We’re back, Boss Babes! Season 2 of the Baltic Boss Babes podcast has officially kicked off, and we’re starting with a bang! 🎉 In our premiere episode, we sit down with the incredible Sana Ross—the Founder of SRC, a company fusing cutting-edge neuroscience with real-world expertise to help leaders and their teams achieve outstanding results —who shares her journey from corporate burnout to mastering the science of performance and well-being.
Get ready for more inspiring stories, actionable insights, and empowering conversations as we dive into another season full of wisdom and growth. If you’re ready to lead with empathy, boost your productivity, and take your personal and professional life to the next level, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!
Sana’s journey from the fast-paced world of finance to the transformative realm of neuroscience and performance is nothing short of remarkable. Through her blend of science-backed strategies and empathetic leadership, Sana is showing the world how to lead and perform at their best, without sacrificing well-being.
Here are some of the best takeaways from our conversation with Sana:
1. Burnout to Breakthrough
Sana’s journey began like so many others—thriving on the outside but burning out on the inside. By the age of 30, she had reached her breaking point. But instead of giving in, she took a deep dive into neuroscience, using it as a tool to heal herself and redefine her leadership approach. For those balancing high-pressure careers, Sana’s story is a reminder that performance and well-being don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Key takeaway: Burnout isn’t the end; it’s often the beginning of a more sustainable way to lead and live.
2. The Power of Empathy in Leadership
As a leader in male-dominated industries, Sana had to break the stereotype that women need to lead in a traditionally masculine way. She embraced her strengths—empathy, intuition, and collaboration—creating her own authentic leadership style. And guess what? It worked. Authenticity, as she puts it, is her superpower.
Key takeaway: Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about using your unique strengths to guide and inspire others.
3. Role Models that Shaped Her Path
When asked about her role models, Sana gave a nod to the greats in neuroscience and leadership, including Dr. Tara Swart and Brené Brown. Their work in blending science with human connection deeply influenced her own coaching methods. She also gave shout-outs to Dr. Andrew Huberman and Leonardo da Vinci, drawing parallels between the polymath’s ability to blend science and art with her own interdisciplinary approach to leadership.
Key takeaway: Great leadership is not just about success; it's about continually learning from the giants who’ve come before you.
4. Harnessing the Brain’s Natural Rhythms
Sana shared her go-to productivity hack: working in 90-minute focused intervals, followed by short breaks. This method, backed by neuroscience, optimizes both focus and energy throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick strength exercise or a mindful breathing session, Sana structures her day to maintain peak performance without the risk of burnout.
Key takeaway: Productivity doesn’t have to mean exhaustion. By working with your brain’s natural rhythms, you can achieve more while staying energized.
5. Mindfulness: A Daily Anchor
Amidst the chaos of leadership, Sana swears by mindfulness and meditation as her daily grounding practices. From focused breathing exercises to guided meditations, she uses these techniques to manage stress and stay centered in the midst of high-stakes decisions.
Key takeaway: Mindfulness isn’t just a wellness trend; it’s a scientifically proven way to improve performance and emotional resilience.
6. Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations
One of Sana’s standout experiences involved guiding a client who was convinced that a command-and-control leadership style was the way forward. Rather than shutting down their ideas, Sana introduced the science behind why their approach would lead to disengagement and burnout. Through respectful negotiation, she successfully found common ground, proving that empathy and data-driven insights can coexist.
Key takeaway: Tough conversations don’t have to be confrontational. They can be opportunities to educate, find common ground, and create better outcomes.
7. Dynamic Balance, Not Perfection
Sana wrapped up with a powerful piece of advice for young women: forget the myth of perfect work-life balance. Instead, aim for a dynamic balance that adjusts based on what’s most important in the moment. Whether work or personal life takes the lead at any given time, flexibility and self-compassion are the keys to thriving.
Key takeaway: Balance is not about perfection. It’s about fluidly adjusting your focus based on what matters most.
Sana Ross’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about mimicking outdated models but about embracing your strengths, learning from science, and never compromising on well-being. Her blend of neuroscience and leadership is paving the way for a future where leaders can perform at their best while staying true to themselves.
Ready to optimize your performance and lead with empathy? Check out more insights from Sana and join us on this exciting journey towards better leadership.
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