In Episode 13 of the Leadership and Wellbeing podcast, Hayden Fricke sits down with Lieutenant General John Frewen, a distinguished leader with over four decades of experience in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This conversation explores the critical interconnection between leadership and wellbeing. Lieutenant General Frewen’s journey provides profound insights into self-awareness, managing burnout, and fostering resilience in high-stress environments.

The Foundation of a Distinguished Career

Lieutenant General Frewen’s career began with his graduation from the Royal Military College at Duntroon in 1986. Over the years, he has led operations in Rwanda, the Solomon Islands, and Afghanistan, earning recognition for his exceptional leadership, including being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004. Today, he serves as the Chief of Joint Capabilities for the ADF.

The Critical Role of Wellbeing in Leadership

Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Frewen has championed the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. He shared a poignant story from his time in the Solomon Islands, where working 18-hour days led to extreme fatigue. Recognising the need for recovery, his team intervened to ensure he took a break, highlighting the value of great support systems and self-care.

Research supports the importance of wellbeing in leadership. Emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness and self-regulation, is closely tied to resilience and effective decision-making. Leaders who prioritise their health set a powerful precedent for their teams, fostering cultures of resilience and collective wellbeing.

Addressing Burnout and Trauma

In Episode 14, Lieutenant General Frewen delves deeper into the risks of burnout in high-stress environments. Drawing on the effort-recovery model by Meijman and Mulder, he emphasizes the necessity of creating space for recovery after intense periods of effort. Techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and setting boundaries can help leaders recharge and sustain high performance.

Lieutenant General Frewen also advocates for addressing trauma within organisations. By normalising psychological support, likened to having a personal trainer for the mind, leaders can create environments that support mental health and encourage early intervention.

The Power of Group Discussions

One of the most moving aspects of Lieutenant General Frewen’s leadership philosophy is his use of group discussions to foster resilience. Inspired by his experiences in Rwanda, he highlights how sharing emotions and experiences can build stronger, more cohesive teams. This approach aligns with principles of psychological safety, promoting open communication and mutual support.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

1. Prioritise Wellbeing: Recognise the importance of physical and mental health in sustaining effective leadership.
2. Foster Self-Awareness: Reflect regularly on personal challenges and seek feedback to grow as a leader.
3. Address Burnout Proactively: Leverage recovery techniques to maintain energy and decision-making capabilities.
4. Normalise Psychological Support: Destigmatise mental health care to create a culture of resilience.
5. Encourage Open Dialogue: Use group discussions to build trust, understanding, and collective strength.

Why This Matters

Lieutenant General Frewen’s insights are particularly relevant for leaders striving for high-performance teams, or those focused on fostering psychological safety. By integrating these practices, leaders can enhance resilience, drive innovation, and build thriving organisations.

Take the Next Step

For more inspiration, tune in to Episodes 13 and 14 of the Leadership and Wellbeing podcast. Discover how prioritising wellbeing and fostering open communication can transform your leadership approach.

Connect with Hayden:

• Websites: haydenfricke.com | steople.com.au
• LinkedIn: Hayden Fricke