“All the drama in your life begins and ends with you,” says Eric Stephenson, in a line that quietly underpins his approach to leadership, wellbeing and business.
He’s just published a new book, The Six Superpowers Within, drawing on decades advising iconic global hospitality and wellness brands.
In it, he explores the inner strengths that support sustainable performance – from nervous system regulation to psychological safety. But what’s the story behind the book and what are the takeaways for spas?
What was the inspiration for The Six Superpowers Within?
In November of 2021, I lost my father – the only hero I ever had – to COVID-19. As you can imagine, I felt numb for weeks. In the following months, a deep reflection haunted me: ‘now what?’
I made a commitment: ‘I’m going to finally write this book before it’s my turn to ride in that hearse.’ And so, I did.
The inspiration also came from teaching over 600 live events in 15 countries, working with brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott. During this time, I recognised patterns in behaviour, as well as core competencies for personal and business success.
These form the six superpowers I present in the book.
What does it focus on?
Each chapter explores an inner strength – the Autonomic Nervous System, Safety and Trust, Vision and Values, Self-Care, Life Design and Contentment – offering tools and practices to tap into them.
These are natural, powerful internal resources that are already within you, waiting to be remembered.
This book isn’t about forcing growth. It’s about aligning with our own rhythms so we can thrive.
You describe ‘kindness’ as an ‘uberpower’. What do you mean by that?
I view drama as a negative, voluntary action or behaviour which drains our most precious resources – time, money, health and harmonious relationships – creating unnecessary stress. The opposite to this negativity – its kryptonite if you like – is kindness.
Not the watered-down, soft-spoken kind. Not the ‘be nice’ variety that avoids conflict at all costs. I’m talking about the kind that takes courage and guts: the conscious choice to demonstrate empathy, accountability and resilience. This is the uberpower that connects the six core strengths I explore in the book.
What can people in the spa and wellness industry learn from your book?
Overall, it’s for individuals seeking transformation. People who recognise that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is illogical.
In my observation, nervous system regulation and psychological safety are pillars for the success of any spa because they’re so badly needed. Lack of safety and trust, paired with a dysregulated nervous system has negative downstream effects. Sadly, a significant portion of our population lives this reality daily. Even those at the highest levels of society.
Beyond the book, how are you working with people around these ideas?
My mission is to help leaders and teams create world-class, drama-free workplaces. My battle cry is ‘kindness means business’.
I’m working with businesses and organisations to provide keynotes and workshops. In addition, I’m hosting retreats in the US and internationally and offering private coaching.
Have you already begun thinking about your next book?
Indeed, I have. I’m currently working with an industrial psychologist to expand on my signature Kindness KPIs to turn kindness, accountability and resilience into practical strategies to enable teams to thrive.
