The Little Versions of Us Still Shape the Choices We Make Today -- Even at the Big Tables!

I’ve been reflecting on this photo — Me, aged 4, in a handmade dress, fringe freshly cut by Mum, smiling on my birthday.

I don’t remember feeling excited. But I do know I felt safe. Loved. Quietly alert. Watching everything.

What I didn’t know then was this: Every part of us — including our childhood conditioning — walks into the Boardroom with us.

And that conditioning? It shapes:

• How we hold power (or give it away)

• What we tolerate to “keep the peace”

• Why we freeze when the Chair looks our way

• The stories we carry about being “good”, “clever”, “liked” or “safe”

We don’t just show up as our role — we show up as our accumulated experiences.

I know I do.

And if you’re honest, you probably do too.

That 4-year-old version of me?

She learned quickly how to read a room.

• How to stay quiet to avoid conflict.

• How to make things OK for others before herself.

• And she kept me safe in many ways.

But as an adult, a leader, a strategist — I’ve had to gently rewire those survival strategies so I can be the person the moment truly needs.

That’s the real work, isn’t it? Letting go of what kept us safe — to step into what makes us powerful, clear, and aligned.

So let me ask you:

🌀 What childhood beliefs are still driving your Boardroom responses?

🌀 What dynamics did you grow up with that you now (unconsciously) recreate in leadership spaces?

🌀 What would shift if you recognised that — and chose differently?

Not from shame. Not from blame.

But from deep awareness and choice.

That’s behavioural governance in action.

And it’s where real alignment begins.

With heart,

Lisa x

P.S. If this landed with you — and you’re starting to sense that behavioural dynamics might be quietly shaping (or sabotaging) your decision-making environments — let’s talk.

I’d love to support you in exploring what’s really going on, and what might need to shift in how power, safety, and clarity show up in your Boardroom.

👉 Book a confidential chat with me here

It starts with awareness — and a conversation.