In this episode, I sit down with Julius, a leadership coach who knows firsthand what burnout feels like from his years in management consultancy. Julius shares how embodiment practices and organizational behavior can bridge the gap between what we know about burnout and what we actually do to prevent it. By tuning into body awareness and reconnecting with our physical vitality, leaders can develop practical ways to manage stress and protect their energy.

Julius and I opened up about our personal experiences with burnout, from sleepless nights and rising anxiety to withdrawing from activities that once brought joy. I emphasized the importance of digging into the deeper motivations that fuel burnout, while Julius outlined his approach using gestalt therapy and embodiment practices to restore balance and resilience in leaders.

Julius shared a story about coaching a leader to find the right balance between professional composure and authentic emotional expression. Rather than shutting down emotions, he helps leaders integrate them into healthier ways of working. I reflected on the historical challenges female leaders have faced and highlighted the urgent need for better leadership training that supports both emotional skills and professional growth.

We both agreed that leadership demands more than theory. Universities often miss the mark by not equipping students with the life skills they will actually need in the workplace such as emotional regulation, communication, and professional behavior. Together, Julius and I explored how these skills could reshape both education and organizational success.

A key theme in our conversation was self-awareness. Julius and I discussed how clarity on personal values, needs, and goals drives more meaningful action and prevents burnout. I shared my own journey of recovery, where asking “why does this matter to me?” shifted everything. Julius emphasized that while organizations may fear the vulnerability that comes with self-exploration, the real risk lies in avoiding it altogether.

Julius introduced his 4A model which stands for awareness, attraction, action, and alignment. This practical framework supports self-regulation and leadership growth. I recalled my time at Daimler-Benz, where inviting outside perspectives into project debriefs expanded capacity and improved results without additional hiring. Both of us stressed that feedback and reflection are non-negotiable for personal and organizational growth.

Julius highlighted dialogue as a cornerstone of healthy organizations, helping leaders and teams release pressure and broaden perspective. I agreed, noting that genuine communication tears down silos and prevents misunderstandings before they grow into bigger issues.

To close, we explored Julius’s work on embodied leadership and how listeners can learn more. If you want to deepen your leadership through embodiment, you can connect with Julius through his website or LinkedIn.

Julius went from executive burnout in high-pressure tech environments to pioneering Embodied Leadership, a method that blends psychology, neuroscience, and somatic practices. As founder of the Alive School of Embodied Leadership & Transformation in Berlin, he helps leaders from startups to global enterprises sustain performance without burning out. A published author and Harvard Business Manager contributor, Julius shares practical “bodyhacks” and strategies to move from leadership frustration (Führungsfrust) to leadership joy (Führungslust). His approach offers listeners actionable tools to prevent burnout and thrive.