How to Be Conscious During Big Transitions

• Conscious parenting principles translate directly into conscious leadership

• Being fully present creates transformational relationships both at home and at work

• Our children are often our greatest teachers about authenticity and resilience

• The skills that make us better parents make us better leaders—and vice versa

Mirror Mantra

Earlier this month, my incredible son Jaden graduated from high school, and as I watched him walk across that stage, I was struck by how profoundly parenting has shaped not just who I am as a mother, but who I've become as a leader.

Looking at those graduation photos—from his sweet kindergarten days to the confident young man in his cap and gown heading to Yale this fall—I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for everything he's taught me about conscious leadership.

The principles I've learned through conscious parenting have become the foundation of how I show up in boardrooms and with my teams: 

• Presence over perfection

• Leading with curiosity, not control

• Authenticity as strength.

Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers. But parenting taught me that the most powerful thing I could offer—whether to my children or my colleagues—was my full presence. Those moments when Jaden needed to talk through a challenge or navigate a big decision weren't about me having the perfect response; they were about me being completely there, creating space for him to process and grow.

The same is true in leadership. When a team member comes to me with a problem, they don't need me to have all the answers immediately. They need me to be present, to listen deeply, and to create psychological safety where they can explore solutions.

As I'm savoring these last months with both my children under one roof, I'm reminded that parenting—like leadership—isn't about the destination. It's about how we show up for the journey. In trying to raise conscious, compassionate humans, I've become a more conscious, compassionate leader (read more about my approach here). 

The best part? 

It will work for you too. Be conscious in one area of your life, and you’ll see the impact of that approach everywhere.

Practice "Curious Questions" Both at Home and Work

This week, replace directive statements with curious questions. Whether you're talking with your children or guiding your team, try asking: "What do you think would happen if...?" or "How would you like to approach this?"

Notice how this shift from telling to asking changes the dynamic. You're practicing conscious leadership that develops others' capacity while building trust and autonomy.

Keep shining, 

Sheila