The new model of leadership is founded on personal empowerment. At its core is heightened self-awareness and awakened consciousness. It isn’t so much about self-mastery as it is about the self-acceptance. The Taoists believed that all living things, including people, had an essential nature, an innate nature.

Once consciousness is invoked it permeates everything including the business enterprises we lead and serve. This emergent feminine energy will not announce its arrival. It will sweep forth like a tsunami underfoot. It’s power irresistible and unrelenting.

Unlike masculine power won from hard fought battle this tsunami effect is quite a natural phenomenon. In leadership parlance it does feed on power, control and authority structures and this is why it is more prevalent outside the traditional organisational structures that we know of in large corporations and government. It is also one reason why there is such perpetual struggle in these corridors of power.

In practical terms we work in a business, economic and technological environment unlike anything we have experienced before. This change is of our own doing. As Einstein so poignantly put it, “You cannot solve problems with the same level of thinking that created them”.

We need another way of approaching complex problems. A more feminine approach would be sit with the problem and its unresolved tension, expand our thinking, or better still let the tension bring forth am emergent solution of its own accord. These leaders of the new light are artisans at sitting with unresolved conflict, unsolved problems.

Heart guides will. Invite your intuition to guide you. Relax your highly tuned problem solving skills, which are the domain of the left hemisphere of your brain, and allow yourself to be guided by a felt sense of direction, purpose and resolution. Brian Tracy once coined the phrase, “As you take one step towards your goals, your goals take two steps towards you.” It is a bit like that. Trust in your intuition and that creative resolution will be invoked by your heart.

This feminine energy is omnipresent in business. It always has been; just like our intuition has always been available to us but we have stifled it through one dimensional learning methods like rote learning and homogenised success formulas in business and problem solving.

Ask any small business operator if they use a business plan and most will say they either don’t or they prepare one and shelve it. Now, I am an advocate of strategic planning. I am also an advocate of scenario planning, brainstorming and thinking outside the square.
The first question to ask is not, “How do I create success?” but rather, “Why am I in business?” in sequence the order of questioning is, Why, What and How?

There are three keys principles of the emergent feminine energy in leadership and business. They epitomise the invocation of the new light, a new light of consciousness awareness. They are:

Potential:  The epitome of the feminine is potential – unrealised potential. The expressions maximise your potential and reach your full potential are misleading. Unrealised potential knows no boundary, no ceiling. The feminine is a metaphor for universality or infinite possibility. The leaders of the new light accept and embrace the divinity that is inherent in all things. Genius springs forth in such an environment.

Space:  This notion of creating and holding space is at the core of all coaching engagements. It has its origins in ancient shamanistic practice and it is significant that it does. These leaders of the new light are leading us on a return voyage. A return to heartfelt leadership, values infused culture and a deeper exploration of what is purposeful and meaningful to us as individuals and collectively as humans. The adage, “If you want your outside world to change, you must be the change” holds true.

Flow:  When our hearts and souls are aligned with our purpose, mission and values then we are in flow with our innate nature. This is our innate state. This is how life works until you limit your beliefs, doubt yourself, place blocks and limitations in front of your feet. Beliefs like “You have to work hard to succeed” belong to a bygone era. Many of the inspirational quotes and elements of the success formulas were also penned in eras of war, lack or male domination. They served their time but the leaders of the new light will shine the way for you into the future.

The leaders of the new light, a new light of consciousness, start from a paradigm that you have potential (unlimited potential) and that when you aligned with your own heart you will evoke a creativity that is innovation at its core. And it is the most innate natural state you can live and love from.

Adrenal fatigue is a condition that progresses through distinct phases as the body struggles to cope with chronic stress. The adrenal glands, which produce cortisol and other hormones that manage stress, can become overwhelmed by prolonged physical, mental, or emotional pressure. Understanding the stages of adrenal fatigue can help in recognizing early signs and preventing the condition from worsening.

Stage 1: Alarm Reaction (Fight or Flight)

In the initial phase, often called the Alarm Reaction, the body’s natural stress response is activated. This stage is characterized by the fight or flight reaction, where stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released to help the body deal with the immediate stressor.

Symptoms in this stage may include:

Sudden energy bursts to cope with the stressor.
Heightened alertness and focus.
Mild anxiety or irritability.
Insomnia or difficulty winding down after stress.

This stage can be seen as the body’s attempt to maintain balance during stressful events. If the stress is temporary, the body recovers. However, if stress becomes chronic, the body progresses to the next stage.

Stage 2: Resistance (Chronic Stress)

In the Resistance stage, stress becomes long-term, and the adrenal glands continue to produce cortisol at higher levels to keep up with the demand. However, they are starting to struggle.

