Substack shorts - Updated Occasionally

Check out my Substack Sacred Space for complete posts on life, leadership, and the pursuit of greater ease and alignment.

Last month, I saw it coming. I prepared. I planned. And yet—things did not go as expected.

A big launch, a major work event, months of preparation—only to have it feel like a rocket exploding mid-air. In the aftermath, I found myself asking: What just happened? What does this mean? Will I be okay?

When Control Slips Away

Life, much like leadership and business, is full of failed launches, unexpected pivots, and shakeups. We crave control, but reality often has other plans. The more we try to force stability, the harder the free fall feels. And right now, many people—leaders, business owners, parents—are feeling that sense of instability more than ever.

Layoffs, market crashes, political uncertainty—our world is shifting rapidly. And while self-care and stress management help, true resilience comes from something deeper: trusting that you can handle whatever comes next.

What Real Resilience Looks Like

Pema Chödrön says, “To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.”

Real resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about learning to navigate them. It’s about trusting your own adaptability, not gripping onto a rigid plan. It’s the ability to say:

• If things don’t go as planned, I can recalibrate.

• If I fail, I will learn.

• If life forces me in a new direction, I will find my footing again.

From Setback to Reset

What felt like failure in my launch turned out to be a necessary reset. The experience forced me to reassess and realign my work in a way that made more sense.

It was as if the universe was saying: You’re going the wrong way. Let me help you.

Not all shakeups feel like gifts in the moment—but often, they are.

Questions for Reflection

In moments of uncertainty, ask yourself:

• Am I gripping too tightly to one outcome when adaptability is needed?

• Are old fears or patterns keeping me stuck?

• How can I remind myself that no matter what, I can handle it?

The only thing we can truly control is how we respond to life’s unexpected turns. And when we learn to trust the free fall, we discover an inner stability that no external chaos can shake.

No matter what, you can handle it. And not only that—you’ll be stronger for it.

Read the full version of this article on my Substack.

January may be over, but for many of us, the intensity continues. If you’re heading into a high-stakes season at work or home, it’s crucial to protect your energy—because burnout doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s the result of continually withdrawing from your inner well without replenishing it.

As I prepare for a big business launch, my co-founder’s maternity leave, school vacations, and all the usual life demands, I’m leaning into three key strategies to protect my energy and sustain my well-being.

Step 1: Take Stock of What’s Ahead

Instead of powering through blindly, pause and assess. What’s coming down the pipeline? Where will demands increase? Where will support decrease?

For me, February means:
✔ Increased workload as my business partner steps away
✔ A major launch coinciding with school breaks (perfect timing!)
✔ Family travel with three young kids (a logistical marathon)

Acknowledging that this isn’t a “business as usual” month allows me to set realistic expectations—so I don’t walk into burnout unknowingly.

Step 2: Don’t Be a Hero

This is my mantra from when I became a twin mom. I had to let go of unrealistic expectations and resist the pressure to “do it all.” And right now, I’m reminding myself again:

I will not try to push through as if nothing has changed.
I will not sacrifice my well-being to prove I can handle it.
I will not be afraid to ask for help.

Instead…
I will say no when needed.
I will delegate to my team.
I will communicate with my partner about what I need.

For ambitious women, this is especially important. There’s a deep, ingrained pressure to prove we can do it all, but true strength lies in honoring our limits, not ignoring them.

Step 3: Make It a Zero-Sum Game

At Noria, we teach the concept of the inner well—a way to gauge how resourced or depleted you are.

Picture your energy as a well filled with water. If it’s full, you feel clear-headed, grounded, and capable. If it’s dry, you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and barely holding it together.

This month, I know I’ll be withdrawing from my well more than usual, so I must be just as committed to refilling it.

If I work late, I rest early the next night.
If I push through a tough day, I recharge with movement or stillness.
If I give more energy, I make sure I’m getting energy back.

You cannot keep withdrawing without making deposits—because that’s not how our bodies (or minds) work.

If You’re Heading Into a Busy Season…

Ask yourself:

• What’s coming up that may require extra energy?

• Where can you adjust expectations or ask for help?

• How can you balance withdrawals with deposits?

Success should never come at the cost of well-being. If you’re navigating an intense season, protect your energy like it’s your most valuable resource—because it is.

