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Leading from Within
Harnessing Emotional and Somatic Intelligence
Catarina Brazao
June 30, 2024
Summary: In a world where the line between roles is fading, mastering emotional intelligence and somatic awareness is crucial for everyone. By 2027, over half the U.S. workforce will be freelancing, emphasizing the need for self-leadership skills. This newsletter explores how integrating mind and body can unlock your full potential, helping you thrive in work and life. Discover how embodied leadership can transform your decision-making, relationships, and overall impact, regardless of your professional role.
Unlocking Our Full Potential
Today, I want to talk to you about unlocking our full potential as founders and leaders!
Whether you're running a company, freelancing, or simply navigating your personal life, remember: we're all founders when we pursue our dreams, and we're all leaders of our own complex inner worlds. Each of us has a multitude of selves living within our psyches, making self-leadership a universal challenge and opportunity.
Catarina, ready to start the Olo event in Marina, San Francisco
The Future of Work and Leadership
Did you know that by 2027, it's projected that more than half (50.9%) of the U.S. workforce will be freelancing or working independently? This striking statistic from the recent Consumer Trend Report by Forerunner highlights the shifting nature of work and leadership in our society, emphasizing the growing importance of self-management and personal leadership skills for everyone.
Today, "working for self" is mainstream: 75%+ of consumers have or want a side hustle and 60% would prefer to work for themselves
The Essential Nature of Emotional and Somatic Intelligence
In this new paradigm, developing robust emotional and somatic intelligence is no longer optional—it's essential for everyone, whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, or freelancer. Yet, many entrepreneurs and leaders find themselves caught in cycles of stress, burnout, and disconnection. We operate in a state of half-living—either emotionally numb or overly reactive. This compromises not only our joy and well-being but also our ability to innovate, make sound decisions, and lead effectively.
Practicing Somatic Awareness at the Olo workshop
Living Fully and Leading Effectively
We often do this to stay functional in a world full of challenges and constant stimulation. But the side effects are clear: life feels less alive, and our capabilities—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth—suffer.
So, how can we cultivate a new way of leading and building businesses that's both sustainable and impactful?
The Power of Embodiment
The answer lies in embodiment—fully integrating our cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences. This approach to entrepreneurship and leadership can be challenging, especially when facing perceived 'negative emotions' or overwhelming stress.
Olo works on brain health, emotional processing and nervous system regulation.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Somatic Awareness
Most of us were never taught how to effectively manage our emotions or tap into the power of our nervous systems. We weren't shown how to ride the wave of our experiences instead of fighting against them. However, it's precisely these challenges that offer the greatest growth opportunities.
Emotional intelligence and somatic awareness form the bedrock of the psychological maturity crucial for today's business leaders. By honing our ability to feel our emotions, and by deepening our awareness of our bodily responses, we foster true psychological growth. This integration of mind and body leads to the maturity and wisdom essential for navigating not just the complex business world, but life in general.
The Crucial Nature of Psychological Maturity
Why is this so crucial for entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals alike? In our fast-paced, unpredictable world, psychological maturity enables us to:
Cultivate resilience in the face of setbacks and failures
Lead with empathy and vision, inspiring innovation and growth
Maintain composure and clarity under high-pressure situations
Navigate market uncertainty with confidence and strategic agility
Make balanced decisions that consider both the data and intuition
Build authentic relationships with team members, clients, and partners
Olo chapter opening at MUDWTR gather in LA
Thriving Through Holistic Integration
Emotional intelligence, somatic awareness, and psychological maturity are key to sustainable success in all aspects of life, including entrepreneurship and leadership. They allow us to not just survive life's challenges but to thrive and innovate, creating a positive impact in our work, communities, and personal lives.
Transforming Our Lives and Work
When we embrace this holistic approach, we don't just change our businesses or careers—we transform the very nature of how we live and work, paving the way for a more human-centered, sustainable future for all.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What exactly are somatics, and how do they work with sound?
A: Somatics encompasses practices that focus on the mind-body connection, helping us become more aware of our physical sensations, emotions, and sense of Self. These practices aim to integrate the body, mind, and spirit, fostering a deeper understanding of one's entire being.
When combined with immersive sound, somatic practices enhance the experience by creating a holistic environment where we can explore and reflect on our inner states more easily. Sound plays a crucial role in this process, as it has the power to tap into memories, stimulate imagination, and evoke profound emotional responses.
Olo's sound and somatics approach is a powerful form of learning that is brain-friendly and body-wise. We learn through direct, embodied experiences rather than abstract concepts, making the learning more profound and lasting. It helps us access different aspects of our Self, including subconscious thoughts and feelings.
This approach can lead to:
• A more profound understanding of one's body, emotions, and overall well-being
• Enhanced self-awareness and self-regulation
• A stronger connection between the conscious and subconscious mind
• Improved ability to recognize and release physical and emotional tensions
• A deeper sense of embodiment and presence in the moment
This transformative approach can lead to significant personal growth, healing, and a more integrated sense of Self. It offers a pathway to not just understand, but to fundamentally reshape one's relationship with their body, mind, and the world around them.
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Listen to this Podcast about Sound As Medicine Of The Future
Olo Events In-Person and Online
Experience self-discovery and connection with immersive sound journeys and somatic practices in a contemporary campfire setting. Rediscover the power of community and inner knowing.
@ San Francisco
July 4 — 10-13 pm (PT): Pancake Brunch, Sound Journey & Beach Walk
Celebrate the 4th of July uniquely with a pancake brunch, followed by a relaxing sound journey and a serene beach walk. Enjoy a variety of pancakes and toppings, immerse in tranquil nature sounds, and stroll along the beach to complete a morning of rejuvenation and celebration.
July 10 — 6-9 pm (PT): Sound and Somatics for People Professionals
This event is ideal for therapists, coaches, HR professionals, team leaders, managers, group facilitators and individuals looking to incorporate innovative, science-backed methods for improving overall well-being, resilience, and performance in both personal and professional settings.
July 12 — 6:30-9 pm (PT): Olo Immersive Sound Journey for Founders, Investors and Operators
July 13 — 9-5 (PT): Embodied Founder Retreat: Cognitive, Emotional & Nervous System Mastery
Join us for the Embodied Founder Retreat, a transformative experience designed to master cognitive, emotional, and nervous system responses. This retreat aims to deepen founders’ understanding of their own mental patterns, emotional responses, and nervous system dynamics to enhance decision-making and resilience.
July 14 — 9-5 (PT): Embodied Leadership Retreat: Exploring Power Through Sound and Somatics
Join us for a transformative event on Embodied Leadership, designed to enhance your leadership qualities through embodied practices. This unique approach integrates body, mind, and emotions, empowering you to lead with authenticity and achieve lasting change.
July 19 — 6:30-9 pm (PT): Olo Immersive Sound Journey for Founders, Investors and Operators
@ NYC
July 22-27, TBA
@ Finland
August 14-18: Olo Expedition: Kayaking Kolovesi National Park
Like Olo’s Sound Journeys, our expeditions recognize nature as the protagonist. The Olo guides, Tuure and Maria, provide a space where interaction with nature can occur safely and meaningfully.
August 30 - September 1: Founders Retreat at Olo Center
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