Discover a 6-step guide for women leaders in tech to embrace change, navigate uncertainty and thrive by effectively processing emotions.

How are things going? Time sure flies – I can’t believe we’re already in February, with January just a memory. The tech industry is facing a lot of turmoil right now, and it’s reminding me of the dot com crash in the early 2000s. If you’re feeling fear or anxiety, know that it’s normal, and it’s crucial to give yourself time and space to process these emotions.

I’ve been discussing with my coaching clients how to handle the constant changes and uncertainty in tech. Whether it’s adapting to a new company culture after an acquisition, managing new teams post-reorganization, or dealing with a new manager while juggling challenging direct reports, change always involves some level of loss. Even positive changes, like getting married, can bring about a sense of loss for what used to be. It’s important to give ourselves time to process the feelings that arise from these changes.

Growing up, I learned to push away emotions, but I’ve since realized that this just leads to pent-up feelings. The problem is, we’re hardly ever taught how to process our emotions effectively. So, here’s a quick guide:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Give yourself time and space to process.
2. Be Patient: Remind yourself that it’s okay to take as long as necessary.
3. Feel It in Your Body: Close your eyes and identify where in your body you’re feeling the emotion.
4. Be Curious: Really tune into what you’re feeling. For example, for me anxiety shows up as a tightening under my collarbone or neck muscle cramps.
5. Sit with It: Allow yourself to feel the emotion in your body, even if it shifts or moves around.
6. Test and Release: Keep feeling it until it dissipates. Then, think about the thought that triggered the emotion. Does the feeling return? If it persists, breathe into the area where you feel it, and visualize the emotion flowing out with your exhale.

Remember, processing emotions is a skill that takes practice. Give yourself some grace as you learn. Emotions are energy, and we need to let this energy move through our bodies to release them. For anger or frustration, physical activity like punching the air or screaming into a pillow can help.

I’d love to hear how this technique works for you! Feel free to respond to this e-mail with your experiences. And if you’re grappling with the current state of the tech industry, I’m here to chat.

For those navigating uncertainty and seeking clarity in your career and personal life, don’t forget about my upcoming retreat from March 15-17th in Ashland, Oregon. It’s an incredible chance to reset, recharge, and realign with your inner vibrant leader and fulfilled individual. Although early-bird pricing ended yesterday, I’m extending the early-bird price to you, my email subscriber, until Friday, Feb 9th, EOD. Learn more about this transformative opportunity at https://marayabrown.com/retreat-march2024/. If you’re ready to step into your feminine power, respond to this email to sign up!

Hope you have an amazing week!

Cheers,
Jossie