IWD 2024 - Anne-Isabelle Sam

Tips on leading myself? 

I learned to become more conscious of my energy: both physical, mental, and emotional. 

In the past, I used to attend Body Combat classes during lunchtime to release anger and frustration. 

It even became more fun when a colleague joined me! Saying no and setting boundaries is important to keep energy vampires at bay. 

In recent years, I have been paying more attention to my feelings and my somatic reactions during meetings. 

I observe how my energy and emotions evolve and try to stay present. It helps me bring myself back to centre. 

Lately, I started asking myself “When I am honest with myself, what do I find?” and found some fascinating answers.

What has been or is your biggest struggle as a leader?

To me, it is dealing with egos, nonsense, and fear in corporate environments, especially when they are dominated by an achiever or a greed mentality. It can be tiring. 

I found out during my coaching with leaders that most struggle with similar issues of how safe it is to be oneself.

Could you tell us about an initiative or practice you have done as a leader to include or be included?

I learned from neuroscience that our brain does not differentiate between physical pain and emotional pain of being excluded, so I am extra sensitive to all the small details.

This means that I ensure everyone has a voice in video calls, invite people to meetings, check who is included or not in emails that should be, or pick up on signals when someone looks tired or doesn’t answer. 

I’d say the more important for me is to show up and create that (safe) space where you can be you, when we are together.