91. MARK LAYSON

In this deeply reflective episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, Allan Sicard speaks with Reverend Dr Mark Layson — researcher, disaster recovery chaplain, former NSW Police officer, Anglican pastor and author of The Unexpected Poison: Betrayal and Moral Injury in Your Workplace.

Mark shares his remarkable journey through policing, emergency services, ministry and academia, exploring how workplace culture, leadership and betrayal can profoundly impact mental health and wellbeing.

The conversation dives into:

• Moral injury and how it differs from trauma
• Why workplace betrayal can damage people more than critical incidents
• Leadership, psychological safety and “Just Culture”
• The dangers of blame cultures
• Organisational trust and the Edelman Trust Barometer
• Curiosity, accountability and self-leadership
• Lessons learned from emergency services and ministry
• The inspiration behind Mark’s groundbreaking book

This is an honest, insightful and powerful discussion for leaders across every industry who want to create safer, healthier and more compassionate workplaces.

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