In today’s conversation, we’re diving into the world of Alice Taugs, an expert in human design and the driving force behind ‘Empowered by Alice’ and ‘Retreat a Little’.
In our chat, Alice discusses her daily routines, the importance of morning rituals, and how she balances coaching sessions and Human Design readings with self-care and ocean walks. She also touches on the tools and strategies she uses to maintain a work-life balance, like automation, delegation, and aligning work with her energy rhythms.
Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?
Originating from East Germany, I moved to Lake Constance, bordering Switzerland and Austria, at age 7 and began my career with a pharmaceutical apprenticeship. This led to managing events in cities like Sydney, Zurich, Berlin, Copenhagen, and New York. In 2006, I joined the Australian subsidiary in Sydney.
Over 20 years, I worked for leading healthcare companies, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and medical communication agencies, progressing from team assistant to roles in events, product management, and sales. This experience allowed me to closely engage with healthcare professionals and patients, gaining insights into the effects of demanding careers on health and well-being.
2019 was my personal turning point. A sudden chronic illness diagnosis forced me to reevaluate my priorities. I knew my body was giving me a warning that I couldn’t ignore. Coincidentally, I was already familiar with the disease’s progression and the associated medications, having contributed to a patient support program as part of my work.
The diagnosis triggered a profound excavation journey. Over three years, I delved deep to reconnect with my authentic self, examining my aspirations, intrinsic values, and aligning my environment accordingly. My passion for personal development made this journey enlightening. I discovered my innate drive for human psychology, well-being, leadership, organisational culture, and purpose, which complimented my healthcare background.
An unexpected redundancy due to COVID-19 marked the end of my healthcare journey and the dawn of my entrepreneurial ventures. My business ‘Retreat A Little’ runs leadership and well-being retreats and ‘Empowered by Alice’ helps individuals to unlock their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. Last weekend, we hosted our Equine & Soul Connection Retreat here in South Australia, which is the only one of its kind in Australia. It is a truly magical experience.
We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?
Since transitioning from corporate, I’ve cultivated a morning routine that fuels my energy. It includes setting daily intentions, practising gratitude, meditating, journaling, and allocating time for reading. A wholesome breakfast is essential for me.
My work involves life and business transformation. To serve my clients best, I’ve learned the importance of starting my day unhurriedly. This might mean reaching my office around 10am, but it’s all part of the process.
My days often consist of coaching sessions, Human Design readings, and casual coffee meetings. I strive for a balance between work, self-time, and physical activity, such as ocean walks. Passion for my work can sometimes blur the boundaries, but it’s a journey I enjoy.
Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?
I view it as a work-life tango, a dance that ebbs and flows. Elements like nature, morning rituals, quality time with loved ones, and even simple pleasures like a warm cup of tea, keep me centred.
It’s crucial to align work with my energy rhythms. Being my own boss allows flexibility. I’ve noticed enhanced productivity when I’m well-rested. Sometimes, the simplest tasks, like hanging laundry can become a wellspring of creative ideas. And if ever the equilibrium is disturbed, it’s alright to reset. After all, we’re all human.
Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?
As mentioned before, I am hugely passionate about personal development! I constantly find new ways to improve or adjust my work-life balance. As I have gotten more in touch with myself, I have really learned what charges my battery and what depletes it.
Over the last year, I’ve embraced automation and delegation to streamline tasks. It not only elevates the client experience but also allows more dedicated time for coaching. That’s what truly lights me up.
In my business I work with the power of Human Design, and have learned to outsource whatever frustrates me. I am a Manifesting Generator energy type, therefore my two guideposts are satisfaction (things I should do more of) and frustration (things I should do less of). One of the first things I recommend to my clients, if something doesn’t fill your cup either say no or outsource it.
We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?
Absolutely! A few resources that have been instrumental in my journey towards balance and reconnecting to myself include:
- IKIGAI – This book, inspired by Japanese wisdom, delves into the concept of finding purpose and joy in life. It beautifully breaks down the process of discovering one’s “reason for being” and how it can lead to a more fulfilled existence.
- Seize the Day podcast by Sarah Halloway – Sarah engages with various guests, diving into their personal journeys and exploring how they’ve found joy and purpose in their lives. It’s both enlightening and uplifting.
- Brené Brown’s Books and Teachings – Brené Brown’s profound insights into vulnerability, courage, and empathy have been ground-breaking. Her works, like “Daring Greatly” and “The Gifts of Imperfection”, offer invaluable guidance on embracing our imperfections and leading a wholehearted life.
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book delves into the intricacies of creativity, courage, and passion. Gilbert’s perspective on living a creative life is both practical and magical.
By far the biggest resource to me has been studying human design. It’s a transformative tool and offers a unique lens to view oneself, not just as a static being but as an interplay of various energies.
These energies, determined by one’s time, place, and date of birth, offer insights into our strengths, challenges, and life purpose. While some might label it as a ‘profiling’ tool, it’s much more than that. It’s a guide, a roadmap to self-awareness. Embracing Human Design means acknowledging our uniqueness and understanding that we all function differently.
By tapping into our specific energy types, we can align more closely with our true selves, finding more balance and ease. It’s not about external guidance but listening to our inner voice and body.
I’ve incorporated Human Design into my coaching practice and seen transformative results with clients. It provides clarity, reduces resistance, and helps individuals find their flow. For those curious and keen to know more about their human design, visit my website and generate a free chart.
Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers.
Life is a journey, and along the way, we often lose touch with our inner selves amidst the chaos. But it’s essential to remember that true fulfilment doesn’t come from external achievements or possessions but from within. My daily mantra, which I would love to share, is: “Connecting with yourself is the key to living a fulfilled life.” It’s a gentle reminder to always prioritise self-awareness and self-love.