Meditating in the boardroom

The million dollars tricks every C-levels should adopt.

Last week, one of my acquaintances asked me an interesting question: how do I stay grounded when facing a difficult choice, knowing that one single decision could change the trajectory of my business?

It was not a new app, not a productivity hack, nor a leadership webinar. It was something much simpler yet incredibly powerful: meditation.

What started as a way to manage the stress of endless meetings and high-stakes decisions became one of my greatest leadership assets. Here’s why.

Inner peace, outer impact: How meditation changed my leadership approach

Running a company is tough. You face pressure from all sides, from managing financial risks to handling teams through unpredictable changes. It is easy to get swept up in the chaos and lose focus. But meditation has taught me something unexpected: when you slow down internally, you can move more effectively in the outside world.

Meditation is not exactly about finding peace but about sharpening focus, building resilience, and learning to handle whatever comes your way with clarity. It’s like upgrading your mind’s operating system. Sure, the science backs it up (less stress, more focus), but what matters is how it’s changed the way I lead in real-time.

Meditation: The tool no one talks about but everyone needs

Big names like Marc Benioff from Salesforce or Jeff Weiner from LinkedIn openly credited meditation with keeping them centered during billion-dollar decisions. And I get it. Leaders do not only have to solve problems; they also have to be present when things get overwhelming and keep a clear head to make the best decisions.

Meditating is not a magical experience but a way to take a break, reset, and see things for what they are, not what stress or fear makes them seem like. That’s been game-changing for me as a leader.

Finding time in the chaos: How I made meditation part of my daily routine

I used to think meditation required sitting still for an hour, completely disconnected from the world. That’s not realistic when you’re running a company. I found my rhythm: quick five-minute breathing exercises between meetings or moments of silence before a big presentation.

Mindful breathing is one of the easiest things I’ve incorporated into my day. It’s as simple as taking a few deep breaths to center myself. There are no fancy techniques or long sessions—just a few moments to recalibrate. The impact is immediate.

Mindful leadership at SVOD: My experience

At SVOD Advisory, we thrive on clarity and focus because our clients come to us with their toughest challenges. Staying calm under pressure, making thoughtful decisions, and leading with empathy are non-negotiable, and meditation helps me do that.

When I meditate, I notice the ripple effect across the team. It creates a space where reflection and focus aren’t just encouraged—they’re part of our culture. When that energy flows from the top, it affects how everyone shows up for work. It’s a subtle yet powerful shift.

Why mindfulness is no longer a ‘wellness trend’ but a must-have to lead

Companies that embrace mindfulness are not only creating a better work environment but also becoming more effective at what they do. Google’s mindfulness program, "Search Inside Yourself," and General Mills’ executive mindfulness sessions show how this approach leads to sharper decision-making and better teamwork.

It’s not about adding one more thing to the to-do list. It’s about rewiring how you present yourself in the boardroom, in front of a client, or high-pressure situations.

Meditation: A strategic advantage

As the world becomes more complex, leaders need more than strategic thinking. We need resilience, focus, and the ability to navigate chaos without losing our cool. Meditation has given me that. It’s a practice I never considered, but it became one of the most important tools in my leadership toolkit.

So, if you’re looking for the next big thing to sharpen your leadership skills, maybe start with something simple: yourself.