perspective on navigating the complexities of business while emphasizing the importance of emotional self-regulation and intelligent personal energy management for sustainable success. They discuss the challenges of burnout, the need for a shift in traditional leadership styles, and how positive organizational development can foster a more inclusive and effective approach to leadership. Tune in to gain valuable insights that can help you thrive in today's fast-paced business landscape. Timestamps [00:02:04] Burnout recovery journey. [00:06:39] Emotional self-regulation for leaders. [00:09:30] Sustainable self-care practices. [00:12:16] Self-worth and energy management. [00:19:31] Energy drainers and chargers. [00:23:13] Intelligent energy management. [00:27:40] Resilience and sustainability in fitness. [00:30:27] Heart-focused breathing technique. [00:38:30] Living life for oneself. [00:43:10] Boundaries and self-empowerment. Sanja is the founder of HeartVista Performance, a mentor at Foresight and runs multiple resilience coaching programs for entrepreneurs and executives. As a trained biofeedback practitioner, Sanja combines technology and evidence-based practices, offering practical and actionable tools for achieving mental resilience and maximized performance. Connect with her by visiting www.heartvistaperformance.com

In this episode, we reflect on the theme of gratitude following Thanksgiving in the U.S. Dr. Alex shares personal insights about the varying perspectives on gratitude, particularly from her step-sons aged 19 to 22, who seem to approach the concept with skepticism. She emphasizes the tendency for gratitude to become superficial, often reduced to mere phrases without genuine emotional connection. Drawing from her studies in a master's program in positive psychology, she highlights the significance of deeper emotional experiences, with a focus on self-compassion and its physiological benefits. Join us as we explore the true essence of gratitude and its impact on our lives. Timestamps [00:01:26] The health benefits of gratitude. [00:05:24] Toxic positivity and gratitude. [00:09:40] Gratitude and meaningful connections. [00:12:32] Overcoming burnout conversation. To connect with Dr. Alex send an email to dralex@emergenthumans.co

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming my dear friend Paulina Równy, a burnout coach originally from Poland, now living in Edinburgh. We shared our personal journeys of healing and self-discovery, particularly focusing on the theme of rewriting our stories of worthiness. Paulina opened up about her experience with burnout in the corporate world and how she took a year off to reflect and develop her practice. During this time, she faced significant identity challenges, which led to our collaboration on a program called "Rooted in Worth." This program aims to help individuals navigate their own struggles with self-worth and identity, drawing from our shared experiences and insights. We discussed the impact of familial relationships, particularly the dynamics with our mothers, and how these relationships shaped our perceptions of worthiness. Paulina shared her realization about the disempowering nature of being labeled as "lucky," while I reflected on my own experiences of being a peacekeeper in my family. Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the importance of acknowledging and embracing our emotions, rather than running from them. We also introduced the concept of our program, which is designed to guide participants through a journey of self-exploration and empowerment, using the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the layers of worthiness we will uncover together. As we prepare to launch "Rooted in Worth" in January, we invite listeners to join us for introductory sessions to learn more about the program and how it can support their personal growth. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of our journeys and the transformative power of understanding our worth. Get Updates on the Launch of Rooted In Worth and upcoming introductions: www.emergenthumans.co/rooted Reach out with questions or comments: Dr. Alex: dralex@emergenthumans.co Paulina: elephantsheartltd@gmail.com

