This as-told-to essay originates from an in-depth conversation with Niki Leondakis, the Chief Executive Officer of CorePower Yoga, an expansive yoga studio network encompassing more than 220 locations spread across 23 U.S. states. The narrative that follows has been thoughtfully refined for clarity and conciseness while preserving the essence of her reflections and experiences.
Over the course of more than three decades, my professional life was dedicated to the hospitality industry, during which I had the privilege of leading three distinct hotel companies. Eventually, that deeply rooted career trajectory brought me to the role of CEO at Equinox, where I continued my lifelong pursuit of excellence in leadership and wellness-driven business strategy. Yet, even as I experienced success at the helm of remarkable organizations, my personal life was suddenly interrupted by profound turbulence and loss.
In 2017, tragedy struck when my home was completely destroyed by the devastating California wildfires—an event that left me physically displaced and emotionally unanchored. The following year compounded that grief when my husband unexpectedly passed away from a sudden heart attack. Within a single 12-month span, I found myself stripped of the three core foundations that had defined my identity for decades: my partner, my profession, and my home. In the aftermath, I felt compelled to pause—to step away from constant movement and leadership duties—to rediscover who I was and envision the next chapter of my existence with intention and self-awareness.
It was during that fragile period that yoga emerged as my most steadfast sanctuary. Rolling out my mat each day became far more than a routine of physical postures; it served as an emotional anchor and a meditative ritual that allowed me to process grief, uncertainty, and renewal. Thus, when the opportunity to lead CorePower Yoga presented itself roughly five years ago, it felt like a profound moment of alignment—a convergence of passion and purpose. I can’t say I would have been open to every opportunity at that point in my healing journey, but this one resonated deeply. It felt as if it spoke directly to my heart and to the part of me that sought to transform personal recovery into purposeful leadership.
My professional life now requires frequent travel between our headquarters in Denver and our base in San Francisco, along with regular visits to CorePower studios and markets around the country. Because of this, no two days ever look entirely alike, yet there are certain grounding rituals that remain constants—anchors of calm amid motion.
Most mornings begin before sunrise, around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. I begin with a body scan, mentally traveling from head to toe to observe areas where tension lodges or energy feels constricted. Years of yoga have fine-tuned my ability to recognize how stress manifests physically; I often notice tightness in my hands, my shoulders, or my jaw. When that awareness arises, I focus on consciously releasing those contractions through breath and attention. Only after this quiet check-in with myself do I sit for a short meditation, during which I choose a single word that encapsulates my intention for the day—perhaps “patience,” “focus,” or “gratitude.” That simple act of naming a guiding principle lends coherence to everything that follows.
My morning beverage of choice is mushroom adaptogenic tea, a blend known for its natural properties that support mental clarity, balance, and stress resilience. Prone to episodes of anxiety throughout my life, I’ve gradually developed methods to manage it effectively—but I remain aware that intense work or unexpected challenges can still stir those feelings. The adaptogenic tea is both ritual and remedy, a small holistic practice that signals calm and readiness.
In the same spirit of structure and intention, I’ve built what I call “habit stacking.” While I prepare my tea, I also take my daily supplements—specifically, Vital Earth Minerals Super Multi, a liquid multivitamin fortified with fulvic minerals. By habitually keeping it next to the milk I mix into my tea, I create a simple environmental cue that prevents forgetfulness and ensures I maintain this consistency effortlessly. Shortly afterward, I step outside, even briefly, to breathe fresh air and recall perspective. The vastness of nature—the immensity of the sky or the stillness of a tree—instantly grounds me, reminding me that many of the issues occupying my mind are far smaller than they seem.
Almost every day, I make time to practice yoga. Before stepping onto the mat, I briefly check my emails, typically for thirty to forty-five minutes, to address any tasks that demand immediate attention. This helps clear mental space and removes lingering obligations so I can approach my practice fully present. My yoga journey has been guided for over fifteen years by the same teacher, with whom I continue to practice regularly—sometimes in person, other times via livestream sessions. Whether practicing at home, in one of our studios, or virtually, I treat this ritual as sacred. Even on the busiest days, when schedules tighten, I turn to what I lovingly call my “Minimum Required Practice”—fifteen minutes of sun salutations, breath work, and grounding poses that restore equilibrium and focus. Consistency, more than duration, sustains my wellbeing.
I do not eat breakfast immediately upon waking; instead, I listen to my body’s signals. On mornings following especially vigorous practice, I refuel with a bowl of Greek yogurt mixed with chia seeds, fresh berries, and low-sugar granola—nutrient-rich yet light. This is often accompanied by a second cup of mushroom tea, extending that calm energy into the next part of my morning.
By 8:30 a.m., my professional responsibilities take center stage. I begin joining Zoom calls or meetings held in our headquarters’ boardroom, connecting with studio managers, regional leaders, and yoga instructors across the country. Occasionally, I set aside time for “listening tours,” during which I visit studios personally to speak with our teachers and staff. These interactions nurture my understanding of our culture and the people who bring it to life each day.
Because I lean toward introversion, I’ve learned to structure my calendar with deliberate spaciousness. My assistant knows that uninterrupted back-to-back meetings are counterproductive for me; I need intervals to process conversations, send thoughtful follow-up messages, or restore my focus. Whenever a high-stakes presentation or major event looms, we protect a 30-minute buffer beforehand—a quiet window I devote to grounding breathwork or brief reflection. These self-regulating pauses sustain my energy, sharpen my presence, and allow me to show up authentically.
I often compare my own mind-body-spirit connection to the workings of a smartphone: when surrounded by people and constant demands, my internal battery slowly depletes. Social engagement and dynamic leadership are stimulating, but recharging requires solitude. My battery replenishes through solitary moments—walking outdoors, meditating, reading, or practicing gentle movement. Without those intervals of introspection, my energy becomes scattered, and my leadership less luminous.
When work concludes, especially during late spring through early autumn, I make a conscious effort to transition outdoors. Whether I take a bike ride through familiar trails, a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or a short hike, these evening excursions—sometimes lasting only half an hour—reconnect me to my physical vitality and quiet my mind after hours spent in meetings or digital space.
As night approaches, my wind-down routine becomes a sacred ritual. Softly dimmed lighting signals my body that rest is near. I prepare a cup of Ayurvedic tea, known for its calming herbs, and engage in tranquil activities—perhaps reading or working on a puzzle. Sleep has never come effortlessly to me; for much of my career, I believed high achievers could thrive on minimal rest. I would sleep four hours, then bound onto a stage or into meetings, energized but not truly sustained. Over time, I realized that fatigue subtly dulls clarity, empathy, and judgment—the very qualities leadership demands. Prioritizing rest, therefore, is not indulgence but responsibility.
Today, I hold myself accountable for creating an environment conducive to restorative sleep. When I struggle to unwind, I turn to guided meditations on Insight Timer—particularly those designed to ease the transition from wakefulness to rest. I still occasionally fall into the temptation of working or thinking too late, yet I remind myself that my bedtime determines the quality of my performance the next day. That awareness now anchors my commitment to a balanced, mindful life—one grounded in self-awareness, personal equilibrium, and the daily disciplines that replenish both spirit and purpose.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/day-in-the-life-corepower-yoga-ceo-2025-11
