Frequently asked questions
What exactly is embodiment? Why work with Gry when there are so many leadership consultants out there? And what did Fredrik really take away from his time at a Buddhist monastery in California back in 2009?
What does embodiment actually mean?
Embodiment is about the idea that we humans are not just our thoughts - we are also our bodies. Our experience of the world, our decisions, and our relationships are shaped by this interplay. In practice, it means that information from the body (emotions, sensations, intuitive responses) is just as important as our analytical thoughts.
How is embodied leadership development different from the traditional approaches?
The embodiment perspective complements traditional leadership development by involving the whole person. When you train embodiment, you develop the ability to perceive subtle signals from the body, which gives you access to more information in complex situations.
What does this involve? Do I have to do physical exercises?
You won’t be doing yoga with us. When we work with ERL, the exercises focus on exploring how you relate to others, getting direct feedback on how you're perceived and how you connect with others, and developing deeper awareness of the interaction between body, mind, and relationships.
This sounds a bit scary - will I feel okay doing it?
For many, this is something new, but our experience is that after a short time, the sense of safety in bringing the body into the process increases. Our clients gradually become more comfortable being in contact with themselves and others in new ways. It can open a different relationship to the world, with potentially more meaning and presence in your leadership.
Do I have to be “in touch with my feelings” to benefit from ERL?
No, it’s not about being emotional. Embodiment is relevant for all leaders, no matter your personality. In fact, many analytically minded people find that the embodiment perspective gives them practical tools to be more effective in situations where analysis alone isn’t enough. It also helps you better understand and relate to the people around you.
Is this science-based, or is it a bit “out there”?
Embodiment is well grounded in modern cognitive science. The theory of "embodied cognition" is supported by neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. Researchers like Antonio Damasio have shown how emotions and bodily states influence decision-making. What we do in ERL is apply these insights in practice.
How can I keep practicing this with you over time?
An ERL course can be the beginning of a deep inner journey. To support you on your unique path toward a black belt in relationships, we offer ERL in several formats: courses, longer programs, weekend retreats, and the ERL Dojo for ongoing practice. No matter where you are in your development, there’s a format that suits you.
How does embodiment help me become a better leader?
As a leader, you need to read situations, respond appropriately in the moment, and build genuine relationships. Through ERL and embodiment:
- You become better at noticing what’s really going on in the room
- You gain access to more information for making wiser decisions
- You can communicate with greater presence and authenticity
- You develop a higher tolerance for uncertainty and stress
What makes Gry different from other leadership consultants?
Gry goes deeper in its development processes than most. We include the whole person - body, mind, and relationships - through our unique method ERL (Embodied Relational Leadership). As a small team with deep expertise, we can fully tailor our work to your needs and build close relationships. We focus on what makes the biggest difference in your leadership - communication and relationships - and we help develop leaders who create psychologically safe organizations where both people and business can thrive.
What does “deep development” mean in practice?
Deep development goes beyond surface-level changes in behavior or knowledge. It means challenging your habits, increasing your self-awareness, and shifting the way you relate to others. In practice, it involves experience-based exercises where you try out new ways of communicating and relating, with immediate feedback. It can be challenging and sometimes uncomfortable, but it leads to lasting change that impacts both your professional and personal life - not just temporary quick fixes.
Why do you focus so much on relationships in leadership?
Leadership is, more than anything else, about communication and relationships. As much as 80% of a manager’s working time is spent on communication. Your ability to create trust, safety, and engagement determines how well your employees perform and how they feel. In a world where change is constant, relationships and psychological safety become even more important. When people feel safe, they dare to try new things, speak up, and contribute ideas - things that drive your success. And it all starts with you as a leader and your ability to build genuine relationships.
How can I create psychological safety in my team?
Psychological safety starts with you as a leader. By being authentic, present, and willing to really listen, you build trust. In concrete terms, this means listening actively, showing vulnerability, welcoming different perspectives, and handling mistakes constructively. It's important to respect and acknowledge every team member, set clear boundaries, and give regular feedback. When you show the courage to stay present - even when things get uncomfortable - you lead by example. At Gry, we give you the tools and training to strengthen these skills.
What’s the link between self-leadership and leading others?
Self-leadership is the foundation of all leadership. It’s about your ability to be aware of and manage your own reactions, motivations, and patterns. When you have a deeper connection with yourself, you can also meet others with greater presence and authenticity. You become less reactive, more intentional in your choices, and clearer in your communication. By strengthening your self-leadership, you’re also better equipped to support others in doing the same. This creates a positive spiral where the whole organization grows.
What do you mean by black belt in relationships?
"Black belt in relationships" is our way of describing mastery in relational ability - the most important skill a leader can have. Just like in martial arts, it’s about long-term training, progressing from basic skills (yellow belt) to advanced capabilities (black belt). It means you’re able to build genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect, handle conflicts constructively, communicate with presence and precision, and create psychological safety. You understand relational dynamics deeply and can stay authentic even in challenging situations - a true superpower in today’s leadership.
Where did the ERL method come from and what’s it based on?
ERL (Embodied Relational Leadership) grew out of our long-standing work in leadership and personal development. It’s grounded in several fields of research: modern cognitive science (embodied cognition), attachment theory, systems theory, relational neuroscience, and the concept of psychological safety. We’ve also drawn inspiration from Eastern traditions like mindfulness and presence. With backgrounds in psychology and physiotherapy, we’ve combined our expertise to develop a method that’s both evidence-based and highly practical for today’s organizational realities.
What real results can we expect to see in our organization?
Our clients report several tangible outcomes: increased psychological safety where employees feel safe to try new things and speak up, improved communication and fewer misunderstandings, better conflict management, stronger collaboration, and more engagement and initiative. As a leader, you become more confident in your role, clearer in your communication, and better at handling difficult conversations. This, in turn, leads to greater job satisfaction, reduced turnover, higher productivity, and - ultimately - improved profitability. The organization becomes more adaptive and better equipped for change.