Prioritizing Wellness: A Key to Leadership Success
When I began Executive Coaching 18 years ago, I thought my focus would be helping people strengthen their leadership capabilities. But it didn’t take long to realize that wellness—or a lack of it—inevitably found its way into our sessions. Over time, I’ve come to understand that if we can’t do the inner work to care for ourselves and build strong personal disciplines, we’ll struggle to show up as our best selves for others as leaders.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to go “all in” on this realization and earned a certification in Health and Wellness Coaching from Georgetown University. Since then, I’ve invited several coaches with similar training to join LAeRRICO & Partners, creating an amazing team of practitioners to guide our clients.
The Connection Between Wellness and Leadership
At LAeRRICO & Partners, we begin by exploring your self-care and the disciplines that enable you to live your optimal life and perform at your best. Topics like sleep, nutrition, movement, and finding time to recharge aren’t tangential—they’re essential. Together, we identify your “non-negotiables” and revisit them regularly in our leadership coaching sessions to ensure you stay on track and address obstacles as they arise.
Despite the clear benefits, many leaders remain indifferent to wellness and self-care disciplines. Often, they view these practices as luxuries that must wait until they’ve achieved their primary business goals. I used to think the same way. In my 30s and 40s, I was deep in the trenches of work, convinced my body and mind were unbreakable tools I could use to grind out quality results. It took stress, weight gain, and burnout to wake me up. Frankly, I am still digging out of the hole I created by neglecting this aspect of myself.
I'll admit that part of this mindset came from growing up in a household where workaholism was the norm—and even celebrated. But I’ve learned that real leadership requires us to rewrite these stories and prioritize health and wellness.
Why Do Leaders Resist Wellness?
The resistance often boils down to misconceptions about leadership and wellness—and how the two intersect. Many believe that good leaders should prioritize results above all else, but the truth is, neglecting your health undermines your ability to lead effectively.
I work with my clients to reframe self-care as a long-term investment in their impact as leaders. And for those who want proof, the research is clear: a clean and healthy diet, movement, proper rest, and nervous system regulation all promote well-being, which in turn enhances performance, clarity, and resilience.
Tapping into the Power of the Vagus Nerve
One of the most transformative practices I share with clients is the importance of stimulating the vagus nerve. This key part of the nervous system helps shift us out of the “fight or flight” mode and into the “rest and digest” state. Simple practices like yoga, deep breathing, walking, or laughing can activate the vagus nerve naturally. For those needing extra support, I recommend the TruVaga* wellness device, a helpful tool for reducing anxiety and stress in just a few minutes a day.
Stimulating the vagus nerve isn’t just about feeling better—it creates a calmer, more focused, and more “zen-like” version of yourself. And let’s be honest: stress is contagious, but so is calm. When you’re in a good place with your mind, body, and spirit, the people around you can feel it—and they respond to it.
Ending the Year with Reflection and Care
As we close out 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on how you’re caring for yourself. Where are the gaps in your approach to wellness? How is your current self-care supporting or hindering your leadership?
Talking regularly with a coach about your wellness practices can make all the difference. What we discuss and measure becomes the foundation for winning the battle against stress and burnout.
Ask yourself: what are the most important priorities in your life? Can you truly achieve them without health and well-being?
Yours in good health,
Leigh Ann Errico
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*If you’re interested in experiencing TruVaga for yourself, I am excited to offer you a special discount:
Use code LAE20 for $20 off Truvaga 350
Use code LAE30 for $30 off Truvaga PLUS
This wellness device can be a simple yet effective step toward finding your happy place.
