Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend, Amira Alvarez, on how the Alexander Technique helps her in the running of her business. I originally got to know Amira in her previous life as an Alexander Technique teacher, and more recently re-connected with her when I joined her Facebook group for women entrepreneurs, and participated in her excellent “Visibility Challenge.”  I was curious to find out how she is using the Alexander Technique these days.

[Imogen] To get started, could you tell us a bit about your business. What do you do?

[Amira] I’m a business coach and strategist. I help women, usually solo-entrepreneurs, who are running high integrity businesses grow their business in ways that feel good and aligned for them. They make more money and have more fun doing it, with a whole lot less overwhelm.

[Imogen] That’s fabulous, and quite a change from being an Alexander Technique teacher. Can you tell us a bit about your background with the Technique?

[Amira] I came to the Alexander Technique with a lot of bodily pain. I had just left a job working long hours at a computer and had reached a point where I could no longer type without pain. My fingertips were numb, and my shoulders, back, and neck were in huge pain most of the time. I took lessons and was hooked. It changed my life and I went on to train as an Alexander Technique teacher and have a thriving practice.

[Imogen] Wow, that’s quite a story and transformation! It’s somewhat similar to my own in which I experienced horrible neck pain and headaches before finding the Alexander Technique.

I wonder, since you became a business coach, what does your typical day look like? What do you physically spend your time doing? What are your main activities?

[Amira] My typical day looks like checking in digitally in the morning… email and Facebook. I respond to clients and then play a little on Facebook. I use Facebook as a way of connecting to my friends and the world, what’s out there, and getting my message out about what I do as well. I run a Facebook group called The Posse, for women in business, so I always show up there to help and engage. Then there’s always a walk with the hound dog or a run. The rest of the day varies. Often, it’s full of coaching sessions on Skype or phone. Between sessions I’m responding to clients and doing my own business development. I have an end of day ritual and then sign off for the evening.

[Imogen] If you’re a woman in business I highly recommend you check out The Posse. It’s a really supportive group, and Amira offers great motivation, challenges and support.

Back to your day – does the Alexander Technique help you do these things? And if so, how?

[Amira] I use the principles of the Alexander Technique all the time, throughout my day. It’s integrated into everything I do and is especially useful to me while working on the computer. And since I work at home, that can often be on the couch with the laptop.

[Imogen] Oh, I hear you about the computer. With the amount of time I have to spend on the computer, I’d be a mess without it! Are there other ways in which the Alexander Technique helps you as a woman in business? Or in other parts of your life?

[Amira] I err on the side of quick reaction. The Alexander Technique helps give me space to see other possibilities beyond my first reaction. I love moving quickly and the Alexander Technique has shown me how to do that in a way that supports me, instead of tiring me. It has given me more presence and I believe it’s made me a better listener. It’s certainly made me keenly aware of all the non-verbal communication out there.

[Imogen] I love that you mention reaction, and that moving quickly can be done in a conscious and supportive way. And I think being better able to tune into non-verbal cues would be very useful for anyone in business!

Do you have any tips or advice for other women in business based on your experience with the Alexander Technique?

[Amira] Learn it. Use it. Explore how you can apply it in your daily life. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel going about your daily work activities.

[Imogen] Perfect! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for doing the interview, Amira. I love hearing how, even though you’re not teaching the Alexander Technique anymore, it’s woven into everything you do. As you know, I really enjoy bringing the Alexander Technique to women in business, helping them to have the “Alexander advantage” too!

If you’d like to learn more about Amira and connect with her online, you can find her here:

• Website: http://amiraalvarez.com/
• The Posse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1568639860015911/
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AmiraAlvarezBusinessCoach
• Twitter: @AmiraAlvarez
• Instagram: alvarezamira
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tigerlight/

And, if you’re a woman in business, check out Amira’s latest Visibility Challenge, which starts on August 24th. I found it very helpful indeed when I participated the first time she offered this. In fact, I hope to do it again. Here’s all you need to know about the Challenge if you’re interested: amiraalvarez.com/7-day-visibility-challenge

If you have any comments or questions for me or Amira, please let us know in the space below. We’d love to hear from you.