Today’s workplaces face unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. Leaders who are focused and emotionally aware are better equipped to mange change.

Dr. Ellen Choi joined TRREB’s Chief Information Officer and podcast host Jason Mercer on the Ready to Real Estate podcast to break down the power of mindful leadership. Read on to discover the greatest strengths a leader can cultivate, and dive into mindfulness practices that boost focus, and help you better manage stress.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about slowing down, being present, and leading with intention. “Being able to regulate your behaviour, how you show up, how your emotions come out, and whether you can connect and empathize with someone are all ways you can influence and lead a team,” says Dr. Ellen.

It’s about being fully present in the moment, noticing our thoughts and emotions without judgment, and choosing to react rather than respond.

What’s Involved in Mindful Leadership

“Some leaders use their influence and expand their sense to attune to the followers they’re leading. With that emotional intelligence, they’re taking that information to guide people to believe in something bigger than themselves,” explains Dr. Ellen.

There are three traits all mindful leaders possess – self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence. The self awareness applies to the ability to understand your own thoughts, emotions, and triggers so they can lead with greater authenticity and clarity. Self-regulation allows a leader to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting. This creates a space for better decision making and calmer leadership. Lastly, self-transcendence is the ability to lead with purpose and getting your team to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Why Mindful Leadership Matters

Mindful leadership matters because it:

• Builds trust and connection by ensuring leaders are fully present with their teams.
• Promotes resilience by modeling calm and clarity, even in uncertainty.
• Encourages innovation by fostering open dialogue and psychological safety.
• Strengthens engagement and retention through empathy and authenticity.

When leaders approach their work with awareness, intention, and compassion, they create environments that people want to be a part of and thrive in.

Explore more about the power of mindfulness. Listen to the full episode on TRREB.ca.