In this episode, I share some exciting personal updates and invite you to reflect on your own life changes. After starting a master's program in positive psychology and reactivating my chiropractic license, I’m thrilled to return to practice part-time. This journey has been transformative, especially after experiencing burnout in my previous decade of practice. As I navigate these changes, I’ve decided to adjust the podcast's release schedule. Starting in November, I will be releasing two episodes a month instead of weekly. This shift allows me to focus on the quality of content I provide, ensuring that each episode is meaningful and valuable to you. I also discuss the importance of balancing commitments without feeling the need to drop everything for new pursuits. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, I’m embracing a mindset that allows for flexibility and quality in my endeavors. I encourage you to consider where you might be focusing on quantity over quality in your own life and how you can create space for new opportunities without sacrificing what you already have. Additionally, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter, the Soul Shift Chronicle (www.emergenthumans.co/subscribe), where I’ll share curated content, including highlights from past episodes and insights from my studies. I would love to hear your feedback on the podcast—what you enjoy, what you’d like to see more of, and how I can better serve you. Please shoot me an email at dralex@emergenthumans.co and let me know what you'd like to see more of so that I can bring this show to life in the best way for you. Join me next week for a fantastic interview with my friend Paulina Równy, where we’ll discuss a collaborative project we’ve created together. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming episodes! Links from this episode: Subscribe to the Soul Shift Chronicle: www.emergenthumans.co/subscribe Dr. Alex's Email: dralex@emergenthumans.co

In this episode, Dr. Alex delves into her recent journey of starting a master's program in positive psychology, a field she has been passionate about for years. She shares insights from her studies, particularly focusing on the significance of positive emotions such as love, gratitude, and joy, and their impact on our overall well-being. Dr. Alex highlights the fascinating connection between the heart and emotions, explaining how the heart operates independently of the brain and has its own "heart brain." She challenges listeners to start to explore their own relationship to their emotions with three simple exercises they can try over the next week. These include: Removing significance from emotions by stating "I am noticing that I am feeling..." instead of "I am feeling..." Starting to create a Positivity Portfolio (coined by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson) this can include photos, memories, smells, music etc that elicit positive feelings for you. Write down Three Good Things (events) that occured that day. Listen to the full episode to explore the profound relationship between positive psychology and our emotional health! What method did you choose to try implementing this week? Send an email to dralex@emergenthumans.co and let us know! 00:00:34 - Interest in Positive Psychology 00:00:56 - Positive Emotions and HeartMath 00:01:17 - The Heart's Independent Response 00:01:50 - Heart Development and Intelligence 00:02:11 - Accessing a Range of Emotions 00:02:22 - Society's Focus on Negative Emotions 00:02:55 - Personal Mindfulness Practice 00:03:16 - Building a Repertoire of Positive Feelings 00:03:27 - Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory 00:04:10 - Benefits of Positive Emotions 00:04:22 - Starting Points for Positive Emotions 00:04:42 - Activity 1: Noticing Your Feelings 00:05:28 - Activity 2: Building a Positivity Portfolio 00:08:03 - Activity 3: Three Good Things 00:09:19 - Impact of Positive Practices 00:09:30 - Connecting with Intuition and Heart Intelligence 00:09:51 - Recap of Activities

