In the latest episode of The Executive Exhale podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carly Pepin, an international speaker and consultant specializing in leadership and business growth using human behaviour principles. Carly’s wisdom, rooted in her personal journey and professional expertise, inspired me to reflect on the deeper connection between leadership, wellness, and creating a meaningful life.
This conversation wasn’t just an exploration of leadership challenges but a transformative roadmap for turning obstacles into opportunities and aligning personal values with professional ambitions.
In this blog, I’ll share some key takeaways from our discussion, infused with my reflections and actionable insights for anyone seeking balance, fulfillment, and success in their leadership journey.
A Lifelong Journey into Understanding Human Behaviour
Carly’s passion for understanding human behaviour began at an early age. At just seven years old, she encountered a challenging situation that sparked her curiosity about why people act the way they do. Rather than feeling defeated by her experience, Carly turned it into a lifelong pursuit of mastery in human behaviour. This discipline has informed her work with leaders and businesses worldwide, where she has successfully implemented strategies based on her understanding of how humans show up and act.
Her journey resonated deeply with me. As a former executive and now coach, I often see leaders grappling with the “why” behind their actions or those of their teams. Carly’s story reminded me of the importance of curiosity and asking, “What’s behind this?” instead of rushing to judgment.
Business as a Vehicle for Impact
Carly’s perspective on business is both refreshing and empowering. She views it as an incredible opportunity to serve others, emphasizing that the more people you serve, the more income you can generate. Business, she explained, is not merely a means to an end but a platform for creating a positive impact.
This perspective struck a chord. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities. Carly’s insight reframes business and leadership challenges as opportunities for service, a view that I also share. It helps leaders see their roles not as burdens but as avenues for making a meaningful difference, a belief that I have seen transform the leadership journeys of many of my clients.
Overcoming Leadership Challenges
Our conversation delved into the complex challenges leaders face. Carly highlighted two categories of hurdles:
Internal Challenges: These often stem from leaders’ struggles, such as difficulty admitting vulnerabilities, stress, or a lack of clarity about their personal values and vision. Carly emphasized the importance of self-awareness in navigating these internal obstacles.
External Challenges: External challenges include employee management issues, system and process inefficiencies, and market dynamics. Carly stressed the need to diagnose these challenges accurately, likening it to peeling back layers to uncover the root causes of poor performance. One of her suggestions was implementing systems and processes to streamline operations and foster a positive workplace culture. These could include regular team meetings, clear communication channels, and performance evaluation systems.
These suggestions align with what I often recommend to clients: simplify when you feel overwhelmed. A strong foundation of systems allows you to focus on what truly matters when leading and inspiring your team.
Transformational Success Stories
Carly shared a couple of transformational success stories that were incredibly inspiring. One client, teetering on the brink of burnout, found renewed energy and clarity by reconnecting with their values and vision. Another client, who had always dreamed of coaching and speaking, achieved their goal by delegating responsibilities and creating space for their passions.
These stories are a testament to the power of alignment. When you align your daily actions with your deeper purpose, everything shifts. I encourage all my clients to consider this question: Are you living in alignment with what matters most to you?
Reframing Challenges as “On the Way”
One of my favorite takeaways from Carly was her philosophy of seeing challenges as “on the way” rather than “in the way.” This simple mindset shift can transform how we approach difficulties. Instead of viewing them as obstacles blocking our path, we can see them as stepping stones guiding us toward growth and opportunity.
This perspective has already shifted how I think about my own challenges. It’s a reminder that every roadblock holds a lesson, and often, the path we’re meant to take is revealed through these very struggles.
The Role of Balance in Leadership Wellness
Maintaining balance is a cornerstone of leadership wellness, and Carly’s approach is unique. Instead of taking breaks in the traditional sense, she fills her schedule with inspiring activities that keep her energized and engaged. For her, it’s about maintaining a state of objectivity and executive function during challenging times.
While not necessarily in complete alignment with what I discuss with my clients, I do draw on this wisdom: prioritize activities that light you up. Whether it’s a morning walk, a creative hobby, or spending time with loved ones, these moments of inspiration can sustain you even during the busiest seasons.
Aligning Values with Business Activities
One of the most profound insights Carly shared was the importance of aligning personal values with business activities. When there’s alignment, energy and motivation naturally follow. But when there’s a disconnect, burnout and dissatisfaction often aren’t far behind. This guidance is crucial for leaders seeking to maintain their wellness and purpose.
As an executive wellness coach, I often start by helping my clients clarify their values and their true desires. Once those are clear, decisions about where to invest time and energy become much easier. Carly’s reminder reinforced just how foundational this work is for me and my clients.
Actionable Insights for Leaders
Throughout our conversation, Carly offered practical and actionable strategies that any leader can implement:
Diagnose Before You Act
When faced with business challenges, take time to diagnose the root causes. Are the issues internal, external, or both? This clarity will guide your next steps.
Implement Systems and Processes
Streamline operations to reduce inefficiencies and create a positive workplace culture. Simple, repeatable systems free up mental energy for more strategic thinking.
Reframe Challenges
Practice seeing challenges as opportunities “on the way” rather than obstacles “in the way.” This shift in your mindset or beliefs can transform how you approach difficulties.
Align Your Actions with Your Values
Regularly check in with yourself: Are my daily actions aligned with what matters most to me? If not, start making adjustments to bring your work and life into greater harmony.
Fill Your Schedule with Inspiration
Prioritize activities that energize and inspire you. These moments will sustain your motivation and creativity, even during challenging times.
Conclusion: Leading with Wellness and Purpose
As our conversation came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the transformative power of aligning leadership with wellness. Carly’s insights reinforced something I’ve long believed: authentic leadership isn’t just about achieving goals or managing others. It’s about living in alignment with your values, serving others through your work, and approaching challenges with curiosity and resilience.
I left our discussion with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for the work I get to do. At its best, leadership is a journey of growth, connection, and impact. If there’s one takeaway I hope you leave with, it’s this: prioritize your wellness and align your actions with your values because when you do, every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth.
If Carly’s wisdom inspires you, take one small step today. Your step could be journaling about your values, streamlining a process in your business, or simply scheduling time for something that inspires you. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a life of alignment, fulfillment, and impact.
If this blog resonates with you and you’re ready to align your leadership and wellness, I invite you to explore my coaching programs or upcoming retreats. Let’s work together to create a path that supports your growth, fulfillment, and success. Visit Executive Exhale to learn more, or schedule a discovery call today!
