In this episode, Sara Bird, the Safeguarding and Well-being Lead for the National Trust, discusses the importance of safeguarding and its connection to well-being. She shares her career journey, which includes working in the prison service and the police force, and how her fascination with people led her to her current role. Sara emphasizes the need to put people first and the power of storytelling in creating a culture of well-being. She also discusses the skills required for well-being leadership, such as active listening, empathy, and curiosity. In this conversation, Sara Bird discusses the importance of patience and self-care in well-being leadership. She emphasizes the need for individualized support and the recognition of emotional fatigue and vicarious trauma. Sara also highlights the value of life experience and personal growth in the field. She encourages professionals to prioritize mental fitness and take control of their well-being. Sara shares the impact of mentors and supportive peers in her own journey. She advises young professionals to embrace change, reflect on their values, and find meaning in their work. Finally, she discusses the challenges of bringing one's whole self to work and the rewarding nature of one-on-one conversations. Takeaways

• Safeguarding is about protecting vulnerable groups from harm and abuse in society.
• Well-being roles can evolve and be situated in different departments within organizations.
• The perception of well-being as a serious profession can be enhanced by linking it to areas like safeguarding and health and safety.
• Storytelling and case studies can bring well-being initiatives to life and build psychological safety in the workplace.
• Skills required for well-being leadership include active listening, empathy, and curiosity. Patience and understanding are crucial skills in well-being leadership.
• Life experience is a valuable qualification in addition to strategic approaches.
• Mental fitness and self-care are essential for maintaining well-being.
• Mentors and supportive peers play a significant role in personal and professional growth.
• Embracing change, reflecting on values, and finding meaning in work are important for young professionals.
• Bringing one's whole self to work can be challenging but rewarding.
• One-on-one conversations can have a significant impact on individuals' well-being.