In this episode of What’s Possible, Ilene Schaffer sits down with executive coach and author Rebecca Arora to explore somatic intelligence, or the intelligence of the body, and why it matters so much for leadership, communication, and connection.

Rebecca works with senior leaders at companies like Google, Salesforce, and IDEO, helping them move beyond “head-only” leadership and use posture, pace, presence, and physical awareness to lead with more empathy, courage, and impact. Drawing on her new book, Somatic Intelligence, she shares how our bodies influence executive presence, resilience, creativity, and the way others experience us.

Together, Ilene and Rebecca unpack the leadership archetypes many people unconsciously fall into, the role posture plays in empowerment and connection, and why learning to notice and shift your body can change the way you think, feel, and lead.

This conversation is especially relevant for leaders, coaches, and high-achieving professionals who spend a lot of time in their heads and want to lead in a way that feels more grounded, human, and sustainable.

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Learn more about Silicon Valley Change Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Connect with Ilene Schaffer Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

Can tapping actually help calm your nervous system? In this In the Moment episode of What’s Possible, Ilene Schaffer is joined by SVChange coach Lisa Zigarmi to share one of her favorite tools for reducing stress and finding calm: tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

This conversation is part of our mini-series Inside the Coach Toolbox, where Ilene sits down with SVChange coaches to explore the real-life practices they rely on when life feels stressful.

Lisa explains how tapping works, why it helps the body feel safe, and what the science says about its impact on the nervous system. By gently tapping on specific points on the upper body, people can help regulate stress, lower cortisol, and allow emotions to move through rather than get stuck.

This episode is a grounded introduction to a simple, practical tool you can use before a difficult conversation, after a stressful moment, or anytime you need to reconnect with calm in just a few minutes.

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Inside the Coach Toolbox is a special In the Moment mini-series from What’s Possible, where Ilene Schaffer sits down with SVChange coaches to explore the real-life practices they use to regulate stress, manage pressure, and stay grounded in high-stakes moments.

These short episodes offer practical, science-backed tools you can use immediately, whether you’re leading a team, navigating uncertainty, or simply wanting to show up with more steadiness and intention.

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Learn more about Silicon Valley Change Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Connect with Ilene Schaffer Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this episode of What’s Possible, Ilene Schaffer sits down with leadership and executive coach Darren Barrett to explore what leaders can learn from the world of elite sport.

Darren’s background in executive leadership and his current studies in sports psychology led him to a simple but powerful framework: train, perform, recover. In this conversation, Ilene and Darren explore how leaders can begin thinking of themselves as business athletes: people who need to prepare intentionally, show up when it matters most, and recover well enough to sustain performance over time.

They discuss the hidden cost of staying in constant “performance mode,” why recovery is often the missing piece for high-achieving leaders, and how stress and anxiety can quietly undermine judgment, creativity, and presence. This episode offers both mindset shifts and practical ways for leaders to perform at a high level without sacrificing their health, energy, or long-term effectiveness.

If you’re a leader, coach, or professional trying to do meaningful work without burning out, this conversation is for you.

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Learn more about Silicon Valley Change Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Connect with Ilene Schaffer Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

This show is produced and edited by the team at Palm Tree Pod Co.