In this episode, we welcome Lou O'Connell, a HeartMath practitioner and author, who shares her profound journey with adult ADHD and the impact of bereavement on her life. Lou opens up about her childhood experiences, including the loss of her brother at a young age and the passing of her mother when she was just 13. She also discusses the heart-wrenching loss of a partner due to an undiagnosed heart condition while serving in the British army. Through her story, Lou emphasizes the importance of being heart-centered and heart-focused, highlighting how these experiences have shaped her path towards healing and understanding. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, grief, and finding one’s true self amidst life's challenges. [00:02:41] Bereavement and personal growth. [00:06:38] Post-traumatic growth concept. [00:10:25] Late diagnosed ADHD journey. [00:14:36] Self-compassion and ADHD diagnosis. [00:20:23] Identity shifts and personal growth. [00:22:09] Distraction techniques and healing journey. [00:25:56] Trusting your body’s guidance. [00:30:25] Women, ADHD, and entrepreneurship. [00:33:15] Rooted in Worth course. [00:40:10] Emotional regulation and ADHD. [00:44:09] Self-care and heart coherence. [00:46:35] Heart-centered living and regulation. [00:49:44] Women's guide to ADHD. About Lou: Lou O'Connell MBE, otherwise known as the Mental Wealth Mentor, is a decorated veteran with over 28 years' service in the British Army and received an MBE for her work with bereaved military families. As a qualified mental health professional, Lou supports diverse clients, including LGBTQ+ members, bereaved individuals and students with mental health conditions, empowering them to thrive and navigate life's challenges with resilience and creativity. Much to her initial surprise, Lou received a diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 45, leading her down a rabbit hole of research. Initially to find ways of helping herself, however, the more she learnt, the more she found she was helping others going through late diagnosis. This led to her completing additional training in ADHD coaching and offering her coaching services within this field.   Connect with Lou: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.oconnell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_mental_wealth_mentor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-o-connell-mbe-b50b5057/ More About Lou's Book-Releases on 10/22/24. Pre-order below You Are Not Your ADHD: The Women's Guide to Hacking Your ADHD Brain So You Can Work With It Rather Than Fight Against It "It is the book I wish I'd had at the start of my journey towards a late diagnosis of ADHD. In the book, people will learn to: Explore the intricacies of ADHD, from diagnosis to coping mechanisms. Learn about the challenges in accessing a diagnosis and advocating for yourself within the healthcare system. Discover how female hormones affect ADHD symptoms and what helps mitigate these effects. Get practical tools and hacks for better memory and time management. Learn tips and techniques for emotional regulation and managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphora (RSD). Identify burnout in yourself and discover tips to avoid it by recognising and working with your strengths. Understand the challenges ADHD poses in relationships and find strategies to improve communication and reduce impulsivity. Learn about support systems at work and in higher education, including reasonable adjustments and government schemes. My hope in writing the book is that people feel empowered and equipped to manage your ADHD in a way that works for them. By the end of the book, they'll have practical strategies to enhance focus, productivity, and overall quality of life." To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co or email dralex@emergenthumans.co

In this episode, Dr. Alex explores the transformative power of heart-focused living and the concept of coherence — the alignment of the heart, head, and nervous system. She discusses how most people operate under constant stress and emphasizes the importance of cultivating renewing emotions such as gratitude, love, compassion, joy, and appreciation to achieve coherence. Dr. Alex shares her personal journey over the last 220 days, during which she has intentionally worked on attaining coherence using a biofeedback device. She reflects on how this practice has influenced her work, and brought her back towards chiropractic after retiring three years ago. It also highlights the significance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects of healing. Tune in to discover how living and leading from the heart can create profound changes in your life and work. Time Stamps [00:00:23] Heart-focused living and coherence. [00:06:13] Walls vs. Boundaries in Healing. [00:10:16] Breaking free from limitations. [00:11:31] Inner guidance and emotional healing. [00:15:17] Boxes we exist in. To connect with Dr. Alex visit www.emergenthumans.co Or email dralex@emergenthumans.co

In this episode of "Live and Lead with Heart," Dr. Alex invites listeners on a personal journey of healing and vulnerability. She shares insights from her recent experiences, highlighting the importance of being open to receiving feedback, praise, and criticism. Despite hosting over 260 episodes and connecting with a global audience, Dr. Alex reflects on her struggles with truly engaging with listeners and understanding their perspectives. This episode encourages self-discovery and growth, as Dr. Alex emphasizes the significance of building a deeper connection with both oneself and the audience. Tune in for an authentic conversation about breaking down barriers and embracing vulnerability. Time Stamps: [00:02:30] Vulnerability and self-worth journey. [00:04:49] Inner transformational healing journeys. [00:10:02] Voicing our own greatness. [00:12:10] Vulnerability and mental health. To connect with Dr. Alex please send an email to dralex@emergenthumans.co. She is the one who will read and respond, and would love to hear from you!

