From Corporate Lessons to Lasting Change: A Journey in Behaviour.

When I first started working in corporate, I was fortunate to have some remarkable mentors, people who shaped me into the professional I am today. The lessons I learned from them are ones I carry with me, and I know they will stay with me for a lifetime.

I remember vividly being told by someone I deeply respected to read The Energy Bus. At first, I glanced at the synopsis and thought, this seems almost religious. I was surprised that this was the book recommended to me.

But as I read it, I was astonished. For the first time in my business career, someone encouraged me to read a story that was not full of corporate jargon, Lean Six Sigma, actuarial formulas, or PRINCE2 manuals. It was a relatable story about energy, mindset, and the power of choice. At first, I was dumbfounded.

Then I realised the key lessons:

• You are the driver of your own bus. Your energy and attitude determine your direction.

• Focus on your vision, not your obstacles.

• Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up.

• Do not waste energy on negativity or blame. Take responsibility and move forward.

• Your attitude and behaviour ripple out, influencing everyone around you.

Twenty years later, I see how these lessons planted seeds that still guide me today. While technology in the workplace has advanced immensely, I am still glad and truly relish human contact and connection. At the end of the day, it always comes back to people: the energy we share, the kindness we extend, and the relationships we nurture.

Behavioural change does not stop at mindset. It lives in movement too. Yoga and Yoga Therapy are powerful ways to embody these lessons. Awareness of breath teaches us to pause before reacting. Gentle movement builds resilience and patience. Mindful postures cultivate self compassion and help us let go of blame and judgment. Meditation and reflective practice allow us to notice habitual patterns and choose healthier ones. Connection in class, whether through guided practice or community, mirrors the human connection that underpins all meaningful change.

Corporate lessons taught me the what of behavioural change. Yoga continues to teaches me the how. Together, they show that transformation is not about perfection. It is about presence, awareness, and conscious choices. Even small shifts in behaviour whether in how we think, move, or connect with others, can ripple into a lifetime of positive change.

Naomi Hurst