Wishing you energy, balance, and moments of stillness in these final winter months.

Read the full version on my Substack.

Starting my own business has been a humbling and deeply personal experience—one that has challenged me to truly embody the principles I teach at Noria: slowing down, managing personal energy, and breaking free from societal conditioning.

A new business demands an enormous amount of energy, and because your livelihood is on the line, the instinct is to move fast, hustle, and control every outcome. At the same time, it brings up deep-seated fears—of failure, visibility, and not being "enough."

Through this journey, I’ve been sitting with some important questions that may resonate with you, too:

• How do I balance ambition and surrender—taking action while also trusting the process?

• If I weren’t comparing myself to others, what would I be doing?

• If I weren’t concerned about what others think, how would I lead?

Trusting Your Own Path

Joseph Campbell once said: “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”

To follow your own path is to surrender to the unknown, to let go of rigid expectations, and to trust that you are the expert of your own life.

A (somewhat messy) example? Potty training twin toddlers.

I followed all the expert advice. I read the books, listened to the podcasts, and created the perfect plan. And yet… no miraculous three-day potty training success.

At first, I resisted. I worried. I stressed. Then I let go.

I surrendered to what felt right, loosened my grip, and trusted my instincts. The result? Less stress, more progress.

And in business, leadership, and life—the same truth applies.

The Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Stress

We all want success, growth, and fulfillment—but stress is not always the fuel that gets us there.

Good Stress (Eustress): Propels you forward, expands your comfort zone, and activates your potential.
Bad Stress (Distress): Drains your energy, fuels self-doubt, and keeps you trapped in fear-based thinking.

If you’re constantly operating from overwhelm, worry, or comparison, it may be time to release the stress that isn’t serving you—and trust the process instead.

Letting Go in Practice

1. Recognize unhealthy stress. When worry, doubt, or fear arise, pause and notice how they feel in your body.

2. Don’t resist your emotions. Instead of suppressing discomfort, allow the feeling to surface and move through you.

3. Trust your own wisdom. You don’t need constant striving and control to succeed. Sometimes, the best strategy is to let go.

A New Paradigm for Success

For me, this year is about releasing what doesn’t serve me and leaning into what is possible.

Instead of pushing harder, I’m embracing a balance of action and trust. Instead of following old paradigms of control, dominance, and perfectionism, I’m leaning into allowing, trusting, and collaboration.

My prediction (and hope) for 2025? More people will opt out of the rat race, release the need for external validation, and follow their own authentic path.

May this be the year of rebalancing, letting go, and stepping into who you truly are.

Many years ago, I was negotiating a raise for a team member when I was shocked to learn that my company did not consider a promotion to “people manager” worthy of a pay increase.

I remember saying, “But managing people is the hardest part of the job!”

And it’s true—people management is one of the most undervalued and emotionally demanding roles in leadership. While mentoring and supporting a team is deeply rewarding, it also requires tremendous emotional energy, self-awareness, and resilience.

Leadership Triggers: Why Managing People Feels Personal

What many don’t talk about is how emotionally taxing and evocative leadership can be. Managing others is not just about setting goals and giving feedback—it can trigger deep-seated patterns, insecurities, and old wounds.

Just like parenting, leadership brings up control, self-worth, and identity challenges. Your direct reports may unintentionally trigger feelings of frustration, self-doubt, or even fear.

• A team member pushes back on your decisions → You feel challenged and defensive.

• Someone doesn’t follow through on a task → You feel like you’re not being respected.

• You receive constructive feedback → It stings more than it should.

• A high performer outshines you in an area → You feel threatened.

These are normal reactions—because leadership is deeply personal. But unexamined triggers can lead to stress, burnout, and ineffective decision-making.

Understanding Your Stress Response as a Leader

When your nervous system is activated, you may unconsciously default to fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses:

• Fight: You react with frustration, defensiveness, or micromanagement.

• Flight: You avoid conflict, delay hard conversations, or check out.

• Freeze: You spiral into self-doubt, overthink, or feel stuck.

• Fawn: You over-accommodate, people-please, and compromise your leadership.

