Sonya Shelton is a successful businesswoman and CEO of Executive Leadership Consulting. During today's episode, she will share some purpose-driven strategies for executives and those who want to become better leaders through mindfulness. Sonya helps companies grow and succeed by focusing on passionate culture and profitable strategies. Sonya is a respected author and international speaker, known for her expertise in leadership. She created the Red Thread Leadership™ model, a simple and effective way for leaders to navigate uncertainty and build a strong, motivated team. With over 25 years of experience working with various organizations, including The Walt Disney Company, Sonya shares the best practices for creating a passionate culture even in challenging times. She’s on the Forbes Coaches Council and is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller “You’re an Executive, But Are You a Leader.

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Contact Info

• Website: www.ExecutiveLeader.com
• Website: www.RedthreadLeadership.com

Most Influential Person

• Zen Master Seung Sahn

Effect on Emotions

• Sonya emphasized the importance of not immediately reacting to situations, as she had mentioned earlier in her story about bullying. Instead, she focuses on recognizing when she doesn't need to react and choosing to respond from a different place.
• For bigger emotions, such as grief from losing loved ones, Sonya finds solace in fully embracing the waves of emotions without trying to change or avoid them.
• Sonya believes that by allowing herself to fully experience the emotion, it dissipates more quickly compared to suppressing it.
• Sonya explained that mindfulness goes beyond just not reacting; it also involves being present with deep emotions and allowing them to move through you, preventing the tendency to hold onto them.

Thoughts on Breathing

• Sonya explained that breathing is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness and something we always have access to.
• Sonya, being a meditator herself, acknowledged that it's not always possible to stop and meditate in every situation. However, she emphasized that we can always focus on our breath.
• More specifically, when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or fearful, simply connecting with our breath and taking a few deep breaths can bring about a significant change in our state of mind.
• Even just four or five intentional breaths can have a powerful impact on how we feel. Sonya recognized the accessibility and transformative nature of breathing as a tool for mindfulness.
• The above suggestions are purpose-driven strategies for executives, entrepreneurs, corporate employees, or anyone seeking strategies for success.

Suggested Resources

• Book: You're an Executive, but Are You a Leader: The Executive's Simple Guide to Creating, Communicating and Achieving the Vision by Sonya Shelton
• Book: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
• App: n/a

Bullying Story

• Sonya shared a story about how mindfulness made a difference when she experienced bullying in the workplace. She explained that while people often talk about bullying in schools, it's also important to address the issue in the workplace. Even at a place like Disney, known as the happiest place on earth, Sonya encountered a bully who was another executive.
• During a conversation about a project, the executive started screaming at Sonya. Instead of reacting with anger or shouting back, Sonya turned inward and checked in with her own feelings.
• She calmly suggested ending the meeting and discussing things later when they could both be calmer. Despite the executive's continued yelling as Sonya left, she realized she didn't have to participate or let it affect her.
• Sonya shared that by using mindfulness techniques, she was able to stay calm and not let the bully's behavior impact her. She highlighted the importance of discussing workplace bullying and not accepting it, while also emphasizing that mindfulness can help individuals maintain their composure and choose not to engage in such negative interactions.

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