From Pitchforks to Peace: How to Lead in Highly Polarized Times w/ Betsy Stix

Be. Play. Love.

One of the unfortunate truths about our society is that we’re more divided, vitriolic and operating from fear than ever before.

When we look at how people interact, there’s no civility and mutual respect anymore. There’s this huge collective tantrum and so much anger in people and it’s completely polarized the culture.

This is especially highlighted in the political sphere. From local government to the national stage, there’s more division, more contempt than collaboration, and that was never the original intent.

At its very basic level, government is about creating harmony and equity in society, but that’s not happening anymore. How did we get here? How do we find peace in the midst of such vitriolic polarity?

In episode, former mayor of Ojai, California, Betsy Stix joins us to talk about leading in these contempt-filled times, and how she maintained equanimity in inflamed situations.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-A powerful impetus

How did The Big Leap lead Betsy Stix into local government?

-The source of our separation

The amount of conflict and polarity we’re seeing in our world feels unprecedented. How did we get here?

-React, disengage or rise above

In these times of high conflict, it’s really easy to get hijacked by fear. How do we redirect towards love?

-Back to breath

How do we use our breath to create safety for ourselves when there’s chaos all around us?

Guest Bio

Betsy is a lifelong teacher of human development, yoga, English, and French and former mayor of Ojai, California. After teaching for decades, she decided to run for mayor in 2020 during COVID, after reading Gay Hendricks’ “The Big Leap” and learning that the city council was slow to enact environmental and social justice policy. She canvased the town of 7,500 people in a mask and won 64% of the vote! And she won again in 2022 when she ran against actor Anson Williams. During her tenure, the Ojai City Council passed rent stabilization/tenant protection, a greenhouse gas emission reduction code, approved truly low income housing while developing better solutions for the unhoused, passed animal protection ordinances celebrated by PETA, improved the city’s plastic and tree ordinances, flew the Pride Flag for the first time, and founded the Mayor’s Youth Council. She is proud to have run two 100% positive campaigns and championed emotional and spiritual intelligence while moving the ball forward for progressive issues. She was so grateful to have been able to depend upon her yoga practices and experience teaching children and young people as well as the teachings of Katie Hendricks and Marianne Williamson to support her during her time in office. She looks forward to continuing to serve her community and the planet. Follow Betsy on Instagram.

About Your Hosts

Katie Hendricks, Ph.D., BC-DMT, is a pioneer in body intelligence and conscious loving with over 40 years of experience. Known internationally as a presenter and seminar leader, she focuses on authenticity, responsibility, and appreciation in conscious living. She co-authored 12 books, including best-sellers Conscious Loving and Conscious Loving Ever After and she has appeared on over 500 radio and TV programs.

Sophie Chiche is a seasoned coach and consultant who has worked with thousands of individuals and teams globally. With a focus on helping people live fully expressed lives, she guides clients and facilitates group sessions to remove obstacles and design meaningful lives. Sophie has developed unique methods, mindset shifts, and healing modalities to create lasting change.

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