How Somatic Breathing Supports Executive Presence
- Dorian Cunion
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
One of the most essential executive presence skills individuals must master as they move from individual contributor to leader is being present in the moment. When the pressure at work is high, you can not afford to be distracted. You have to dial in and be present so that you can absorb the sights, sounds, and even smells of the space you are in, so that you can respond appropriately to the moment.
One of the most effective, yet underutilized, tools for helping you focus on being present is somatic breathing.
What is Somatic Breathing?
Somatic breathing is more than just "taking a deep breath." It is a body-centered practice that uses the breath to bridge the gap between the mind and the nervous system. When you engage in somatic work, you are moving beyond intellectual stress management and into physical regulation.
As discussed in the latest episode of the Coaching Gold Podcast, small physical shifts can break a stress cycle in as little as 30 seconds. By changing your posture and the cadence of your breath, you immediately shift the way you feel, and be more in this moment.
The Executive Presence Benefits of Breathwork
Emotional Sovereignty: Leaders often face "The 7 Cranky Cousins" of anger—disappointment, annoyance, frustration, jealousy, impatience, guilt, and resentment. Somatic breathing allows you to acknowledge these feelings without letting them drive your decisions.
Presence and Clarity: Deep, intentional breathing moves the body out of a "fight or flight" response and into a state of calm alertness, essential for navigating team challenges.
Sustainable Energy: Unlike the temporary spike of caffeine, somatic breathing regulates your chi (energy), preventing the burnout that often follows high-pressure periods.
Happiness as a Byproduct of Internal Work
A common leadership mistake is viewing happiness as a goal to be reached once a certain milestone is achieved. In reality, happiness is a byproduct of consistent internal work.
When you prioritize self-awareness and self-leadership, joy becomes sustainable rather than situational. This internal shift doesn't just benefit you; it helps create a work environment where your emotional state positively impacts those around you.
For more on How to Find Mind-Blowing Happiness, check out episode 22 of the CoachingGold Podcast, where we sat down with Trish Ahjel Roberts, and discussed how she helps clients find joy through doing deep inner work.
A bit about Trish, she holds an MBA and certifications in yoga, meditation, and energy healing, allowing her to speak the language of both the boardroom and the yoga studio. In addition, she is the author of The 12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness and The Anger Myth (endorsed by Jack Canfield). Trish transitioned from a successful but unfulfilling career as a financial advisor into coaching after a near-death experience, giving her a unique perspective on what it truly means to pivot toward purpose.
Listen to Episode 22 here to experience a live somatic exercise and learn how to lead with sustainable joy.
Elevate Your Leadership with Power6 and Your Path Coaching and Consulting
If you are ready to move from "going through the motions" to elite executive performance, explore the resources below:
The Power6 Leader Program: A research-based system designed to help you master the six key skills of leadership: motivating action, building trust, increasing productivity, guiding decisions, delegating responsibility, and navigating challenges. Visit www.power6leader.com to learn more.
Dorian Cunion & Your Path Coaching: With over 21 years of experience in operations and executive leadership, Dorian Cunion helps leaders clarify goals and scale their influence. Explore his coaching solutions at www.yourpathexecutivesolutions.com.
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