Mar 16, 2026

21 min

Lead From Your Body: Tai Chi, Energy, and Embodied Leadership at Work with Amanda Stradling and Timm Esque

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What if your next leadership breakthrough isn’t in your mind—yet? In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Sayan, Timm Esque and Amanda Stradling unpack how breath, posture, and movement quietly shape how we lead.

This episode is for leaders, founders, and high-achievers who feel stuck in overthinking, burnout, or “performing leadership.” You’ll hear how Tai Chi and Qigong help you get out of mental loops, access steadier commitment, and respond with more choice—not just reaction.

About the Guest:

Amanda Stradling is a Tai Chi and Qigong practitioner who shares how embodied practice reshaped her confidence and leadership. Timm Esque brings decades of business experience (including Intel and consulting) and discovered embodiment through leadership coaching before training Tai Chi with Amanda.

Episode Chapters:

  • 00:09:43 — Leadership isn’t just mindset: “Lead from the whole self”

  • 00:11:54 — Amanda’s start: Tai Chi as a healing, grounding path

  • 00:13:36 — Tim’s blind spot: realizing he was cut off from his body

  • 00:16:14 — What Tai Chi is (health, energy, forms, Qigong)

  • 00:19:02 — The “old program” in our minds—and how to update it

  • 00:23:34 — Yin/Yang in leadership: oak vs willow energy

  • 00:26:18 — Burnout reset: breath, pacing, and practicing in motion

Key Takeaways:

  • Notice when you’re stuck in “old programming”—and shift attention into the body.

  • Use slow belly breathing to settle the nervous system and reduce reactive leadership.

  • Practice embodiment in motion, so it works in real meetings (not just in stillness).

  • Explore your default leadership energy (oak vs willow) and build range.

  • Let commitment be felt, not forced—yours first, then your team’s.

How to Connect With the Guest:

http://www.evleaderlab.com/

 

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.

With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

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📌 Disclaimer This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Guest views are personal and do not represent the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify or endorse guest statements. Nothing here is medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional. Engage critically. Third-party content referenced under fair use. Guests are responsible for their own statements. Concerns? Contact us | Full disclaimer.

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