In this episode, host Dr. Alex welcomes Valerie Hope, an Art Math Certified coach and TEDx speaker, to the show. They dive into the journey of living and leading from the heart, exploring how Valerie's upbringing in a practical, logic-driven family influenced her initial perception of emotions. Valerie shares insights on the evolution of her understanding of emotional intelligence in the corporate world, discussing how feelings can transition from being seen as liabilities to valuable assets. Join Alexandra and Valerie for an inspiring conversation about the importance of heart-centered leadership and the transformative power of embracing our emotions. Timestamps [00:02:27] Heart opening through divorce. [00:04:37] Emotional expression in leadership. [00:09:55] Repressed anger and healing. [00:12:30] Assertiveness and emotional expression. [00:16:25] Finding power in self-expression. [00:21:37] Emotional guidance scale explained. [00:25:43] Heart-centered emotional ownership. [00:29:51] Quick coherence technique for emotions. [00:32:45] Heart-focused breathing technique. [00:35:48] Power of positive thinking. [00:40:58] Vibrational energy in leadership. [00:44:28] Trauma and operational coherence. [00:46:05] Heart-centered paths and connections. To Connect with Valerie visit www.valeriehope.com

In this episode, Alex welcomes Diane Allen, an international speaker, violinist, and author with expertise in the flow state. Diane shares her insights on achieving peak performance through her three-step flow strategy system, designed to help individuals tap into their genius and find joy in their work. The conversation dives into their shared experiences with the violin, exploring how both Alex and Diane have navigated their musical journeys, including the challenges of traditional training and the liberation found in improvisation. Listeners can expect an engaging discussion about the importance of embracing one's unique talents and the transformative power of being in the flow. Timestamps [00:00:41] Flow state and creativity. [00:04:58] The sandwich generation experience. [00:10:09] Creative expression without constraints. [00:12:47] Identity and personal growth. [00:18:25] Flow state and self-expression. [00:22:32] Flow state indicators. [00:25:48] Flow state and career success. [00:29:54] Juggling a soccer ball. [00:34:58] Self-actualization through personal challenges. [00:39:41] Sharing experiences through storytelling. [00:46:01] Selfless syndrome and caregiving. [00:50:10] Heart space and group flow. [00:52:53] Introvert's guide to leadership. [00:56:34] Creative side and musicality. International speaker, violinist, and author Diane Allen, is a global authority on the flow state. She is known for her experiential Keynotes, Training, and Coaching programs that go Beyond Engagement™, featuring her three-step Flow Strategy™ system, which empowers people to get into their flow state, be in their genius, and love what they do. Free Gift: Flow Essentials: Tools to Unlock Your Best Self (Guide + Videos) https://tinyurl.com/flowstategift Diane’s Book: Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Unlock-Your-Genius-Love/dp/1737855623/ Kindle sale price: $1.99 (Now through the end of the day Sept. 22, 2024)

In this episode, Dr. Alex explores the importance of bodily awareness and emotional recognition. She reflects on her personal journey with anxiety, revealing how she has become more attuned to the physical sensations associated with it, such as tight shoulders and chest discomfort. Dr. Alex discusses the role of tools like the Oura ring in monitoring stress levels and emphasizes the need for self-check-ins to understand and manage emotions better. The episode encourages listeners to consider their own body awareness and offers insights into developing a deeper connection with their emotions. Time Stamps: 00:00:35 - Question on Body Awareness 00:01:07 - Personal Experience with Anxiety 00:02:20 - Importance of Emotional Awareness 00:03:14 - Guided Body Scan Exercise 00:05:30 - Breathing and Heart Connection 00:06:24 - Setting Intentions and Gratitude 00:08:05 - Daily Practice and Benefits 00:09:31 - Living and Leading from the Heart 00:10:33 - Personal Progress and Oura Ring Insights 00:11:16 - Newsletter and Substack Invitation Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to the Soul Shift Chronicles here. Check out Dr. Alex's Substack-Getting to The Heart of It