How to Regulate Your Nervous System and Lead Effectively

Leadership isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about recognizing them, regulating them, and responding with clarity. Here’s how:

Step 1: Notice the signs of stress.
Are you shutting down? Overreacting? Feeling overly anxious or defensive? Recognizing your stress response is the first step.

Step 2: Identify your triggers.
Ask yourself: What specifically made me feel this way? Why does this situation feel familiar?

Step 3: Create distance from the reaction.
Journal, talk it out, or work with a coach to better understand your triggers. Self-awareness lessens the emotional charge.

Step 4: Re-regulate your nervous system.
Simple practices like deep breathing, movement, or even listening to music can help bring you back to a calm, clear-headed state before responding.

Self-Awareness Is Your Leadership Superpower

At Noria, we believe self-awareness is the key to sustainable leadership. The more you understand your own emotional landscape, the more effectively you can lead without unnecessary stress and reactivity.

Leadership will challenge you—it’s supposed to. But by developing emotional resilience and self-awareness, you can turn personal triggers into powerful growth opportunities—for yourself and your team.

Wishing you strength, resilience, and lots of grace on your leadership journey!

Check out the full version of this article on my Substack.

The workplace is changing, and the data is clear: employee well-being is no longer optional—it’s essential.

For years, companies have talked about burnout and resilience, but few have provided real solutions. Many organizations recognize the importance of workplace well-being, yet struggle to integrate it into their fast-paced, results-driven cultures.

The reality? Workers are no longer willing to sacrifice their well-being for a paycheck. They are quitting jobs that don’t support them and rejecting offers from companies that fail to prioritize a healthy work environment.

The Cost of Ignoring Workplace Well-Being

Organizations that don’t address well-being pay the price in turnover, disengagement, and declining productivity. Consider the annual costs for a 100-person company:

• $660K – $2.6M lost due to turnover

• $1.3M lost from disengaged employees

• $60K lost due to poor mental health

For companies to remain competitive, well-being must be embedded into culture—not treated as an afterthought. And it must start with leadership.

How We Got Here: A Shift in Workplace Values

The pandemic amplified burnout and led to mass resignations as workers reassessed their priorities. What followed was:

The Great Resignation – Millions of workers quit jobs that drained them.
The Great Reflection – People began asking, What is this all for?
A New Paradigm – Now, fulfillment, flexibility, and purpose are non-negotiable.

Employees want meaningful work, psychological safety, and alignment with their values. Organizations that fail to recognize this risk losing top talent and falling behind in the future of work.

Why Leaders Hold the Key to Workplace Well-Being

Leaders set the tone for workplace culture, and their impact is profound—research shows that your boss has a bigger impact on your mental health than your doctor or therapist.

Effective leaders create psychological safety, engagement, and trust, while ineffective leadership contributes to stress, disengagement, and burnout.

To build a workplace that fosters well-being, leaders must be equipped with the right skills:

✔ Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Understanding and managing emotions under stress
✔ Self-Regulation – Leading with clarity, not reactivity
✔ Psychological Safety – Creating a culture where employees feel seen and valued
✔ Resilience & Adaptability – Navigating change without burnout
✔ A Coach Approach to Leadership – Empowering team members to thrive

Supporting Leaders in This Shift

Leaders are navigating a completely new era of work, one that requires balancing humanity with business. But they can’t do it alone—they need support, training, and tools to develop a leadership style that fosters both performance and well-being.

That’s where Noria’s signature course, Shift The Way You Lead, comes in.

Shift The Way You Lead: A Framework for Sustainable Leadership

Our evidence-based course teaches leaders how to:

1. Develop Self-Awareness & Nervous System Regulation – Learn how to manage stress, increase EQ, and lead with clarity.

2. Navigate the Modern Workplace – Master meeting hygiene, engagement, and connection in remote/hybrid settings.

3. Adopt a Coach Approach to Leadership – Build trust in 1:1 interactions and empower teams.

4. Foster Belonging & Community – Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and resilience.

5. Align Leadership with Purpose – Ensure employees feel motivated, valued, and fulfilled in their work.

The self-paced, flexible course provides leaders with tools, community, and guidance to create lasting cultural change—not just individual transformation.

The Future of Work Starts Now

The era of grind culture, burnout, and outdated leadership tactics is over.

Modern leadership requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to well-being—not just for employees, but for leaders themselves.