074: Beyond Traditional Leadership: The Power of Polyvagal Theory and Felt Sense with Jan Winhall

In this episode of Evolve, we dive deep into the unconventional yet profoundly impactful realm of polyvagal theory and felt sense with renowned psychotherapist Jan Winhall. Leaders might wonder what insights a seasoned trauma and addiction therapist could offer to the leadership arena, but Jan bridges the gap between mental health and effective leadership. By exploring how our physiological states influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships, Jan provides leaders with innovative tools to foster a more resilient, empathetic, and productive work environment. Tune in to discover how understanding and applying the principles of polyvagal theory and felt sense can revolutionize your leadership approach and elevate your team's performance.

Jan Winhall, based in Toronto, is an educational partner and course developer with the Polyvagal Institute and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto. She offers a training program based on her book, "Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model." Jan's work integrates polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing a practical approach to understanding and enhancing our physiological and psychological safety.

 

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Polyvagal Theory Explained: Jan provides insight about polyvagal theory, describing it as the science of safety, and explains how understanding this can help leaders create safer, more supportive environments. 🌱
  
  

• Felt Sense Model: Jan introduces the felt sense model, a way to access and understand the information our bodies provide, which is crucial for effective decision-making and leadership. 🌟
  
  

• Leadership and Safety: The conversation highlights the importance of physiological safety in leadership, emphasizing that true safety encompasses both psychological and physiological aspects. 🛡️
  
  

• Practical Applications: Jan shares practical steps for leaders to incorporate these concepts into their daily practices, enhancing both their well-being and the well-being of their teams. 🧘‍♂️

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:07 Meet Jan Winhall: Author and Psychotherapist

• 03:09 Understanding Felt Sense and Leadership

• 06:38 The Role of the Vagus Nerve

• 14:21 Polyvagal Theory in the Workplace

• 20:33 Creating Safe and Supportive Environments

• 28:00 Focusing Techniques for Leaders

• 29:28 Identifying and Addressing Internal Issues

• 30:06 Exploring Physical Sensations and Emotions

• 30:40 The Power of Co-Regulation

• 31:16 Resonating with Felt Sense

• 40:13 Understanding the Intervening Variable

• 41:22 Practical Applications and Final Thoughts

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