Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster: Intentional Conversations Insights from Dr. Nika White and Mikki Bey

When we think of leadership, we often picture someone who is strong, decisive, and unflappable. But what about the inner world of a leader? The feelings, the pressures, the moments of doubt and exhaustion? In a recent Intentional Conversations Vodcast, Dr. Nika White and emotional regulation coach Mikki Bey tackled this topic, making it clear that a leader’s emotional well-being isn't a soft skill but a business-critical issue.

Mikki Bey's own story is a powerful testament to this truth. As a Vice President in the pharmaceutical industry, she experienced a rapid rise to success, but it came with a heavy price. Juggling the immense pressure of her corporate role with the stress of her child's health challenges pushed her to a breaking point. Ultimately, she made the courageous decision to step away from her career to prioritize her mental health and well-being while tending carefully to her son. This personal journey led her to discover her purpose: empowering women to put their internal environment first.

The Power of Emotional Regulation in Leadership

Both Dr. White and Mikki emphasized that emotional regulation is a non-negotiable for effective leadership. Mikki shared her belief that emotions are simply energy carrying essential messages, and suppressing them can harm both the individual and their team. Leaders who are self-aware and understand their emotional triggers are better equipped to prevent burnout and create healthier, more supportive workplace cultures. This self-awareness isn't just about managing your feelings—it’s about fostering a culture of co-regulation, where team members feel safe and supported.

So, how can leaders and individuals begin to regulate their emotions? The conversation offered several practical strategies:

• "Name It to Tame It": Mikki introduced this simple but effective technique. By simply acknowledging and naming a strong emotion, you can begin to lessen its power over you.
• Journaling for Self-Expression: Journaling was highlighted as a powerful tool for processing feelings without the pressure of presenting a perfect version of yourself.
• Distinguishing Between Threat and Discomfort: Dr. White offered a key insight, encouraging people to pause and ask themselves: "Am I truly in danger, or am I just uncomfortable?" This distinction is crucial for managing emotional responses and preventing overreactions.
• The Importance of Community: High achievers often isolate themselves, especially when facing challenges. Mikki stressed that finding a supportive community is essential for emotional safety and co-regulation, helping people move through their struggles with the support of others.

Coaching, Therapy, and Embodiment

Mikki also clarified the distinction between her role as a coach and that of a therapist. She explained that while therapy often addresses past traumas and mental health, her coaching is focused on optimizing one's present self and future outcomes. She also noted that coaching and therapy are often complementary, with many of her clients engaging in both practices.

The conversation also addressed the transformative power of embodiment—the process of stripping away old programming, consciously choosing the person you want to become, and living in the belief that you are that person. Mikki shared how she lost 110 pounds by identifying as a healthy woman, leading to healthier choices and behaviors. This powerful example underscores the idea that by narrating a new story and acting as if your desired identity is already real, you can begin to transform your life.

Ultimately, the conversation between Dr. White and Mikki Bey served as a vital reminder that our emotional world is not separate from our professional one. By prioritizing emotional well-being, leaders can not only create a more fulfilling life for themselves but also build more productive, resilient, and compassionate teams.

What strategies have you found effective in managing your own emotional well-being?

SPECIAL INVITATION for WoC:

Are you a woman of color (WoC) and want to stop surviving the moment—and start owning the moment? Don’t miss this FREE opportunity to join me, my sister friend, and co-facilitator, Mikki Bey, Emotional Regulation Expert and my personal ER coach, for this exclusive live sequel: a transformative 90-minute Boundless™ master class experience, “Anchor Your Power Through Emotional Authority!”  Come learn emotional authority principles and thread them meaningfully into a sisterhood, a strategy, and a support system of community you won’t find anywhere else.

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2025 🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM ET 💻 Virtual — Free Registration

This is more than a class – it’s YOUR DECLARATION and a POWER MOVE, which will lead you into a boundless life that refuses to wait for permission to rise.

Intentional Conversations is a weekly podcast by Nika White Consulting that intersects diversity, equity, and inclusion dialogue with leadership and business. Click here to register to attend the live sessions each Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon EST. You may also search archives to view replays of past episodes, or you can listen to the Intentional Conversations Podcast on your favorite platform.