From Pain to Power: How an Inner Voice Led Me to Conscious Leadership

For years, I followed the expected path—working hard, pushing through stress—until my body gave out. No treatment helped, but then, in a single moment, an inner voice spoke. That message led me to completely transform my life and rethink what leadership truly means.
My Wish for the World
I believe we are at a turning point. A time when feminine wisdom must rise, bringing a new kind of leadership—one rooted in presence, authenticity, and deep self-awareness. But to change the world, we must first change ourselves.
I once thought leadership was about strategy and pushing forward. Now, I know that true leadership begins with inner alignment, trust, and consistency. This journey—from pain to power—has taught me that transformation is possible when we listen, commit, and lead from within.
The Pain That Took Over My Life
For years, I had a successful career in business. I had studied tourism and worked closely with people, something that had always drawn me in. But despite my love for human connection, my life was overshadowed by a growing problem: “computer disease”.
Spending long hours behind a screen took a toll on my body. My hands and wrists constantly hurt, and no treatment seemed to offer lasting relief.
I tried everything:
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
- Modified work hours
My employer was supportive, and I was placed in a reintegration program. But deep inside, I knew the truth:
👉 This wasn’t just a physical issue. This was a sign that I needed a different path.
A Voice in the Night
One evening, I did something unusual—I went for a run. Not to reach a goal, but simply to clear my head.
As my feet hit the pavement, the cold air filling my lungs, it happened.
A voice. Clear. Undeniable.
"You must become a yoga teacher. Then everything will be okay."
I stopped. My heart pounded, not just from running, but from the shock.
"What? A yoga teacher? I don’t even practice yoga! Why would I do that?"
But no matter how much my rational mind resisted, the message was planted like a seed.
A Leap into the Unknown
I knew I had to listen. Within a few months, I completely transformed my life:
- I ended my relationship, which no longer aligned with me.
- I moved back to Amsterdam to start fresh.
- I began searching for yoga teacher training programs.
Most trainings were too expensive or required full-time study, which was unrealistic.
Then, I found it: a Kundalini Yoga teacher training in Amsterdam—one Saturday and one weekend per month. It felt right. I signed up immediately.
My First Steps into a New Life
The lead trainer invited me to a Winter Solstice gathering at her home.
I had no idea what it was, but something inside me told me to go.
On a cold, rainy night, I cycled across Amsterdam, soaked and freezing.
When the door opened, I was shocked.
I saw a woman with a large white turban and a radiant smile.
I froze. Where am I?
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We sat on the floor, shared food, and sang mantras.
I didn’t know what I was doing.
But for the first time in years, my heart opened.
Discovering a New Form of Leadership
My journey with Kundalini Yoga not only healed me but also revealed a deeper truth about leadership.
Until that moment, I had believed leadership was about strategy, planning, and decision-making. But through my practice, I learned that true leadership is about presence, intuition, and connection.
💡 Conscious leadership isn’t about power—it’s about energy.
It’s about:
- Holding space for others instead of controlling them.
- Leading with intuition and wisdom instead of ego and force.
- Creating environments of trust and empowerment instead of fear and competition.
I realized that many leaders in the world are stuck in outdated masculine models—focused only on results, efficiency, and dominance. But women have a different way of leading. A way that nurtures, uplifts, and transforms.
The Power of Daily Sadhana
As I stepped onto this new path, I realized that transformation isn’t a single moment—it’s a daily practice.
The voice that spoke to me was clear, but staying committed to my vision required something deeper. That’s when I discovered the power of sadhana—a daily spiritual practice that strengthens intuition, clarity, and resilience.
💬 “Why do we get up for morning sadhana? Because we have to face the whole day, and we cannot face the day without a constant level of energy. People love you for three things only: wisdom, commitment, and consistency.” — Yogi Bhajan
Through my morning sadhana, I learned that true leadership isn’t about pushing harder but about creating space for insight, presence, and connection.
Each day, before the world wakes up, I start with prayer, meditation and movement, grounding myself in a leadership style that is guided by wisdom rather than stress.
💬 “Sadhana is the ultimate victory of the self. There is nothing equal to it.” — Yogi Bhajan
This practice has been my anchor, shaping not only how I lead but how I live.
👉 Want to experience this for yourself? Join the daily online sadhana whatsapp group here.
From Pain to Power: A Wish for the Future
Looking back, I see that every challenge, every moment of doubt, and every struggle was guiding me to a deeper truth.
I now know that pain is not the enemy—it is an invitation to step into our power.
I dream of a world where leadership is rooted in presence, where success is measured by impact rather than competition, and where women reclaim their wisdom to shape the future.
- A world where intuition is valued as much as logic.
- A world where leadership is about connection, not control.
- A world where we rise by lifting others.
The path from pain to power is one of self-discovery. It is a journey that asks us to listen to our inner voice, trust the unknown, and commit—every single day—to living our truth.
👉 Are you ready to listen to your own voice? To lead with wisdom and heart?
💫 The future belongs to the women who listen, trust, and lead. 💫
Are You Ready to Share Your Vision?
Join the movement and inspire other women to follow their path. ✨ #WomensWisdom