Tune in to this episode where host Alex delves into the power of intuition with HeartMath practitioner, Andrea Bezek-White. Together, they explore the journey of listening to one's inner voice amidst the chaos of everyday life. Discover how Andrea's experiences since 2016 have shaped her connection to intuition and learn valuable insights on following your heart's calling. Join the conversation on embracing intuition and letting go of control in this insightful episode. Timestamps: [00:03:25] Journey towards listening to intuition. [00:06:25] Following intuition and healing. [00:08:40] Trusting and following intuition. [00:15:32] Gut instinct vs. intuition. [00:17:55] Intuition and decision-making. [00:20:44] Tapping into feminine energy. [00:28:13] Panning for gold. [00:29:03] Purging emotional baggage. [00:35:42] Childhood conditioning and emotions. [00:37:07] Training ourselves in new perspectives. [00:42:22] Cultivating relationship to intuition. [00:45:36] A nonlinear path. About Andrea: Heart Math Certified Trainer, co creator of Mentorship through Menopause Call, a place for women to connect through conversation, Yoga teacher specifically guiding Yoga Nidra.. Passionalte about personal growth, health and wellness.  Loves to explore the forest barefoot and embraces cold plunging. She's on this path dancing between learning ,unlearning, remembering and participating with life. To connect with Andrea email abw.sailing@gmail.com To view the full show notes visit www.emergenthumans.co/blog

In this episode, I delve into the concept of leadership and what it truly means to be a leader. This topic was inspired by a recent conversation with a client who was grappling with the traditional, often patriarchal, notions of leadership. Many of us have a stereotypical image of a leader as an assertive, authoritative figure, often embodied by a white male CEO in a power suit. This can make those of us who don't fit that mold feel inadequate or pressured to be someone we're not. I shared personal stories to illustrate the difference between forcing oneself into a leadership role versus naturally embodying leadership qualities. In high school, I aggressively pursued the role of soccer team captain, which led to a less authentic and more competitive approach. In contrast, years later, I was unexpectedly voted for a Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award in chiropractic school, a recognition that came naturally without me striving for it. The key takeaway is that true leadership comes from being authentic and connected to our inner strengths and genius. It's about showing up as our true selves rather than conforming to external expectations of what a leader should be. I encourage listeners to reflect on their own leadership roles and identify where they might be forcing themselves to fit a certain image, and instead, find ways to lead authentically. I also introduced the Women's Leadership Lab, a new initiative launching in September. This hybrid between a mastermind and a membership aims to help women discover and embrace their authentic leadership styles. For more details, listeners can visit emergenthumans.co/links. I hope this episode inspires you to rethink your approach to leadership and find ease in being your true self in any leadership role you undertake. Join me next week for more insights and a special announcement for our podcast listeners. Timestamps: 00:00:13 - Traditional Perceptions of Leadership 00:00:35 - Resisting Traditional Leadership Roles 00:00:55 - Redefining Leadership 00:01:07 - Stereotypical Leadership Image 00:01:28 - Authentic Leadership vs. Forced Leadership 00:01:39 - Personal Reflection on Leadership 00:01:59 - Everyone as a Leader 00:02:10 - High School Soccer Captain Experience 00:02:42 - Reflecting on Forced Leadership 00:03:04 - Authentic Leadership in Chiropractic School 00:03:25 - Unexpected Leadership Recognition 00:03:57 - Natural Leadership vs. Forced Leadership 00:04:18 - Bridging Authenticity and Leadership 00:04:50 - Self-Reflection on Leadership Roles 00:05:11 - Women and Leadership Challenges 00:05:31 - Definition of True Leadership 00:05:53 - Inner Strengths and Authentic Leadership 00:06:24 - Authentic Leadership in Practice 00:06:46 - Self-Examination of Leadership 00:07:07 - Personal Leadership Challenges 00:07:28 - Owning Your Leadership Style To learn more about the Women's Leadership Lab mentioned in this episode visit www.emergenthumans.co/links

