Brave Spaces and Bold Goals: Leading with Head, Heart, and Gut
Last week, I came home from my most favourite and life-affirming event of the year, the London COO Roundtable retreat.
Every year, this gathering reminds me why I do the work I do. It’s a rare space where generosity flows readily, where people are willing to show up courageously and vulnerably, and where the beauty of human connection unfolds in ways you could never script.
To the brilliant humans who were there, thank you! You brought your full selves. You took risks. You shared openly. You listened deeply. Together, we created something very special.
One of the practices I shared with the group was Three Brain Alignment and it landed in a way that still gives me goosebumps. This simple but powerful process helps leaders integrate the intelligence of the Head, Heart, and Gut, so they can make decisions that are both wise and aligned.
It’s grounded in neuroscience, recognising that each of these “brains” has its own network of neurons, its own way of processing information, and its own role in guiding our choices. When they’re in sync, you feel it. Things become clearer. Your energy steadies. You can move forward with conviction.
An Invitation: The Goal Alignment Practice
I want to offer you a simplified version of what we explored at the retreat. It’s a practice you can use any time you’re facing a decision, setting a goal, or feeling torn.
Step 1: Bring to mind a real goal or challenge.
Something alive for you right now.
Step 2: Reflect using this sequence:
Heart – Why does this matter to you?
Head – What’s the clearest idea or plan?
Heart – How does that feel emotionally?
Gut – What action feels right or courageous?
Heart (final) – What value or purpose does this align with?
This sequence is intentional. The Heart opens and closes the process because values, meaning, and emotional resonance are what keep us aligned — especially when things get messy.
Why This Works
As I was speaking with another somatic coach this week, I realised why I love this practice so much:
It creates a space for both the masculine and the feminine to exist in harmony.
The goal setting part - clear and structured - is the masculine.
The way we arrive at it - by slowing down, listening inwardly, and checking in with all three centres - is the feminine.
Together, they create goals and support decisions that are not only effective, but deeply sustainable.
When to Try It
Use this process when:
You need clarity on a high-stakes choice.
You’re stuck between two options.
You want to check your goals still feel right.You’re planning for a new quarter or chapter.
It’s five steps. It can take five minutes. And it’s a way of ensuring that, when you act, all parts of you are on board.
To everyone at the COO RT retreat: Andy Watson, Beth Ayers, Deana Murfitt, David Sankey, Garreth Griffith, Hannah Thompson, Kirsten Parker and Maria Khoury - thank you for your openness, your trust, and your willingness to explore this with me. And to Divinia Knowles, for letting me share the space and trusting me with it. You reminded me (yet again) that brave spaces create extraordinary leaders and things.
Here’s to more leading with all three brains — and more decisions that feel true in your Head, your Heart, and your Gut.
From the space of deep alignment,
Dag
If you’re a leader, founder, or team ready to make decisions and set goals that align your head, heart, and gut, let’s talk. I help people access clarity, courage, and creativity through embodied leadership practices – from breathwork and three-brain alignment to presence, joy, and sustainable performance. Together, we’ll create the brave space you need to lead with confidence and integrity.
📅 Book a Coaching Session: Book a discovery call here.
📧 Email me: coaching@dagmaraaldridge.com
