In Episode 5 of the Leadership and Wellbeing podcast, Hayden Fricke was thrilled to be joined by Dr. Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria. With over eight years of experience leading one of Australia’s most recognisable animal welfare charities, Liz shared her journey of balancing high-performance leadership with personal wellbeing. Her insights are a testament to the power of self-awareness, gratitude, and the importance of building a strong support network.
Liz’s story is one of resilience and adaptability. As a leader, she has navigated personal and professional challenges, including the breakdown of her marriage while raising four children and managing the demands of her role as CEO. Her vulnerability in sharing these experiences highlights the importance of letting go of perfection and setting realistic expectations.
Liz’s approach aligns with key concepts in cognitive psychology, which demonstrate how our thoughts and beliefs influence our emotions. By changing unhelpful thoughts, we can improve our emotional wellbeing. For Liz, this meant learning to accept that “good enough” is often sufficient and prioritising what truly matters.
One of Liz’s strategies for maintaining balance is cultivating a strong support network. Research consistently shows that meaningful relationships are crucial for long-term happiness and success. Liz’s deliberate effort to build and nurture a circle of trusted friends has been instrumental in her ability to thrive both personally and professionally.
Self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership and personal growth. Liz practices regular self-reflection, asking herself critical questions to gain clarity and perspective. This aligns with the timeless wisdom of Socrates, who famously said, “Know thyself.” Building self-awareness is a lifelong journey, and Liz’s commitment to this practice has enabled her to foster a healthy and supportive work environment.
As a leader, Liz focuses on empowering her team to take ownership of their work. By delegating responsibilities and fostering accountability, she has cultivated a cohesive and resilient team capable of solving problems independently. This approach is supported by leadership frameworks such as Heifitz and Laurie’s Adaptive Leadership model, which emphasises creating problem solvers rather than solving problems for others. Research shows that empowering leadership styles not only enhance team performance but also improve overall wellbeing.
Gratitude plays a central role in Liz’s leadership philosophy. By mindfully appreciating small moments of joy, she maintains a positive outlook and supports her own wellbeing. This practice serves as a reminder that even amidst the demands of leadership, it is possible to find balance and fulfilment.
Whether you’re leading a boardroom, driving organisational culture, or fostering psychological safety, Liz’s insights are universally applicable. Balancing the demands of leadership with personal wellbeing is essential for sustainable success.
Liz Walker’s journey serves as an inspiring example for leaders at all levels. Consider how her strategies can be applied to your own leadership approach. For more insights, tune in to Episode 5 of the Leadership and Wellbeing podcast and discover how to find balance in your life and work.
Connect with Hayden: