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Courtney JohnsonExecutive Coaching

Core Energy™ Coaching

The method behind the work

Every leader experiences energy in one of two forms. Coaching shows you which one you’re running on — and how to choose the other.

Catabolic Energy

Works against you

Draining, resisting, contracting. Released as cortisol and adrenaline. It’s the reactive, self-protective energy of stress and self-doubt — and over time it costs you creativity, judgement, and your team.

Anabolic Energy

Works for you

Constructive, expanding, fuelling. The energy of clarity, presence and creative flow. It’s available to everyone — and the work of coaching is making it your default, not your exception.

The 7 Levels of Energy

From draining to generative — a map of how you show up

  • 1
    Apathy · Victim
    “I lose.” Self-doubt, powerlessness, paralysis.
    Catabolic
  • 2
    Anger · Conflict
    “You lose.” Judgement, struggle, defiance.
    Catabolic
  • 3
    Responsibility · Forgiveness
    “I win.” Accountability, cooperation — anabolic begins.
    Anabolic
  • 4
    Compassion
    “You win.” Concern for others, empathy, service.
    Anabolic
  • 5
    Harmony · Peace
    “We all win.” Reconciliation, opportunity in everything.
    Anabolic
  • 6
    Synthesis · Joy
    Intuition, creativity, flow state.
    Anabolic
  • 7
    Absolute Passion · Non-judgement
    Pure creation, presence — winning and losing are illusory.
    Anabolic

A branded interpretation of IPEC’s Energetic Self-Perception model, for illustration.

The evidence

~30kpeople assessed in IPEC’s published research on the Energy Leadership Index.Lynn Waldorf, PhD (IPEC), internally produced, not peer-reviewed; results vary.
68→59%drop in catabolic energy under stress after working with a Core Energy coach, in one cohort.Lynn Waldorf, PhD (IPEC), internally produced, not peer-reviewed; results vary.
14areas of life where satisfaction rose for clients across the same research.Lynn Waldorf, PhD (IPEC), internally produced, not peer-reviewed; results vary.

The fastest way to see your own energy? Measure it.