In this episode of The PEAKS Life we interview David Woodward who has a fascinating background and experience across corporate life and whose story encompasses what he calls ‘Executive Yoga'.
David was born in Tehran and lived in southern Iran until 1968 when his family returned to U.S. When he was 13 his parents were killed in a car accident and this became the signature event of his life. Through his upbringing and early youth David developed a fascination for languages and cultures of the world. He has studied ancient history and became interested in all forms of ancient wisdom, culture and the intersectionality of all cultures. Over the course of his career David has led multi-site organizations, been in national and international roles, including corporate board and organizational development, and setting up strategic relationships worldwide. In addition David has initiated the development of various business startups and educational projects involving small businesses, universities, corporations, and government agencies within the U.S. and in peer regions of the world.
David is President of the American Consortium of Universities, Senior Advisor for Strategic Outreach for INTERLINK International Institutes, and Special Assistant for International Relations for Seattle Pacific University. In recent years David’s interest turned to yoga because decades of intense work, travel, responsibility and stress had caused him to have increasing symptoms of anxiety attacks and possible cardio-related problems.
David now has a mission to demonstrate to Executives that Yoga can be done anywhere, even in a business suit! He also discovered along the way through journaling, reflection and sharing with others that a fear of death was a deep constant and that this related to his parents' premature death.
We talk to David about his health and how self-reflection and yoga have taught him much about personal integration, vulnerability, creativity and easing of anxiety and fear as well as making tremendous improvement in his wellness. You can find out more about David’s Executive Yoga by connecting with him on Instagram @warden_of_the_wood
