3. Somatic Intelligence – Leading from the Inside Out
Why paying attention to your body can make you a sharper, calmer, more authentic business owner
Intro - The Leadership Tool You’re Already Carrying
You’ve probably had a “gut feeling” about someone. Or noticed your shoulders tightening during a tough meeting. Or felt a wave of calm when you walked into a quiet space.
That’s Somatic Intelligence at work - the kind of intelligence that lives in your body, not just your brain.
For SME owners juggling pressure, uncertainty and people problems, learning to listen to your body can be a game-changer. It helps you make better decisions, stay resilient under stress and lead with more presence and authenticity.
What Is Somatic Intelligence?
Somatic (soh-MAT-ik) Intelligence is about being tuned in to your physical self - your heartbeat, your breathing, your posture, your gut feelings and using that awareness to guide your choices and reactions.
It’s not woo-woo. It’s backed by neuroscience and used by top leaders, athletes, and therapists.
Key parts of SI include -
Noticing physical signals – tension, tightness, butterflies, etc.
Understanding what they mean – “Am I anxious, angry, overwhelmed?”
Regulating your state – calming yourself down, staying focused, or speaking up confidently.
Why It Matters for Business Owners
When you run a business, your body is often your early warning system. It tells you things before your mind catches up.
Here’s how SI can help in business -
Decision-making clarity - When things feel “off,” your body often knows before your head does.
Dealing with stress - Noticing tension early can stop it from turning into burnout.
Handling conflict - Staying calm in hard conversations helps you listen better and respond wisely.
Building trust - People can feel when you're present and grounded. It shows up in how you walk, speak and hold space.
Real-World Example - Reading the Room
Imagine you're in a client meeting. Everyone says things are fine, but your body picks up tension, maybe your chest feels tight, or your gut feels uneasy. That’s somatic intelligence.
You don’t have to blurt it out, but you can pause, ask a clarifying question, or follow up later. You’ve just used bodily awareness to make a smarter call, before anything went pear-shaped.
How to Build Somatic Intelligence
The good news? You already have a body, so you’re halfway there. What most of us lack is time and attention. SI is about slowing down just enough to tune in.
Here are some simple ways to start -
Breathe on purpose - A few slow, deep breaths help shift your nervous system from “fight or flight” to “rest and respond.”
Scan your body - Take 30 seconds to notice where you’re holding tension, jaw, shoulders, belly and soften it.
Walk mindfully - Even walking from your ute to the office, pay attention to your steps, the ground and the air around you.
Label sensations - “Tight throat,” “heavy chest,” “nervous stomach.” This brings awareness without judgement.
You can also try things like yoga, martial arts, or somatic coaching, but it starts with simple attention, even during a busy day.
What This Looks Like in Practice
A few signs you’re using SI well as a business owner -
You pause before reacting when someone frustrates you.
You notice when you’re pushing past your limits and take a breather.
You feel more confident in high-stakes situations, because you’re grounded.
You trust your gut, and it’s usually right.
You don’t have to be a monk or a mindfulness guru. Just someone willing to slow down and notice what your body’s already telling you.
Closing - Be the Calm in the Chaos
In today’s fast-moving world, people crave steadiness. Somatic intelligence helps you offer that. Not by being perfect, but by being present.
And when your presence is strong, your team feels it. Your clients notice it. And you make decisions not from fear or fatigue, but from clarity and confidence.
📞 Phone +64 275 665 682
✉️ Email john.luxton@regenerationhq.co.nz
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If you’d like to read more RegenerationHQ thinking on SME business and other things, go here – www.regenerationhq.co.nz/articlesoverview
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Supporting NZ SME Owners to Exit Well, Lead Better and Build Business Value.