690. Why Your Leadership Style Might Be Burning You Out – With Anouk Brack
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
Release Date: 04/08/2025
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
I’m sharing some personal reflections from my new life in Slovenia. It’s just me on the mic, exploring themes of home, belonging, and what it means to truly feel settled - both in a place and in the body. As someone who has lived all over the world, I’ve had plenty of cross-cultural experiences that shape how I see things. I talk about migration, embodiment, and the nervous system—not just from a personal perspective, but also how these ideas play out in society. Since moving here, a lot has come into focus for me, and this episode is a chance to unpack some of that. ...
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Coach and Playboy model Savannah for a conversation that cuts through the noise. We explore the tension between drive and surrender - when to push and when to let go - and what it really means to pursue deep wellbeing in a world hooked on distraction. From curiosity and discipline to the pull of tech addiction and the impact of objectifying media, we get honest about the cultural forces shaping us. We also dive into the Madonna–whore complex, inner beauty, getting back to nature, and how psychedelics like ketamine can help (or hinder) the integration of our full selves. Savannah brings a...
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Krav Maga instructor, Lewis Groves joins me to get into what Krav Maga really is, where it comes from, and how it’s different from traditional martial arts or rule-bound sports. We talk about training for the street rather than the ring, the value of simplicity under pressure, and why so many martial arts end up in fantasyland. We also cover ego, humility, gender differences, strength vs. skill, and why most guys think they can fight — when they really can’t. If you’ve ever wondered what martial art is “best,” how to train smart not macho, or why being punched in the face...
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Breathwork teacher Jamie Clements joins me for an exploration into the real power of breath. We get into why most people are breathing badly, the science and dogma around breathwork (hello Buteyko and James Nestor), and how breath can be both a tool for healing and a doorway into altered states. We talk trauma — what breathwork can do, what it can't, and the fine line between deep release and emotional performance. There's some solid discussion on men’s mental health, breath and sleep, psychedelic breathwork, and the difference between reaching in and reaching out. If you're curious about...
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I’m joined by author and men’s work coach Jack Donovan for a deep, honest chat about modern masculinity. We get into why strength matters, how weakness is being sold as virtue, and why the idea that we're all "blank slates" might be doing more harm than good. We talk martial arts, the value of tactical virtues, and what honour really means in a world that often dismisses it. Jack also breaks down the meaning behind “far right” labels, internet culture clashes, and how Nietzsche's ideas can actually help when you’re trying to raise strong, grounded boys today. Lots of practical wisdom...
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Christian Pankhurst joins me to pick apart the art of emotional intelligence, group dynamics, and embodied leadership. We explore what it really means to live from “the heart,” how safety and coherence shape authentic connection, and why shadow work (especially the uniquely British kind) is essential for transformation. Christian unpacks the four directions of the heart, the relationship between narcissism and emotional range, and the subtle dance between intensity and connection. From trauma and village-making to mastery, martial arts, and the pitfalls of consumer spirituality—this...
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Scott Hanley joins me to talk about how he turned the tables on his Parkinson's diagnosis. We explore how mindset, movement, and a willingness to experiment played key roles in his recovery. We also talk about CrossFit, brain health, neuroplasticity, and the social disconnection that’s worsened since COVID. It’s a conversation packed with practical insight, big inspiration, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life. Connect with Scott on Instagram here: ------------------------------------------------------ Scott Hanley is a resilience and...
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Our new two-year membership program, Embodied Flourishing, is a supportive and pressure-free space to explore well-being, boundaries, embodiment, and more. Go beyond quick fixes for burnout or health struggles with a journey that empowers you to feel genuinely alive again. No more pushing through day after day. It includes: Carefully paced explorations to foster a deep-rooted sense of wellbeing. Practical tools to sustain health, calm, and meaning during life’s messy moments. Ongoing community support to share experiences, receive feedback, and grow alongside others who “get it.” If...
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I sit down with my friend and colleague Dr Helen Machen-Pearce for a real, raw conversation about burnout, healing, and what it actually takes to flourish as a human being. I share my personal story - how I pushed myself to the point of physical and emotional collapse, what it took to come back from that, and the lessons I learned the hard way. Helen opens up about her own experience with burnout and recovery, navigating illness and rediscovering herself through yoga and embodiment. Together, we talk about nervous system health, trauma, grief, overwork, purpose, and the quiet power of everyday...
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In this episode, I’m doing one of my not-so-solo solo casts - with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce in the room. We talk the power of nervous system regulation and how co-regulation plays a key role in well-being. This candid conversation dives into mental health, somatic practices, and how we connect as humans. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just curious about nervous system healing, this episode offers rich insights. We touch on how we’re building a new membership around this work. Find out more about 'Embodied Flourishing' and join us here: Check out more from Dr Helen here: ...
info_outlineIn this insightful and grounded episode, I’m joined by Leadership Embodiment teacher and coach Anouk Brack to explore how centering and embodied practices can shift the way we lead, work, and relate - especially in high-stress or corporate environments.
We unpack the neuroscience of stress and self-regulation, the hidden causes of burnout and bore-out, and how trauma can shape our leadership styles. Anouk shares practical tools drawn from her work with executives and organizations, alongside reflections on Dutch embodiment culture and developmental models of personal growth.
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Anouk Brack, MSc, is the lead trainer for the ICF-accredited Leadership Embodiment Coach Certification programs in Europe. Trained by Wendy Palmer, founder of Leadership Embodiment, she brings over 25 years of experience in leadership development to help leaders integrate presence, confidence, and compassion under pressure. Rooted in mindfulness, aikido, and backed by neuroscience, her approach is clear, playful, and impactful. Anouk has authored three Dutch leadership books, with her first book on Leadership Embodiment currently being translated into English.
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