Common symptoms in this phase include:

Fatigue, especially in the morning and mid-afternoon.
Increased reliance on stimulants like caffeine.
Difficulty recovering from physical exertion or illness.
Anxiety, mood swings, and mild depression.
Digestive issues such as bloating or constipation.

The body begins to lose its ability to function optimally under stress, and the performance of other bodily systems, such as the immune system, starts to decline. Chronic inflammation may develop, and you might feel “wired but tired,” unable to fully relax despite exhaustion.

Stage 3: Adrenal Exhaustion

As the adrenal glands become overworked and can no longer meet the body’s demands, the Adrenal Exhaustion stage sets in. Cortisol production drops significantly, and the body’s stress response starts to fail.

Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include:

Extreme, ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Emotional instability, such as crying for no apparent reason.
Low blood pressure and frequent dizziness.

At this stage, you may find that simple daily tasks become overwhelming. Many people in adrenal exhaustion also experience significant emotional instability, including feelings of impending doom, panic attacks, and depression that may not respond to conventional treatments​

Stage 4: Adrenal Failure (Burnout)

In severe cases, untreated adrenal fatigue can lead to full-blown adrenal burnout, where the body is incapable of producing sufficient cortisol or managing stress effectively. This stage can be life-altering.

Symptoms in this final stage include:

Total inability to cope with stress or perform daily activities.
Severe depression and anxiety.
Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Chronic infections due to a suppressed immune system.
Collapse of blood sugar regulation, causing hypoglycemia.

At this point, the body’s homeostasis is significantly disrupted, and without intervention, adrenal burnout can contribute to more serious health issues, including autoimmune disorders and thyroid problems​

How to Prevent and Treat Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue can be prevented and treated through lifestyle changes that focus on stress management and hormone regulation.

Some strategies include:

Prioritizing rest and sleep to allow the body to recover.
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support adrenal health, like B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and gentle exercise.
Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Recognizing the symptoms of adrenal fatigue early can help prevent progression into more severe stages. If you find yourself resonating with these symptoms, consider adjusting your lifestyle and seeking medical advice to support your adrenal health.

This blog post helps explain the progression of adrenal fatigue and how each stage impacts the body differently, offering your readers valuable insights into managing their stress before it escalates.

About the author

Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

Setting and managing personal boundaries is key to maintaining healthy relationships, ensuring emotional well-being, and protecting your time and energy. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you establish and manage boundaries:

1. Identify Your Limits
Reflect on what makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed. Pay attention to your emotional reactions in various situations (e.g., feeling overwhelmed, resentful, or drained). These are clues that boundaries might need to be set.
Assess different aspects of your life where you might need boundaries: work, relationships, time management, emotional energy, physical space, etc.

2. Clarify Your Values
Determine what matters most to you. Your boundaries should align with your values (e.g., respect, honesty, time for self-care). When you know what you prioritize, it becomes easier to say no to things that contradict those values.

3. Communicate Clearly and Assertively
Express your boundaries to others calmly, directly, and with confidence. For example: “I need time to recharge after work, so I won’t be available for phone calls in the evening.”
Avoid over-explaining or apologizing too much. Be concise but clear about your needs.

4. Practice Saying No
Start small if you’re not used to setting boundaries. Get comfortable with saying “no” when something feels overwhelming or goes against your well-being.
Use phrases like “I can’t do that right now,” or “That doesn’t work for me.”

5. Be Consistent
Once you set a boundary, stick to it. Inconsistent boundaries can confuse others and lead to them being ignored.
Consistency reinforces your commitment to your own well-being.

6. Prepare for Pushback
Not everyone will accept your boundaries easily, especially if they’ve become accustomed to you not having them. Stay firm and be prepared to handle resistance calmly.
Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your needs even if others disagree.

7. Monitor and Adjust
Regularly assess how well your boundaries are working. Sometimes, boundaries may need to be adjusted depending on new circumstances or if you feel they aren’t strong enough.
Be open to evolving your boundaries as your personal and professional life changes.

8. Manage Guilt and Self-Care
It’s normal to feel guilty when setting boundaries, especially if you’re used to pleasing others. Remind yourself that boundaries are necessary for your health and well-being.
Practice self-care and prioritize your own needs to reinforce the importance of maintaining your boundaries.

By understanding your limits, communicating effectively, and staying consistent, you’ll build stronger, more respectful relationships and protect your mental and emotional energy.

About the author

Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

The phrase “failure is feedback” suggests that failure should be viewed not as a negative end point but as valuable information or a learning opportunity. When you experience failure, it provides insight into what went wrong, which you can use to adjust your approach, refine your methods, or gain a deeper understanding of the challenges. Instead of seeing failure as a defeat, you see it as a form of constructive criticism that helps guide you toward future success.

In essence, failure is a natural part of progress, teaching you what doesn’t work so that you can get closer to what does.

