In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern is joined by Karen Percy, journalist, media and communications expert, and trauma trainer, to discuss what trauma-informed leadership actually means at work—and what it does not.
This is not about turning managers into therapists. It’s about leadership responsibility.
Michelle and Karen explore how trauma shows up in workplaces, why leaders often miss it, and how everyday communication practices can either compound harm or create psychological safety. They examine the limits of traditional leadership approaches and why modern leaders must be better equipped to recognise distress, respond appropriately, and design environments where people can function, contribute, and stay well.
The conversation is practical, grounded, and clear-eyed about boundaries. Trauma-informed leadership is not soft leadership. It is competent leadership.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What trauma-informed communication actually is—and what it isn’t
How trauma can show up in behaviour, performance, and engagement
The role leaders play in creating safety through clarity, consistency, and care
Why ignoring trauma is a business risk, not a neutral choice
Practical steps leaders can take to create safer, more supportive workplaces
Leadership takeaway:
Safe workplaces don’t happen by accident. They are designed, modelled, and maintained by leaders who understand their responsibility and act on it.
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