A Call to Lead With Heart and Mind - Why Understanding the Principles of Heart-Based Leadership is So Crucial Today

For so long, the head has ruled, and we have collectively placed emphasis on the mind's intellect. This has created great strides in technology and physical development but has lead to a disconnect with our hearts. The consequences of this are evidenced in the breakdown of society. The effects on climate, extinction of animals, birds and various species, the dissolution of families, relationships, with more modes of communication and yet a breakdown of genuine dialogue between people, and most of all the disintegration of our humanity. People following the rules, playing by the book prioritising what the "computer says" or leaning on data above common sense, compassion and humanity. Head versus heart-led values. 

These facts are undeniable to anyone willing to see the truth, willing to surrender their egos and reconnect to their hearts. To acknowledge there has to be a different, a better way. One that does not exclude the 'head' or the 'heart’ but rather embrace both as part of a whole that operates in alignment, with a connected, leading heart. 

There is a common misunderstanding that being heart-led simply means being good or kind. The heart is mostly associated with the emotion of love. Among many other qualities, heart intelligence or "being in the heart" means being authentic and having the conviction to call things as they are. Sometimes this means taking a tough stance or even being brutal - it means not accepting compromises that aren’t comfortable, never accepting the unacceptable or papering over cracks. 

It also means coming from a place or doing the work to get to a place where actions are made instinctively and wisely even when messages might go against the grain. Imagine how many disasters could be mitigated with swift, intelligent and decisive action? Or even better, how they might be prevented from happening in the first place. Operating from the heart means having the widest perspective and being able to anticipate and prepare more fully for the future.

What is so inspiring about this moment in time is so many leaders are starting to understand the value of acting with humanity and authenticity. There is a movement toward heart-centred or conscious leadership - and chances are if you are reading this, you are a part of it. Jeff Weiner talks about his driving force being compassionate leadership and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive draws on the premise of compassionate directness. Both stand-out leaders seek to understand people as the core of any business while being steadfast in facing challenges head-on. It is worth noting both have delivered prolific business success. There are also more and more studies linking employee happiness with increased ROI and profitability. Honesty and directness build trust, leading to happier workplaces and improved performance.

Going a step further with the science, there is an increasing amount of research supporting what ancient wisdom traditions and cultures have known throughout time. Evidence shows that the heart emits the most powerful electromagnetic frequency of any organ in the body, and contains its own ‘heart brain’. The heart is now proven to be an important energy centre communicating signals to the mind, body, other people and the outside world, including the environment and nature. The heart is not just a vital organ, but an intelligent energy field of its own. When connected with the heart, there is true power, a wisdom that transcends the mind’s intelligence. The values described above and the positive behaviours they drive become effortless.

If you're interested in understanding and cultivating heart-based leadership, I'd love to hear from you.

Further information

Hema Vyas is a renowned speaker on the subjects of heart wisdom, human consciousness, spirituality, health, energy medicine and the science of Ayurveda. For 27 years she has been practising as a psychologist and spiritual mentor. Hema’s work is about connecting ancient wisdom to solve the problems of modern times, especially by understanding the significance of the heart. Hema leads international retreats which are fully immersive, workshops and events that align and restore heart, mind and body. 

Her signature Heart Renaissance Path to Prosperity program in Kerala, the home of Ayurveda, celebrated its 10th anniversary in January 2020 and next year, will take place in a beautiful location set in nature and luxury. In 2019 she was keynote speaker at the Conscious Living and Working conference in Dublin. She also led a Heart Wisdom workshop series at London’s Soho House and gave talks at The Conduit, and Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour, London. She was asked to speak at the Dubai Future Foundation in the UAE, guided a Prosperity Consciousness workshop at the UK’s Mind, Body, Spirit, Wellbeing Festival and more recently guided live and virtual workshops for Bamford.

Described as a ‘seer’ in a modern context, Hema merges her intuitive ability to read heart energy with extensive academic studies rooted in Eastern and Western philosophies. Her approach synthesises psychological and spiritual insight, heart-based wisdom, gyana yoga and meditation expertise.

She tailors her talks and programs to meet group or organisational objectives and can work with you to define or refine your goals for maximum impact.