In this episode, Flo from Chorus Studios sits down with executive coaches Alison Webster and Lauren Wingard to explore the difference between presence and performance. Does practice help you be more present or does it make you seem more performative or fake? They discuss their experience with how mindfulness, vulnerability, and authentic communication can revolutionize your approach to leadership, podcasting, and high-stakes presentations.

Meet Alison Webster: Alison is an executive coach specializing in conscious leadership and mindfulness practices for ambitious leaders. She co-owns and operates the conscious leadership coaching business Shift Above the the Line. Shift Above The Line provides conscious leadership coaching designed to help leaders shift from a place of reactivity, resistance, and threat (below the line), to one of responsiveness, acceptance, and trust (above the line), where creativity, innovation, flow, connection, and collaboration occur best. She has worked with companies like Boeing, Mattel, Microsoft, and Ducati.

Meet Lauren Wingard: Lauren is an executive presence and communication coach, (often for BetterOn) helping leaders practice authentic communication through video and live interactions. Her decade working in leadership development at Red Hat informs her practical, skills-based approach to helping leaders show up as their best selves. She combines leadership development expertise with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, empowering her clients to lead with authenticity and confidence.

Outline:

[00:00 - 05:30] Introductions

[08:35- 15:54] Presence vs. Performance

[05:25 - 17:28] Practice and Skill Development

* The importance of practicing communication and presentation

* Using video feedback as a learning tool

* Building muscle memory through practice while staying present

[17:28 - 18:32] Non-Verbal Communication

* How tone, facial expression, and body language matter more than words

[18:32- 24:31] Conscious Leadership Methodology

[23:11- 24:58] Leadership Development and Business Alignment

* Integrating leadership development with marketing and sales

* Why company culture matters for long-term success

[26:02- 32:01] Grounding and Reflection Practices

[32:01 - 33:10] Closing remarks and appreciation

Resources Mentioned

* 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership — Book that influenced Alison’s coaching philosophy

* Just One Heart by Dr. Jonathan Fisher — A cardiologist’s guide to holistic heart care

* Leaders Eat Last — Referenced discussion on organizational culture and leadership

* Blue Spirit Wellness Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica — Where Flo experienced eye-gazing practice

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