Hello KSKOers
I really enjoyed this conversation. Retired firefighter paramedic spent over 30 years serving San Francisco, leading efforts to transform how emotional trauma is addressed in emergency services. Now a speaker and coach, he shares powerful lessons on resilience, self-awareness, and leadership. Tune in as he reflects on his journey from trauma to triumph, offering valuable insights for first responders, leaders, and beyond!
Looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!
Here are my top takeaways from our conversation:
1. Emotional Strength in Stressful Jobs: John, a veteran firefighter paramedic, talked to me about the need for emotional resilience in high-stress roles. He believes emotional injuries should be treated as seriously as physical ones. Throughout his career, John turned challenges into growth opportunities by adopting a proactive approach to trauma. This mindset isn’t just about recovery; it’s about returning stronger. For anyone in demanding jobs, building a support system that emphasises emotional health is key.
2. Power of Peer Support: Leading a peer support team showed John how crucial it is to have a network to rely on in tough times. These teams offer a platform to discuss emotional challenges openly. John’s journey from seeking support to providing it demonstrates the impact of shared experiences. To make mental health discussions as common as physical health ones, organisations should consider setting up similar support systems.
3. Self-Awareness as a Game-Changer: John highlights the life-changing power of self-awareness. By reflecting on his experiences with curiosity instead of judgement, he transformed setbacks into strengths. This practice helped not only in his recovery but also in supporting others. His story is a testament to the importance of self-awareness in navigating life’s challenges effectively and empathetically.
4. Sleep - The Ultimate Performance Booster: John is all about the power of sleep, especially for those in high-pressure jobs. He realised the critical role rest plays in performance and overall health during his emergency services career. Tracking his sleep has led to significant improvements in his daily functioning. For anyone juggling a demanding life, getting enough quality sleep is non-negotiable.
5. Opening Up About Mental Health: John champions the idea of making mental health discussions more open and accepted. He believes admitting when you’re struggling is true strength. By redefining vulnerability as a leadership asset, John encourages a supportive workplace culture. Being open about mental health isn’t just important for first responders; it’s vital for everyone in fostering understanding and support in any environment.
Here are five actionable takeaways from my conversation with John to enhance your self-aware leadership skills:
Take Responsibility for Growth: John stresses the importance of owning one's life experiences. Leaders should adopt a mindset that prioritises personal responsibility and proactive growth, which fosters greater self-awareness.
Cultivate Resilience Through Self-Reflection: Rather than just rebounding from setbacks, John suggests using reflection to transform challenges into strengths. Leaders can build resilience and enhance self-awareness by reflecting on their experiences and learning from them.
Prioritise Emotional and Physical Health Equally: John emphasises the significance of recognising emotional trauma alongside physical injuries. Leaders should prioritise mental health as much as physical health to maintain optimal performance and self-awareness.
Incorporate Self-Care Practices: John highlights practices such as walking, meditating, and maintaining good sleep habits. Leaders can benefit by integrating these self-care routines to enhance their mental and physical well-being.
Foster a Vulnerable Leadership Environment: Creating a safe space for vulnerability is vital. Leaders are encouraged to be open about their challenges, promoting an environment of trust and mental health awareness.
These actions, inspired by John’s insights, offer practical steps for fostering leadership rooted in self-awareness and well-being.
Check out and subscribe to John’s newsletter:
Enjoy this episode! Also available on:
Nia is an expert leader who talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership every single day in her role as a Director in a Children’s Charity.
Find out more about Self-Aware Leadership by getting your very own copy of The Self-Awareness Superhighway! It’s an Amazon Best Seller in.....
🥇Business Management & Leadership
🥇Occupational & Organisational Psychology
🥇Business Careers
Harvard Reference: Thomas, N.D., 2024. The Self-Awareness Superhighway: Charting Your Leadership Journey. Knowing Self Knowing Others.
Share this post