Conscious Impact Mindful Leadership for Meaningful Change

In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, from climate change to social upheaval, Susanne von der Becke PhD offers a transformative approach to leadership. Drawing on her wide experience as an investment banker, academic researcher, and mindfulness practitioner, Susanne presents a compelling case for integrating inner work with outer action. She argues that our global crises are fundamentally connected to our sense of disconnection – from ourselves, each other, and nature. In a carefully crafted six-week programme, you will guided to develop six core leadership skills: Cultivating presence and awareness Sensing our interbeing Cultivating an open mind Being comfortable with discomfort Cultivating an open heart Leading with purpose Using practical exercises, guided meditations, and real-world examples, Conscious Impact offers a roadmap for business leaders and changemakers to create positive change. This approach goes beyond traditional mindfulness, showing how inner transformation can lead to more effective and compassionate leadership. It is written for anyone seeking to make a meaningful difference in their organization and the world at large.

Susanne von der Becke is the founder of VDB Insights, where she supports changemakers in their journeys to create social and environmental impact through mindfulness-based workshops and retreats. A former investment banker with extensive experience as an active investor and board member, she applies her expertise in finance and leadership to drive meaningful change. Susanne is an alumna of Harvard Business School, holds a Ph.D. in Science from ETH Zurich, and degrees from The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Introduction PART ONE: The Lost Connection CHAPTER 1: Our Inner and Outer Crises Are Connected Our Outer Crises A Crisis of Being CHAPTER 2: Emerging New Leadership Skills Navigating Complexity New Leadership Skills PART TWO: Reconnecting with Body, Mind, and Heart RECONNECTING ON THE LEVEL OF THE BODY CHAPTER 3: Week 1 | Cultivating Presence and Awareness Entering the Present Moment Awakening Your Senses The Healing Power of Silence Everything is Temporary This Precious Life Setting Up Your Meditation Practice Going Deeper: Understanding Your Nervous System Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork CHAPTER 4: Week 2 | Sensing Our Interbeing Interbeing with Nature Interbeing with Others Individual and Collective Trauma Your Body Remembers Healing and Regeneration Going Deeper: Introduction to Regenerative Business Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork Reconnecting on the level of the mind CHAPTER 5: Week 3 | Cultivating an Open Mind Meeting Your Monkey Mind Understanding Your Patterns No Bad Feelings Working with Thoughts and Emotions No Mud, No Lotus A Closer Look at Grief, Rage, Anxiety, and Shame Going Deeper: Inquiry to Transform Limiting Beliefs Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork CHAPTER 6: Week 4 | Being Comfortable with Discomfort The Unreal Others Forgiving Ourselves and Others Embracing the Don’ t Know Mind Leading into the Unknown Trusting the Process Going Deeper: Working with Forgiveness Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork RECONNECTING ON THE LEVEL OF THE HEART CHAPTER 7: Week 5 | Cultivating an Open Heart The Power of Kindness Compassion Means Action Bringing Back the Joy Becoming Porous Increasing Resilience Going Deeper: Rewire Your Brain with Goodness Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork CHAPTER 8: Week 6 | Leading with Purpose Living with Purpose is a Process Creating Meaning through Service Becoming Love in Action Letting Go: Too Important to Be Serious Going Deeper: Meeting a Wise Being Questions and Exercises Daily Meditation Optional Breathwork Conclusion Endnotes Acknowledgments About the Author