We’ve been taught to treat our bodies as mere vehicles that carry our brains to the next meeting, but our soma is actually our most reliable intelligence system.

IN THIS EPISODE Aparna and Lars are joined by master somatic coach Giulio Brunini to discuss the profound consequences of overriding our physical signals for the sake of corporate performance. We dive into why "restless toes" and autoimmune flares are often the body’s way of writing a diary of our stress before our minds even recognize the burnout. Giulio shares his transition from the high-pressure world of global advertising to somatic coaching, explaining how leaders can unlearn the "numbing" that got them promoted and instead develop the inner stability needed to lead with presence. This is a slower, intentional conversation about recovering our humanity in a world that asks us to muscle through everything.

THE QUESTION WE'RE SITTING WITH What is your body trying to tell you that your mind isn't yet willing to hear?

TAKE THIS WITH YOU

• The One-Minute Breath Count: Set a timer for one minute and count how many normal inhales and exhales you take. Knowing your "number" makes meditation feel accessible even during a busy workday.
• Notice the "Inconvenience": Pay attention to the physical sensations that arise when you are avoiding a difficult conversation; embodiment often surfaces the truths that are inconvenient for the ego but necessary for growth.
• The Laptop Pause: Before you open your laptop in the morning, take three intentional breaths and notice one sensation in your body—no fixing, just saying hello.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Giulio Brunini — Master Somatic Coach specializing in embodied leadership - https://www.giuliobrunini.com/about-giulio-brunini
• The Strozzi Institute — An institute for somatics and leadership. - https://strozziinstitute.org/
• Dr. Gabor Maté — Researcher and author discussed regarding the link between stress and autoimmune disorders - https://drgabormate.com/

CONNECT WITH US

Visit us at https://www.circleback.club/

Aparna on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aparnarae; aparnarae.com

Lars on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-gallien; https://www.larsgallien.com/

Want to bring this conversation into your organization? Aparna and Lars speak at HR conferences, Fortune 1000 ERGs, and philanthropic foundations. pod@circleback.club