In this episode, Christian Lane interviews Heather Edward, a seasoned paramedic leader who has transitioned from frontline work to leadership roles and now healthcare philanthropy. Heather discusses her early influences, the challenges of leadership, the importance of mental health, and her current research on paramedic leaders' mental health. She emphasizes the need for open dialogue, self-reflection, and the importance of supportive peer networks in navigating the complexities of leadership in paramedicine.

Takeaways

• Heather's early family influences shaped her understanding of mental health.
• Transitioning from frontline work to leadership requires courage and support.
• Women often need encouragement to step into leadership roles.
• Disruptive leadership can challenge the status quo for positive change.
• Self-reflection is crucial for effective leadership.
• Admitting mistakes is a sign of strong leadership.
• Conflict in leadership can be navigated with open dialogue.
• Finding the right environment is essential for personal growth.
• Leaders often feel alone in their responsibilities.
• Organizational culture significantly impacts leaders' mental health.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Heather Edward

01:42
Heather's Early Life and Influences

03:57
Transitioning from Frontline to Leadership

06:40
The Role of Women in Leadership

09:04
Disrupting the Status Quo in Leadership

11:32
Navigating Leadership Challenges

15:38
The Importance of Self-Reflection

17:49
Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

18:58
Dealing with Conflict in Leadership

24:26
Finding the Right Environment for Growth

25:58
The Value of Being Uncomfortable

28:44
Feeling Alone in Leadership

30:41
Building a Supportive Peer Network

32:29
Balancing Frontline Responsibilities with Leadership

36:54
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Mental Health

39:21
Researching Mental Health in Paramedic Leadership

44:34
Anticipated Themes from the Research

49:32
The Future of Paramedic Leadership and Mental Health

57:15
Conclusion and Next Steps

🔗 Links

• Heather Edward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-edward-669a14270/
• Paramedic Association of Canada: paramedic.ca
• Resources Mentioned:
  • The Working Mind (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
    
  • Bell Let’s Talk – Mental Health Initiatives
    
  • Wounded Warriors Canada
    – Trauma-informed programs for first responders and veterans

Thank you for listening!
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