In this episode, Sophie Vo Vo discusses the fourth self-sabotage pattern for leaders: having an 'empty cup,' and being depleted of energy.

Many leaders operate in survival mode without realizing it, manifesting through signs like excessive fatigue, skipping breaks, poor sleep quality, and using free time for rest only, due to exhaustion. And then repeat the cycle.

Burnout is around the corner…

The role of a leader's energy is critical in the overall performance of their team and business. Sophie shares her personal experience of reprioritizing all daily tasks to focus on high-impact activities only and introduces an 'energy audit' coaching exercise to help leaders identify what drains and replenishes their energy, and rearrange their habits to optimize for energy, rather than time.

Additional resources:

* Energy in, Energy out Self-assessment: Download Here

* Atomic Habits (by James Clear)

Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️

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In this weekly reflection of ‘A Spark of Awareness,’ Sophie Vo presents the third self-sabotage pattern in leadership: fear-based decision-making.

Drawing from her own experience and the hundreds of founders she has worked with, Sophie outlines how fear influences leaders’ decisions, leading to detrimental outcomes for teams and organizations, and eventually business growth.

You will get actionable insights on recognizing fear-driven behaviors, differentiating rational and irrational fears, and how to bring them to light so they have less power over you.

This reflection is a reminder of the importance of making decisions from a place of integrity rather than fear, advocating for conscious leadership.

Listeners are encouraged to slow down, connect with their bodies, and reflect on their fears to lead more effectively.

Reflection points:

* Recognizing Fear in Decision Making

* Evolutionary Perspective on Fear And Why Most Of Our Fears Are Not Real

* Good vs. Bad Fears

* Managing Fear: Techniques and Coaching Exercises

* Transgenerational Fears and Their Origins

* Closing Meditation and Reflection

Extra resources recommended:

* Fear Settings Journaling (by Tim Ferriss):

* It Didn’t Start With You (by Marc Wollyn)

Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️

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In this episode of 'A Spark of Awareness,' the focus is on the second self-sabotage pattern: being a people pleaser.

Sophie Vo, explores how people pleasing manifests in various behaviors such as avoiding conflicts, difficult conversations, struggling to say no, or over-explaining your boundaries.

Through personal anecdotes, she highlights the cultural and psychological origins of people pleasing and its detrimental effects on both personal and professional relationships.

Sophie offers actionable advice on how to recognize these patterns and practice setting boundaries by delaying responses and learning to say no.

Leaders are encouraged to practice these skills and reflect on their experiences, with more on self-sabotage patterns promised in future episodes.Extra resources recommended:

* Boundaries (by Henry Cloud)

* Boundary Boss (by Terry Cole)

* Attached (by Amir Levine), to understand more the origins of your people pleasing patterns.

Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️

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In this coaching reflection episode of ‘A Spark of Awareness,’ we dive deep into the vital role Intuition plays in creative leadership.

In a world saturated with technology and external validation, it's easy to lose touch with our inner authority and self-mastery. This first episode highlights the #1 self-sabotage pattern: ignoring intuition.

Many leaders today operate solely from the mind which is 20% of their full potential, by disregarding the body's inherent wisdom. The episode offers practical steps to reconnect with intuition through creative practices and daily self-awareness exercises.

Every episode closes with a short guided meditation designed to help listeners connect with their breath and bodies, creating space for intuitive feelings to surface.

Additional resources:

* The Pathless Path

* The Creative Act: A Way Of Being (by Rick Rubin)

Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️

Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness.

In this new coaching episode host Sophie Vo and co-host Maria Gillies are tackling the “Fear of Becoming You,” uncovering the profound themes surrounding leadership, self-awareness, and personal transformation.

These themes have resonated particularly for women leaders navigating the complexities of authenticity and growth.

Changing: The Paradoxes of Growth

In our discussion, we delved into the paradoxical nature of personal growth. Many leaders express a desire to rise and transform while simultaneously fearing what that transformation might entail. The fear of “becoming someone you do not want to be” often mirrors a deeper apprehension of losing integral parts of oneself in the pursuit of growth.

Identify When You Are Sabotaging Yourself

Change starts with awareness.

Recognizing where you feel stuck or conflicted—such as the fear of becoming your own Villain—can unveil deeper self-limiting beliefs. Trust that acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.

Recalibrate Relationships: In and Out

As you grow, you may need to reassess your relationships, including the one you have with yourself. Growth often requires reevaluation and sometimes letting go of connections that no longer serve your true self.

This requires courage, and is part of the process of change.

Practice Daily Self-Awareness

True self-awareness involves daily practices of introspection. Writing down and honoring your boundaries can guard your authenticity and prevent self-abandonment.

