Anders Denken Podcast #33 - From thinking to feeling: leadership begins in the body with Bernd Jansen

In episode #33 of the Anders Denken Podcast, we talk with Bernd Jansen, founder of Institute Menz. His mission: to help people become happier; not by thinking more, but rather by feeling.

Why thinking often doesn't help us move forward

Bernd discovered in his work as a therapist that we try to solve a lot with our heads. But he believes the real causes of stress, tension or burnout lie deeper: in our bodies. "Our nervous system constantly reacts to stimuli and threats. Instead of feeling them, we distract ourselves. We do this, for example, with eating, scrolling, working or brooding." These automatic reactions are not weakness, but old survival strategies. Our brain wants to conserve energy and prefers control to vulnerability.

Trauma as a pattern of resolution

Bernd looks at trauma differently than many psychologists. "Trauma is not a disorder, but a working pattern of the nervous system. It protects us, but also limits us."
By working with tension not only cognitively, but also physically, people can learn to discharge their stress response. "It's not about learning something new, it's about returning to peace, to who you actually are."

Patterns in leadership

Bernd also sees the same patterns in leadership. Many leaders steer from control, rules or power, rather than from trust. "Conscious leadership starts with connecting with yourself. If you recognize your own pitfalls or tensions, you no longer have to project them onto your team." According to him, it is time for organizations to learn to look at personal development differently: not just through knowledge and skills, but through the body, where stress and relaxation actually take place.

Curious how you can experience more peace as a person and leader? Listen below to episode #33 of the Anders Denken Podcast with Bernd Jansen.

Listen to a new episode of the Anders Denken Podcast every last Thursday of the month. This podcast stimulates, informs and inspires in the field of Sustainable Employability.