In a recent episode of the “Courage to Lead” interview series, the host had the privilege of speaking with Jana Pittman, an Australian Olympian athlete, qualified doctor, and mother of six. Jana’s journey through sports, motherhood, and her medical career is a testament to resilience, self-preservation, and empathy. This blog post delves into the key themes and insights from the interview, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide listeners and readers alike.
Introduction to Jana Pittman
Jana Pittman is a remarkable individual who has excelled in multiple fields. As an Olympian athlete, she has faced the highest levels of competition. As a doctor, she brings empathy and understanding to her patients, particularly in obstetrics, where she draws from her own experiences with miscarriages. Jana’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and leadership, making her an inspiring figure for many.
Early Leadership Experiences
Jana’s first significant experience with leadership came at a young age when she was part of a relay team. At around 13 or 14, she had to manage the dynamics of big personalities to ensure the team could run effectively. This experience taught her the power of negotiation and collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognise the Bigger Picture: Leadership often involves seeing beyond individual desires to achieve a collective goal.
- Negotiation and Collaboration: Effective leadership requires the ability to negotiate and collaborate with team members.
Navigating Personalities and Team Dynamics
In track and field, athletes often have strong personalities and egos. Jana shared an example where everyone wanted to run the final leg of the relay, the most prestigious position. By suggesting she start the race and explaining how it would benefit the team, she helped unify the team, leading to a victory.
Actionable Advice:
- Identify Team Strengths: Understand the strengths and preferences of each team member to allocate roles effectively.
- Communicate Clearly: Clearly explain the rationale behind decisions to gain team buy-in.
The Importance of Self-Preservation
Jana emphasized the importance of self-preservation, especially as a mother of six. Her mother, a teacher, played a significant role in shaping her perspective on balance and mental well-being.
Insights:
- Daily Moments of Self-Care: Self-preservation isn’t about extravagant breaks but finding daily moments to protect your physical and mental health.
- Balance and Mental Well-Being: Maintaining a balance between responsibilities and self-care is crucial for long-term well-being.
Recognizing and Managing Burnout
Despite her mother’s teachings, Jana has faced burnout multiple times. She shared specific instances, such as before the 2004 Athens Olympics and more recently while managing her responsibilities as a registrar, mother, and PhD student.
Recommendations:
- Recognise Early Signs: Lack of motivation, irritability, and a desire to isolate are early signs of burnout.
- Seek Support: Reach out to trusted individuals for help and create a plan to manage responsibilities better.
Turning Hardships into Strengths
Jana’s experiences with miscarriages and public criticism have shaped her empathy and understanding, particularly in her work with women facing similar challenges.
Expert Advice:
- Find Strength in Hardships: Use personal challenges as a source of strength and empathy in your professional and personal life.
- Support Others: Relate to others’ pain and provide support based on your own experiences.
The Role of Support Networks
Jana’s support network, including her mother, friends, and coaches, has been crucial in helping her navigate tough times. She emphasized the importance of leaning on others during challenging periods.
Key Points:
- Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with individuals who can provide emotional and practical support.
- Appreciate and Maintain Relationships: Ensure your support network feels appreciated and maintain those relationships over time.
Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear
Jana has had to adapt and change sports multiple times, even transitioning to the Winter Olympics. She encourages people to confront their fears and examine worst-case scenarios to overcome them.
Actionable Steps:
- Confront Fears: Write down the worst-case scenarios of your plans and examine them to dismiss irrational fears.
- Reconnect with Childlike Belief: Embrace the belief that anything is possible, just as you did as a child.
The Power of Empathy in Leadership
Jana’s emotional nature and empathy have been assets in her leadership and medical practice. She believes in expressing emotions and connecting with others on a deeper level.
Insights:
- Embrace Emotions: Don’t shy away from expressing emotions; they can be a source of strength and connection.
- Empathy in Practice: Use your experiences to relate to others and provide compassionate support.
Conclusion
Jana Pittman’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, self-preservation, and empathy. Her experiences offer valuable lessons on leadership, managing burnout, and the importance of support networks. By embracing change, confronting fears, and using hardships as a source of strength, we can all find our path forward and make a positive impact on those around us.
By diving into the nuances of each topic discussed in the interview, this blog post aims to provide valuable and actionable advice for readers. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a professional facing burnout, or someone looking to find strength in your hardships, Jana’s insights offer a guiding light.