In the debut episode of “Leaders in Disguise,” Gary Parsons, the founder of a successful people consultancy, takes a courageous step by sharing his personal journey with mental health. This episode, featuring Sarah Gatford, an accredited positive psychology coach, sets the stage for a series that aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in leadership.
The Birth of “Leaders in Disguise”
Gary opens the podcast by explaining the inspiration behind its name. For years, he wore a metaphorical mask to hide his struggles, especially after being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy at 18. This mask helped him cope, but it also isolated him. His story is a testament to how leaders often disguise their vulnerabilities, projecting strength while struggling internally. The podcast seeks to normalise these experiences, encouraging leaders to embrace their authentic selves.
“For me, the only way to cope with life and move forward was to disguise myself and lie to everybody that I was absolutely fine,” Gary shares.
Vulnerability: A Double-Edged Sword
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing vulnerability. Gary reflects on how society has conditioned us to see vulnerability as a weakness, particularly in leadership roles. He shares his journey from viewing vulnerability as a liability to recognising it as a crucial aspect of authentic leadership. In 2024, employees seek leaders who are genuine and relatable, not just resilient and mindful. This shift in perception is essential for fostering a supportive and understanding workplace environment.
“People want to work for someone who is authentic, who they can relate to, and who is their true self,” Gary explains.
The Mirror Metaphor
Gary introduces a powerful metaphor involving the mirror, which represents self-reflection and acceptance. He recounts how, for years, he struggled to face himself in the mirror, often breaking down in tears. However, with the support of friends like Farah Khik and Sarah Gatford, he learned to appreciate his true self. This journey of self-acceptance took three years of soul-searching and self-care, highlighting the importance of support systems and personal growth.
“When I look in the mirror now, I see a kind, compassionate person who can be his authentic self without fear of judgement,” Gary reveals.
Leadership and Mental Health
Gary’s story is not just about personal struggle but also about the broader issue of mental health in leadership. He cites a startling statistic: 72% of founders experience mental health challenges. This translates to three out of four leaders, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges among leaders, there is still a significant stigma, which Gary is determined to dismantle through this podcast.
“Three out of four leaders experience mental health challenges. That’s dangerous,” Gary emphasises. “We need to break the stigma and create a supportive environment.”
Practical Advice for Leaders
Throughout the episode, Gary offers practical advice for leaders dealing with mental health issues. He emphasises the importance of acknowledging one’s humanity and maintaining a life-work balance. Leaders often lose their identity to their roles, but it’s crucial to remember that they are individuals first. Gary shares a poignant exercise from his cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, which helped him visualise and balance different aspects of his life.
“Remember, you are a person first, not just a leader. Life-work balance is essential,” Gary advises.
The Power of Positive Feedback
Gary also touches on the importance of positive feedback and self-affirmation. He suggests collecting kind words and compliments from others and displaying them as reminders of one’s worth. This practice can significantly boost self-esteem and counteract the negative self-talk that many leaders experience. Additionally, he advises leaders to document these affirmations and revisit them regularly to reinforce positive self-perception.
“Print out the positive messages you receive and put them where you can see them daily. They remind you of your worth and the impact you have,” Gary recommends.
A Call to Action
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners. Gary urges them to share their stories, support each other, and normalise conversations about mental health. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world where leaders don’t have to hide behind masks. He invites listeners to participate actively in this movement by spreading awareness and fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
“Together, we can make a difference by normalising these conversations and supporting each other,” Gary encourages.
Conclusion
“Leaders in Disguise” is more than just a podcast; it’s a movement to redefine leadership by embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Gary’s journey is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in accepting and sharing our struggles. By listening to and supporting this podcast, you’re joining a community dedicated to breaking down stigmas and fostering genuine human connections.
Join the conversation and help shape the future of leadership. Listen to the full episode and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a difference.
Listen to the full episode here: Leaders in Disguise.
Gary Parsons
https://garyparsons.ukA Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker, Gary works with businesses and leadership teams to break the stigma and begin prioritising their own mental health and wellbeing. Reach out today to discover how Gary can support your team in cultivating a culture of wellbeing and effective leadership.