Transforming Mental Health Advocacy, feat. Kathleen Donaldson, creator of the Calm and Collected Toolkit and founder of Kathleen Donaldson Consulting

In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci sits down with Kathleen Donaldson, a mental health advocate and founder of the Trusted Adult Program. Kathleen shares her personal journey with mental health, beginning with her experiences with panic attacks at a young age. She discusses the challenges of navigating mental health stigma and the importance of community support.

Kathleen's journey led her to create the Calm and Connected Toolkit, a resource designed to address mental health gaps. She emphasizes that awareness must lead to action for real change, and highlights the personal healing that comes from helping others.

The conversation also delves into the challenges of team growth and the significance of strategic planning in business success. Kathleen shares her insights on creating a clear vision, aligning team roles, and delegating effectively. She emphasizes that mistakes in leadership often stem from a lack of clarity and boundaries, and that authentic leadership involves understanding personal values and experiences.

Layci and Kathleen discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and clear communication in fostering effective team dynamics. They remind listeners that leadership is a skill that can be developed, not an innate trait, and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Confessions of a Terrible Leader is hosted by Layci Nelson and edited and produced by Fixation Point Productions. Music is by Leif Olsen and Mary Skop from the band The Number of Months.