In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of leadership and inclusion with Fabrice Desmarescaux, an international executive coach and author of “The Art of Retreats.” Our lively discussion spanned topics from the essence of conscious leadership to creating inclusive environments in the workplace. This blog post recaps the insightful conversation and shares key takeaways that can help leaders foster a more engaging and equitable workplace.
The Journey to Conscious Leadership
Fabrice Desmarescaux brings a unique perspective to leadership development, advocating for what he terms “conscious” or “contemplative leadership.” This approach encourages leaders to step back, reflect, and engage with their role and impact on their teams and the organization more deliberately. He argues that the fast-paced, complex nature of the global business environment demands leaders step out of the operational whirlwind to genuinely contemplate their actions and decisions.
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was hearing about Fabrice’s own journey. After years in the high-stakes world of banking, he experienced a personal awakening in his early forties, leading him to question the meaning and impact of his work. This revelation spurred a career shift towards executive coaching, where he now impacts others by guiding them toward more fulfilling, conscious paths of leadership.
Addressing Inclusivity Through Psychological Safety
A significant portion of our conversation was dedicated to inclusion in the workplace, specifically addressing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fabrice offered his insights into managing such resistance, suggesting a focus on fostering psychological safety rather than engaging directly with politically charged arguments about DEI.
He shared an innovative approach to uncover issues affecting psychological safety within teams, a method that involves team members anonymously indicating their experiences of feeling undervalued, overlooked, or silenced. This exercise has proven a powerful tool in making the invisible visible, allowing teams to confront and address issues that may otherwise go unspoken.
The Power of Retreats and Reflection
Fabrice’s book, “The Art of Retreats,” advocates for the transformative power of retreats and deep reflection for leaders. He stressed the importance of occasionally disconnecting from the relentless pace of work to engage in solitude and quiet contemplation. This practice, he suggests, can lead to profound personal insights and a clearer vision for one’s leadership journey and life path. Throughout the discussion, it became evident that the ability to sit with oneself and reflect is not just beneficial but crucial for sustained success and well-being in leadership roles.
Moving Forward: The Path to Inclusive Leadership
As our talk transitioned towards actionable advice for leaders, Fabrice emphasized the ongoing nature of conscious leadership development and the journey toward creating more inclusive environments. It’s clear that leaders have a pivotal role in shaping organizational cultures that embrace diversity and equity while fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.
Listening to Fabrice, it’s hard not to feel inspired and hopeful about the future of leadership. His wisdom offers a roadmap for those looking to lead with more intention, empathy, and inclusivity.
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of conscious leadership and creating inclusive spaces, connecting with Fabrice Desmarescaux’s work and reading “The Art of Retreats” is an excellent starting point. Moreover, his presence on LinkedIn provides an opportunity for ongoing engagement with his transformative insights into leadership and personal growth.
In conclusion, this episode of Lead with Levity provided a compelling look into the importance of conscious leadership and creating inclusive workplaces. It served as a reminder that the work of being a better leader, colleague, and human is never done, but it’s a journey worth embarking on for the benefit of all.
Elevating Leadership Through Consciousness with Fabrice Desmarescaux
Join Fabrice Desmarescaux, a seasoned partner at McKinsey & Company, on a transformative journey of leadership evolution. With a rich background in integrating Eastern spiritual traditions into Western management, Fabrice works closely with CEOs and teams to elevate performance and consciousness. In a world grappling with complexity, his approach focuses on fundamental human elements—happiness, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re a performance-minded leader or an individual seeking a deeper sense of purpose, Fabrice’s insights provide a profound guide.
“The Art of Retreats”: Navigating Complexity for Sustainable Leadership
Fabrice’s book, “The Art of Retreats,” introduces a groundbreaking approach for business leaders facing the challenges of a fragmented, high-pressure, and complex world. Backed by endorsements from industry leaders, the book advocates for short personal retreats to foster self-awareness, clarity, and purpose. Fabrice’s framework explores seven transformative themes, offering practical exercises for leaders to deepen their practice of conscious leadership.
Transformative Leadership Backed by Industry Endorsements
In a landscape where traditional management falls short, “The Art of Retreats” emerges as a guide for expanding consciousness through short personal retreats. Fabrice delves into challenges such as fragmentation, pressure, and complexity, presenting a framework that includes themes like cultivating presence, embracing complexity, and finding purpose. Industry leaders, including those from INSEAD and McKinsey & Company, endorse Fabrice’s approach, acknowledging its transformative impact on leadership, sanity, balance, and purpose. Join Fabrice Desmarescaux on a journey where inner peace becomes the catalyst for creating an inspiring and sustainable future.
