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The Team Ten Eight Podcast
Founded in 2021 and inspired by the radio code for “in service,” the Team Ten Eight Podcast is a tribute to the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others.
This platform is about more than uniforms or titles—it’s about the people behind them. Through candid conversations, our guests share their unique stories and personal perspectives on life in law enforcement, emergency services, and the military.
The Team Ten Eight Podcast takes you behind the scenes and beyond the badge, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of these professions. Together, we explore the issues that matter most and celebrate the service and sacrifices made by these remarkable individuals.
Join us as we honour their journeys—simply by listening.
The Team Ten Eight Podcast
Leading From The Front: A Conversation with Heather Edward
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
đź”— 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
- The Working Mind (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Thank you for listening!
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