Leading from the Center:

In the ever-evolving leadership landscape, one hidden truth remains constant: the most influential leaders are those who have mastered the art of personal development. According to Mark Susnow, CEO of Inspire Possibility, the distinction between leadership and personal development is nonexistent. "Leadership is really about how you lead your life," Susnow asserts. "Unless you develop yourself personally, it's going to show up in the way you lead your life."

This perspective fundamentally shifts the traditional understanding of leadership by viewing it not merely as a set of professional skills or strategies but as a comprehensive, integrated approach encompassing personal and professional realms. Mark Susnow suggests that the qualities and growth an individual experiences in their personal life are not separate from their professional capabilities. Profoundly, they are deeply intertwined. As leaders develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness in their personal lives, these attributes naturally enhance their ability to lead effectively and professionally. Mark points out that personal growth becomes the foundation upon which professional success is built. Making leadership a holistic endeavor transcends workplace boundaries and touches every aspect of an individual's life. By cultivating personal growth, leaders improve their effectiveness and positively impact the teams and organizations they lead.

“Meditation is starting to become the new corporate edge, and this is what people are embracing because they are starving for meaning in their life.” - Mark Susnow, CEO of Inspire Possibility

Emotional intelligence is at the core of this development, a concept Daniel Goleman brought to the forefront. As Susnow explains, emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership, encompassing self-awareness, self-management, social skills, empathy, and motivation. These "softer" skills, once dismissed as irrelevant in the corporate world, have now proven to be critical drivers of business success. Harvard Business School and US News and World Report conducted studies revealing that when leaders embrace these aspects of emotional intelligence, they achieve measurable business results. This shift in understanding marks a significant evolution in leadership theory that aligns emotional intelligence with tangible, quantifiable outcomes.

The implications of this shift can be highly profound. Emotional intelligence is not merely about relating better to others in the workplace; it is about enhancing the overall dynamics of leadership. Leaders can create environments where employees feel valued and understood by cultivating self-awareness and empathy. This, in turn, leads to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and loyalty—key components of a thriving organization.

One of the most notable trends emerging from this understanding is the integration of mindfulness practices into corporate culture. Susnow highlights how major corporations, particularly in Silicon Valley, are leading the charge in this regard. Companies like Google and Salesforce have begun incorporating meditation and yoga into their regular workspaces, recognizing the value of these practices in fostering a more centered and focused workforce. As Susnow notes, "Meditation is starting to become the new corporate edge, and this is what people are embracing because they are starving for meaning in their life."

The corporate embrace of mindfulness is not just a passing trend but a response to a growing need for balance in the high-pressure business world. Leaders who incorporate these practices into their daily routines are better equipped to navigate the challenges of their roles. The result is a more resilient, adaptive leadership style that can weather the inevitable ups and downs of the corporate landscape.

A key principle in navigating these challenges is living from the center—a concept Susnow likens to having shock absorbers in a car. "When you have your center, the bumps in the road, you don't even notice because you have a smooth ride," he explains. This metaphor underscores the importance of balance in leadership. Centered leaders can see, make better decisions, and maintain their equilibrium despite adversity. Conversely, those out of balance tend to overreact, make mistakes, and struggle to keep their composure. This emphasis on balance should reassure leaders that they can maintain their composure and make sound decisions even in the face of challenges.

Living from the center is not just about maintaining balance during the workday; it begins with how one starts the day. Susnow emphasizes the importance of having a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day. "If you start your day in a hurry, you're going to feel all day long like you can't catch up," he warns. On the other hand, taking time in the morning to center oneself can lead to a much smoother and more productive day. This practice, rooted in mindfulness, is a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing leadership effectiveness. By starting the day positively, leaders can feel more proactive and in control of their day.

Integrating emotional intelligence and mindfulness into leadership practices represents a significant paradigm shift. It challenges the traditional notion that leadership is solely about strategic thinking and decision-making. Instead, it places equal importance on the leader's internal state—their ability to manage their emotions, connect with others, and maintain a sense of balance.

For upper-level executives and high-level entrepreneurs, embracing this holistic approach to leadership can be truly transformative. By developing emotional intelligence and cultivating mindfulness, leaders can unlock new levels of effectiveness, enhancing not just their professional lives but their personal lives. As Susnow's insights reveal, the journey of personal development is inextricably linked to the journey of leadership development. Ultimately, the most successful leaders lead from the center, guided by a deep understanding of themselves and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections with those they lead.