Helen Sieroda, a seasoned international psychotherapist and master executive coach, shares her insights on mindful leadership and personal transformation. She explores the challenges of toxic leadership traits, emphasizing the need for empathy in business. The conversation delves into the deep connection between nature and individual growth, highlighting the lessons learned during the pandemic about community and well-being. Sieroda also discusses redefining leadership values, advocating for emotional intelligence and collaboration between corporations and grassroots initiatives.
Helen Sieroda emphasizes that acknowledging one’s roots is vital for personal growth and enhancing the ability to support others.
The importance of connecting with nature as a source of rejuvenation is crucial for leaders to foster emotional intelligence and meaningful progress.
Deep dives
The Importance of Connection to Roots
Helen Siroda discusses the significance of acknowledging one’s roots and the journey from humble beginnings to success. She reflects on her upbringing in a mining village and how her background influenced her career in psychotherapy and coaching. This journey shapes her current outlook on life and work, emphasizing the value of remembering where one comes from. Siroda believes that staying connected to those roots fosters a better understanding of oneself and enhances the ability to support others.
The Role of Nature in Wellbeing
Helen emphasizes the critical role that nature plays in her life and work, stating that it provides solace and healing. She shares her experiences of spending time outdoors, which allows her to connect with her surroundings and rejuvenate her spirit. This connection to nature not only influences her personal wellbeing but also informs her approach to coaching, as she encourages her clients to recognize their own need for space and time to breathe. This awareness of the natural world has become increasingly important for individuals seeking balance in the chaos of modern life.
Navigating Change in Organizations
The conversation highlights the struggles many leaders face in driving impactful change within organizations burdened by bureaucracy. Helen relates her experiences with clients who are aware of the need for innovation and transformation but find themselves trapped in a cycle of meetings and endless productivity demands. She argues that true leadership requires creating space for deeper thinking and emotional intelligence. By embracing a more flexible and humane approach, leaders can foster a more conducive environment for meaningful progress.
Finding Hope in Simple Moments
In a reflective moment, Helen conveys that her sense of hope stems from simple experiences in nature, such as observing the beauty outside her window. This connection to the natural world serves as a reminder of belonging and unity with the cosmos, encouraging individuals to appreciate the everyday moments that bring joy and grounding. She emphasizes that despite feelings of disconnection, recognizing our place within the broader environment can reignite a sense of hope and purpose. Through these small acts of mindfulness, one can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life’s complexities and possibilities.
Do big businesses need to fail and be replaced by better ones? Psychology and management guru Helen Sieroda joins us to discuss the evolution of leadership. In this mind-expanding episode on being we explore empathy, burnout, toxic leadership traits and narcissism.