Okay, real talk—I know my last post was all about emotional intelligence, and yes, I went there because it's a total buzzword. Let’s face it, “emotional intelligence” is everywhere, and it definitely gets people's attention. But here's the thing: while emotional intelligence is great and all, it only scratches the surface of what real, heart-centered leadership looks like.

I want to take it deeper.

We’re not just talking about recognizing emotions or responding to them logically (as emotional intelligence teaches us). We're talking about embodying our emotions in a way that transforms how we lead and show up in the world. Enter: emotional embodiment. Let’s get into it!

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I started out as a leader was never giving myself any space (or grace) to sit with or feel or accept my emotions.

I felt like if I admitted I needed that space, then I was admitting I wasn't perfect. And I had to be perfect in order to be a good leader. I HAD to have it all together. (Of course ignoring my emotions only made me push them down until they became a part of my body, and I was living in constant sickness, anxiety and exhaustion.) 

Because I wasn't aware of my emotions, I wasn't aware of the harm I was inflicting on others.

And as leaders, we always want to lead from the least harmful version of ourselves.

Since then, I've been committed to learning more and more about myself and being more connected to myself, so as a leader and coach I can provide safe spaces not just for me, but for my clients. 

I've done the "Emotional Intelligence (EQ)™️" thing and I kind of just felt like it was another task I had to check off as I go about my day. And honestly trying to intellectualize my feelings just made me be all up in my head, when I really should have been in my body.

I also felt like EQ never took into account what women actually experience on a day to day basis: burnt out from feeling like we need to prove ourselves, feeling like we don't belong, emotionally exhausted from giving so much of ourselves to others, and feeling like we have to always be strong.

So now I prefer Emotional Embodiment. This type of practice takes account of the stories we tell ourselves, the feelings we have about ourselves and the systemic issues women face at work and in society every single day.

This shift isn’t just about knowing or recognizing emotions, it’s about fully embodying them, feeling them in our bodies, and giving ourselves permission to reflect on how they shape our leadership.

Emotional Embodiment takes self-awareness deeper because it connects the mind with the body, heart, and intuition. It’s not just “managing” emotions - it’s understanding them, feeling them fully, and using them as powerful tools for growth and connection.

So what if every leader gave themselves the grace to truly feel and reflect? How different would your workplace feel? How would your workplace change?

When we, as leaders, allow ourselves to slow down, feel, and reflect, we create a ripple effect.

Imagine a workplace where instead of suppressing feelings, we understood them, made space for them, and used that awareness to build trust, foster deeper connections, and cultivate a sense of safety where people feel they can truly be themselves. 

When we lead with Emotional Embodiment, we model a new way of being—one that embraces humanity and elevates the entire workplace.

So, how do we start this journey of embodied leadership?

Here are three questions to ask yourself this week:

1. When was the last time I gave myself the space to truly feel and reflect?

2. How would my leadership change if I led with more awareness of my body and emotions?

3. What can I do today to honor my feelings and lead from a place of self-awareness?

This is an invitation to start showing up for yourself, one reflection at a time.