Mindfulness among Women: Shadi Pouyazadeh in Interview about her Mindful Women’s Circle

The Mindful Women’s Circle – a network for women that promotes well-being, self-care, and inner growth. Shadi Pouyazadeh, a certified meditation and mindfulness trainer, has created Austria’s first women’s network that combines professional networking with emotional and mindful support through the Mindful Women’s Circle.

In a safe space, Shadi Pouyazadeh offers women the opportunity to meditate together, practice mindfulness, and network. She creates a platform that allows women to establish valuable professional connections while strengthening their personal development through mindfulness, community, and holistic approaches.

What does mindfulness mean? How would you explain it to someone who is not familiar with it?

Mindfulness means being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It is the art of consciously perceiving what is happening within and around us and responding with clarity. In our fast-paced world, mindfulness helps us pause, make conscious decisions, and live with more ease.

What’s behind the idea of the Mindful Women’s Circle that you founded?

The Mindful Women’s Circle is a space for women who want to inspire, support, and grow together. It’s about connection, self-reflection, and empowerment. In a world often focused on achievement and perfection, the Circle offers a safe space for authenticity, exchange, and personal growth—everything that enriches women mentally, spiritually, visually, and physically. I want women in the Mindful Women’s Circle to have the chance to create the best version of themselves. It’s a place where we encourage each other to follow our dreams, trust ourselves, and think big.

Who is the women’s circle particularly suitable for?

For all women who long for genuine connection and personal development. Whether an entrepreneur, creative, or leader, the Circle is for women who want to empower each other and have the courage to consciously shape their own lives.

Why is mindfulness particularly important for women?

Women are constantly delivering—whether they are mothers, wives, career women, or housewives. We often forget to take off the mask or armor. Mindfulness helps women return to themselves, set boundaries, and act from inner strength rather than being driven by external expectations. It’s about consciously shaping one’s life rather than just reacting.

Your Circle stands for connection, growth, and empowerment—what specific impulses do you give women to take with them?

My most important impulse: Recognize your worth. Many women underestimate themselves or wait for permission to blossom. In the Circle, we support each other in acknowledging our abilities, being courageous, and following our own path—with confidence, joy, and ease.

How can the mindfulness practiced in the Circle be integrated into daily life?

Small rituals make all the difference. Breathing consciously before a meeting, enjoying a moment of silence, not always reacting immediately from emotion, consciously walking slowly when you’re in a hurry, following your intuition, listening to your heart, tuning in to yourself, setting boundaries, and regularly taking time for yourself. These are simple but powerful ways to bring mindfulness into daily life.

How can women learn to be more aware of themselves and their needs—especially in male-dominated industries?

By strengthening their inner voice. In many industries, women are expected to adapt. But true strength lies in remaining authentic. Nothing is more magnetic than authenticity. I encourage women to regularly listen to themselves: What do I need? What feels good for me? When we begin to take our own needs seriously, others will too.