Somatic Awareness: The Key 21st Century Leadership Skill

For Building and Fostering High-Performing Teams

Understanding Somatic Awareness: Your Key to Effective Leadership

Somatic awareness is about picking up on the full range of signals our bodies provide—things like sensory cues, physical sensations, and even gut feelings. We naturally absorb information through our senses first, and by tapping into this ‘body data,’ leaders can make decisions that are not only logical but also deeply aligned with real-time insights, leading to choices that are both practical and well-informed.

The 3N Model—Notice, Name, Navigate—offers a proven framework for using these insights effectively, empowering leaders to build trust and foster high-performing teams. This skill helps leaders tap into a deeper level of awareness that’s essential for team success.

“Our bodies often know what our minds are still figuring out.”
— Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D., author of The Body Keeps The Score

Transformative Insights into Body Intelligence

"Somatic Awareness: Leading with Body Intelligence" is a game-changer for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills through body awareness. The book beautifully bridges the gap between mind and body, offering deep insights into how our physical presence and sensations can inform and improve our leadership abilities. The practical exercises and real-life examples are incredibly helpful, making the concepts accessible and actionable. This book is a must-read for leaders who want to develop a more holistic approach to their role, fostering greater self-awareness and more effective communication. Highly recommend for personal and professional growth!

Julie Giuliani

Author of Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go

Michelle Niermann, MA, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer - East Division, UnityPoint Health

“Perhaps most important for me as a healthcare leader, Somatic Awareness is part of what helps me maintain a healthy team dynamic, where leaders and team members alike feel they are respected and heard. By being fully present, aware, and curious rather than in a struggle to manage my own emotions, I can help our leaders and team members be their best selves as they care for our patients and communities.”

“I’ve got 99 problems and healing my nervous system solved 90 of them. ”
— Christa Orecchio

Testimonials

  • "Working with Jennifer has been extraordinarily beneficial and deeply impactful for me. Jennifer has helped me sort through professional disappointment and challenge in a way I wasn’t sure was possible. After finding new energy and clear purpose, I am “re-careering in place,” taking on a bigger, broader leadership role in my organization. Moreover, Jennifer has helped me reconnect with my authentic self, to find better balance and a healthier outlook not just on work but life. I can’t recommend Jennifer highly enough. If you are ready to do the work to move yourself to a place of greater fulfillment, Jennifer is the career coach you need."

    -Senior Healthcare Executive

  • "Through my work with Jennifer, I have gained the benefit of insight into my mental game. This is a game changer! Deepening my self-awareness of the values I hold and how they drive my actions and decision-making was a wonderful discovery. It has made easier the work of managing my energy in the short term, and owning my destiny for the long term. Have faith in the process. I cannot say enough good things about Jennifer’s steady, individualized coaching approach. I was guided by way of her questions, rather than answers, and her placement of applicable resources at the right spots along the journey. I highly recommend her!"

    - Nurse Leader

  • "The exercises that you go through working with Jennifer are baby steps to the bigger reward. After working with her I found the strength and confidence to face some of the things that were holding me back. She has brought an awareness to me that has made me stronger and more confident in dealing with daily challenges."

    - Medical Sales Representative

  • "Somatic awareness offers a refreshing perspective on leadership development, challenging common belief and empowering leaders to harness the wisdom of their bodies to lead authentically, purposefully, and resiliently. Working with Jennifer proved instrumental in honing the skills necessry to navigate emotions during high-stress scenarios."

    - HR Leader

  • "Jennifer was fundamental to my journey to finding a new career interest and in helping me identify what resources, skills and experience I already have so that I can move in that career direction. She has been my cheerleader and my mirror and my librarian. I highly recommend Jennifer as a professional coach to support your career challenges and changes."

    - Software Implementation and Instructional Designer

  • "Working with Jennifer has been enlightening, and a little scary. She asks the right questions and knows how to dig just deep enough to get you to confront barriers you know are true, despite your best efforts to bury them. By allowing me to shape the content and format of each call—and checking in with me between sessions—she reminded me that I am in control of my emotions, plans, and professional growth. Now, I feel like nothing can stop me from progressing wherever I focus my energy next."

    - AVP of Content Specialist

  • "Jennifer Zach and her coaching abilities have made a HUGE impact in my life the past couple of months since I have been working with her. In the past 60 days, I have hired an assistant and I have almost TRIPLED my business. I have marked off numerous things that were on my "to do" list for over a year that are now done. The skills and what she teaches you also can spill over into your personal life as well. I am way more organized at home too, for the first time in almost two years. I would highly recommend hiring Jennifer to help you with your business, personal needs, or both. She can help you feel more organized, less stressed, and help you find more time in your day that you have been looking for and cannot find. She is a true inspiration and really cares about the well being of her clients."

    - Producing Branch Manager

Featured Podcasts

Marcia Reynolds on key insights from her latest book, Breakthrough Coaching and the biggest changes in the coaching industry over the past 25 years.

Stephen Terrell on support strategies and identifying signs of fawning behavior in the workplace.

Sally Helgesen on How Women Rise and the book’s timeless insights, deep resonance with women worldwide, and growing appeal among men.

Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 Days, on unconventional career paths, the impact of AI on leadership, and mastering emotional regulation.

Featured Blogs

Let’s Connect

Join leaders who have transformed themselves, teams, and organizations with Jennifer’s 3N Model - Notice, Name, Navigate! Schedule a free introductory session today to discuss your goals, interests, and strategic needs.