In this heartfelt episode of Quality Talks, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson delve into the critical topics of wellbeing, self-care, and mental health within leadership. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of leading by example, being vulnerable, and creating supportive environments for open communication. The conversation emphasises the need for self-awareness and practical strategies for managing stress, ultimately encouraging leaders to prioritise their own wellbeing to better support their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing and Leadership

08:12 The Importance of Self-Care in Leadership

19:18 Vulnerability and Open Communication in Leadership

30:22 Building Supportive Leadership Cultures

41:53 Building Leadership Communities for Change

43:21 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

45:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations

47:17 The Impact of Mental Health on Leadership

49:12 The Power of Sharing Personal Struggles

50:31 Encouraging Open Dialogue in the Workplace

52:29 Utilizing the Stress Bucket Exercise

55:16 Coping Mechanisms for Stress Relief

58:44 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership

01:03:23 Prioritizing Mental Health in Leadership

01:08:34 Embracing Vulnerability as a Strength

01:11:39 Navigating Change and New Beginnings

01:14:01 Creating a Supportive Community

01:18:24 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on Mental Health

01:19:00 Wrap Up

Takeaways

1. Self-care is often overlooked in leadership training.
2. It's important to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay.
3. Vulnerability in leadership fosters stronger connections.
4. Creating a supportive environment encourages open communication.
5. Self-reflection helps prioritize emotional wellbeing.
6. Leaders should lead by example in discussing mental health.
7. Practical exercises can help manage stress effectively.
8. Building a community around shared experiences is vital.
9. Emotional awareness is key to effective leadership.
10. It's essential to have trusted outlets for sharing feelings.