Episode 152: Your Compass Is Broken: Building Prosilience Before the Storm with Meike Bettscheider

Leadership coach Meike Bettscheider brings an unconventional toolkit to executive development, combining epigenetic coaching, psychophysiology (including face reading), and martial arts discipline to help leaders navigate crisis with authenticity. Operating from Greece with credentials from Chicago Booth and INSEAD, Meike challenges the myth that leaders must have all the answers, instead guiding them to discover their inner compass and lead from genuine self-awareness rather than manufactured personas. The conversation explores provocative territory: why vulnerability is a strategic strength, how psychophysiology reveals stress patterns before burnout hits, and why "work-life balance" is a flawed concept. Meike introduces "prosilience", building resilience before crisis strikes rather than recovering afterward, and explains how her 24/7 support system keeps executives stable during high-stakes transitions. She dismantles the dangerous "fake it till you make it" mindset, arguing that authentic leadership rooted in self-awareness produces better outcomes than carefully managed images. The discussion tackles AI anxiety in the workplace, with both host and guest agreeing that technology amplifies efficiency but cannot replace human connection. Meike's vision for leadership's future centers on courage, leaders brave enough to be themselves in environments that traditionally reward conformity. From Germany to Global Leadership - 02:49 The Compass Metaphor Explained - 03:55 Authenticity vs Performance – 04:28 Epigenetic Coaching Decoded – 07:30 Face Reading as Leadership Tool – 10:45 Crisis Resilience and Prosilience – 14:20 Work-Life Flow Over Balance – 17:15 Self-Care for High Stakes Leaders – 19:45 Energy Management Strategies – 22:30 AI Anxiety in the Workplace – 27:12 The Future Needs Courageous Leaders – 30:03 Final Thoughts on Authenticity – 31:27 ·