Building Emotional Resilience in Teams with Annalisa Jackson

By Andy Storch | March 19, 2024

How do I pause here, reflect on what this is about, and then respond in a way that's so much more in alignment with my values, with how I want to show up for my team or my collaborators? And I think that piece is such an important part of leadership development and from my own experience, is often not addressed in a lot of our leadership development programs.

In the latest episode of Talent Development Think Tank, I welcome ICF certified Somatic Coach Annalisa Jackson, a profound thought leader in leading leadership and wellbeing programs.
This post will guide you through key learnings from the episode, offering practical steps on managing workplace stress and building emotional resiliency in your teams through the lens of somatic coaching.

Understanding the Role of Somatic Coaching

Begin by familiarizing yourself with somatic coaching, a method that recognizes how our bodies hold emotions and stress. It's about developing mindfulness to shift physical habits and reactions. For leaders, this means tapping into body awareness to manage stress, make empathetic decisions, and remain resilient under pressure.

Prioritize Mental and Physical Well-Being

The modern workplace is often a high-stress environment. Annalisa emphasizes the importance of intentional pauses and self-check-ins to prioritize health. As a leader, encourage your team to slow down, reflect, and practice mindfulness techniques to maintain their well-being.

Create Spaces for Inclusion

Take cues from Annalisa on creating inclusive environments. Adjust your presence and tone to set a safe atmosphere, considering social context, identity, and power dynamics. Design gatherings that allow diverse voices to be heard, and implement consent and opt-in choices at every step.

Integrate Experiential Learning and Stress Management Programs

Leaders should champion programs that incorporate practical application of stress management, resilience, and well-being techniques. Embrace experiential learning to engage your team in developing these critical skills.

Embrace Embodiment in Training

Invite your whole self into learning and development opportunities. Explore embodiment practices and leverage experiential learning to involve both the mind and body, enhancing the training's effectiveness.

Build Capacity for Ambiguity and Change

In a rapidly changing workforce, cultivating the ability to handle uncertainty is vital. Use somatic coaching techniques to improve this capacity, allowing for better navigation through ambiguity and fostering a culture of adaptability.

Leading with a Grounded Presence

Practice and teach techniques that instill a sense of calm and presence, especially in high-stakes situations. This can lead to clearer thinking and more compassionate leadership.

Acknowledge Individual Experiences

Recognize the diversity of backgrounds in your team, and understand that each member's experience informs their behavior and needs. Use this insight to build a more cohesive team environment.
Integrating the principles of somatic coaching and the insights provided by Annalisa Jackson can transform the way you lead and develop your team. It's about more than just productivity; it's about creating a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive culture in your organization.
Be sure to listen to the full episode on the Talent Development Think Tank Podcast!

Annalisa Jackson is an ICF certified somatic coach and trauma-informed facilitator with 8 years of experience leading wellbeing and leadership programs for global organizations.  As the founder of Collective Flourishing, she helps values-driven teams and leaders manage stress with more ease, lead with clarity and strengthen their connection with one another.

Prior to launching Collective Flourishing, Annalisa worked in international peacebuilding where she led trainings on leadership, cross-cultural communication, resilience, and conflict resolution. Annalisa is certified in somatic coaching by the Strozzi Institute, holds a BA in intercultural studies, an MA in inter-religious studies and the Next Economy MBA from Lift Economy. In her free time, Annalisa enjoys making music and trail running where she currently lives in Oakland, CA.

Annalisa Jackson
Annalisa Jackson

Listen to the podcast episode here:

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About Andy Storch

Andy Storch is an author, consultant, coach, speaker and facilitator on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. He is the author of the book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, which is designed to help professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy is also the host of three podcasts, including The Talent Development Hot Seat; Own Your Career; and My NFT Journey. He is the co-founder and host of The Talent Development Think Tank Conference and Community as well as the host of the Talent Development Virtual Summit. Andy has consulted and taught strategy, sales, leadership, finance, and innovation to business leaders all over the world including companies like Salesforce.com, Oracle, Google, Toyota, State Farm, Red Bull, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HP, Sony, Cisco, Tiffany & Co and others. Andy holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business where he served as President of the MBA program and a BS from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) His purpose is to love and support his family and to impact the world by inspiring people to stop drifting, take control and live life with Intention. He is a husband and father of two kids and lives in Orlando, Florida, USA.