We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Stephanie Grunewald a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Grunewald, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is essential to my daily routine. I see it as fuel—without it, I can’t go far. It’s not just about filling up once and coasting, it’s about maintaining the energy and clarity I need to be effective in both my personal and professional life.
One of my favorite self-care practices is spending time in nature. I make it a point to take regular walks, and I schedule at least one hiking trip a year. These moments in nature allow me to gain clarity and find peace. I’m always amazed at how the simplicity of being outdoors can bring such profound relaxation and perspective.
Rest is another crucial element of my self-care regimen. While I love a good daytime nap (who doesn’t?), rest comes in many forms. Physically, it’s about getting enough sleep at night and taking breaks during the day to stretch and move around. Mentally, rest involves giving myself time to unplug, whether by listening to music or simply sitting quietly without distractions. Social rest, for me, means setting boundaries with my time on social media and ensuring I have alone time to recharge.
I also find tending to my plants and having fresh flowers in my home to be deeply soothing forms of self-care. Engaging with nature in this way helps decrease my stress levels, allowing me to feel grounded and calm. The simple act of nurturing plants and enjoying their beauty creates a peaceful environment, which, in turn, enhances my focus and overall effectiveness in my daily tasks.
Incorporating daily self-care practices has had a transformative impact on my effectiveness. Stress, if left unchecked, can lead to burnout, which I’ve experienced firsthand. I used to push through, thinking sheer willpower and hard work were enough, but this approach was unsustainable and detrimental to my overall quality of life.
Daily self-care practices have been crucial in managing stress and preventing burnout. These habits have not only improved my mental clarity and emotional resilience but also enhanced my productivity and creativity. By prioritizing self-care, I’m more focused, present, and effective in my work, allowing me to serve my clients with the energy and empathy they deserve.
Bottom line: self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been fortunate to wear many hats throughout my career—psychologist, academic, speaker, and now, Alignment Strategist. Each role has allowed me to help others navigate their personal and professional lives.
My journey took a significant turn when my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and eventually passed away. This devastating experience led me to discover the healing power of nature. During my hikes, I reflected on how much of my life was consumed by work and the recurring themes in my clinical work. One recurring theme was the number of women who reported feeling lonely, highlighting the epidemic of loneliness and its many negative implications. Reflecting on this during a hike in Tennessee, I decided it was time to change my life and the way I helped others.
This was my inspiration to launch Ancorio, where I focus on supporting Ambitious Empaths—high-achieving women who must learn to combine their success and sensitivity to lead a fulfilling life without sacrificing themselves. My work centers on building a vibrant, supportive community where women can share, learn, and grow together. The power of women lifting each other up is truly magical and inspiring.
What makes my work unique is the focus on alignment over balance. Let’s be honest: balance is a myth that often leaves us feeling like we’re failing at everything. Instead, I help women align their ambition with their empathy, bolster their confidence, and find a sense of purpose that resonates deeply with who they are.
The most exciting part of my work is witnessing these remarkable women transform. They come to me overwhelmed, teetering on the edge of burnout (or already burnt out), and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and control. They learn to harness their empathy as a powerful tool for success, turning their compassion into a source of strength and resilience.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and curiosity.
1. Resilience: Life has presented its fair share of challenges, and resilience has been crucial in navigating them. From personal hurdles to professional setbacks, the ability to bounce back and adapt has been key. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace failures as learning opportunities. Each stumble is a step toward your growth. Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up, and don’t shy away from seeking help when you need it. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about always getting back up.
2. Empathy: Empathy has been a cornerstone of both my personal and professional life. It allows me to connect deeply with others and build meaningful relationships. However, it’s essential to manage empathy wisely. Being able to understand and share the feelings of others without taking them on as your own is key. For those starting out, focus on honing your ability to listen and support others while maintaining clear boundaries. This way, you can offer genuine compassion and understanding without neglecting your own needs and priorities.
3. Curiosity: A constant sense of curiosity has driven me to explore new ideas, learn continuously, and stay open to change. This trait has kept my approach fresh and innovative. For those starting out, cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never settle for what you already know. Curiosity will keep you engaged and adaptable, opening doors to opportunities you might not have considered.
Embracing these qualities—resilience, empathy, and curiosity—will equip you with the tools to navigate your unique journey with confidence and purpose. While everyone’s path is different, these traits can help you overcome challenges, build meaningful connections, and stay open to new opportunities, ultimately guiding you toward a fulfilling and successful life.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are professional women—executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs—who identify as Ambitious Empaths. They’re driven, highly educated, and deeply empathetic, often battling self-doubt and the crushing weight of unrealistic expectations. Their dedication and compassion are boundless, yet they frequently sacrifice their own needs for the sake of their responsibilities and loved ones.
What truly sets my clients apart is their unique blend of empathy and ambition. They have the capacity to understand and connect with others on a profound level, but they need to learn how to care for themselves with the same dedication they show to others. They seek a community of like-minded women who can offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging on this journey. If you see yourself in this description, let’s connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ancorio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.stephanie.grunewald/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-grunewald/
Image Credits
Lisa Kay Photography
