balrāj
I teach the philosophy of yoga & existential phenomenology, and help leaders better manage their emotions under pressure and strengthen high-stakes relationships.
I teach traditional yoga philosophy. In my private work, I help business leaders manage their emotions to be more effective in high-pressure environments and critical relationship-building situations.
My approach to managing emotions is guided by the simple and profound wisdom of the spiritual traditions born on the Indian subcontinent. Generally speaking, these spiritual traditions were meant to solve the problem of the anxieties caused by various forms of personal “suffering”. These approaches were especially wary of our tendency to adopt solutions that reinforce the very problems we are attempting to subvert. Above all, they encouraged a certain quality of “self-awareness” (as opposed to immediately trying to fix/eliminate whatever is uncomfortable).
My “mission” is to teach this kind of self-awareness and its ethical consequence—‘I am better when everyone is better’—and to teach the crucial role of “self-acceptance” in the cultivation of self-awareness. People who feel okay with themselves don’t interpret the world based on their personal desire to matter more, but are rather more open to recognize that they are embedded in structures of dependence that precede and exceed them. Self-criticism reinforces our sense of “inner lack”, obscures confidence and resources, and often motivates a person to pursue self-destructive ways of securing themselves against their insecurities. People who feel okay with themselves make it easier for others to feel okay with themselves. They suffer less, contribute more, and experience deeper and more meaningful connection—with themselves and with others—and live with a greater sense of belonging. Being less self-obsessed, they are more open and flexible, more spontaneous and creative—and this allows them to experience the most growth, development, and connection. I want people to feel okay with themselves. I want people to become aware of who and what they/we ‘really’ are.
I help leaders manage their emotions (so that they become more effective) in order to inject something like “compassion” into organizations from the top down. I help leaders become more effective by helping them cultivate the capacity for deep inner calm, focus, clarity, resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. A reactive approach to leadership produces poor relationships with teams and stakeholders and wasted time/resources on solutions that don’t address root causes. A leadership approach centred on heightened clarity and awareness (of themselves and their organizations) empowers leaders to shape strategy that is maximally beneficial. This approach produces the patience and confidence to find root causes, make sharper decisions, and pursue continuous and sustainable improvement. This approach also produces the emotional flexibility/intelligence to create healthier and more supportive and collaborative work environments that drive innovation (especially in times of volatility) and foster wellbeing. Ultimately, leaders who are more (self) aware and emotionally intelligent are more effective and valuable, and create more of a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and the world.
To learn more about if/how I might be able to help you, take a look at who we work with and then schedule a free call.
Beginning March 2025, I will be available for talks. In September 2024, I gave a workshop-style talk at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (in Ontario, Canada) entitled, “An Introduction to Mindfulness”. In September 2024, I gave a workshop-style talk to a group of 25-30 senior-level government bureaucrats at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (in Ontario, Canada) entitled, “An Introduction to Mindfulness”. To inquire about booking me for your event, please email [email protected] with your event details and objectives. We can then schedule a time to discuss if/how I might be able to help. For media or press inquiries, please email [email protected] with your request and relevant details. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
I received a BA (Hons) and MSc (Oxon) studying South Asia and India respectively. I then obtained an MA in philosophy, defending my thesis on phenomenological method. I received a Diploma in Yoga from Annamalai University and the title of Yoga Vidyā from my teacher.
I wish each and every one of you perfect health, unlimited prosperity, and profound inner peace.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Balraj Persaud
Toronto, Canada
December 2024