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
44:37 Closing Remarks and Reflections
🌈 Closing Thoughts:
This episode with Jan Winhall offers an exploration of polyvagal theory and felt sense, providing valuable insights for leaders seeking to create safer and more effective work environments. Jan’s expertise and practical advice encourages leaders to embrace the wisdom of their bodies and foster a culture of safety and support within their organizations.
#PolyvagalTheory #FeltSense #Leadership #PhysiologicalSafety #TraumaInformedLeadership #EvolveLeadership
Connect with Jan
LinkedIn: / jan-winhall-6a0a2314
Instagram: / janwinhall
Facebook: / janwinhallcommunity
Website: janwinhall.com/
UA-cam Channel: / @janwinhall
Connect with me
Instagram: / carolynswora
UA-cam: / channel
LinkedIn: / carolynswora
Website: www.carolynswora.com/
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Carolyn Swora, Human Spirit Ignitor, Uncover Your Power Within, Redefining and Reimagining The Workplace
/ @carolynswora7925
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