Have you ever made a big decision as a founder or leader and wondered afterward — was that really me? In this episode of BizBlend, host Sana sits down with Jamin DeMarco, a transformation coach and group facilitator based in Galway, Ireland, to explore what Internal Family Systems (IFS) reveals about how we truly lead. Behind every reaction, every boardroom decision, and every moment of conflict, there is an inner system at work. And most of us have never been introduced to it. Jamin draws from his work with men in crisis, domestic abuse perpetrators, and his own personal turning point to offer a grounded, honest look at what leading from a protective part costs us and what becomes possible when we lead from Self instead. This one goes beyond strategy. It gets to the root of how we show up, for our teams, our families, and ourselves. About the Guest: Jamin DeMarco is a transformation coach, group facilitator, and therapist-in-training based in Galway, Ireland. Originally from Cork, his work spans IFS-informed coaching, support for men in crisis, psychological first aid at community events, and psychedelic-assisted healing. He works with individuals and groups navigating personal growth, relationship repair, and deeper self-understanding. Key Takeaways: We are not always leading from our true Self. Many decisions in business and leadership are driven by protective or hurt inner parts that formed long before we entered any boardroom. Recognising the difference is where real leadership begins.Vulnerability in leadership is not weakness. It is what creates genuine connection. When leaders share their human struggles, teams feel seen, not threatened. The facade of invulnerability quietly erodes trust.Your inner system does not clock out when you go home. Work stress, personal pain, and family life are not separate. They influence each other continuously. Leading yourself well at home and leading well at work are the same practice.The root of harmful behaviour is almost always pain, not malice. Jamin's experience with domestic abuse perpetrators taught him that hurt parts, not bad people, are usually driving destructive patterns. This reframe changes how we approach conflict in any context.When we access Self-led qualities like curiosity, compassion, clarity, and confidence, those are the qualities that make genuinely great leaders. And they are already inside everyone. They just need space.Healing is not linear and it does not happen overnight. Jamin's own journey from personal breakdown to purposeful work is a reminder that transformation requires patience, real support, and the courage to look inward. Connect With Jamin: Jamin mentioned that LinkedIn is his preferred way to connect. Reach out to him there for conversations about IFS, coaching, and inner work. LinkedIn Episode Chapters: [00:00] Cold Open: The Divided Founder — Sana sets the scene with a raw look at entrepreneurial inner conflict [03:35] Welcome to BizBlend — Host intro and framing the conversation on inner systems and leadership [05:40] Are We Really Making Our Own Decisions? — Jamin introduces the IFS lens and what it means to lead from Self vs. from a protective part [09:15] Why Vulnerability Is Still Taboo in Leadership — The cultural conditioning that keeps inner worlds hidden in professional spaces [12:45] Lessons from Men at the Edge — What working with domestic abuse perpetrators taught Jamin about pain, protection, and destructive behaviour [20:30] Jamin's Personal Turning Point — His own story of breakdown, isolation, and choosing to go inward [25:00] What Self-Led Leadership Actually Looks Like — The eight C's of Self, emotional attributes, and why we are built for deep connection 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? 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