Why do you keep repeating the same patterns, even when you know better? The answer may lie in how your brain, nervous system, and deeply ingrained behavioral patterns respond to stress. In this episode of the Conscious Leadership Revolution Podcast, host Susan Hobson sits down with Dr. Mark Pirtle, Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Living Systems Theorist, and the founder of SkillfullyAware, and author of Built This Way: Why Painful Patterns Repeat and How to Change Them, to explore the science behind unconscious patterns, why lasting behavior change is so difficult, and how to break free from the automatic reactions holding you back. Whether you're a high-performing leader navigating pressure, struggling with emotional reactivity, or simply wondering why you keep falling into the same habits despite your best intentions, this conversation offers a powerful new perspective on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and conscious leadership. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Why painful patterns repeat: Understand how deeply ingrained behaviors, emotional experiences, and stress responses shape the way you think, feel, and act. The science of behavior change: Explore why knowing better doesn't always translate into doing better, especially under pressure. How systems thinking explains human behavior: Discover how your mind, body, emotions, and personal narratives interact to create recurring patterns. Breaking unconscious leadership patterns: Learn why impatience, emotional reactivity, and a lack of compassion can emerge when leaders experience stress. Practical emotional regulation techniques: Discover how priming and intentional self-talk can help you prepare for challenging situations and respond more consciously. The power of shadow work: Learn how recognizing your triggers and questioning your reactions can support deeper self-awareness and personal growth. What conscious leadership really means: Explore why becoming a better leader starts with a lifelong commitment to your own development. SPECIAL FEATURE: At 24:45, Dr. Mark Pirtle guides Susan and listeners through a practical attunement meditation exercise designed to help you become more present, grounded, and aware. 🌐 Elevate your leadership with a FREE consultation: https://elitehighperformance.mykajabi.com/book-a-free-consultation About Dr. Mark Pirtle: Dr. Mark Pirtle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Living Systems Theorist, and the founder of SkillfullyAware. He helps people understand why painful patterns repeat and how to change them, so they can live with more awareness, steadiness, compassion, and purpose. His new book, Built This Way: Why Painful Patterns Repeat and How to Change Them, comes out October 22, 2026. It is written for people who say, "I know better, but I still do it." Mark created the curriculum for the first pain program at Sierra Tucson, and he still works every week with clients in residential treatment. He co-wrote and produced the PBS documentary Is Your Story Making You Sick?, and he created the SAAQ, a self-assessment leaders and EO forums use to see how they react under pressure. His north star: make better humans so we can make a better world. Find Dr. Mark Pirtle: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmarkpirtlemeditationfors1299 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkpirtle/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfarrispirtle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkPirtle/ Website: drmarkpirtle.com Find Susan Hobson, Founder & CEO of Elite High Performance, Top Conscious Leadership Coach & Author, at the following links: https://www.elitehighperformance.com/leadership-consulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jumpstartliving/ https://www.instagram.com/susanlhobson/ https://www.tiktok.com/@susanlhobson Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana License code: GNM1DDFOSCISSWRB Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/back-to-moves License code: PXJHIC8CT4KT64TX