This episode unpacks the vital connection between our nervous system and how we lead—in business, at home, and in life. Sarah dives into the science of regulation, exploring how dysregulated states like fight/flight, freeze, or shut down often drive our decisions, keeping us stuck in survival mode. These patterns, rooted in past experiences of stress or trauma, influence how we show up as leaders, parents, and creators.

With clear explanations and actionable tools, Sarah offers a roadmap for recognizing when we’re leading from dysregulation. She shares how to cultivate a regulated nervous system, unlocking creativity, connection, and clarity. Whether you're looking to grow a business, nurture your family, or simply lead yourself with more purpose, this episode offers the practical steps to create the life—and leadership—you desire.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro

00:26 Leading from a State of Regulation

01:20 Entrepreneurs Have Higher Stress Levels

04:28 The Most Important Thing Parents Should Focus on

06:43 Your Nervous System Affects Everyone Else

08:23 Leading from Sympathetic (fight/flight)

11:05 Leading from Regulation (safety)

13:36 Leading from Dorsal (shut down)

15:27 Leading from Freeze (tonic immobility)

17:42 Consistent Neural Exercises

20:41 How to Reshape Your Nervous System

23:02 The Key to Somatic Manifestation

26:57 Anchoring in Your Adult Self

32:30 Trust Your Own Pacing

38:19 Embodying Your Purpose

Take Sarah’s FREE Quiz:

Ready to learn more about your nervous system specific to you? Take Sarah’s free quiz, “What’s Keeping You Stuck?” for a personalized guide and powerful somatic tools to help you gain control over your experience.

https://bit.ly/yms-sp-quiz

Connect with Sarah on:

Website - https://www.sarahbaldwincoaching.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbcoaching/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbaldwincoaching/

Submit a Question:

https://sarahbaldwin1.typeform.com/podcast

Important Keywords:

• Nervous System Regulation - The practice of bringing your system into safety in presence, which supports effective leadership, whether in business, parenting, or personal growth. Being in regulation allows for more creativity, clarity, and connection while reducing the reactive tendencies of stress and overwhelm.
• Ventral Vagal Complex - Your state of presence, safety, and connection where creativity, connection, and problem-solving thrive. It’s the optimal state for leadership and decision-making, allowing leaders to see possibilities and act with confidence.
• Co-Regulation - The process of connecting with another person in safety where each person's nervous system positively influences the others’. In leadership and parenting, co-regulation can set the tone for calm and productivity, creating a ripple effect in teams or families.
• Dysregulation - When your nervous system senses a threat (whether real or perceived), it sends you into dysregulation or active self-protection. Leading from this place can often result in stress, burnout, or stagnation.
• Capacity Building - Capacity building involves gradually increasing our ability to handle new or challenging situations. It’s about expanding the nervous system's tolerance and adaptability through small, intentional experiences of growth.