Why Mindful Leadership?
Years ago, I walked away from work that I had invested in and cared about deeply because I could not see another way forward.
Sometimes we reach a point when we realize that no matter how hard we’ve been trying, the way we’ve been working and leading is not sustainable. And if we don’t find another way, we – or those we lead – could burn out or walk away like I did.
Today, I guide and train compassionate leaders in another way – a new way of leadership that is authentic and sustainable, that supports development and well-being.
This way of mindful leadership supports people and teams in tapping into what I had longed for myself years ago – greater presence, confidence, decision-making and well-being.
The Mission
To sustain and grow people and teams who serve others and the social good – to expand their ripple effect on people, systems and the planet.
In pursuit of this mission, I partner with organizations that want to support the leadership and well-being of staff and teams.
I also partner with individuals – directors, managers, emerging leaders, and those who may not yet see themselves as leaders.
My Story
My journey towards mindful leadership began as so many journeys do – with a metaphorical brick over the head.
Working as a public interest lawyer, I was stressed about the many aspects of the work that were beyond my control. Yet I felt responsible for it, and was afraid of messing up. No further legal training would have alleviated my stress.
While I didn’t realize it then, today I know that my brain, performance and health were affected by the stress.
One day, driving home past a Burger King, I saw a help wanted sign and wondered if I could work there and still pay my law school loans. That felt like a turning point. After that, all I could think about was leaving. With my well-being suffering and no relief in sight, I left the practice without a plan.
The path to change is never a straight line.
Mine was full of failures, setbacks and victories of all sizes. With self-care, mindfulness and agency, I began to navigate the journey with greater resilience. Through research, training and experience, I ultimately developed Pathways to Change, a framework for mindful leadership that integrates coaching, neuroscience, mindfulness and mind-body principles.
Pathways to Change offers a new way forward, one that supports and grows compassionate leaders and teams.
It’s time to stop sacrificing ourselves or our teams and instead move forward with a way of working and living that supports our brains, leadership capacities and impact in the world.
Certifications
- Professional-level certified coach (PCC), International Coaches Federation
- Certified neuro-transformational coach (CNTC), BeAbove Leadership
- Certified professional co-active coach (CPCC), Coaches Training Institute
- Individual Team Coach Accreditation (ITCA), EMCC Global
Training
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) work
- Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dan Siegel
- Neuroscience of Change & Power of Presence, Coaches Rising
- Principles of Collective Trauma Healing, Thomas Hubl
- Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, HCN & Third Way Leadership
- Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism, Education for Racial Equity
Experience
- 12+ years in public law & consulting
- 8+ years coaching
- Active coach with Humanitarian Coaching Network
- Active coach with Coaching for Everyone
- 700+ hours of yoga teacher training
- 23 years of yoga practice
- 10 years of mindfulness meditation practice
Random facts:
- Bungee jumped from the Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe
- Voted “most intelligent” and “most respected” in high school, but lacked confidence
- Played on the first women’s rugby team at University College London
- Jumped on stage to sing and dance with Davy Jones of the Monkees
- Lost a father to Alzheimer’s
- Mom to 2 girls and 3 rescue animals
- Can never have enough extra virgin olive oil and pure maple syrup
- Favorite movies include Monty Python’s Holy Grail and This is Spinal Tap
free download
6 minutes to greater presence
A guided practice for calming and clearing the mind, body and nervous system. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter & free audio file.