Leadership Lessons Under the Full Moon: What 51,000 People Have Taught Me About Embodied Leadership
Last Wednesday, under the soft glow of the Strawberry Moon, I stood once again on Killiney Beach, leading yet another Full Moon Healing Circle. The waves rolled in. The fire burned strong. The drumming echoed. And the people came — as they always do.
Since I first stepped onto that beach in 2021 with a simple vision to hold space for healing, this monthly gathering has grown into something much larger than I ever imagined.
Over 51,000 people have now walked onto that beach seeking connection, healing, and transformation.
We’ve raised over €45,000 for Suicide or Survive (SOS), helping to fund vital mental health services here in Ireland.
And every month, without fail, the crowds keep growing.
What started as a simple healing circle has become a living classroom for leadership — not the kind you learn from a textbook, but the kind you can only learn by standing in the middle of it.
What Leading 51,000 People Has Taught Me About Leadership
When most people hear “motivational speaker” or “leadership coach,” they picture corporate conference rooms, suits, and PowerPoint slides. My classroom has been very different:
The sand beneath my feet.
The ever-changing Irish weather.
The nervous anticipation of not knowing how many will show up each month.
The responsibility of energetically holding space for thousands of people, many of whom are carrying pain, grief, or overwhelm.
Running outdoor events like this — consistently, regardless of weather or personal challenges — has taught me everything about Embodied Leadership.
The Power of Presence
You cannot lead thousands without learning how to stay fully grounded in the present moment. In those circles, you feel everything — the collective energy, the emotional waves, the silent expectations. The ability to stay present, while still guiding the group forward, is the foundation of true leadership.
Leading Through Uncertainty
There is no script. No control over external circumstances. The wind changes. The rain falls. The crowd’s energy shifts. But leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes — it’s about your ability to adapt, pivot, and stay centered, even when conditions change.
Emotional Intelligence in Action
Many corporate leaders talk about emotional intelligence — but few are truly practiced in it. In these circles, I witness hundreds of emotional releases, breakdowns, breakthroughs. Holding space for others’ emotions while maintaining your own energetic stability is advanced emotional mastery.
Purpose Beyond Profit
When your mission is deeply connected to healing and service — not just profit — people feel it. That’s why thousands continue to show up. Authentic leadership is magnetic because it resonates at a frequency far beyond any sales pitch.
Energy Is Everything
At the core of my work is what I call the Embodied Energy Leadership Method — understanding how energy, emotion, and purpose fuel not just individuals, but entire organisations. Leadership isn’t just strategy. It’s energy.
Bringing This Work Into the Corporate Space
After leading over 50,000 people in these circles, I now bring this work into boardrooms, conferences, and leadership teams. I help leaders:
Avoid burnout.
Build energetic resilience.
Lead with embodied presence.
Inspire their teams from a place of alignment, not exhaustion.
Because whether you’re leading 5 people or 5,000 — your energy is your leadership currency.
"You can only lead others as far as you’ve led yourself."
If your organisation is ready to explore leadership in a way that integrates emotional intelligence, energetic mastery, and aligned vision — I’d love to connect.
You can learn more about my Embodied Energy Leadership Method or reach out directly to discuss keynote speaking, leadership workshops, or corporate wellness programmes. Please email hello@christinejhiggins.com
