Business Fit Magazine November 2019 Issue 2 | Page 34

Pashion Fashion Fashion Feng Shui: International award-winning image coach, Sue Donnelly, tells us about the five elements of Feng Shui, how they are personas with different qualities and asks us to take the Essential Way of Being Quiz to determine which persona applies to us. The corporate world is changing at breakneck speed. Whether you’re an employee, employer, or an entrepreneur, the work force has become extremely diverse in terms of culture, language, age, gender, religion and age. Barriers need to be recognised and overcome, with a real need for creating clear communication and trust with co-workers and clients. In the past, making a professional “first impression” and having a “personal brand” were the criteria for success. Unfortunately, we can’t make assumptions about clothing within the work environment anymore. Today, we need to talk about “story,” having screen presence, standing out and communicating from a distance. Leadership will now be about influence, warmth and trust, not just power and respect. Leadership of the future will look to raise vibrations in the workplace to the benefit of all humanity—not just the immediate team. Building strong, sustainable relationships has never been more important. 34 Dressing Mind, Body and Soul for Success Building strong, sustainable relationships has never been more important The ancient practice of Feng Shui has enabled a positive flow of energy in our environments for 5,000-plus years. Based on the five primordial elements that are present in everything, it’s used to create harmony and prosperity, usually within a home. These very same principles are also applicable to business organisations, and the people working within them. Understanding and utilising the positive energy of the elements can improve and enhance relationships, create productive flow, increase retention of good people, enable them to excel as individuals and teams, and utilise their skill base in a work environment to stimulate the flow of good energy. As a result, they can create similar positive results in the corporate sphere. To create trust and wellness, we have to feel “at home” in our clothing. Fashion Feng Shui takes the concept of Feng Shui and uses it within the corporate context to enhance and fulfil our authentic story (essence), flatter our physical body and complexion (appearance), function for the industry (lifestyle), and fortify us to realise our goals and aspirations (intention). It’s a merging of mind, body and spirit which creates an image that’s authentically us. Each of the five elements of Feng Shui become personas with different qualities, skills and Wood: The Crusader 35