Embodied Leadership Takes Courage: Reflections from a Coaching Retreat
This is my favourite picture from a recent coaching retreat I had the pleasure to co-facilitate with Divinia Knowles, the founder of London COO Round Table. The smile on my face says it all. While it might look like I’m watching a group of ‘kids’ in kindergarten taking their afternoon nap, the reality is far more profound. I was witnessing a group of courageous COOs fully immersing themselves in the process - letting go of hesitation, scepticism, and coming home to their bodies.
During this retreat, we explored the concept that resilience flows from relationships, starting with the relationship within ourselves. We focused on connecting and aligning our three centres: Head, Heart, and Hara. This practice fostered a more balanced approach to how we lead, how we show up, and how we relate to our environment.
Embodiment is not easy. It requires courage. In our modern, Western society, we live predominantly in our heads. We have become so accustomed to rationalising everything that it’s easy to forget the power that lies in our bodies. We often believe that our minds are in control, dictating our actions and decisions. But in reality, the head is the furthest from the earth, often detached, and sometimes overly calculating in its approach.
These beliefs have shaped our society, leading us into an era that is increasingly imbalanced and unsustainable, whether we’re talking about the distribution of wealth, environmental concerns, or even the current state of politics. Returning to our bodies is a simple yet profound way to tap into our inherent resilience. It allows us to focus on presence and adaptability, empowering leaders to find peace in uncertainty, cultivate Hara-centeredness for deep-rooted power and stability, and expand into a connected experience of wholeness from which new wisdom arises.
As a body-oriented coach, I’m continually surprised by how disconnected we can be from our bodies. The work of embodied coaching is delicate. You can’t rush this process. It requires creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clarity and courage can naturally emerge. Only then can clients truly come home to their bodies, and with that grounding in place, approach complex challenges with renewed confidence and focus, guided by the wisdom of their bodies.
This particular group of clients left a lasting impression on me with their willingness to dive in headfirst, unafraid to get down and dirty (literally!). Their curiosity, childlike openness, and commitment to the experience were inspiring. I was genuinely moved by their dedication to their personal growth and the passion they have for their businesses and the people they lead. Most of all, I was struck by the immense courage they displayed in embracing the body-oriented techniques we practised.
I returned from the retreat exhausted, but also with a renewed sense of hope for our planet’s future. These are the leaders we need, leaders who embody a new kind of leadership, one that is deeply compassionate and unafraid to feel. Leaders who are willing to admit when they don’t have all the answers and when they feel vulnerable. Leaders who are committed to solving the most pressing and complex problems in ways that benefit not just the parts, but the whole ecology.
Thank you to each and every one of you. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with you all, and I am deeply grateful every time Divinia invites me to join her in supporting the wonderful RT COO community.
The future is bright, the future is embodied.
With hope,
Dag
P.S. If you are a tech startup executive or leader curious to learn about a body oriented approach to coaching, please get in touch via my website dagmaraaldridge.com, email coaching@dagmaraaldridge.com, or use the ‘Book a Meeting’ button on my LinkedIn profile.
