Leadership Development & Healing?

While it might seem like an unusual combination, leadership development and healing go hand in hand. Are you curious why?

If so, I'd love to share by way of an example. We can dive into a common challenge many women experience: imposter syndrome. 

The Current Situation 

Research shows that women systematically underestimate their leadership abilities.

In senior leadership positions across multiple industries, for example, women experience imposter syndrome at a rate that’s over twice that of men (54% of women vs. 24% of men percent).*

Imposter syndrome is even more prevalent for women in earlier and middle stages of their careers.*

Addressing this challenge requires change at multiple levels as individuals and organizations. For individuals, it's helpful to know that imposter syndrome is a systemic issue and not just a uniquely personal challenge. It's also helpful to build community to share our experiences and learn from others who are navigating this challenge. 

Turning Inward

Another perhaps less common strategy is to shift some of the patterns held inside of us to work through self-doubt and to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and self confidence. This is where professional development can happen at a deeper level when you can take the time to slow down and do a little inner work.

That’s because many of the issues that hold us back, and that are within our control to change, are connected to deeper patterns held inside of us.

These can include stress, emotions, and old beliefs that no longer serve us. And they're held not just in the mind but in the body too. 

What to Do 

Dipping your toes into some of these patterns can be a fascinating way to actually resolve issues like imposter syndrome while supporting your healing along the way. If that’s of interest, there are a few ways to explore this work.

One approach is Embodied Leadership or Somatic Coaching. Another is Craniosacral Therapy.

Craniosacral Therapy is a great place to start because you get to lie down and close your eyes, without having to think about or talk about all the things. Most people have either never heard of Craniosacral Therapy or aren't sure what it’s all about. If you fall into either of those camps, here are a few reasons it’s helpful.

Healing with Craniosacral Therapy 

At its most fundamental level, Craniosacral Therapy focuses on calming the nervous system. This can quiet your mind and help you feel more relaxed. With imposter syndrome, there's often heightened activation of the nervous system. You might experience this as being on alert, having racing thoughts, and/or feeling unsettled - not to mention having increased physical tension. 

Calming your nervous system can be important for healing, but also for feeling more centered and self-assured at work. 

Craniosacral Therapy can also release stress and emotions held in your body, without having to talk about them. Releasing worry from the body - which can be stored in the low back, hips, and legs, for example - can help quiet this emotion which is often too loud with imposter syndrome. 

As you can imagine, or perhaps have already experienced, Craniosacral Therapy works with some of the deeper patterns held in the body. This type of healing can help with imposter syndrome, and many other stressors that accompany leadership and life.

If you’re interested in Craniosacral Therapy, you’re welcome to reach out to me HERE to schedule an hour or 30 minute session. 

Looking Ahead 

While leadership development and healing are perhaps not an obvious pairing, they’re an important combination if you’re looking to create embodied change. Especially around issues that have deeper roots inside of us, like imposter syndrome.

I look forward to the day when imposter syndrome isn't such a pervasive issue for women, and when all the energy that's currently tied up in this challenge can be freed up and redirected elsewhere. 

Combining leadership and healing can support this cause, and while it can take time, Craniosacral Therapy is a lovely place to start.

Thank you for being here and exploring this path. I look forward to seeing you soon!

*Source: Boorstin, Julia. When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn From Them. 2022.