Leadership and Wellbeing

In our previous episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria. We discussed her journey as a successful CEO and her ability to balance the various aspects of life whilst seeking to maintain wellbeing. Today, I reflect on our conversation and share my thoughts on the key insights she had to offer, including the strategies that take her from merely surviving, to thriving as a leader.

An important topic Liz and I discussed was the concept of achieving more by doing less, an idea presented by Tiffany Dufu in her book Drop The Ball. With this idea in mind, letting go of perfection and finding a balance that works for you can release some of the pressure that comes with being a high performing leader. This idea is especially relevant for female leaders in business who often face the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities.

I believe great leaders have the ability to deeply reflect on themselves in order to continue improving and become the best leaders they can be. Self-reflection is something that Liz highly values, and her dedication to being vulnerable in order to achieve this is admirable. I dive a little deeper and discuss the four quadrants of the Johari Window, a framework used to improve self-awareness and understanding of others.

Another key topic Liz and I discussed was adaptive leadership, which includes building a supportive team in order to enhance wellbeing. Liz shared her strategies for creating problem solvers rather than continually stepping in to resolve conflicts, and how this helps to prevent burnout for both her and her team. I discuss what Liz shared around creating a flexible working environment and fostering openness around mental health in the workplace.

There’s a huge amount of research that shows simply being grateful enhances one’s wellbeing and happiness. I talk about Liz’s methods for cultivating gratitude, such as finding small moments of joy in everyday life and appreciating the little things. I also discuss my own gratitude practices and how this helps to maintain a positive mindset, even amidst life’s challenges.

My conversation with Liz was highly interesting in that it provided a slightly different perspective on life and leadership to her male counterparts. And while her insights are particularly valuable for female leaders, I believe the wisdom she shared will benefit anyone seeking to find balance in work, relationships and parenthood. 


LINKS:

Book mentioned: Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

Today I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, to talk about the importance of finding balance in leadership. With over eight years of experience leading Australia's oldest and most recognisable animal welfare charity, Liz has faced numerous challenges while striving to create a high-performance culture. She shares how she has navigated challenges in her personal life while leading her team to success, and the strategies she has employed to balance her role as a CEO with her own wellbeing.

Liz holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Management and Marketing from Macquarie Business School, and has been a community leader with great respect for animals and the role they play in helping all of us to be better people.

We discuss the difficulties Liz has faced in her personal life, and she shares vulnerably on navigating a marriage breakdown whilst not only bearing the demands of her role as CEO, but at the same time raising four children. She emphasises the need to manage the chaos and let go of the pursuit of perfection, by setting realistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters. Liz highlights the importance of having a strong support network, both at work and in her personal life, to help navigate the complexities of leadership and parenting.

Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of leadership and personal growth, and Liz shares her own practice of self-reflection. Asking yourself important questions can be highly valuable to gain clarity and perspective, something Liz does regularly. It not only helps her to grow in her own life, but gives her the ability to cultivate a healthy and supportive work environment. 

As a leader, Liz has focused on creating a high-performance culture within the workplace, and attributes her success to empowering her team to take ownership of their work. By fostering a sense of accountability and focusing on the greater good, she has built a cohesive and resilient team who can problem solve without leaning heavily on her to provide solutions. 

We discuss the importance of practising gratitude to support our wellbeing, and Liz shares how she mindfully appreciates the small moments of joy. In a world where the demands of leadership can often overshadow personal wellbeing, Liz’s positive outlook and commitment to growth serve as a reminder that balance in leadership truly is achievable when you seek it out. 

LINKS:

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

I was truly fascinated by my conversation with Nick Yap in our previous episode, and today I’m sharing some evidence and research to explore further the valuable concepts that were discussed. I also dive deeper into discussing how cognitive psychology is a powerful tool in enhancing your skills and wellbeing as a leader.

Nick is the CEO of ComfortDelGro, one of the largest transport companies in the world. No stranger to experiencing issues such as impostor syndrome, anxiety and self-doubt, Nick was incredibly vulnerable in our chat about his path to growth and success as a high performing leader.

When it comes to impostor syndrome, many leaders experience the feeling of inadequacy or struggle with the fear that they may be exposed as a fraud. Understanding that you’re not alone in experiencing this phenomenon is the first step to normalising it. I talk about how cognitive psychology can support you in overcoming this often debilitating issue, and draw on ideas from Sarah Edelman’s outstanding book Change Your Thinking to help give you a new perspective.

