Mindfulness, akin to yoga, is evolving into a billion-dollar industry; and meditation, one of its practices, is gaining traction among CEOs, entrepreneurs, and senior executives around the globe. With meditation, the burgeoning appeal lies in the unique benefits that the practice offers, surpassing those of mere recreation or relaxation.
Johann Berlin, CEO of the TLEX Institute, specializes in introducing mindfulness training to corporate leaders. He observes a growing interest among CEOs who view meditation not as a novelty but as a means to enhance leadership skills and achieve business goals. Many of America’s top corporations are already integrating mindfulness techniques into programs focused on cultivating agile and flexible mindsets for effective leadership.
Research supports the positive impact of meditation on skills like attention, memory, and emotional intelligence. Executives also attest to these benefits based on their reported experiences, aligning with academic findings.
For example, meditation's role in building “resilience” is evident in various studies showcasing its potential to reduce anxiety and enhance performance under stress. CEOs, like Alak Vasa of Elements Truffles, credit meditation for helping them maintain composure and propose solutions during highly stressful situations.
The boost to emotional intelligence is another key aspect of meditation. Brain-imaging research indicates that meditation strengthens the ability to regulate emotions. Executives, including Archana Patchirajan, emphasize how meditation has transformed their leadership styles by fostering patience and improving relationships with their teams.
Meditation even improves creativity, which is crucial in the business world. Studies suggest that meditative and relaxed states of mind contribute to breakthrough moments and innovative thinking. Charly Kleissner attributes his new ideas and ventures to meditation, emphasizing its role in encouraging divergent thinking.
Improved relationships and a sense of connection to others are outcomes of meditation. Chirag Patel, CEO of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, highlights how meditation fosters a familial connection with clients, colleagues, and staff, creating a positive impact on business relationships.
Research demonstrating that meditation training reduces distraction tendencies and enhances concentration supports meditation's ability to improve focus. Peter Cooper, founder of Cooper Investors, attributes his wise investment decisions to meditation, emphasizing its role in discarding unnecessary information and focusing on critical aspects.
Beyond being a stress management tool, meditation is recognized as a holistic practice contributing to leadership skills, emotional intelligence, creativity, improved relationships, and enhanced focus in the competitive business landscape. In other words, sometimes it’s better to stop counting debts and revenues – and start counting one’s breaths.
