It’s human to long for
connection and belonging.
But most of us weren’t taught how to get there.
And our world is suffering for it.
Hi, I’m Erica.
I believe in the power of meaningful connection—to heal painful divides and awaken shared humanity in our uncertain world.
I’m inspired to empower you with concrete skills and practices essential for building —and repairing —meaningful connection, across divides from misunderstandings, differences, social identity, power, and individual and collective trauma.
If you’re ready for the first step, get your free practice guide below!
The first step to connection
is calming the nervous system.
“‘Notice and Name’ has been a very powerful practice in my daily life. When I find myself having a physiological or emotional reaction, I now first acknowledge what’s happening in real-time vs. post- fact which helps me de-escalate before the feelings/thoughts intensify and spiral.”
Free “Notice and Name” Practice Guide!
A simple and powerful practice that can help calm and “regulate” your nervous system.
And the neuroscience about why this practice works!
It’s helped hundreds of leaders get present and connected—amidst moments of stress and overwhelm.
The struggle to connect is real.
People are complex. Emotions are messy. Human relationships are hard. Period.
The problem is, you probably spent many more hours being taught how to drive a car than how to navigate the rocky terrain of emotions and how to build, deepen, repair (and end!) connections with care and respect.
Connecting is especially hard now (even with ourselves), with heightened emotional reactivity, uncertainty, and loss on an individual and global scale.
You may find yourself lashing out, getting defensive, or shutting down, which undermines connection with people you care about.
You may be in relationships and in contact with people, yet feel emotionally isolated, disconnected, and lonely.
Shame, an inner critic, and self-doubt disconnect you from your own purpose and potential.
I know this struggle, it’s a part of my story too.
The path to connection and leadership
is through the nervous system.
In my 40s, I realized I had spent most of my life responding to distress and anxiety, starting with my immigrant parents and myself.
I had no idea attempting to calm my nervous system was driving my behavior. It derailed me from fulfilling my own purpose and potential.
After three decades piecing together a way out of my disconnection, I synthesized what was most transformative for me so I could share with others who struggle too.
What began as a few experiential exercises I created for workshops and coaching clients, has become a highly impactful methodology, Designed For Connection, that has guided over 600 leaders on their own journeys.
Erica draws on over 15 years of experience helping leaders develop interpersonal skills at the University of California Haas School of Business, Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and University of San Francisco School of Law.
Designed For Connection
A groundbreaking approach for a new model of embodied leadership based on building—and repairing—meaningful connection while anchoring in self-worth.
What you needed to learn in school and life. But didn’t.
A step-by-step roadmap with neuroscience and structured body-based somatic practices, guides you to make immediate and concrete progress.
Shift from overwhelmed and intimidated, to energized, inspired, and hopeful.
Copyright © 2020 Erica Peng
At UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, I’ve taught my course “Interpersonal Skills and Embodied Leadership” over
four years
to 18 cohorts of 450 MBA students
.
My course is a journey of exploration and empowerment. We practice connection by sharing and listening deeply, to witness and honor each others’ experience.
We build meaningful connection as we learn and practice skills together, in a spirit of learning and discovery.
It is one of the most popular of all MBA courses.
See below for an online course I’m excited to share with you!
“I give credit to the class for helping me remove the cloud of judgement I used to have with people on first impression. I have come to develop a great amount of respect for others and an appreciation of each person’s journey from which I can learn a lot.”
“Erica’s course offered us both the toolkit and container to practice empathetic listening skills and authentic leadership. This is particularly important during this chaotic time when we need to build the emotional capacity to sustain ourselves inside when everything else is falling apart.”
“The class was the most transformative educational experience I have ever had. I experienced inspiration, human connection, and “whole-ness” for the first time. I now have a need and desire to find ways to integrate this into my every day life.”
Designed For Connection
Coaching and Courses
Learn by Doing. Lead by Connecting. Practice.
Make Mistakes. Inspire Joy.
In a spirit of learning and discovery!
Leadership Coaching
“Before we started I thought it would be difficult to change and improve. The combination of articles, practices, and coaching is awesome. Now I see so many opportunities to take the extra step with important relationships in life and at work.”
Live Interactive Zoom Course
Embodied Leadership through Connection
Part 1: The Foundation Course l July 7-August 4, 2020
Break Free from Internal Barriers
Build and Deepen Meaningful Connection
I’m excited to share a powerful learning experience with you! Transform how you connect with yourself and others, and encounter hope and fulfillment through our shared humanity.
