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Prioritizing Well-being for Sustainable Success with Dr. Anthony Luévanos
In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo is joined by Dr. Anthony Luévanos, a renowned expert with leadership experience across multiple industries and a coach at Two Piers. They explore the critical topic of wellness and well-being among leaders, discussing how it impacts decision-making and organizational health across sectors such as healthcare, construction, business, and education.
Defining Wellness vs. Well-Being
Dr. Luévanos starts by distinguishing the often conflated terms of wellness and well-being. Wellness refers to the active process of making decisions that lead to optimal health, focusing on areas like physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Well-being, on the other hand, encompasses a broader sense of life satisfaction and subjective happiness, focusing more on emotional and psychological health.
The Impact of Leadership Wellness on Organizations
Wellness for leaders is essential, as it influences their performance, decision-making, and how they lead their teams. In high-stress environments like construction, wellness can often be overlooked, despite the physical demands placed on leaders. In education, administrators experience emotional fatigue from managing multiple stakeholders, from students to parents and policymakers. Across all industries, burnout and the resulting turnover can have a costly impact on organizations.
Challenges Leaders Face in Prioritizing Wellness
Dr. Luévanos highlights that leaders often place their own wellness last on their priority list. The intensity of leadership roles—whether in business, healthcare, or education—can take a serious toll. Studies show that stress-related conditions, including anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues, such as heart disease and sleep disorders, are prevalent among CEOs, superintendents, and other high-ranking leaders.
The Importance of a Cultural Shift
Erica and Dr. Luévanos emphasize that for wellness initiatives to succeed, organizations must integrate wellness into their organizational culture. Leaders must not only encourage wellness programs but model these behaviors themselves. Whether it's taking time off, engaging in team-based wellness activities like mindfulness or stretch breaks, or promoting open discussions around mental health, the shift must start at the top. Building a culture of trust is key, as employees are more likely to follow leaders who practice what they preach.
Practical Advice for Leaders
The episode concludes with actionable tips for leaders:
Start Small: Incorporate manageable wellness practices into daily routines, such as mindfulness exercises or brief physical activity.
Lead by Example: When leaders prioritize their own wellness, they encourage their teams to do the same.
Focus on Connection: Wellness can also foster a sense of community within organizations, enhancing collaboration and trust.
Dr. Luévanos stresses that intentionality is the key to changing the culture of an organization—wellness should be as important as safety and operational excellence.
At Two Piers, we’re passionate about supporting leaders and teams in their journey to better wellbeing and organizational success. If you’re looking for personalized coaching, workshops, or just to learn more about our services, connect with us at www.twopiersconsulting.com or follow us on social media. Together, we can help foster a culture of well-being that drives both personal and professional growth.