When we invite people to work visually or physically – using methods like mapping, drawing, or selecting images – we open up access to insights that don’t always surface in traditional discussion. This session at Arethusa College reminded me just how powerful it is to make the abstract concrete, and to bring new parts of ourselves into the room.

At Arethusa College’s annual leadership conference, ‘For the Students’, I had the pleasure of working with 65 educators to explore leadership from a more creative and embodied perspective.

The session, Artful Leadership: Body Mapping Your Superpowers, invited participants to step beyond familiar leadership models and tune into their own inner resources. We began by identifying the leadership traits they use most often, then gently shifted focus to those that are less familiar, but no less important.

It can be extremely powerful when leaders are invited to explore their full range of capacities – not just their go-to strengths. 

So what is Body Mapping?

The body map is a visual tool, much like a card deck or image prompt. It helps participants externalise inner thoughts, feelings, and patterns and makes the invisible visible.

First, I introduced the idea of an A side and a B side like an old vinyl record. The A side is polished, well-practised, and often played. The B side is lesser known, sometimes underused, but just as full of potential. And now and then, the B side becomes the hit.

This became a powerful metaphor as we moved into the second part of the workshop – a visual body mapping process. Using large sheets of paper and markers, participants explored their leadership superpowers through their bodies:

• Feet – where they’re headed next.
• Head – how they think
• Heart – what they care about
• Hands – how they take action

The process of drawing, mapping, and moving between thinking, feeling and action is an embodied, creative alternative to conventional talk-based leadership frameworks.

Madelein Lindeque, Head of Professional Learning, Arethusa College, had this to say about the workshop:

“Cathryn’s dynamic and engaging approach made her Artful Leadership: Body Mapping Your Superpowers session at Arethusa College’s For the Students conference a true highlight. We deeply appreciated the way she fostered genuine collaboration and inspired active participation throughout the workshop.”

Another participant shared:
“Your facilitation was spot on, and I left the training feeling energised, thanks to its engaging and rhythmic style.”

That rhythm came from everyone contributing to the process.

If you’re designing a leadership program or team development day, and you’re wondering how this might look in your context, let’s have a conversation.

So here’s something to ponder:
Which of your leadership superpowers are on your A-side the ones that come naturally? And which ones are hidden away on the B-side, waiting to be noticed and nurtured?

Image: Cathryn Lloyd & ChatGPT

If you’d like a copy of our Superpower Guide, or you’re curious about bringing this kind of experience into your school or team, I’d love to chat.