Episode 26: Guided by Principles - with Chela Davison

Jennifer England supports soul-aligned missions for the collective good. As an Integral Master Coach™ and highly skilled facilitator, she helps high performing leaders and teams access deeper fulfilment, clarity and alignment to succeed in transition, uncertainty and emergent collaboration. In this episode, Jennifer shares the value of bringing the principles of improv to our lives, and how our ability to improvise in times of challenge or disruption can actually be the soil of our resilience and creativity. They explore the relentless pursuit of ‘self-improvement’, and discuss the concept of ‘holobiont’ - that we become and are becoming an assemblage of the experiences and identities shaped by the ecosystem of our lives. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.  

Kathleen Smith is a singer-songwriter/producer whose music has been heard on radio, TV and film. She is also a music supervisor for Netflix, Hulu, Showtime and the popular podcast & Netflix show - Song Exploder. In this episode, Kathleen discusses her new record ‘Medicine’, which she wrote - and taught herself to produce - in an old barn in New Mexico. She unpacks her early artist years - from seeking validation from an extractive industry to finding sovereignty - and the significance of deep spiritual practice on that journey. The dance between being a visionary and present reality, and the importance of listening to our hearts - the interface between source and the horizontal plane of human existence. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.

Bradley Morris is the founder of Majik Media - helping leaders unleash their majik to leverage their life’s work - as well as Majik Kids, the Creator’s Club and is also a professional golfer - and no, you will not find him on social media. In this episode, Bradley shares his decision to leave social media, highlighting the negative impact of algorithms, the divisive nature of the platforms, and a scary realization that compelled him to make a permanent exit. Discover how Bradley's departure from socials transformed his business model - and expect practical marketing alternatives - including nurturing your email list, guest appearances, good old fashioned PR and the power of developing a transformational signature workshop. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.  

Lael Couper Jepson is all about change powered by women. Founder of SheChanges, she makes it her business to hold space for those willing to live from the crossroads of conventional thought and unconventional wisdom. In this episode, they discuss important conversations often buried - which Lael is passionate about uncovering -  and the language needed to disrupt traditional leadership thinking. Lack of safety in organizations, and welcoming the ‘dominant cast’ to the change conversation with compassion and enthusiasm - because for things to change, everybody needs to be at the party. The ripple effect of public courage when making unconventional choices, being true to oneself and collapsing what’s not working in order to rebuild. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.  

Sydney Craig, is the owner of Pilates Tonic, a studio she founded over 17 years ago, which has expanded into online movement learning. In this episode, Sydney emphasizes the importance of body as instrument - for moving through the world and finding guidance - inviting curiosity about what our body is communicating. The initial challenges she faced as a business owner revealed that her external struggles reflected internal struggles, and she shares how taking self-responsibility allowed for significant change. They discuss the importance of leading from and listening to our bodies, steadiness and showing up over time, and the presence that takes vs. the instant success narrative created by a fast-paced world. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.  

In this episode, I share about how the Creative Cauldron came to be, how it works and what to expect if you decide to join us this upcoming season! About a year ago, I was feeling creatively dry. I decided to finally take a course a friend of mine has on writing and performing solo shows, and the experience made me realize the importance of giving reverence and dedicated time to my creative writing. Knowing that I uphold my commitments to others, I decided to start the Creative Cauldron, a community where us artists and creators could gather, support each other, and work on our projects in community. If you’re curious to hear all the deets, check out this episode!

Rob McNamara is an author, leadership coach, advisor and consultant with expertise in adult development and human performance. Co-founder of consulting firm Delta Developmental and faculty member for the Ivey School of Business’ LIFT Advanced Coaching Program, he advises, trains, and coaches on a broad range of initiatives for individuals, organizations, and governments navigating complex, civilization-wide problems. In this emergent conversation, they explore the necessity to inquire into ways you are failing as a leader, rather than emphasizing expertise. Our insatiable human desire to acquire more - extracting of ourselves and our World. The gestalt of maturity through ensoulment, development and liberation, and Rob sharing his edge which leads to an emergent insight. For links and show notes: cheladavison.com/podcast.

Are you a service provider struggling financially, despite having a very successful practice? In today’s ‘Dear Chela’, I answer a therapist’s question about how to make ends meet, speaking to: the wider context of the struggling economy and the historical possibility of supporting large families on a single income in comparison to today’s conditions. I offer possible tangible shifts - including reassessing business models and alternative income sources. I encourage seeking support - both seen and unseen - focusing on building relationships, connecting with peers, leaning into their deep spirituality and joining communities of practice. I close with encouraging an honouring of the Winter they are in and to allow time to incubate ideas. To submit to Dear Chela: https://cheladavison.com/dear-chela-submission/  

Known for her raw, honest, and nuanced approach to spirituality and the healing arts, Elizabeth DiAlto is an Embodiment Specialist, a Mystic, and host of the Embodied Podcast. In this episode, Elizabeth describes the journey towards her Soul’s work - how being a personal trainer in NYC led to questioning societal beauty standards, inspiring her to create her own business. They explore: Elizabeth’s unique capacities - including committing to being unabashedly herself and a love of comedy. Humour, humanity, and humility in our Soul's journey and alchemizing anger into something useful. The image trap of being "evolved”, and the importance of clear community agreements for safe spaces to actually be safe. For links and show notes go to: cheladavison.com/podcast.

Rachel Flood is a technology enthusiast, operations consultant, and enterprise architect with over 20 years experience in for-profit and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about leveraging systems to simplify and automate mundane manual tasks, freeing up the ‘beautiful minds’ of operational workers - insisting the work should be repeatable, but the person not replaceable. In this episode, Rachel discusses hiring operational help - including training up current employees. She emphasizes the importance of spending time on system implementation and documentation for sustainability and scalability potential. Her course “Stop Using Spreadsheets” teaches a 5-step process designed to help people doing good things in the World do what they do - but better. For links and show notes go to: cheladavison.com/podcast.