In the latest episode of “Daring to Leap,” host Loree Philip sits down with Danielle Smeltzer, a passionate advocate for trauma-informed leadership and founder of Awarely Embodied Leadership. Danielle’s journey from a high-level corporate position to creating her own practice offers invaluable insights into the importance of integrating well-being into leadership.

Danielle’s Journey to Embodied Leadership
Before founding Awarely Embodied Leadership, Danielle was leading people operations and finance at an international platform co-op. The pandemic highlighted a critical need for well-being and trauma-informed practices in the workplace, sparking her transition to focus on these areas. Danielle realized that her personal interests in mindfulness and workplace well-being were exactly what people needed most.

The Courage to Leap
Danielle’s shift from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to have a broader impact. She acknowledges that this transition was challenging, filled with fears and uncertainties. However, her dedication to integrating work and well-being kept her motivated. Today, Danielle balances her consulting work, continuing education, and running her practice, embodying the principles she advocates.

Understanding Embodied Leadership
Embodied leadership bridges the gap between work and well-being by integrating the brain, body, and nervous system. Unlike traditional leadership, which often focuses solely on cognitive aspects, embodied leadership involves understanding and transforming one’s response patterns and behaviors. Danielle explains that this approach promotes a more sustainable and integrated way of leading and living.

Common Workplace Challenges
Danielle highlights the widespread issues of stress and burnout in modern workplaces. These challenges not only affect individual well-being but also organizational productivity. Her vision is to create environments where innovation and well-being coexist, ensuring that employees can maintain high levels of engagement without sacrificing their health.

Shifting from Reaction to Response
A key element of embodied leadership is shifting from reacting to responding. This involves building awareness of one’s stress responses and taking intentional pauses to choose how to respond. Danielle emphasizes that this practice is crucial for effective leadership and can significantly improve decision-making and interpersonal interactions in the workplace.

Switching Out of Burnout
Danielle advocates for a proactive and preventative approach to dealing with stress and burnout. By addressing systemic issues within organizations and equipping leaders with the tools to manage stress, it is possible to prevent burnout before it happens. This dual approach ensures a healthier and more sustainable work environment.