In this episode of Beyond the Corporate Mask, Suzanne sits down with Nadine, a learning and development advisor who shares her personal story of growing up with a relentless inner critic, and learning to make peace with it through embodied leadership. From being bullied at school to pushing herself to prove her worth at work, Nadine’s story reveals how the inner critic can take over our bodies, not just our thoughts. Together, she and Suzanne explore what happens when self-doubt becomes a habit, and how somatic tools can help us move from pressure to presence. You’ll hear: How early experiences shape the voice of the inner critic The link between striving, overachieving, and self-criticism What it feels like when the inner critic takes over your body (tight chest, shallow breath, frozen posture) Why you can’t think your way out of it, and what helps instead Simple, body-based practices to quiet the noise and reconnect with yourself Resources & Tools Mentioned: Centering: A grounding practice that helps you return to calm and presence by noticing your breath, posture, and gravity. The White Space Visualization: A way to create inner distance from harsh self-talk and find clarity. Eye Stretch: A short somatic practice that relaxes the vagus nerve and helps your nervous system settle. Advice from our guest: “The critic never fully disappears. But when I meet it with curiosity, instead of trying to silence it, it loses its power. I can breathe again.” – Nadine Links: 🎧 Listen to all episodes of Beyond the Corporate Mask 🌿 Learn more about embodied leadership 🎧 Related episode: 7. Taming the Inner Critic - how embodied work changes your relationship with self-doubt

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.