117 Finding Emotional Health While Helping Other: or, Healing Leadership Trauma (with Sheila and Nicholas Rowe)

Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

In this episode of the Attaching to God podcast, we explore the often overlooked emotional struggles faced by leaders.

Our guests are Nicholas and Sheila Wise Rowe. Nicholas Rowe is the Haslin Associate Professor of Leadership at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. And Sheila Wise Row is a seasoned counselor and author (and previous podcast guest). We talk about their new book, Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish. The conversation delves into the impact of trauma, attachment theory, and the myths of self-sufficiency in leadership. They also cover systemic challenges such as racial and gender trauma and share practical embodied practices for healing.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Trauma

00:44 Meet the Authors: Nicholas Row and Sheila Wise Row

02:04 The Journey of Co-Writing 'Healing Leadership'

03:16 Understanding Leadership Challenges

06:54 Attachment Theory and Leadership

09:06 Insecure Attachment in Leadership

17:00 The Myth of Self-Sufficiency in Leadership

22:12 Systemic Dynamics: Gender and Racial Trauma

25:45 Historical Context of Cultural Systems

26:35 Challenges Faced by Marginalized Leaders

28:10 Gender Expectations and Leadership

30:36 Defining Leadership Trauma

32:32 Embodied Practices for Healing

37:54 Community Support and Accountability

45:37 Final Thoughts and Staying Connected

Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection, and learn about our trainings and other resources at embodiedfaith.life.

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