Episode 15

How Yoga’s Ethical Principles Can Transform Your Leadership

with Risa Kawamoto

Welcome to another episode of the Journey Podcast!

In this episode, I explore the power of Yoga’s ethical principles and how they can transform your leadership.

I share my personal journey of leading a small team without prior experience, and how the 5 Yamas, the ethical principles from the 8-Fold Path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga in Sanskrit) from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, guided me through challenges and helped me become a more embodied, authentic, and effective leader.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or someone seeking to embody authentic and effective leadership, this episode offers valuable insights and journaling prompts to help you apply these ancient principles in modern corporate settings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence / Non-Harming):

Learn how practicing kindness and non-harming in thoughts, words, and actions can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Journaling prompts:

Can you recognise violence and harm through your thoughts, words and actions?

How can you be more thoughtful and inclusive towards those you work with?

2. Satya (Truthfulness):

Discover the importance of authenticity in leadership and how speaking your truth can build trust and integrity within your team.

Journaling prompts:

Do your actions align with what you say and think?

How can you lead authentically without changing who you are?

3. Asteya (Non-Stealing):

Explore how avoiding stealing of time, attention, and credit can lead to a more collaborative and empowering workplace.

Journaling prompts:

What might you be stealing from others through time, attention, power and confidence? 

What is the impact of you stealing from others and taking credit for others’ work?

How can you turn this around and to give more than you take?

4. Brahmacharya (Non-Excess):

Understand the value of energy management and how slowing down can enhance productivity and decision-making.

Journaling prompts:

Can you think of a time when you have pushed yourself or your team too hard and this has had a longer term impact?

Can you think of any tasks you have that take far too much time and energy, without adding value, that can be set aside, allowing you to focus on what is really important?

5. Aparigraha (Non-Greed & Non-Attachment):

Reflect on the importance of letting go of unhealthy attachments and fostering a mindset of abundance and generosity in leadership.

Journaling prompts:

Can you think of a time when you were too attached to the outcome fast and may have excluded people who could have benefited or added value for being involved?

What can you let go of and allow others to do? 

Further Reflections:

How can you integrate these Yogic principles into your daily leadership practices?

Which Yama resonates most with you, and how can it transform your leadership style?

Tune in to discover how embracing these ancient Yogic principles can help you become the leader you aspire to be!

If you enjoyed this episode or inspired you in some way, please rate and leave a review so we can reach as many people as possible, and take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me @risa_kawamoto or share on your LinkedIn and tag me there!

Embody Your Authentic Self

If you are a purpose-driven, passionate, aspiring leader, who wants to make a positive impact and create positive change with your work, but you find yourself constantly doubting yourself and battling with your inner-critic, or perhaps you are struggling to progress into a leadership role, I would love to invite you to my 1:1 somatic coaching programme – Embody Your Authentic Self. 

Embody Your Authentic Self – Somatic Coaching Programme is a journey of self-discovery, allowing you to become the authentic leader you desire to be.

If this interests you, I’d love to hear from you! All you need to do is complete your application form and I will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss next steps!