Recently, I became a certified yoga instructor. While this was a personal milestone, I quickly realized the lessons I learned on the mat are deeply relevant to my leadership work.
Yoga teaches us that how we show up for ourselves is how we show up for others. Leaders who neglect self-care often lead from depletion and can’t give from overflow.
Here are five parallels I’ve carried from yoga into leadership:
- Presence matters. Just as each breath (prana) draws you into the present moment, effective leadership requires being fully present with your team, listening, observing, and responding with intention.
- Balance is strength. In yoga, balance (samatva) isn’t about rigidity, it’s about stability and a state of equilibrium, harmonizing between effort and ease through constant adjustment. Leaders, too, should find equilibrium between strategy and execution, vision and detail, AND between work and rest.
- Flexibility fosters resilience. On the mat, mindful movement increases strength, and flexibility reduces strain and prevents injury. In leadership, adaptability keeps organizations agile in the face of change.
- Discipline builds capacity. Yoga is a spiritual discipline that unites the mind and body, physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama.) Progress in yoga comes through consistent practice, not overnight gains. Similarly, strong leadership is cultivated through steady habits, reflection, and continuous improvement over time.
- Compassion sustains impact. Yoga reminds us to lead without judgment, of self or others. In yoga, compassion (karuna) reminds us to consider those who are suffering. Compassionate leaders build trust, create psychological safety, and inspire and support others to bring their best selves forward.
Leadership isn’t only about what we achieve, or the title we hold, it’s also about how we lead. For me, yoga has reinforced the truth that sustainable leadership begins with sustainable self-care. So, how are you caring for yourself?
WellLeadersLeadWell
