The Way of the Healthy Deviant Leader

Mindful Leader·May 14, 2024· 3 minutes

Session Summary

Pilar Gerasimo's captivating session at the 2019 Mindful Leader Summit, offered profound insights into navigating the complexities of societal expectations while prioritizing individual well-being. Against the backdrop of her personal journey and experiences, Pilar highlighted key principles for fostering healthier environments within organizations and embracing holistic wellness practices.

Key Highlights

Challenging Societal Norms: Pilar Gerasimo shares her personal journey of growing up with alternative values and the societal pressures to conform to mainstream standards.
Impact on Health and Well-being: Pilar discusses how striving for societal ideals can lead to health issues, both physical and mental, emphasizing the need to prioritize well-being over external validation.
Promoting Healthy Environments: As a leader, Pilar advocates for creating healthier and more supportive environments within organizations, challenging assumptions about productivity and success.

Challenging Societal Norms

Pilar's session began with a candid reflection on her upbringing, growing up in an environment that prioritized individuality and creativity. Despite the support from her family and community, she encountered challenges when interacting with peers who adhered to mainstream societal norms. This experience highlighted the disconnect between personal values and societal expectations, prompting Pilar to explore the impact of conformity on individual well-being.

Impact on Health and Well-being

Throughout the session, Pilar underscored the detrimental effects of striving for societal ideals on health and well-being. She shared her own journey of adopting unhealthy habits in pursuit of external validation, leading to physical and mental health issues. Pilar's insights shed light on the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in navigating societal pressures and prioritizing holistic wellness.

Promoting Healthy Environments

As a leader, Pilar emphasized the role of organizations in fostering healthier environments for their employees. She challenged traditional notions of productivity and success, advocating for a shift towards prioritizing employee well-being. Gerasimo highlighted the need for leaders to create supportive cultures that value continuous growth and learning, ultimately contributing to the overall health and vitality of their teams.

Final Thoughts

Pilar Gerasimo's session at the Mindful Leader Summit provided valuable insights into the importance of embracing unconventional wellness practices in navigating societal pressures. By challenging societal norms, prioritizing well-being, and promoting healthier environments, individuals and organizations can cultivate a culture of holistic wellness and resilience in today's fast-paced world.

Pilar Gerasimo is a Health Journalist, Podcaster, Social Explorer and self-described “Healthy Deviant.” She's the founding editor of Experience Life Magazine and co-host with Dallas Hartwig of a weekly podcast called, "The Living Experiment." Pilar has recently joined the Institute for Integrated Nutrition as their Chief Creative Officer.