3 Conscious Leadership Commitments That Shift You From Defensive to Grounded| Tessa Kampen

Most leaders want to lead with clarity,but in real life, it’s easy to slip into blame, defensiveness, people-pleasing, or overwhelm. You’re trying your best, yet you’re drained and stuck in the same patterns with your team.

In this episode, Desiree and leadership consultant Tessa break down the first three commitments of Conscious Leadership—taking 100% responsibility, choosing curiosity, and feeling your feelings—and how these shift you from reactive to grounded.

You’ll learn:

• What “above the line vs. below the line” looks like in real conversations
• How to take responsibility without becoming the hero or victim
• How curiosity instantly lowers defensiveness
• Why naming emotions boosts trust and presence

If you want to be a calmer, more intentional leader, these three commitments are the foundation.

Try this:
Pick one current issue and ask:

1. How did I contribute?
2. What am I curious about?
3. What am I feeling right now?

Key Takeaways:

• Responsibility = ownership, not blame
• Curiosity opens the door to real dialogue
• Your emotions don’t disqualify you—avoiding them does

Links Mentioned:
● The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

● The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

● Radical Candor by Kim Scott

● Soundtracks by Jon Acuff

Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead

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