Photo Credit: Matthew Costello
Great leaders don’t just lead with their minds—they lead with their minds, bodies, and hearts, deeply connected to their values and purpose at a soul level. Leaders like this don’t simply create change—they ignite movements that reshape the future.
One such leader is Alena Uzhnyeva, founder of I Am Creation Retreats and Alonafish OU, an 8-figure enterprise globally recognized for its excellence. Known for her innovative approach to leadership and her commitment to authenticity, Alena is helping shape a new generation of leaders. Her teachings empower leaders to achieve coherence between their mind, heart, and body, paving the way for personal and collective transformation.
“Leadership is about more than strategy,” Alena shares. “It’s about aligning your mind, heart, and body so that your actions resonate with purpose. This coherence inspires trust and support, empowering you to create a legacy of impact.”
From Disconnection to Coherence: Alena’s Story
Alena’s leadership wasn’t always guided by this alignment. Early in her career, she excelled in the high-stakes world of international business, rising to prominence in the male-dominated fish industry. She spearheaded major deals and scaled a small Ukrainian company into the nation’s leading importer—achievements that earned her recognition as a top performer.
Externally, Alena appeared unstoppable. But internally, she was disconnected from her emotions and deeper purpose. “I was chasing success and approval,” Alena recalls. “I thought achieving more would bring fulfillment, but it left me feeling exhausted and empty.”
The constant drive to prove herself led to burnout, leaving her physically drained, emotionally disconnected, and spiritually lost. Her work felt increasingly misaligned with her heart, and her body bore the strain of long hours and stress.
The turning point came when Alena attended her first transformational retreat. Immersed in an environment unlike anything she’d experienced, she encountered leaders who embodied a profound alignment between their thoughts, emotions, and actions. They modeled what it meant to lead from a place of coherence, balancing the intellectual sharpness of the mind, the emotional intelligence of the heart, and the intuitive wisdom of the body.
“For the first time, I saw what was possible,” Alena reflects. “These leaders weren’t just successful—they were whole. They worked with purpose, connected deeply to themselves and others, and inspired those around them to rise. I realized this was the type of leader I wanted to be.”
The retreat awakened Alena’s desire to reconnect with herself, align her work with her values, and create a life of impact and fulfillment. This transformation became the foundation for her unique leadership philosophy, now at the heart of her work with leaders worldwide.
The Importance of Mind-Body-Heart Coherence in Leadership
Mind-body-heart coherence isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a cornerstone of impactful and sustainable leadership. When leaders achieve alignment between their thoughts, emotions, and actions, their work becomes more purposeful and fulfilling.
For leaders, coherence is critical in avoiding burnout. In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure environments, it’s easy to fall into patterns of overworking and operating purely from the intellect. However, when the heart and body are sidelined, decisions can feel empty, and even the greatest achievements may lack satisfaction. Leaders who cultivate coherence bring their whole selves into their work, making choices that are both strategic and meaningful. This holistic approach enables them to sustain their energy, remain connected to their purpose, and lead with clarity and resilience.
When leaders operate from a place of alignment, people can sense their authenticity. This resonance inspires trust and draws others into alignment with the shared mission. Teams and communities are naturally inspired to rally behind leaders who lead with coherence because they exude a passion and commitment that is deeply motivating.
“When a leader’s mind, heart, and body are aligned, their authenticity is palpable,” Alena explains. “It’s not just about what they say or do—it’s about the energy they bring to every interaction.”
Cultivating Coherence: Practical Steps for Leaders
Achieving coherence is a practice requiring intention, self-awareness, and consistency. Alena emphasizes the importance of daily reflection, journaling, or mindfulness to clarify values and ensure alignment. Reconnecting with the body through breathwork or moments of stillness helps leaders honor their physical and emotional needs.
“When leaders honor all parts of themselves, they create a foundation for authenticity,” Alena shares. This alignment not only strengthens their leadership but also inspires those around them to embrace their own coherence.
Inspiring Change
In a world that often equates leadership with relentless hustle, Alena Uzhnyeva’s philosophy offers a refreshing perspective. By modeling this integrated approach, she invites leaders to embark on a journey toward authentic, impactful, and sustainable leadership.
As Alena expands her influence through retreats and workshops, her message remains clear: true leadership begins within. By aligning our inner and outer worlds, we can lead lives of profound impact and fulfillment, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond ourselves.
