A Different View: When leaders heal, organisations thrive

by Judy M McCutcheon

I started my leadership journey at a fairly young age. I was curious, open to learning, and willing to be uncomfortable so that I could grow into the various leadership positions I was thrust into.

The thing about being willing to be uncomfortable is that we must also be willing to look deeply into who we are and decide if who we are at that moment is all we can truly be — or if there’s more underneath the surface waiting to be discovered. The real challenge lies in what comes after the discovery: Are we brave enough to confront what we find?

In my experience, the more I unearthed about myself, the more there was to uncover. Being naturally curious, I’m always intrigued by the question of who I am becoming. But let me tell you, this process of unearthing is no small feat. It is painful for 2 reasons: First, we often become attached to the identity we’ve built over time, defining ourselves by a version of us that feels safe and familiar. And second, we may not have fully confronted the traumas that shaped us along the way. However, through this discomfort comes transformation. And when leaders are willing to face this process of self-awareness and healing, the ripple effects are felt far beyond themselves.

Self-awareness is the foundation of transformational leadership. When leaders begin to dig deep and reflect on their words, actions, and motivations, they uncover patterns that were previously invisible. Perhaps they notice how their tone in meetings shuts down open dialogue, or how their perfectionism creates stress for their team.

I remember a time in one of my roles when the head of my department approached me with some feedback from my team. He told me that my team wanted to meet with him about me. Naturally, I felt a wave of fear — what had I done wrong? After the meeting, he shared that my team loved working with me. They appreciated how I pushed them to grow and become better, but they struggled with how I spoke to them. In that moment, I had a choice: I could take what I learned and retaliate, or I could use it as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth to become a better leader and a better person. I chose to grow, to reflect, and to do better.

A self-aware leader has the capacity to ask, “How am I showing up for my team? Are my actions inspiring trust or creating fear? Are my words building others up, or tearing them down?” This level of reflection is both humbling and empowering. It allows leaders to take responsibility for the environments they create. It sparks a chain reaction, where intentional changes in behaviour lead to better communication, stronger relationships, and more trust within the team.

When leaders lean into the discomfort of self-awareness, they create the space to confront their triggers and recognise how their actions affect others. It’s a challenging but necessary step toward growth.

Healing doesn’t mean erasing the past. It means confronting it, processing it, and learning to live in harmony with it. When leaders heal, they bring new energy to their organisations. They create safer spaces where teams feel seen, heard, and valued. A healed leader models resilience and openness, inspiring their team to do the same.

What makes this process so transformative is the way it extends beyond the immediate team. Healing allows leaders to see their organisations as ecosystems, where every action — positive or negative — creates a ripple effect. A self-aware and healing-focused leader becomes attuned to the nuances of communication, ensuring clarity and fostering trust. They recognise the importance of not only setting the tone but maintaining it through consistent behaviour.

Leaders who embark on this journey often discover the courage to have tough, but meaningful conversations. They address conflicts constructively, listen actively, and make decisions that prioritise the well-being of their teams without compromising organisational goals. Healing teaches them that strength lies not in rigidity but in adaptability and empathy.

The journey of healing is deeply personal, but its effects are far-reaching. While it transforms how leaders show up for themselves, it also lays the groundwork for changes that ripple outward into their organisations and relationships. And it’s here, in this broader context, that we see just how powerful a healed leader can be.

When leaders take the time to heal, the benefits aren’t fleeting. They create legacies of growth, compassion, and collaboration that inspire others to follow suit. The journey may be challenging, but it is worth every step.

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Judy McCutcheon is the CEO of Go Blue Consulting and a Certified Leadership and Trauma-Informed Coach.