A London business psychologist has called on companies to recognise the power of ‘heart intelligence’ in business leadership. Hema Vyas is among a growing number of leadership experts who say that intuitive, traditionally more feminine approaches can complement more analytical or masculine approaches. Together they can play an important role in the future success of a company.

Traditional male leadership qualities are all respected in business. They are linked to things like the mind, logic, reasoning, strategy and self-confidence. But now, more and more experts are seeing the power that comes with strategies based on more feminine qualities. Take London psychologist Hema Vyas (pictured), who calls a ‘heart-wisdom’ approach as equally valuable. Feminine qualities are related to compassion, empathy, intuition and collaboration. Says Vyas, they are just as necessary for successful and sustainable leadership, and she is on a mission.

Leadership and the connection with personal development

Vyas works with high-profile clients such as Google, EY, Bamford and Soho House. One of her private clients, Tina Elhage, formerly of The Guardian, said: “Having Hema as a mentor has allowed me to fully align with my values. It has also helped secure a central role in a high-profile organisation.” She also explained that Vyas’s insights had allowed her to better understand the connection between personal development and leadership.

Shifts in thinking, feeling and action

There were further benefits to the business itself and Elhage said: “This quickly paved the way for massive improvements. Revenue grew three-fold, customer experience improved, and there was an energy of trust and cohesion in the team.” Vyas added: “When I show people how to directly experience this heart energy, immediate and sustained shifts in thinking, feeling and action occur.” She further explained that doing so, “results will speak for themselves.” She concluded: “I think we can all agree that a world where leaders operate from the heart is a better one.”

“When I show people how to directly experience this heart energy, immediate and sustained shifts in thinking, feeling and action occur.”

Leading from the heart

Leadership from the heart, as promoted by experts such as psychologist Hema Vyas, is about connecting, influencing and inspiring. It is driven by authenticity and integrity. A heart-based approach helps business leaders reflect on the course of action. Rather than being guided by external pressures and circumstances. According to Forbes, feminine or more heart-based leadership has been on the rise. We are starting to wake up to its useful qualities from following our instinct to making well-informed decisions.

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