Finding Balance in Leadership with Dr Liz Walker

Today I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, to talk about the importance of finding balance in leadership. With over eight years of experience leading Australia's oldest and most recognisable animal welfare charity, Liz has faced numerous challenges while striving to create a high-performance culture. She shares how she has navigated challenges in her personal life while leading her team to success, and the strategies she has employed to balance her role as a CEO with her own wellbeing.Liz holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Management and Marketing from Macquarie Business School, and has been a community leader with great respect for animals and the role they play in helping all of us to be better people.We discuss the difficulties Liz has faced in her personal life, and she shares vulnerably on navigating a marriage breakdown whilst not only bearing the demands of her role as CEO, but at the same time raising four children. She emphasises the need to manage the chaos and let go of the pursuit of perfection, by setting realistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters. Liz highlights the importance of having a strong support network, both at work and in her personal life, to help navigate the complexities of leadership and parenting.Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of leadership and personal growth, and Liz shares her own practice of self-reflection. Asking yourself important questions can be highly valuable to gain clarity and perspective, something Liz does regularly. It not only helps her to grow in her own life, but gives her the ability to cultivate a healthy and supportive work environment. As a leader, Liz has focused on creating a high-performance culture within the workplace, and attributes her success to empowering her team to take ownership of their work. By fostering a sense of accountability and focusing on the greater good, she has built a cohesive and resilient team who can problem solve without leaning heavily on her to provide solutions. We discuss the importance of practising gratitude to support our wellbeing, and Liz shares how she mindfully appreciates the small moments of joy. In a world where the demands of leadership can often overshadow personal wellbeing, Liz’s positive outlook and commitment to growth serve as a reminder that balance in leadership truly is achievable when you seek it out. LINKS:Connect with Hayden:Websites: -  https://haydenfricke.com/ -  https://www.steople.com.au/-  APS College of Organisational Psychologists LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayden-fricke/