In the first episode of the new State of the Year series on the Osumare Learning Podcast, host Portia Michele Osumare gathers her trusted advisors from the Business Cousins Collective to delve into the crucial concept of soul work as the foundation for business success in 2026. This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning personal well-being with professional endeavors, encouraging listeners to prioritize their inner selves while pursuing their business goals.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview
00:05:00 Soul Work and Business Alignment
00:15:00 Astrological Insights for 2026
00:30:00 Personal Reflections and Insights
00:45:00 Practical Self-Care and Wellness
01:00:00 Quarterly Planning and Seasonal Alignment
01:15:00 Closing Thoughts and Invitations
Understanding Soul Work: The Starting Point for Business In this enlightening discussion, Portia introduces the idea of soul work as the first area of business to consider. She emphasizes the necessity of aligning one's business activities with their true calling and purpose on the planet. Portia states, "Is it taking you closer to what you're meant to do, or is it taking you further away?" This pivotal question serves as a guiding principle for entrepreneurs looking to ensure their work resonates with their personal missions.
The Importance of Personal Care Another vital aspect of soul work highlighted in the podcast is personal care. Portia stresses that entrepreneurs must nurture themselves to sustain their contributions: "If you would like to have gas in the tank, you have to put it there." She advocates for treating self-care with the seriousness of a practitioner rather than a participant, emphasizing that without proper care, burnout becomes inevitable. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to reflect on their work-life balance and ensure they allocate time for rest and rejuvenation.
Insights from the Soul Squad The episode features contributions from Portia's "soul squad," a group of experts who share their perspectives on soul work. Ilona Pamplona, an author and strategist, discusses the significance of astrology in understanding personal barriers to success. She introduces the concept of "Sky Daddy" (Saturn) and explains how it represents the challenges and discipline necessary for growth. Ilona's insights encourage listeners to face their fears and understand their unique paths.
Kira Buckley and Jennifer Bohn add their expertise, with Kira discussing the fusion of traditional Chinese medicine and holistic practices to support well-being, while Jennifer emphasizes the importance of embodying one’s inner wisdom to create sustainable business practices. Their perspectives collectively enrich the conversation, highlighting the diverse ways in which soul work can manifest in the entrepreneurial journey.
Setting Intentions for 2026 As the discussion unfolds, Portia and her guests shift focus to the upcoming year. They explore what entrepreneurs can do to align their actions with their goals for 2026. Ilona shares astrological insights related to discipline and destiny, encouraging listeners to ask themselves if they are included in their plans. This reflection is crucial for ensuring that personal values and business aspirations are in harmony.
The first episode of the "State of the Year" series serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of soul work in business. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to align their passions with their professional endeavors, prioritize self-care, and reflect on their goals for the future. As Portia Michele Oshimari eloquently puts it, "We are absolutely not sacrificing life for business. It is a part of your life and it is not all of it." By nurturing their inner selves, entrepreneurs can create thriving, sustainable businesses that make a meaningful impact.
