b'Leaning into emotionown struggle to stay aligned with my values and Often, clients walk the fine line of needing a coachingmentally well in such a demanding environment. I and therapeutic approach to move forward. made a bold step and ended my Phantom contract. I said yes to all new opportunities and, although Therapists & coaches can be well-intentioned inunclear on my direction, a CEO at one consultancy fixing people, catching them before they hit rocksaw an opportunity for me to combine the world of bottom and softening the blow. However, in myperformance with the world of leadership. opinion, playing a facilitative role with clients to really embrace their pain is a more powerful and effectiveThe first session I delivered was like way to move forward.coming home for me. My values aligned Research shows that leaning in to experiencing andand I unlocked my purpose.fully living our emotions around these bleak situations,Over the last 15 years, Ive successfully used rather than avoiding them, is where deep learning,performance tools in my coaching to enable people to development & transformational change occurs. feel again and reconnect with their hearts. The Genius Dip Businesses are starting to recognise that using I have recognised and developed the element ofcognitive thinking and rationale alone wont solve the the Genius Dip as a powerful part of my coachingcomplexities they face. People are tired, burnt out and method. some of their most basic needs are compromised. The Creatives and entrepreneurs often suffer this dip - aanswer lies in doing business in way that better serves rollercoaster of emotions that comes from being in theyou, your people, your customers and the world. spotlight and fully accessible to their audience andBlending performing Arts and Leadershipwhich often means immense pressure, responsibility,In a safe space, entrepreneurs and business owners the sense of having a permanent on switch and,can remove the masks they wear and project to the often, a feast or famine lifestyle with work and income.outside world that they are OK. They can start to feel It is vital to watch for this genius dip and not fight it,seen for who they really are and the pressure of forcing but accept its shadow, embrace it and search for thea smile while carrying so much the responsibility ultimate genius that can ensue as a result. begins to lift. When they can acknowledge how they This dip often comes after what can often beare really feeling and the challenges they are truly experienced as suffering pain, blocks, self-doubt, self- face, the deep work and change can begin.berating and creative constipation. Many will stay here and become stuck; fighting it, resisting it and fearing it will only get worse. Perfectionism and burnout As a former West End performer playing lead roles in shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, the pressure to deliver a performance worthy of a standing ovation was immense. I coped for a long time but, ultimately, I was unable to navigate eight shows a week and remain sane. I burnt out, got entangled in my thoughts of perfectionism and lost the connection of feeling and experiencing my performance. The struggle to get through my own genius dip was too much.This was less about falling out of love with the business (my belief at the time) and more about my 16'