Thriving Teams: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Resilient Leadership with Julia Vaughan Smith, Master Executive Coach & Supervisor

If someone is truly a leader, there is an argument that they must bring their whole self into it, and this can demand some healing. Not all of us are ready for such an intense vulnerability challenge. Let me introduce one of the pioneers of trauma-informed executive coaching, Julia Vaughan Smith. She is author of several books based on her experience as a psychotherapist and executive coach. She has spent years training other coaches in walking this often grey area between coaching and therapy.

Here’s a taster of what we chat about in this week’s podcast (or you can jump straight to it here).

Creating Safe Spaces; Really?!

There is so much B**S talked about safe space! If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll know I champion brave spaces instead. Julia and I get stuck in to what it means to establish safety within coaching sessions, and leadership teams, and why it’s crucial for both personal and professional evolution. We explored the value of recognizing the whole person, shadows and all, and the impact that can have on a leader’s ability to guide effectively.

Embracing Vulnerability and Uncertainty

Over and over, the biggest challenge that leaders describe to me is navigating uncertainty. On the one hand, people are looking to you for guidance and surety. On the other hand, sometimes this simply isn’t available. Instead of a “done to” activity, leadership in this situation is more of a “walk alongside”. When we do this, people see under our skin. Are you ready?

Leadership and Mental Health Matter

I can’t stress enough how important it is for leaders to look after their mental well-being, as well as that of their teams. The recent times have shown us the significant strain on mental health worldwide, and it’s time we made that a priority to ensure our organizations and homes are places of thriving, not just surviving. This really comes as a leadership by example issue. Its not theoretical, it can only be practical.

Evolution and Growth

Julia’s journey from therapy to a focus on aging and writing is so inspiring to me. It speaks to the dynamism in leadership and life – even now she is taking a new leadership role, breaking old molds, and embracing new perspectives.

Diagnoses versus Curiosity

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the idea of refraining from labeling, jumping to conclusions, or diagnosing, in coaching. Julia talks us through how she remains curious by fostering a client’s inner discovery process rather than rushing to a diagnosis.

Incorporating a Wider Lens

We talked about the importance of acknowledging the broader systems that leaders are a part of. Understanding these dynamics can lead to more effective leadership as we consider not only personal growth but also the impact on and of the collective environment we operate within.

Questioning Goal Setting

Together, Julia and I questioned some traditional coaching practices, such as strict goal-setting. It was really quite affirming to me that someone of Julia’s standing would be such a strong advocate for tuning in to a client’s intentions. I still feel a bit rogue when I adopt this approach, and yet it can offer such richness.

Recognizing the Impact of Trauma

Highlighting trauma’s role in shaping leaders’ decisions and behaviors was a critical part of our conversation. Acknowledging and addressing these experiences is vital for leaders to guide with empathy and strength. We know this can be highly vulnerable for leaders, and this is where coaching 1:1 an really help provide that discreet safe space to unpack your own sh*t without fear of judgement.

The Ultimate Support – Good Super-vision

Lastly, Julia stressed the need for good supervision to ensure that as coaches and leaders, we navigate our professional journeys with integrity and clarity, providing our clients with the highest level of support. I have professional supervision (it’s an ethical practice for anyone working in close psychological connection with others, through you’d be surprised how many coaches operate without it)… but what about leaders? I was talking with someone only this week who is so deeply supporting members of their team that they were beginning to find it tough. They were displaying highly excellent listening and empathy skills, but they hadn’t the background or training to integrate and process some of the pressure this was putting on them. Talking to someone in a super-visor role can really help as a release valve.

More about Julia

To continue the conversation with Julia you can read her books, such as https://www.juliavaughansmith.co.uk/ She lives in East Devon, teaching and writing about emotional trauma. This is the third book by Julia Vaughan Smith.

Do tune in to the episode and let us know what you think of it!

Thank you!

Warmly

Kate

P.S. What is a Refreshing Leader?

Remember, when we talk about #RefreshingLeaders, we’re not just talking about those in traditional leadership positions. We’re talking about leaders in all areas of life – in our communities, in our families, in groups. What defines a refreshing leader is something deeper, something that transcends titles and roles. It’s about embodying qualities that bring about positive change while inspiring others to do the same. And it starts with you.

Kate Brassington… is an executive coach with a difference… 

Offering trauma-informed leadership coaching for high performance under pressure. 

She coaches 1:1 (“one with one”). 

Kate helps people:

• Understand and improve their own behaviour under pressure.
• Withstand high pressure environments, to sustainably produce great results.
• Learn ways to thrive in body and mind, getting the buzz without the burnout.
• Develop better leader behaviours to support high-performing teams.
  

She is:

• Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) Division of Coaching Psychology
• Specialist trauma-informed coach (accredited Professional Certified Coach with International Coaching Federation PCC(ICF);
• Havening Techniques ® Practitioner;
• Listed on Top 10 Professional Coaches in Luxembourg 2023 by The For Better Institute 
• Further detail on her accreditations and blog are on her website;
• Hosts her podcast Refreshing Leadership;
• On LinkedIn.

Her mission:

• To ease suffering and get the fun back! 

Testimonial:

“Kate gave me greater understanding of how my brain works along with actionable steps which has allowed me to navigate life with greater confidence. 100% recommended”, Business Owner

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