063: Cultivating Safe Leadership: Beyond Psychological Safety with Dr. Lee Cordell

16-04-2024 • 55 mins

In this episode, I’m joined by Lee Cordell, a pioneer in trauma-informed leadership and the founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. We discuss how recognizing and addressing trauma can fundamentally transform leadership styles, promoting environments of trust, psychological safety, and true connectivity within organizations. Lee shares her personal journey from a nursing career to establishing her institute, driven by the desire to create safer spaces and healthier relationships in professional settings.

The episode delves into the concept of trauma-informed leadership, the significance of understanding one's needs, the negative impact of neglecting personal trauma, and how leaders can foster psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, resilience, and collective growth. Lee also details an upcoming experiential event by the Institute, aimed at expanding individual capacities and reconceptualizing the approach to leadership and organizational culture.

Dr. Lee started the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety after retiring from her decade-long career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and graduate-level professor.

She is devoted to helping humans understand their past so they can create happier, healthier futures. She integrates her personal stories of childhood abuse, depression and anxiety with her 20 years of professional experience in order to bring accessible, practical trauma education to all who desire to learn more.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

Trauma-Informed Approaches: We discuss what trauma-informed leadership looks like and how it can transform organizational practices and leadership styles. 🌍
Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety: Lee talks about the founding of her institute, its mission, and the programs it offers that cater to developing safer organizational spaces. 🏢
Personal Journey: Lee shares her transition from a healthcare professional to an educator and coach, focusing on the needs and well-being of leaders in various sectors. 🛤️
Impact on Personal Development: Explore how addressing trauma not only improves professional capabilities but also personal growth and self-awareness. 🌱
Sustainable Leadership Practices: Discussing strategies for maintaining balance and preventing burnout in high-demand leadership roles. 🔋

We talk about:

00:00 Intro
01:46 The Institute for Trauma and why she founded it
04:29 Starting a side business coaching other women
07:30 Leaving the bedside
12:17 Why do leaders need this work
17:56 New event November 2024 - "Full Capacity"
21:03 Why do we not do enough to help with psychological safety without attaching the word trauma to it?
26:18 The feeling of resentment under the frustration, and unpacking dysregulation
35:11 One of the riskiest things to do in corporate - ask for help from the wrong people
40:18 Intimacy and vulnerability in the workspace
47:56 Rapid fire questions

🌈 Closing Thoughts:

Our deep dive with Lee Cordell offers invaluable perspectives on integrating trauma-informed practices into leadership. This episode not only highlights the importance of understanding the role of trauma in professional settings but also provides practical advice for leaders to implement these insights into their daily lives.

Join us as we explore how transforming leadership through a trauma-informed lens can lead to more compassionate and effective management practices. Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions about integrating trauma-informed practices in your leadership on our social media channels.

#TraumaInformedLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #HealthcareLeadership #PersonalGrowth

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