What can i do then with failure?

When you experience failure, you can turn it into a growth opportunity by taking the following steps:

Reflect and Analyze: Understand what went wrong by breaking down the situation. Identify the factors that contributed to the failure. Ask questions like: What did I overlook? What assumptions did I make? What could I have done differently?

Learn from It: Treat failure as a lesson. Look for the key takeaways that can help you improve. Each failure teaches something—whether it’s about your approach, your skills, or the environment you’re operating in.

Adjust Your Strategy: Use the feedback from the failure to make changes to your plans or methods. This might mean refining your goals, improving your skills, or trying a different approach.

Stay Resilient: Failure can be discouraging, but it’s important to maintain a positive attitude and persistence. Resilience helps you bounce back from setbacks and keeps you moving forward toward your goals.

Apply the Lessons: Take what you’ve learned and apply it in your next attempt. Each iteration will bring you closer to success, as long as you continuously refine your process based on feedback from failure.

Embrace a Growth Mindset: Viewing failure as part of the learning process fosters a growth mindset, where you see abilities and intelligence as qualities that can be developed through effort, practice, and persistence.
Failure, in this sense, becomes a stepping stone, helping you progress toward success.

About the author

Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

Alan Watts often explored the distinction between belief and faith in his philosophical discussions, emphasizing that they are fundamentally different in nature.

Here are some key points he made on the subject:

Belief vs. Faith:
Watts argued that belief involves holding onto specific ideas or propositions as truth, often without direct experience or certainty. It’s about clinging to concepts or doctrines, seeking security and certainty. In contrast, faith, according to Watts, is a deeper form of trust—an openness to uncertainty, mystery, and the unknown.

Faith doesn’t require concrete beliefs or fixed ideas; it involves a willingness to let go and flow with life.

Faith as Openness:
For Watts, true faith is a kind of surrender to the present moment and to the flow of life. It’s not about asserting control or demanding guarantees but rather about embracing life’s unpredictability without fear. He described it as trusting in the process of life without needing to define or explain it.

Belief as Limiting:
Watts often criticized belief systems for being rigid and limiting. He suggested that beliefs can create a false sense of security, which prevents people from experiencing life directly. Belief, for him, was something that closed people off from the richness of existence because it was always an attempt to explain or rationalize the unknown.

Faith and Doubt:
He also connected faith to the ability to embrace doubt. Whereas belief seeks certainty, faith involves being comfortable with doubt and ambiguity. It’s about not needing to know everything but still being at peace with the unfolding of life.

In summary, Alan Watts viewed belief as something static and rigid, based on mental constructs, while faith was dynamic, involving trust in life’s inherent uncertainty and a readiness to experience reality without the need for concrete explanations or certainty.

About the author

Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

… focus on cultivating mindfulness, inner peace, and alignment with personal values. Here’s a summary:

Practice Surrender: Let go of the need to control outcomes and trust in life’s natural flow.

Stay Present: Focus on the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Cultivate Stillness: Take moments of solitude to connect with your higher self and intuition.

Honor Your Authenticity: Live true to yourself, aligned with your values and beliefs.

Express Gratitude Daily: Acknowledge and appreciate the things that matter most to you.

Practice Non-Judgment: Treat yourself and others with compassion and understanding.

Set Boundaries: Protect your well-being by establishing healthy limits in relationships.

Stay Grounded: Connect with the Earth’s energy through mindful activities like walking barefoot or gardening.

Embrace Change: See change as an opportunity for learning and transformation.

Seek Inner Peace: Use practices like meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing to cultivate peace.

These tips encourage self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional living. Do any of these resonate with your personal journey or goals?

About the author
Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

Adrenal fatigue is a term often used to describe a collection of symptoms, such as chronic tiredness, body aches, and difficulty coping with stress, which are believed to be caused by the adrenal glands not functioning properly. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol, which help the body respond to stress.

Proponents of the adrenal fatigue theory suggest that prolonged stress leads to the overuse and eventual exhaustion of the adrenal glands, resulting in a suboptimal hormonal response.

However, adrenal fatigue is not recognized as an official medical diagnosis. Most medical professionals, including endocrinologists, view it as a myth, as there is little scientific evidence supporting the idea that stress can cause the adrenal glands to become “fatigued.”

Conditions such as adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease), where the adrenal glands cannot produce adequate amounts of certain hormones, are well-established but different from the concept of adrenal fatigue.

People experiencing symptoms often associated with adrenal fatigue may actually be suffering from other conditions, such as sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, or thyroid dysfunction, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

About the author

Dennis Roberts is a personal coach, small business mentor and founder of CoachPRO – The Coaching Professionals. His work has won critical acclaim in both the academic and business communities.

Visit www.dennisroberts.com.au

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