Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to The Innovative Therapist Podcast! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More
Episode 138: Pack Leadership: The Most Life-Changing Concept I’ve Learned Since Intuitive Eating
As women, as leaders, as humans striving for connection and authenticity, we often find ourselves navigating the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability. Our energy is fierce yet compassionate, loving yet boundaried. We do things differently, and our leadership should reflect that.
This concept of Pack Leadership, which I explored in my conversation with Randi Rubenstein on The Innovative Therapist Podcast (Episode 138: Pack Leadership: The Most Life-Changing Concept I’ve Learned Since Intuitive Eating), has completely transformed how I approach not just parenting, but every aspect of my life.
If you’re familiar with intuitive eating and its empowering framework for building trust with your body, think of Pack Leadership as its counterpart in relationships. It’s about cultivating connection, safety, and a deep sense of belonging in your “pack”—be it your family, your team, or your community.
Let’s dive into why this concept is so powerful, how it connects to the bigger picture of empowerment, and why I’m so passionate about sharing it with you.
What Is Pack Leadership?
At its core, Pack Leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and like they belong. It rejects shame, blame, and perfectionism, replacing them with love, understanding, and calm, confident leadership.
Here’s how Randi Rubenstein beautifully breaks down the key elements:
Calm, Confident Leadership
The leader sets the tone for the group. Think of a steady pilot during turbulence or a coach who believes in the team no matter the odds. This grounded energy instills safety and trust, helping the group face challenges together.
Self-ish Leadership
In a world that glorifies selflessness, Pack Leadership asks us to prioritize our own needs and well-being. True leadership comes from a place of fullness, where we can give generously because we’re not running on empty. It’s about rejecting the idea that martyrdom equals strength and instead embracing the idea that we lead best when we’re well-rested, supported, and nourished.
Receiving Support
Gone is the lone wolf mentality. Instead, Pack Leadership encourages us to embrace help, evolving family and group dynamics to better suit everyone’s needs. It’s about letting go of the societal expectations that demand constant self-sufficiency and perfection.
Messy Humaning
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up authentically, owning mistakes, and laughing along the way. This “messy humaning” fosters connection and growth, creating a safe space for everyone to be imperfectly human.
Why Pack Leadership Matters
Addressing Loneliness and Unworthiness
We live in an era where many people feel disconnected, lonely, and unworthy. Pack Leadership shifts this narrative by fostering a sense of belonging, giving each member of the pack a secure base from which they can grow, explore, and thrive.
Parallel Lessons with Intuitive Eating
Just as intuitive eating helps us navigate extremes—like rigid diet culture and chaotic eating—Pack Leadership helps us find balance between authoritarian and overly permissive approaches in parenting and leadership. Both frameworks center trust: trusting yourself, trusting your group, and cultivating mutual respect.
Empowerment Across All Areas
Pack Leadership isn’t just about parenting. It’s about showing up in all areas of life—business, relationships, and self-care—in a way that’s rooted in self-trust, love, and empowerment. When you lead your pack with calm confidence, you create a ripple effect that touches everything you do.
What You’ll Hear in Episode 138
In my conversation with Randi, we explore:
• How to get what you truly want: deeply connected relationships with your kids and the other humans you care about most.
• My own shifts in Pack Leadership: what helped me get there and the impact it’s had on my family and work.
• The parallels between Pack Leadership and Internal Family Systems (IFS): how understanding your “parts” can deepen your leadership.
• How Pack Leadership applies to women in business: showing up in a way that’s rooted in self-trust and empowerment.
• Pack Leadership and food empowerment: how this mindset helps us navigate the extremes of diet culture and intuitive eating.
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is for anyone who wants to lead with love, courage, and authenticity. Whether you’re a parent, a therapist, or simply someone looking to create more meaningful connections in your life, Pack Leadership offers a roadmap for building a safe and grounded environment for your pack.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen to Episode 138. It’s a conversation that’s as empowering as it is practical, filled with many stories so that you can begin to explore what stepping into more Pack Leadership might look like for you.
Want More Support?
If you’re a therapist or helping professional, I’m passionate about helping people like you navigate nuance, develop deep trust with their bodies, and create meaningful, aligned work.
Here’s how we can connect:
• Therapy Clients: If you live in one of these 42 states in the US, I’m currently accepting new clients. My rate is $225 for an intake session and $200 for follow-ups. Contact me at info@drshawnhondorp.com or call 616-227-0001 for more information.
• Therapists & Helping Professionals: Join my email list here or email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com to introduce yourself. Let’s explore creative methods for healing and leadership together.
Together, we can build stronger packs, more connected communities, and a kinder world. Let’s start today.
Disclaimer: This blog and podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual professional advice or treatment, including medical or mental health advice. It does not constitute a provider-patient relationship.