S4-E9: I was a judge, a solictor but mostly I was a head on a stick, with Claire Payne
Italian sports car. Corner office. Member of the judiciary, Solictor - On paper, Claire Payne had it all - and - Friday evening, 9pm in her office, with her little one at home, she has a moment.
In this candid and revealing episode, Claire shares the moment when she realised she was living entirely as a head on a stick with no awareness of a body until it felt like it was failing her.
The resignation went in on Monday only for an adventure to take shape in the months after.
Today, Claire leads a growing movement at the intersection of nervous system intelligence and business performance. Through immersive retreats, onsite culture change, and re-wilding with equine and wolf-based leadership programs, Claire helps leaders meet their whole self, and then learn how to use all available resources to create a life they never want to leave.
Inside:
- The moment when success became unbearable—and what she did next
- How nervous system regulation is now core to her executive work
- Why traditional leadership models burn people out
- What wolves, horses, and conflict teach us about trust, presence, and high performance
- How Claire is reshaping leadership culture from the inside out
This episode is a permission slip for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if there’s more—and less—than all this?
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Claire-Elaine Arthurs Payne MSc CMgr CEDR (Accred) is a qualified solicitor, leadership expert, Faculty at the Nervous System Economy, and founder of Orthelian—a consultancy at the intersection of nervous system intelligence, behavioural science, and business performance. With over 20 years' experience advising senior leaders and boards, Claire helps high-performing individuals and organisations move beyond survival-mode cultures toward sustainable, strategic success.
Known for her rare blend of legal expertise, behavioural insight, and practical leadership acumen, Claire integrates nature-based experiences—including retreats with wolves and horses—into her immersive programmes. In addition to leading transformation through Orthelian, she remains a Partner at Gunnercooke LLP, a sitting Judge in the First-tier Tribunal, and holds multiple Non-Executive roles.
Claire’s work challenges outdated models of urgency, overwork, and control—inviting leaders to step into a more intelligent, instinct-led way of leading that’s built to last.
Orthelian are hosting their next Wolf Retreat Sep 15 - 18, 2025, DM Claire 'WOLF RETREAT" for more details.
Claire Payne on LinkedIn >
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Shannon Eastman
Shannon Eastman is a business growth strategist fluent in both boardroom dynamics and nervous system intelligence.
With 25 years of experience scaling businesses across tech, finance, and regulated industries worldwide, she brings a systems-thinking approach to performance, leadership, and wellbeing.
After five years studying the neurobiology of trauma, Jungian psychology, and polyvagal theory, Shannon now integrates nervous system intelligence into the way business gets done—through corporate pilots, strategic partnerships, and a global network of innovators driving this shift.
Her work bridges performance and wellbeing, laying the groundwork for a more human, sustainable way to lead.
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NEW: Nervous System Economy™
You’ll hear us refer to the Nervous System Economy™ — a industry level educaiton initiative committed to integrating Nervous System Intelligence into business and leadership. You'll find more about this over here: www.nervoussystemeconomy.com
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A Note on Safety
Your mental health, wellbeing, and sense of safety matter deeply. Working with a trauma-informed practitioner can make a significant difference.
While this podcast shares insights, reflections, and tools, it is not a substitute for professional support. If you’re seeking a qualified practitioner, visit the Directory on our website.
Our community includes psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists who work through a trauma-informed lens — often with a special interest in supporting professionals aged 40+ or working within organisations.
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