In this episode, I delve into the importance of tuning into our emotions and connecting with our hearts. I share my personal journey of realizing how disconnected I was from my feelings and how this disconnection manifested as anxiety and physical symptoms like heartburn. I discuss my recent commitment to a 30-day challenge inspired by HeartMath research, where I spend 30 minutes each day focusing on my emotional landscape. Throughout the episode, I reflect on my childhood experiences that led me to intellectualize rather than feel my emotions. I talk about the various coping mechanisms I developed, such as overachieving and avoiding conflict, and how these have shaped my adult life. By intentionally connecting with my heart and emotions, I've started to uncover deep-seated habits and childhood wounds. I encourage listeners to join me in this 30-day challenge, suggesting practical steps like reading a list of emotions daily and paying attention to bodily sensations. I emphasize that connecting with our hearts is a muscle that needs to be developed and that doing so can lead to profound changes in our stress levels, relationships, and overall well-being. I invite listeners to reach out and share their experiences as we support each other in this journey of emotional exploration and heart connection. Key Timestamps 00:00:35 - Heart's Role in Emotions 00:00:55 - Childhood Lessons on Emotions 00:01:15 - Intellectualizing Emotions 00:01:46 - Anxiety and Physical Symptoms 00:02:08 - Coping Mechanisms 00:02:30 - Awareness and Emotional Work 00:04:29 - Benefits of Emotional Awareness 00:05:02 - Personal Commitment to 30-Day Challenge 00:05:33 - Techniques for Emotional Connection 00:06:05 - Discovering Inner Warrior 00:06:27 - Childhood Coping Mechanisms 00:07:09 - Overachieving and Proving Worth 00:08:01 - Peacemaker and Conflict Avoidance 00:08:46 - Nurturing the Inner Child 00:09:28 - Befriending Inner Parts 00:10:00 - Developing a Relationship with Emotions 00:11:04 - Daily Emotional Check-In 00:12:06 - Heart Connection and Intuition 00:12:48 - Relationship to Money Inspired to join me on a 30 day challenge of connecting to your emotions everyday? There's nothing official for this. Let's just encourage each other. Connect with me in one of the options below and let me know you're taking it on with me! With love, Alex. Connect with me dralex@emergenthumans.co LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

Today's episode delves into the concept of emotional vanity, exploring how it relates to our sense of self and true essence. Dr. Alex discusses the idea of over-identity with our perceived worth and the impact of societal influences on our self-perception. By connecting to the heart, we can cut through these false identities. The focus shifts to desire vanity, a form of emotional vanity that affects how we seek approval and communicate. This thought-provoking discussion prompts deep introspection and personal growth. 00:00:23 - Understanding Emotional Vanity 00:00:55 - The Core Self vs. Shell Identities 00:01:17 - Connecting to the Heart 00:01:29 - Introduction to Desire Vanity 00:02:00 - The Role of Desire in Our Lives 00:02:31 - Consumerism and Ego Identities 00:03:03 - Entitlement Vanity and Its Consequences 00:03:14 - Balancing Desires with Heart's Intuition 00:03:56 - Personal Reflections on Desire Vanity 00:05:00 - Anxiety and Physical Manifestations 00:06:06 - Setting Up a New Office Space 00:06:47 - Heart's Desire vs. Societal Expectations 00:07:29 - Reflections on Past Business and Burnout 00:08:00 - Emotional Impact of Business Failure 00:08:42 - Reading from Overcoming Emotional Chaos 00:09:06 - Hurt and Desire Vanity 00:10:00 - Heart's Intelligence and Connection to God 00:10:54 - Ego Hurt and Healing 00:12:18 - Vanity and Emotional Pain 00:13:01 - Guilt, Regret, and Moving Forward 00:14:14 - Personal Journey of Guilt and Shame 00:15:06 - Physical Manifestations of Emotional Pain 00:16:17 - Compassion as a Key to Healing 00:17:10 - Self-Compassion Practice Download the Self Compassion Practice: www.emergenthumans.co/links