Nick’s openness about seeking help during challenging times is commendable. It's vital to recognise that seeking assistance, whether from a coach, psychologist, or wise friends, is a sign of courage, not weakness. I discuss how taking ownership of challenges and venturing beyond your comfort zone is an essential aspect of personal growth. Seeking help isn't about expecting others to fix your problems; it’s about the opportunity to learn from their guidance and support.

Cultivating good habits is an important part of maintaining your wellbeing as a leader. While many think of the physical aspect, it’s mental fitness that can cultivate healthy daily practices that support us in being proficient leaders.  I take you through the framework we use at Steople which shows the six factors that are necessary to drive long term sustainable habits. 

Nick's realisation of the significance of his "why" and purpose underscores the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and meaning in life. Your "why" can help reduce anxiety and increase well-being, as it shifts your focus from self-doubt to a larger, meaningful goal. I discuss strategies to identify your passions and sources of energy that will help guide you towards discovering your purpose.

Being present and fully engaged with not only your loved ones, but the people you lead, is powerful in fostering connection and maintaining the emotional wellbeing of everyone involved. I talk about empathy as a way to build trust, which in turn creates a psychologically safe work environment.

So, listen in today and uncover some practical tips to help you thrive in your journey of self-improvement and leadership.

LINKS:

Previous episode with Nick Yap: Are We All Just Faking It? Discussing Impostor Syndrome with Nick Yap

Book mentioned: Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

Though typically, leaders are expected to be strong, tough and confident, many actually suffer from impostor syndrome. This can produce a lot of anxiety and negatively impact one’s ability to lead effectively. Our guest on the podcast today, Nick Yap, is no stranger to this issue and as CEO of ComfortDelGro Australia, he understands the importance of prioritising his wellbeing as he leads a high-performance team of over 4,000 people.

With a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in economics, accounting and law, Singapore-born Nick has been a part of ComfortDelGro for almost 30 years. Rising through the ranks to his current role of CEO in one of the largest transport companies in the world, he has experienced the many ups and downs of acting in a high-level role. Today, Nick gives us a vulnerable account of what it means to navigate issues such as imposter syndrome, grief and seeking help during challenging times.

Nick shares openly about his experience of being in a dark hole during a period of uncertainty in his company. It was then that he truly understood that leadership can be lonely. Being a coaching client of mine, Nick and I talk about the work we did together to get him through, with a 360 degree review of him and his senior leadership team helping him understand that he didn’t have to go it alone. Nick's willingness to seek professional help demonstrates the power of vulnerability and the strength in seeking support.

We delve into the common causes of and issues that come with impostor syndrome, and Nick explains that though he has made progress in this area, the feelings still linger. He shares with us his strategies to manage them and how choosing to focus on his ‘why’ leads him away from debilitating, negative self-talk. 

Working in a demanding role can often have negative impacts on our personal lives, and finding the right balance for the health of our homes isn’t always easy. Nick recognises the importance of making time for his family, and describes the habits he and his wife have developed to maintain their connection and continue to be present with one another. 

We discuss a particularly challenging time for Nick and his colleagues, when tragedy struck within the team. He discusses the emotional impact this had on the company and the importance of supporting his team through the grieving process. Nick highlights the significance of empathy during such times, believing that true strength comes from quiet confidence and a genuine concern from the wellbeing of others. 

Nick’s vulnerability and commitment to caring for those around him is a refreshing reminder that leadership and wellbeing can successfully go hand-in-hand. His story serves as a guiding light to all those who are navigating the complexities of leading others. 

LINKS:

ComfortDelGro

Book mentioned: Change Your Thinking by Sarah Edelman

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

I very much believe in the sentiment that you can’t effectively help others if you can’t help yourself. This is particularly true for leaders, where the wide variety of stressors they face in order to manage a team can cause overwhelm and in some cases, burnout. Today, I’m discussing why wellbeing is important for leaders and the impact it can have on their lives and ability to lead.

Research demonstrates an intricate relationship between personal wellbeing and leadership success. This includes physical, mental and emotional factors that can either hinder or enhance leadership performance. In this episode, I take you through the various elements that contribute to wellbeing, and the reasons they have such a profound effect on our health. 

I also take you through the different areas you can address to ensure you’re prioritising your own wellbeing, such as:

• Diet 
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Social connection
• Mental health

We’ll explore the different ways to cultivate good habits in these areas, and I share practical tips on improving your daily practices to increase your health and productivity. While it’s just as easy to create bad habits as good ones, changing how you operate day-to-day is much easier once there is an understanding of the critical role of wellbeing in our lives and leadership. 

Finding perfect balance in every area is never possible. However, striving to deliberately enhance our collective and individual wellbeing is a healthy framework for our lives, and will benefit us in some significant and sustainable ways. 

