In this episode, Emily Bouchard and Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey dive into the powerful intersection of leadership development, equine-assisted coaching, and emotional intelligence. Together, they explore how working with horses creates profound opportunities for self-awareness, authentic communication, and transformational growth.

Nell shares her journey into leadership coaching and the science behind the unique emotional and physiological connection between humans and horses. Through stories of participants in equine leadership programs, this conversation highlights how subtle communication with horses leads to breakthroughs in presence, resilience, and confidence.

If you’re a leader seeking innovative ways to grow, curious about how nature-based leadership practices enhance impact, or inspired by the wisdom of horses, this episode will open new perspectives on leading with authenticity and connection.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Horses

04:08 Nell's Journey to Leadership Development

09:48 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

14:59 Equine-Assisted Leadership Coaching

20:01 The Science Behind Horses and Coherence

24:53 Transformational Experiences with Horses

30:01 Leadership Lessons from Equine Interactions

30:30 The Power of Horses in Leadership Development

33:00 Personal Insights from Equine Experiences

35:09 Subtle Communication and Leadership

37:04 The Draw of Nature for Leaders

39:59 Transformative Experiences in Nature

44:07 The Role of Horses in Personal Healing

49:00 Bridging Insights to Everyday Life

52:04 Closing Thoughts on Nature and Leadership

Guest Bio |

Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey—known professionally as Nell 3D—is a speaker, author, and creator of the Lead in 3D framework, which helps high-performing leaders align their time, energy, and attention across the ME (self), WE (relationships), and WORLD (impact) dimensions of a fulfilling life. A Senior Contributor to Forbes on leadership and an alum of Harvard, Cambridge, and Columbia Business School, she blends psychology, natural wisdom, and leadership strategy to help others unlock The Missing 1%—the difference between impressive success and truly sustainable, sustaining fulfillment. Her work is grounded in lived experience, including her role as a stepmother of three, and the ongoing practice of coherence between what matters most and how we actually live.

Guest Resources |

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellderickdebevoise/

https://www.youtube.com/@Leadin3D

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/people/nelldebevoise/

https://instagram.com/nelldd

Unlock the Missing 1% diagnostic (in beta!) - https://nelldd.outgrow.us/leadin3d

Forbes column - https://www.forbes.com/sites/nelldebevoise/people/nelldebevoise/

Substack (for free access to paywalled Forbes pieces - officially launching in September) https://substack.com/@nellddd

Emily's Resources:

https://emilybouchard.com/

https://blendedfamiliesflourishing.com/

Heart*Brain*Horse*Coherence Retreats: https://emilybouchard.com/retreat/