In the latest episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Feldkamp, founder of ProVention Plus.
Kelly’s innovative work focuses on bridging the gap between movement, awareness, and leadership. Through her Move Better Program, Kelly has transformed countless workplaces, enhancing the well-being and performance of employees in physically demanding roles.
Our conversation highlighted the importance of physical awareness, not only for personal health but as a crucial tool for effective leadership. Here are some key takeaways from this inspiring discussion.
Movement as a Path to Leadership Presence
Kelly shared the foundational idea that leadership effectiveness starts with being physically grounded. “If you don’t take care of your body, it’s only a matter of time before it forces you to,” she explained. Leaders who are mindful of their physical health are better equipped to recognize stress, stay present, and make thoughtful decisions, even in high-pressure situations.
Her approach emphasizes the role of dynamic, intentional movement as a daily practice to prepare leaders for the demands of their roles. From proper posture to simple stretches, Kelly’s methods encourage leaders to prioritize their well-being as a pathway to clearer thinking and stronger decision-making.
Listening to the Body’s Wisdom
A recurring theme in our discussion was the wisdom of the body and its role in leadership. Kelly emphasized that leaders often ignore their physical needs until they are forced to confront them due to burnout or injury. By paying attention to subtle signals like fatigue, tension, or discomfort, leaders can proactively address their needs and prevent larger issues down the line.
As Kelly put it, “Our body is constantly sending us messages—about stress, energy, and even leadership challenges. When we learn to listen, we can lead more effectively.”
Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace
One of Kelly’s standout insights was the need for psychological and physical safety in the workplace. She shared how her team at ProVention Plus creates environments where employees feel comfortable engaging in movement practices, even if they’ve faced trauma or physical limitations in the past.
Safety, Kelly noted, is not just a physical necessity but also a cultural one. Leaders who foster environments of trust and openness enable employees to bring their full selves to work, enhancing team cohesion and overall performance.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Kelly encourages both leaders and employees to adopt simple, consistent habits to integrate movement and mindfulness into their routines. From walking during phone calls to dynamic stretches before starting the day, these practices can have a profound impact on energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
She also highlighted the importance of incremental change. “You don’t have to be perfect,” Kelly said. “Start small, listen to your body, and let those changes build over time.”
Leadership Through Movement
Our conversation concluded with a powerful reminder: leadership is not just about guiding others but also about modeling self-care and mindfulness. By embracing physical awareness and well-being, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same.
Kelly’s work exemplifies the connection between movement, mindfulness, and leadership. Her insights offer practical strategies for fostering well-being in both personal and professional contexts, reminding us that mindful leadership begins with taking care of ourselves.
If you haven’t listened to this episode of Mind Your Leadership yet, I highly recommend it. Kelly’s passion and expertise provide invaluable lessons for leaders looking to enhance their presence and build healthier, more resilient teams.
Listen now and discover how mindful movement can transform your leadership journey!