In a world where the line between roles is fading, mastering emotional intelligence and somatic awareness is crucial for everyone. By 2027, over half the U.S. workforce will be freelancing, emphasizing the need for self-leadership skills. Summary: In a world where the line between roles is fading, mastering emotional intelligence and somatic awareness is crucial for everyone. By 2027, over half the U.S. workforce will be freelancing, emphasizing the need for self-leadership skills. This newsletter explores how integrating mind and body can unlock your full potential, helping you thrive in work and life. Discover how embodied leadership can transform your decision-making, relationships, and overall impact, regardless of your professional role.
Today, I want to talk to you about unlocking our full potential as founders and leaders!
Whether you're running a company, freelancing, or simply navigating your personal life, remember: we're all founders when we pursue our dreams, and we're all leaders of our own complex inner worlds. Each of us has a multitude of selves living within our psyches, making self-leadership a universal challenge and opportunity.
Catarina, ready to start the Olo event in Marina, San Francisco
Did you know that by 2027, it's projected that more than half (50.9%) of the U.S. workforce will be freelancing or working independently? This striking statistic from the recent Consumer Trend Report by Forerunner highlights the shifting nature of work and leadership in our society, emphasizing the growing importance of self-management and personal leadership skills for everyone.
Today, "working for self" is mainstream: 75%+ of consumers have or want a side hustle and 60% would prefer to work for themselves
In this new paradigm, developing robust emotional and somatic intelligence is no longer optional—it's essential for everyone, whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, or freelancer. Yet, many entrepreneurs and leaders find themselves caught in cycles of stress, burnout, and disconnection. We operate in a state of half-living—either emotionally numb or overly reactive. This compromises not only our joy and well-being but also our ability to innovate, make sound decisions, and lead effectively.
Practicing Somatic Awareness at the Olo workshop
We often do this to stay functional in a world full of challenges and constant stimulation. But the side effects are clear: life feels less alive, and our capabilities—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth—suffer.
So, how can we cultivate a new way of leading and building businesses that's both sustainable and impactful?
The answer lies in embodiment—fully integrating our cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences. This approach to entrepreneurship and leadership can be challenging, especially when facing perceived 'negative emotions' or overwhelming stress.
Olo works on brain health, emotional processing and nervous system regulation.
Most of us were never taught how to effectively manage our emotions or tap into the power of our nervous systems. We weren't shown how to ride the wave of our experiences instead of fighting against them. However, it's precisely these challenges that offer the greatest growth opportunities.
Emotional intelligence and somatic awareness form the bedrock of the psychological maturity crucial for today's business leaders. By honing our ability to feel our emotions, and by deepening our awareness of our bodily responses, we foster true psychological growth. This integration of mind and body leads to the maturity and wisdom essential for navigating not just the complex business world, but life in general.
Why is this so crucial for entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals alike? In our fast-paced, unpredictable world, psychological maturity enables us to:
Olo chapter opening at MUDWTR gather in LA
Emotional intelligence, somatic awareness, and psychological maturity are key to sustainable success in all aspects of life, including entrepreneurship and leadership. They allow us to not just survive life's challenges but to thrive and innovate, creating a positive impact in our work, communities, and personal lives.
When we embrace this holistic approach, we don't just change our businesses or careers—we transform the very nature of how we live and work, paving the way for a more human-centered, sustainable future for all.
Q: What exactly are somatics, and how do they work with sound?
A: Somatics encompasses practices that focus on the mind-body connection, helping us become more aware of our physical sensations, emotions, and sense of Self. These practices aim to integrate the body, mind, and spirit, fostering a deeper understanding of one's entire being.
When combined with immersive sound, somatic practices enhance the experience by creating a holistic environment where we can explore and reflect on our inner states more easily. Sound plays a crucial role in this process, as it has the power to tap into memories, stimulate imagination, and evoke profound emotional responses.
Olo's sound and somatics approach is a powerful form of learning that is brain-friendly and body-wise. We learn through direct, embodied experiences rather than abstract concepts, making the learning more profound and lasting. It helps us access different aspects of our Self, including subconscious thoughts and feelings.
This approach can lead to:
• A more profound understanding of one's body, emotions, and overall well-being
• Enhanced self-awareness and self-regulation
• A stronger connection between the conscious and subconscious mind
• Improved ability to recognize and release physical and emotional tensions
• A deeper sense of embodiment and presence in the moment
This transformative approach can lead to significant personal growth, healing, and a more integrated sense of Self. It offers a pathway to not just understand, but to fundamentally reshape one's relationship with their body, mind, and the world around them.
