Campuses, Caring & Cresting... Trauma-Informed Leadership Practices
Keywords: leadership, campus culture, trauma-informed care, mental health, authentic leadership, psychological safety, grassroots movements, higher education, student affairs, wellness
SummaryIn this episode, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Dr. Adam Jussell, Managing Director of Student Affairs at the University of British Columbia, for an open and heartfelt conversation about leadership, well-being, and campus culture. Drawing on his experience in higher education and trauma-informed care, Adam shares how authenticity and psychological safety can transform both individuals and institutions. The discussion touches on the stress faculty and staff experienced during the pandemic, the vital role of grassroots initiatives in shaping a caring campus culture, and the importance of leaders modeling vulnerability. Together, they explore what it means to lead with compassion, build meaningful work, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
Takeaways
Authenticity in leadership reduces stress and builds trust.
Grassroots initiatives can meaningfully reshape campus culture.
Self-care is essential for leaders who care for others.
Collaboration and engagement form the foundation of a caring campus.
Psychological safety empowers individuals to express stress openly.
Meaningful work acts as a protective factor against burnout.
Faculty and staff experienced unprecedented stress during the pandemic.
Support systems are critical to sustaining wellness in education.
Vulnerable leaders create cultures of connection and trust.
Trauma-informed care is vital to leadership in higher education.
Sound Bites
“It’s okay to say, I’m stressed too.”
“We need to foster meaningful work.”
“This might be your worst day at work.”
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Leadership and Campus Culture
05:09 – Adam Jussell’s Journey to UBC
09:17 – Understanding Stress in Higher Education
13:05 – The Importance of Support Systems
16:05 – Leadership Mindset and Authenticity
22:03 – Building a Caring Campus Culture
27:14 – Grassroots Movements in Education
28:37 – Reflections on Leadership from Ted Lasso
32:08 – Beard’s Book Club Outro
