S2.28: Thriving Teams: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Resilient Leadership with Julia Vaughan-Smith, Master Executive Coach & Supervisor

I had the privilege of engaging with Julia Vaughan-Smith, one of the pioneers of trauma-informed coaching, in whose footsteps I am trying to follow. 

Julia is an 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 - after all, if someone is truly a leader, they must bring their whole self into it, and this can demand some healing. 

Here's a taster of what we cover:

Trauma and the Brain: Julia sheds light on the critical intersection between trauma, neurodivergence, and coaching—beyond diagnoses.

Creating Safe Spaces: The art of fostering safe environments that honor clients' past experiences and support their present ambitions.

The Shadow of Protection: The balance of boundaries and the sometimes hidden aspects of the protector's role in leadership.

Innovative Engagement: Julia and I chat about the unconventional tools we use to connect with clients—even through the virtual interface of Zoom.

Pioneering Pathways: From psychotherapy to writing, Julia shares her transformative journey, offering wisdom for emerging leaders.

Embracing Uncertainty: The beauty of maintaining a learner's mindset in coaching.

Curiosity Over Diagnosis: The crucial difference between coaching and psychotherapy, as we emphasize presence over labels.

Flexibility in Goals: Inquiry into why intentions might sometimes serve clients better than rigid goals.

Leading from Within: Leaders are invited to consider the importance of nurturing their mental health for the benefit of their entire team.

Julia maintains the stance that continuing education and good supervision are vital components in preventing practitioner burnout and client misguidance. This episode not only serves as an enlightening guide for leaders and coaches but also reinforces the undervalued aspect of self-care in leadership roles.

Here are some timestamps:

06:22 Importance of trauma awareness in coaching sessions.

09:15 Discussing importance of exploring past experiences in therapy.

14:28 Approach client with gentle curiosity, avoid assumptions.

16:58 Coaching school introduced new approach, challenges accountability.

20:58 Encouraging neurodivergence growth and understanding, coaching future.

25:00 Recognize and explore patterns, change and safety.

26:29 Different views on safety in medical practice.

30:58 Understanding system dynamics crucial for coaching executives.

35:07 Leadership development work remains essential for growth.

36:44 Self-awareness crucial for effective leadership and decision-making.

41:33 Retired from psychotherapy and online teaching, writing book.

43:46 "You are a role model, breaking ground."

To continue the conversation with Julia you can read her books, such as https://www.

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Thank you!

To continue the conversation go to:
Website: https://katebrassington.com/ (where you can easily message me)
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Email: kate@katebrassington.com