To reconnect with an authentic core is a journey of self-exploration and healing that is valuable for anyone, no matter which center of intelligence is dominant, head, heart or body.

We all get identified to some degree with an outside role, believing that is who we are. When 2008 came along and I left my profession as a commercial real estate broker, an identity was lost to me that I’d carried since the age of twenty-one. My marriage ended at the same time, along with it another identity I leaned on as being part of a couple.

I felt shattered in a million pieces! 

I didn’t even realize it until someone said that’s what I looked like. It took some years to put myself together in a new way. I had a motto during that time, let it unfold.  

Instead of trying to control everything, I listened to what my heart wanted, and asked the universe how I could best serve.

Servant leadership is a term that fits—it means being open and willing to serve the greater good.

Leadership coaching is the new career path I chose.

It challenges me to uncover deeper levels of what impedes my way to being my best self, so that I can serve others to help them be the best leaders they can be. When I show up for them with an open heart, clear mind, and grounded in my body, I become a conduit for their brilliance to shine. It is astounding to watch.

Much of what makes life worth living comes from an open heart.

A timeless phrase, man is not an island, is true when the heart allows vulnerability. Reaching out with a kind word or gesture, being transparent with feelings, sharing your past all leave you open to rejection. Taking the risk is the price of a rich and fulfilling life.

There are many heartbreaks and disappointments along the way.

How you respond to them determines your future. Do you close up and defend yourself against future hurts and miss out on close connections and enriching experiences? Or do you grieve the loss and remain open to what comes next, even if it leads to another hurt?

The heart center of intelligence is the seat of emotions.

Empathy, compassion, love and connection are the functions of the heart center of intelligence, as well as forming a healthy sense of identity. To lead with heart means you care about people and the planet and weigh the consequences of your actions against the effect it will have on both, not just on the bottom line. The old-school business culture that dictated leaving the heart at home is an outmoded and regrettable way to have to live the majority of your waking hours.

Love and approval, connection and bonding are needs we all have, but are primary concerns to people who lead with the heart center. According to the Enneagram system of personality, when these needs aren’t met, the strategy is to create an image of success, indispensability or uniqueness to get what they want. These are smart strategies that children learn works, however as an adult there is a sadness that no one knows them for who they really are, including themselves. 

Tapping into the wisdom of the heart connects you to your heart’s desire and your deeper purpose.

When you are fully present to mind, body and heart, the decisions you make are sound. You treat people with kindness and respect, including yourself. You know who you are as a person, and you center your identity around this, not based on what you do.This allows you to be the best leader you can be! It is also the secret to self acceptance and leading a fulfilling life.