This podcast episode features Dana Shamas, an executive leadership and wellness coach, who supports leaders, changemakers, and healers to trust their intuition and step into a place of authentic leadership. The conversation explores how Dana's experiences, particularly her journey with dyslexia
, have shaped her approach to coaching and her understanding of personal empowerment.
The episode focuses on Dana's unique perspective on leadership, which emphasizes authenticity and trusting one's intuition. It explores how Dana helps her clients break free from traditional, often forced, ways of thinking and leading and instead embrace their natural abilities and perspectives. Dana uses a combination of energy work, reflective practices, and practical coaching to facilitate this transformation.
A significant part of the podcast explores how Dana's dyslexia, undiagnosed until college, presented challenges in her early life, especially in reading aloud and learning languages. Although these difficulties existed, Dana's family, particularly her mother and aunt, focused on her other skills, which enabled her to thrive.
The conversation then shifts to other challenges Dana faced, particularly related to body image and family dynamics.
Dana candidly discusses feeling different due to her height and weight compared to her athletic family. Notably, at the age of 10, Dana decided to join Weight Watchers with her grandmother's support, which instilled a sense of empowerment and taught her the value of effort and healthy choices.
The podcast highlights how these early experiences fostered Dana's strong sense of self and her ability to make independent decisions. Surrounding herself with supportive people and recognizing her diverse needs allowed Dana to navigate challenges effectively. She learned to identify solutions and alternative paths when facing difficult situations, a mindset that continued into higher education and beyond.
The episode recounts a particularly challenging period in Dana's life following business school, during the 2008 economic collapse. Dana lost her job, faced significant damage to her family home from a hurricane, and dealt with the stress of job searching in a difficult market. This period forced Dana to focus on taking small, manageable steps forward, a strategy that eventually helped her rebuild and rediscover her path.
The conversation then turns to Dana's transition into coaching. It was a client who encouraged her to expand her work, recognizing the value of Dana's unique skill set and approach. This led Dana to open her own wellness studio, offering personalized support through one-on-one sessions, small group coaching, and intimate retreats.
The podcast concludes with an example of how Dana helps her clients navigate difficult workplace relationships. Dana emphasizes the importance of addressing the internal narratives and judgments that often fuel conflict and prevent clear communication. By helping her clients unwind these narratives and embrace direct communication, Dana facilitates both personal and professional growth.
The episode ends with a reflection on the importance of self-acceptance, honesty, and embracing change. Dana emphasizes the need for ongoing reflection and recognizing that as individuals evolve, their needs and priorities may also shift. The hosts share their appreciation for open communication and the value of being true to oneself, even if it means making difficult choices.
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