As partner in a highly respected global consulting firm leading international mergers and earning seven figures, Tom Eddington was at the top of his game. Then an illness nearly killed him and left him unable to work for years. He shares what he learned about vulnerability, and why it is essential for leaders to connect with those they lead.

In his work as an international business consultant, Tom led the largest merger in the financial services industry between Royal Bank of Scotland and National Westminster Bank; the largest merger in the IT industry at the time when Hewlett-Packard acquired Compaq; and Chevron’s acquisition of Texaco. In each case he led teams of several hundred people working out all the details to make sure the merged organization was successful. Yet, “there was no perspective on how to do that consciously, in a way that would create an environment for people to thrive.” Tom shares what he has learned.

Conscious leadership focuses on helping leaders develop the connection between their IQ, emotional intelligence (including the ability to connect with others), and body intelligence (intuitive or gut feelings). Tom explains how conscious leaders integrate all three.

Just about every leader Tom works with brings up the idea of balancing work and life, yet the idea of “balance” is “dualistic thinking, an old way of thinking, an old way of being,” he says. He explains how conscious leaders integrate their work and personal lives.

Leaders have organizational authority, but that doesn’t mean people will follow them. A key to conscious leadership is self-awareness, Tom says. This includes knowing who you are, mastering your thoughts and emotions, being aware of how you react and respond to external and internal stimuli, and how you affect those around you.

The term “toxic masculinity” usually refers to sexual harassment and behaviors devaluing women, but there is another kind that afflicts many hard-driving professional men. Tom explains how the life of the modern corporate warrior can lead to toxic health consequences – and how embracing conscious leadership can restore health in the human and corporate biome.

Tom takes a holistic look at the companies he works with and their leaders. This includes evaluating the company’s strategy, capacity, goals, and external environment; and looking at how well leaders take care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. He discusses how he gauges the health of organizations and executives through the lens of conscious leadership.

Men and women wonder how they should behave – what is appropriate and what is not – in a time of widespread reports of sexual harassment. Tom discusses common questions he hears from male and female leaders, and offers guidance for navigating issues and concerns in today’s workplace.

Fear is a response of the primitive “reptilian” part of the brain, the amygdala, intended to keep us safe. “We all have a fundamental choice about how we want to show up in the world,” Tom says. “We can respond to the world from a place of fear or from a place of trust and love.” From his personal experience, he explains how to make that choice.

Tom explains how to use mindful moments throughout your day to consciously focus on what’s most important in your life.

What you believe about yourself determines how you show up as a leader, Tom says. “I help my clients understand what really matters to them, both personally and professionally, as stewards of the companies they run and in their roles with various stakeholders. To become a great leader, you must become the best human being you can possibly be.”

How are you showing up in the world, and how is it impacting those around you? “Effective leaders need to exhibit the kind of behaviors they expect and want for the people that work for them,” Tom says. He shares how leaders bring out the best in their teams.