3 Signs You Are Not Aligned

Leadership isn’t merely about external success; it’s about fulfilling your role while staying true to yourself.

When shadows loom in leadership, signals manifest physically and emotionally, disrupting our well-being. Watch out for these:

* Physical Symptoms: Stress or burnout symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and physical exhaustion suggest misalignment in your path and priorities.

* Emotional Up and Downs: Feelings of loneliness or disconnection, even when surrounded by people, are strong indicators that introspective work is needed.

* Constant Misalignments: Recurring conflicts or dissatisfaction in professional and personal settings often highlight deep-seated issues begging for resolution.

✍️ Coaching Tools

For leaders seeking to address these shadows, fostering a conscious, self-aware mindset is crucial. Here are some practical options:

* Daily Journaling: Spend time each day reflecting on your thoughts and feelings. Focus on areas that are out of alignment and use journaling to explore their roots.

* Boundary Setting: Identify what is yours, what is not yours? Establish boundaries that protect your time and energy. Practice saying no.

* Weekly Calibration: Regularly pause to assess your emotional state and recent interactions. Are they nourishing or depleting? Consciously decide who and what fills your environment. Change it.

* Journey with a group: Join communities or circles where you can share experiences and gain diverse perspectives. These spaces offer opportunities for learning, healing, and collective growth.

Don’t be afraid to explore those uncomfortable questions:

“What am I afraid of losing in the process of becoming who I truly want to be?”

“When did I last ignore my instincts, and what was the outcome?”

“What relationships in my life truly support my growth, and which ones do I maintain out of fear?”

Remember that personal growth is not linear.

On December 20th, I’ll host online a free masterclass to go deeper on the themes to realign your life and purpose, overcoming the fears of becoming You.

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In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is undergoing a transformative journey. The old paradigm of leading through control and authority is being replaced by a conscious, heart-centered approach that values authenticity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

In this new episode, Sophie Vo Vo and Marko Kecmann, business partner in games for 11 years, explore the essence of this evolution, uncovering key insights and practical steps leaders can take to embark on their own inner work journey.

Leadership Coaching Wisdom

The Power of Letting Go

A recurring theme in leadership evolution is recognizing the need to let go of control. Leaders often try to micromanage and dictate every aspect of their team’s operations. However, true leadership lies in empowering others and trusting them to bring their skills to fruition.

Instead of dictating terms, embrace the idea that leadership means guiding, influencing, and inspiring others to achieve common goals.

Active Listening

One of the most undervalued yet crucial skills in leadership is active listening. It involves listening not to respond, but to truly understand and empathize with others’ perspectives. Practicing active listening opens up channels for deeper communication, enabling leaders to connect with their teams on a more authentic level.

Be a Life Student

Leadership is not about having all the answers, but about constantly learning and growing. Adopting a mindset of continual education and curiosity allows leaders to remain adaptable and open to new ideas.

As Sophie mentioned, even at the age of 50 or 60, remain a student to effectively lead evolving teams.

3 Signs You Have Shadows in Your Leadership

#1 Defensiveness to Feedback

If you find yourself defending every critique instead of embracing it, it might signal underlying shadows. Such reactions often stem from insecurity or an inflated ego, masking deeper issues that require attention.

#2 A Constant Need for Control

Over-managing and a reluctance to delegate can be indicators of internal shadows driven by fear of failure or losing authority. Observe if this need springs from an authentic place or is clouded by past experiences and perceptions.

#3 Avoidance of Vulnerability

An unwillingness to show vulnerability can prevent authentic connections with your team. Shadows often manifest in maintaining a façade of perfection or invulnerability, hindering growth and mutual trust.

Where Can You Start To Practice Self-Awareness?

Journaling and Reflection

Set aside time for regular journaling to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing can illuminate patterns and provide clarity on personal challenges and areas for growth.

Seek Feedback and Coaching

Invite feedback from peers and consider engaging with a coach to gain external perspectives and guidance. A coach can help identify blind spots and support you in navigating personal and professional challenges.

Mindfulness and Somatic Practices

Engage in mindfulness exercises and somatic practices to become attuned to your inner experiences. Techniques such as meditation, breathwork, or guided visualization can aid in reducing stress and promoting emotional regulation.

Join Leadership Circles or Retreats

Participating in leadership-focused workshops or retreats offers a supportive environment to explore self-awareness. Engaging with others who are on a similar journey fosters learning and peer support.

Conclusion

Leadership is no longer about wielding power over others; it is about fostering a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. Embracing inner work through self-awareness, vulnerability, and continuous learning is vital for modern leaders.

By acknowledging and releasing the shadows that hinder our potential, we pave the way for a more compassionate and connected leadership landscape.

Join Sophie and Marko in embracing this revolution in leadership—a journey that starts from within 💛✨

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