
CPR: taking the stress out of practicing public speakingÂ
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Hereâs how to use...
by Francesca Giulia Mereu, Jennifer Jordan Published March 21, 2024 in Brain Circuits ⢠3 min read
The daily maintenance of your energy levels can help you thrive at the intense pace expected of leaders today.
Energy is not just physical or psychological â itâs multi-dimensional. Based on our experience over the last 25 years (and building upon the work of Tony Schwartz and others), weâve identified five âenergy batteriesâ that impact leadersâ well-being:
– Depleted by: A lack of sleep, a lack of physical exercise, and poor nutrition.
+ Charged by: Sleep, movement, and a healthy diet.
– Depleted by: Constant demands and interruptions.
+ Charged by: Practicing mindfulness and learning new topics.
– Depleted by: Managing conflict and rehashing hurtful events.
+ Charged by: Enjoyable activities, restorative hobbies, creative practices, and quality time with family and friends.
– Depleted by: Ignoring or neglecting the search for meaning.
+ Charged by: Time in nature, volunteer work, religious traditions, spiritual practices, and introspective activities.
– Depleted by: Feeling unsafe at home, feeling underappreciated at work, and worrying about the well-being of loved ones.
+ Charged by: Living and working in a supportive and safe environment, spending time in nature, and engaging in social activities with friends and colleagues (outside of traditional work activities).
Examining each of these five batteries can give you a clearer, more palpable sense of what recharges your energy â and what drains it. The next steps are to implement restorative mini-habits. If you wish to put these ideas into action, try out the anonymous online Energy Check.
Executive coach
An executive coach with over 25 years of experience, she is also the author of Recharge Your Batteries and a certified yoga teacher. Her “Energy Check” is available online. She regularly works with the Center of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN) and at IMD with senior leaders of global organizations. Follow her LinkedIn Group on managing your energy.
Social psychologist and Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour at IMD
Jennifer Jordan is a social psychologist and Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at IMD. Jenniferâs teaching, research, and consulting focus on the areas of digital leadership, ethics, influence, and power. She has received specialized training and certifications in lie and truthfulness detection, as well as in conflict resolution within organizations. She is Program Director of the Women on Boards and the Leadership Essentials program, and co-Director of the Leading Digital Execution program.
July 16, 2025 ⢠by Robert Vilkelis in Brain Circuits
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Hereâs how to use...
July 15, 2025 ⢠by Ben Bryant in Brain Circuits
Knowing how much vulnerability to show and when to maintain distance is a key leadership skill. Consult this checklist to gauge whether youâre keeping too much in, and check out the four...
July 10, 2025 ⢠by Jean-François Manzoni in Brain Circuits
From absorbing stress to finding your authentic voice, nine leaders of global companies share the wisdom that has helped them excel in their roles.⯠...
July 8, 2025 in Brain Circuits
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1tn each year, predominantly from reduced productivity. âŻHere are six simple habits, taken from design thinker Vishakha Singhâs SHIFT...
Executive coach
An executive coach with over 25 years of experience, she is also the author of Recharge Your Batteries and a certified yoga teacher. Her “Energy Check” is available online. She regularly works with the Center of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN) and at IMD with senior leaders of global organizations. Follow her LinkedIn Group on managing your energy.
Social psychologist and Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour at IMD
Jennifer Jordan is a social psychologist and Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at IMD. Jenniferâs teaching, research, and consulting focus on the areas of digital leadership, ethics, influence, and power. She has received specialized training and certifications in lie and truthfulness detection, as well as in conflict resolution within organizations. She is Program Director of the Women on Boards and the Leadership Essentials program, and co-Director of the Leading Digital Execution program.
Explore first person business intelligence from top minds curated for a global executive audience