So take the time to rethink your default ways of being and optimise your daily routines, knowing that a healthy leader is better equipped to lead and inspire others.

LINKS:

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

Welcome to the very first episode of the Leadership and Wellbeing podcast. I’m excited to begin sharing the stories, interviews and research that I’ve gathered over the years to help support your journey in leadership, performance and wellbeing. 

In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, effective leadership and personal wellbeing are crucial for success. But what does it take to be a great leader and maintain a healthy work-life balance? Today, I’m joined by Oliver Horn, CEO and Managing Director of Nutra Organics, who shares his insights on optimising mind and body wellbeing to become the best version of yourself as a leader.

Hailing from Germany with more than 25 years of global experience in premium FMCG businesses, Oliver has lived and worked in many parts of the world, including various parts of Europe, USA, New Zealand and Australia. Prior to his current role, Oliver was the CEO of Swiss Wellness, Australia's most recognised brand for wellness products. 

With vast experience in leadership roles throughout the years, Oliver’s broad thinking and innovative ideas on work and wellbeing lead him to create purpose-led businesses that stand out through their high performance cultures.

As a coaching client of mine since 2018, Oliver shares his initial realisation that the more traditional coaching styles were not quite as effective for him. Finding the more formal settings hindering his ability to be open and authentic, he instead discovered the power of combining movement and conversation, such as exercising or sharing a meal together. This unique approach speaks to his leadership style of embracing vulnerability and fostering deeper connections with others.

For high-level leaders, there is often an expectation to be the expert with all the answers in any given situation. Oliver shares how this pressure negatively impacted not only his work, but the quality of his personal life. He discusses the process he underwent to let go of his need for complete control, and how developing self-awareness was crucial in the transformation of his leadership style. 

We discuss the challenges of navigating globally diverse cultures, where the behaviour of others can often be misconstrued, difficult to understand or come across as offensive. Oliver shares how his experiences taught him the importance of suspending judgement and relinquishing the idea that your culture is the right culture. By approaching cultural differences with curiosity and respect, leaders can bridge the gap and foster greater collaboration.

Oliver’s inspiring story is a testament to the power vulnerability has to create safe and inclusive workplaces, where individuals thrive and leaders build trust within their teams. The incredible insights Oliver shares in our conversation are truly enlightening and serve as a guiding light for leaders seeking to make a positive impact in their organisations and lives.

LINKS:

Connect with Hayden:

Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

-  https://www.steople.com.au/

-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/

Welcome to Leadership and Wellbeing. I’m your host, Hayden Fricke, and in this podcast we'll dive deep into the realms of leadership, performance, and well-being, sharing stories, research, and interviews that I've gathered throughout my three-decade journey in these fields. If you're keen on discovering the secrets to long-term success while nurturing your well-being, then this is a podcast for you.

But before we get into all that, I want to start by sharing my own story with you—my journey from a young tennis professional to an organisational psychologist who is passionate about helping leaders and individuals thrive. 

In this episode, I share how the pressure of professional tennis encouraged me to trade my tennis racket in for textbooks, pivoting my career to become a sports psychologist. While gaining valuable experience working with athletes across various sports, from tennis to football, swimming, and karate, my family faced significant challenges which weighed heavily on my heart. These personal trials deepened my passion for psychology, both in the realm of sports and mental health and I yearned to help others facing similar challenges and provide the support they needed.

Side-stepping again into organisational psychology, I became passionate about driving positive culture change within organisations. In 2009, I founded Steople, a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations achieve behaviour change at the individual, team, and organisational levels. Over the years, Steople has blossomed into a thriving business with a team of around 50 experts spread across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. The core of our work revolves around driving culture change to align with an organisation's goals and objectives.

Throughout my entire journey, leadership and performance have been at the core of my interests, and I've also developed a deep passion for well-being. In recent years, I've noticed a significant shift in the importance of well-being in the business world, yet many leaders still struggle to strike a balance between performance and well-being. That's where this podcast comes in. 

Over the course of this series, I'll share stories, anecdotes, evidence, research and interviews to help you understand the barriers to achieving this balance and provide you with the skills and tools needed to drive both long-term, sustainable performance and well-being for yourself and those you lead. Stay tuned for more episodes that will empower you to unlock your full potential as a leader while nurturing your own well-being and that of your team and organisation.

LINKS:

Connect with Hayden:

Websites:    -  https://haydenfricke.com/ 

                           -  https://www.steople.com.au/

                           -  APS College of Organisational Psychologists

LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/